Ahmedabad, an active city in the heart of Gujarat, is not only known for its lively culture and ironic history but also for its spiritual havens that offer relief to numerous devotees. Among these holy sites, the Swaminarayan Temple stands as an ideal of serenity and devotion.
Swaminarayan Temple is located in the Kalupur area of Ahmedabad and this temple is also called as Akshardham Temple which is dedicated to Narayan Dev. This temple was built in the year 1822 on the directions of Swaminarayan, who was the founder of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism.
Elaborated with bright colours and ornate carvings, the Swaminarayan temple is a marvellous example of the architecture of the nineteenth century. The personal articles of Swaminarayan are also conserved for safekeeping here. The temple compounds also have a multi-storey guesthouse and a medical clinic within the compound. With all these features, this temple attracts visitors from far and wide to explore its divine ambiance and architectural richness.
History of Swaminarayan Temple:
The land for the construction of the temple was hired to Swaminarayan by the British Imperial Government, following which Swamiji personally moved the responsibility of the temple to Ananandanand Swami. The construction of the temple was completed on February 24, 1822, and the statuaries of the Lord were installed in the sanctum in the presence of about 50,000 tourists from all over the country. The temple found an improbable admirer in Sir Dunlop, a British officer who then owed an area of 5000 acres in Kalupur of Ahmedabad to the temple authority. Upon the finishing of the temple, Sir Dunlop commanded a 101-gun salute in honour of the construction. The temple played a vital role in the development of the community and when the British wanted to build a railway station in Kalupur, the temple sacrificed part of the land assigned to them. Subsequently, they were recompensed by the government in the form of another 1000 acres of land in Narayan Village situated nearby.
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Architecture of Swaminarayan Temple:
The architecture of the temple is the best example of in-depth and artistic handiwork. As you enter the temple, you will come across the central gateway which is a beautiful fusion of local, Marathi, Rajasthani, and British styles of design. The gateway displays sculptors carved with the folk dresses and culture of the locals. While the columns of the temple portray Corinthian design. The top of the building has some reflections of Mughal architecture as well.
The main sanctum of the Narayan Temple has subtle engravings reflecting the life of the Lord and many other favourable symbologies relating to the divine. In the center, the sculpture of the Narayan Dev is verged by Radhakrishna Dev on the right, Dharmadev, Bhakthi Mata, and Harikrishna on the left. In addition to these divinities, the idol of GhanshyamMaharaj in the form of a child is also present in the temple’s Rang Mahal.
In the west of the temple’s main center lies the former official house of Acharya of the Narnarayan Dev Gadi. Now, the ground floor has been changed into a temple for Samkhya Yogi women who have taken a promise and devoted their lives to the service of the temple. An idol of GhanshyamMaharaj has been settled in this temple and is served by the Snakhya Yogis. The mansion is decorated with sparkling chandeliers, held over lamps and mirror carvings of different geometrical patterns making an outer shell of the architecture.
Spiritual Significance:
For visitors, Swaminarayan Temple is more than just a place of worship, it is a refuge where they can connect with the divine and pursue inner peace. The temple’s sanctum houses the holy idols of Lord Swaminarayan and the other divinities, and devotees do prayers and perform rituals with firm faith and devotion.
The temple also works as a center for spiritual converse and education, hosting lectures, seminars, and cultural programs that point to promoting moral values, community service, and harmony among people of all backgrounds.
Timings of Swaminarayan Temple:
Mandir: There is no entry fee to enter into the Mandir. Temple gates open at 9:30 AM and close at 7:30 PM. Arthi is performed at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
Exhibition: Visitors can also visit the exhibition Halls in this temple compound which opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 5:30 PM. The entry fee for adults is Rs.60 and for children, it costs Rs.40.
Sit-Chit-Anand Water Show: This water show starts at 7:30 PM and contains an entry fee of Rs.90 for adults and Rs.60 for children. Several shows may be held on weekends or public holidays.
Events and Festivals of Swaminarayan Temple:
There are several events and festivals which are celebrated grandly in the Swaminarayan Temple which attracts huge crowds from different places. They are: Shree Nar Narayan Dev Jayanthi, HindolaUtsav, Shree Krishna Jayanthi, Rushi Panchami, Dhanurmas, Phooldolotsav and Guru Purnima and festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and MahaShivarathri and Uttarayan are also celebrated.
Best Time to Visit to Swaminarayan Temple:
The best time to visit the Swaminarayan Temple is during the monsoon and winter season which is from October to March. The temperatures will reach higher in the summer so it may interrupt your expedition, that’s why avoid visiting in summer.
How to reach SwaminarayanTemple:
The temple is situated in the eastern part of the old city near Kalupur. Ahmedabad is well connected through roadways, airways, and railways. A lot of taxis, cabs, and auto rickshaws are accessible from the railway station, airport, and bus stand to the temple.
By Air: The closest airport is Sardar Vallabhai Patel Airport which has both domestic and international flight connections.
By Rail: The closest railway station is Kalupur Railway Station.
By Road: State Government and Private buses run from several cities and towns. Major bus stops in the city are Paldi and Gita Mandir. Book a cab to easily reach the temple.
Places to Visit Near Swaminarayan Temple:
Sabarmati Ashram: This ashram is located 6 kilometers away from the temple it is a living museum which is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and is home to many historic artifacts and photographs.
Kankaria Lake: This lake is located 7 kilometers away from the temple and it is a nice spot that is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden it offers many activities like a mini zoo, balloon rides, and boating.
Calico Museum for Textiles: This museum is located 7 kilometers away from the temple and contains a vast collection of ancient materials from India, including rare and old ones.
Science City: This is situated 14 kilometers away from the temple and it is an educational center that offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and activities which are related to science and technology.
Conclusion:
The Swaminarayan Temple in Ahmedabad is not just a symbol of spirituality, culture, and compassion. It stands as a witness to the stable legacy of Swaminarayan and the enduring principles of love, devotion, and service that he adopted.
Whether you are a pious follower looking for spiritual relief or a curious traveller fascinated by the wonders of Indian architecture, a visit to the Swaminarayan temple is sure to leave an unforgettable on your heart and soul.
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