Peter Giblin and Swaminarayan Akshardham (Delhi): Difference between pages

Coordinates: 28°36′50.35″N 77°16′39.73″E / 28.6139861°N 77.2777028°E / 28.6139861; 77.2777028
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{{Infobox Person
{{Infobox Mandir
|image = Akshardham (Delhi).jpg
|name = Peter Giblin
|caption= The Swaminarayan Akshardham complex in New Delhi
|image = Peter_Giblin.jpg
|creator = [[Pramukh Swami Maharaj]] / [[BAPS]]
|caption = Peter Giblin
|proper_name = Akshardham
|birth_date =
|date_built = 6 November 2005 <small>(consecration)</small>
|birth_place =
|primary_deity = [[Bhagwan Swaminarayan]]
|death_date =
|architecture = [[Vastu Shastra]] and Pancharatra Shastra
|other_names =
|location = NH 24, Noida Mor, New Delhi, India
|known_for = Work on Singularity Theory
|coordinates = {{coord|28|36|50.35|N|77|16|39.73|E|type:landmark_scale:100|display=inline,title}}
|occupation = University Professor
}}
|nationality = [[United Kingdom|British]]
}}


'''Akshardham''' is a [[Hindu temple]] complex in [[Delhi]], [[India]].<ref name="What is Akshardham?">http://www.akshardham.com/whatisakdm/index.htm What is Akshardham</ref> Also referred to as ''Delhi Akshardham'' or ''Swaminarayan Akshardham'', the complex displays 10,000 years of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. The building was inspired and moderated by [[Pramukh Swami Maharaj]], the spiritual head of the [[Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha]], whose 3,000 volunteers helped 7,000 [[artisan]]s construct Akshardham.<ref name="What is Akshardham?">http://www.akshardham.com/whatisakdm/index.htm What is Akshardham</ref>
'''Peter J. Giblin''' is a well known [[British]] [[mathematician]]. His main research topics are [[singularity theory]] and its applications to [[geometry]], [[computer vision]], and [[computer graphics]]. He is currently a [[professor]] of mathematics at the [[University of Liverpool]]. He has been a member of staff at the university for over four decades. During his time at the University of Liverpool he has held the post of Head of Department (of mathematical sciences), and also been the Head of Division (of [[pure mathematics]]).
The temple, which attracts 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=2d0e0cd3-85f9-49ea-bbe9-aa7dc53659c5 |title=Magnificent monuments of Delhi |accessdate=2008-01-08 |author=Manoj Sharma |last=Sharma |first=Manoj |date=2007-12-28 |publisher=[[Hindustan Times]] |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsindia-times.com/ArticleText.aspx?article=26_09_2008_004_001&mode=1|title=The 8th Wonder - Delhi Swaminarayan temple uses modern technology to transmit timeless message |last=Datta|first=Jyotirmoy|publisher=New India Times|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref> was officially opened on 6 November 2005.<ref name="What is Akshardham?">http://www.akshardham.com/whatisakdm/index.htm What is Akshardham</ref><ref name="Swaminarayan (Akshardham) Temple">{{cite web|url=http://delhitourismonline.com/akshardhamtemple.htm|title=Swaminarayan (Akshardham) Temple|publisher=Delhi Tourism Online|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-29}}</ref> It sits on the banks of the [[Yamuna]] River adjacent to the proposed [[2010 Commonwealth Games]] village.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=310ca27e-d125-467e-a232-73e476d21f99 |title=Games Village gets going as DDA clears lone bid |accessdate=2008-01-08 |author=Moushumi Das Gupta |last=Gupta |first=Moushumi |date=2007-07-04 |publisher=[[Hindustan Times]] |quote= }}</ref> The monument features a large central monument crafted entirely of stone, exhibitions on incidents from the life of [[Bhagwan Swaminarayan]] and the [[history of India]], an [[IMAX]] feature, a [[musical fountain]], and large landscaped gardens.<ref name="Akshardham Temple New Delhi">{{cite web|url=http://www.bharatonline.com/delhi/religious-places/temples/akshardham.html|title=Akshardham Temple New Delhi|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-26}}</ref>


== Publications ==
He is the author or co–author of eight published books, some of which have been translated into [[Russian Language|Russian]].


== The Monument ==
*{{Citation|first=P. J.|last=Giblin|title=Graphs, Surfaces and Homology|publisher=Chapman and Hall|year=1977|ISBN=0470989947}}
[[Image:New Delhi Temple.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi]]
*{{Citation|first=J. W.|last=Bruce|first2=P. J.|last2=Giblin|title=Curves and Singularities|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1984|ISBN=0521429994}}
*{{Citation|first=J. W.|last=Bruce|first2=P. J.|last2=Giblin|first3=P. J.|last3=Rippon|title=Microcomputers and Mathematics|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1990|isbn=0521375150}}
*{{Citation|first=P. J.|last=Giblin|first2=I. R.|last2=Porteus|title=Challenging Mathematics|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1990|ISBN=0199143617}}
*{{Citation|first=P. J.|last=Giblin|title=Primes and Programming: an Introduction to Number Theory with Computing|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1993|ISBN=0521401828}}
*{{Citation|first=K.|last=Chen|first2=P. J.|last2=Giblin|first3=A.|last3=Alan Irving|title=Mathematical Explorations in Matlab|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1999|isbn=9780521639200}}
*{{Citation|first=P. W.|last=Hallinan|first2=G.|last2=Gordon|first3=A. L.|last3=Yuille|first4=P. J.|last4=Giblin|first5=D.|last5=Mumford|title=Two and Three Dimensional Patterns of the Face|publisher=A. K. Peters|year=1999|ISBN=978-1-56881-087-4}}
*{{Citation|first=R.|last=Cipolla|first2=P. J.|last2=Giblin|title=Visual Motion of Curves and Surfaces|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1999|ISBN=052163251X}}


The main monument is at the center of the complex. The monument's dimensions are {{convert|141|ft|m|sing=on}} high, {{convert|316|ft|m|sing=on}} wide, and {{convert|370|ft|m|sing=on}} long.<ref name="President inaugurates">{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/11/06/stories/2005110612710301.htm |title= President to inaugurate Akshardham temple today |accessdate=2008-01-05 |author= |last= |first= |date=2005-11-06 |year= |month= |publisher=[[The Hindu]] |quote= }}</ref> to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The central monument is made of pink sandstone and white marble.<ref name="A-dham Lauded">{{cite web |url=http://www.delhilive.com/swaminarayan_akshardham_temple_0 |title=Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple |accessdate=2008-01-10 |author= |last= |first= |date=2006-06-04 |year= |month= |publisher=DelhiLive.com |quote= }}</ref> The carved details of [[flora]], [[fauna]], [[dancers]], [[musicians]], and [[deities]] cover the monument's surface from top to bottom. Designed in accordance to ancient Vedic texts known as the Sthapatya-Shastra, it features a blend of architectural styles from across India.<ref>http://delhitourism.nic.in/publicpage/Akshardham.aspx Akshardham Temple</ref>
Peter J. Giblin was the author or co–author of some 104 [[peer review|peer reviewed]] published articles.<ref name="PUBLIST">{{cite web|first=Peter|last=Giblin|url=http://www.liv.ac.uk/~pjgiblin/pubs/node5.html|title=Bibliography}}</ref>. The first of these was published in [[1968]], and the last in [[2007]].


The structure is constructed entirely from [[Rajasthan]]i pink sandstone and Italian [[Carrara marble]], and has no support from steel or concrete.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.incredibleindia.org/akshardham/index.htm|title=Akshardham Temple Complex|publisher=Ministry of Tourism Government of India |accessdate=2008-09-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://scribbleday.blogspot.com/2007/09/akshardham-temple-delhi_10.html|title=Akshardham Temple Delhi|last=Kuriakose|first=Dennis |language=English|accessdate=2008-09-25}}</ref> The monument also consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, nine domes, and 20,000 [[murti]]s and statues of Hinduism’s great [[sadhu]]s, [[Hindus|devotees]], and [[acharya]]s.<ref name="Akshardham Temple New Delhi">{{cite web|url=http://www.bharatonline.com/delhi/religious-places/temples/akshardham.html|title=Akshardham Temple New Delhi|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/index.htm|title=Mandir|date=2005|publisher=BAPS|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-12}}</ref> The monument also features the 'Gajendra Pith' at its base. The 'Gajendra Pith' pays tribute to the elephant. It contains 148 scale sized elephants in total and weights a total of 3000 tons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/gajendrapith.htm|title=Gajendra Pith|date=2005|publisher=BAPS|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-13}}</ref>
==Notes and references==

Within the monument, under the central dome, lies an [[murti]] or image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan which is {{convert|11|ft|m|sing=on}} high. The image is surrounded by the [[guru]]s of the sect.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.professionaltravelguide.com/delhi/see-and-do/sightseeing/historic-sites/akshardham-temple-488494|title=Delhi Travel Guide: Akshardham Temple|publisher=Professional Travel Guide|language=English|accessdate=2008-10-01}}</ref><ref name= “Garbhagruh”>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/garbhagruh.htm|title=Garbhagruh- Inner Sanctum|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|language=English|accessdate=2008-10-01}}</ref> Each image, or statue, is made of the ''paanch daatu'' or five metals as in accordance to Hindu tradition.<ref name="DL.com A-dham">{{cite web |url=http://www.delhilive.com/swaminarayan_akshardham_temple_0 |title=Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple |accessdate=2008-01-10 |author= |last= |first= |date=2006-06-04 |year= |month= |publisher=DelhiLive.com |quote= }}</ref> Also within the central monument lie the images of other [[Hindu deities]]. These deities include [[Sita]] [[Ram]], [[Radha Krishna]], [[Shiv]] [[Parvati]], and [[Lakshmi]] [[Narayan]].<ref name= “Garbhagruh”>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/garbhagruh.htm|title=Garbhagruh- Inner Sanctum|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|language=English|accessdate=2008-10-01}}</ref>

== The Exhibitions ==
[[Image:Akshardham Dome.jpg|250px|thumb|The monument's central dome]]

===Hall of Values===
Named 'Sahajanand Pradarshan', the Hall of Values features life-like [[robotics]] and [[dioramas]] which display incidents from Bhagwan Swaminarayan's life, portraying his message of peace, harmony, humility, service to others and devotion to God. The hall features the world's smallest [[animatronic]] robot in the form of Ghanshyam Maharaj, the child form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/hallofvaules/index.htm|title=Hall of Values|date=2005|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|language=English|accessdate=2}}</ref>

===Giant screen film===
Named 'Nilkanth Kalyan Yatra', it houses Delhi's first and only large format screen. The theatre shows a movie specially commissioned for the complex that shows the journey Bhagwan Swaminarayan made during his teenage years across the length and breadth of India. An international version of the film was released in 2005 at IMAX and Giant Screen cinemas worldwide under the title [[Mystic India]]. The screen is {{convert|85|ft|m|sing=on}} by {{convert|65|ft|m|sing=on}}. Outside of the theatre stands a {{convert|27|ft|m|sing=on}} tall bronze statue of [[Nilkanth Varni]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/giantscreenfilm/index.htm|title=Giant Screen Film|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-30}}</ref>

===Boat ride===
Named 'Sanskruti Vihar', this ride takes visitors on a journey through 10,000 years of [[Indian history]] in approximately 10 minutes. Visitors sit in specially designed [[peacock]] shaped boats that make their way around an artificial river, passing the world's first [[university]], [[chemistry]] laboratories, ancient [[hospitals]], and [[bazaars]], finally ending with a message for the future of India.<ref name="Swaminarayan (Akshardham) Temple">{{cite web|url=http://delhitourismonline.com/akshardhamtemple.htm|title=Swaminarayan (Akshardham) Temple|publisher=Delhi Tourism Online|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-29}}</ref>

===Musical fountain===
Known as the 'Yagnapurush Kund', it is India's largest step [[well]]. It features a very large series of steps down to a traditional 'yagna kund'. During the day, these steps provide rest for the visitors to the complex and at night, a musical fountain show representing the circle of life is played to an audience which is seated on the same steps. The fountain is named after the founder of the Hindu organization, [[Shastriji Maharaj]].<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.laservision.com.au/page.asp?lid=1&sec=Projects&subsec=Permanent+Attractions&subsubsec=Akshardham|title=Akshardham, Musical Fountain of Eternal Life - New Delhi, India |date=2008|publisher=Laservision|accessdate=2008-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/musicalfountains/index.htm|title=Yagnapurush Kund|date=2005|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|accessdate=2008-09-26}}</ref>

===Garden of India===
Also known as the 'Bharat Upavan', this garden has lush manicured lawns, trees, and shrubs. The garden is dotted with bronze sculptures of contributors to India's culture, including Children of India, Women of India, and Heroes of India.<ref name="Garden of India">{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/gardenofindia/index.htm|title=Garden of India|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-30}}</ref>

===Other Features===
*The 'Yogi Hraday Kamal' - This sunken garden, shaped like a [[Nelumbo nucifera|lotus]] when viewed from above features large stones engraved with quotes from world luminaries ranging from [[Shakespeare]] and [[Martin Luther King]], to [[Swami Vivekananda]] and Bhagwan Swaminarayan.<ref name="Garden of India">{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/gardenofindia/index.htm|title=Garden of India|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-30}}</ref>
*'Neelkanth Abishek' - Devotees offer [[abhisheka|abhishek]], a ritual of pouring water on to the murti of [[Nilkanth Varni]] and express their reverence and prayers for spiritual upliftment and fulfillment of wishes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/neelkanthabhishek.htm|title=Neelkanth Abhishek Mandapam|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-30}}</ref>
*'Narayan Sarovar' - A lake that surrounds the main Akshardham monument. The lake contains holy waters from 151 rivers and lakes sanctified by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, including [[Mansarovar]]. Surrounding the Narayan Sarovar are 108 gaumukhs, symbolizing [[Janmangal Namavali]] or the 108 names for god, from which holy water issues forth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/whattosee/mandir/narayansarovar.htm|title=Narayan Sarovar- Sacred Water Lake|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-30}}</ref>
*'Premvati Ahargruh' - A vegetarian restaurant modeled on the [[Ajanta]] and [[Ellora]] caves in [[Maharashtra]], [[India]] and an Ayurvedic bazaar.<ref name="Akshardham Temple New Delhi">{{cite web|url=http://www.bharatonline.com/delhi/religious-places/temples/akshardham.html|title=Akshardham Temple New Delhi|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-26}}</ref>
*'AARSH Centre' - Short for Akshardham Centre for Applied Research in Social Harmony, this center, by study-action, will apply research of social harmony and more topics related to this.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://specials.rediff.com/news/2005/nov/08sld4.htm |title=Delhi's Akshardham: A monument to India |accessdate=2008-01-07 |author= |last= |first= |date= |year=2005 |month=November |publisher=[[Rediff.com]] |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajkot.com/swaminarayana/aarsh.htm|title=The Research Centre: AARSH|accessdate=2008-09-26}}</ref>

==History and Development==
[[Image:Akshardham Delhi Ricky W.jpg|250px|thumb|The Akshardham complex in Delhi]]

The building had been planned since 1968 as a vision of [[Yogiji Maharaj]]. Yogiji Maharaj, the spiritual head of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha at the time, expressed his desire for wanting a grand temple built on the banks of the Yamuna river, to two or three devotee families of Swaminarayan Bhagwan that resided in New Delhi at the time. Attempts were made but little progress happened, and by 1971 Yogiji Maharaj passed away. By 1982, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who was next in line as the spiritual head of BAPS, started to continue fulfilling the dream of his guru, Yogiji Maharaj, and prompted the devotees to look into the possibility of building the temple in Delhi. A request for the plan was put forward to the [[Delhi Development Authority]] (DDA), and several different places were suggested, such as Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and Faridabad. Pramukh Swami Maharaj stood firm in following the wishes of Yogiji Maharaj to build a temple on the Yamuna. After 18 years, in April 2000, the Delhi Development Authority offered 60 acres of land, while the Uttar Pradesh Government offered 30 acres for the front portion. Upon receiving the land, Pramukh Swami Maharaj performed [[puja]] on the site for success in the project. Work started up on the site on November 8, 2000. Akshardham was officially opened on November 6, 2005, with the building completed two days short of five years.<ref name="Pride of India Interview">{{cite web |url=http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/2006/4-6/18-29_akshardham.shtml |title=Pride of India: How Yogiji Maharaj's Dream Was Fulfilled (Interview) |accessdate=2008-01-05 |author=Rajiv Malik |last=Rajiv |first=Malik |year=2006 |publisher=[[Hinduism Today Magazine|Hinduism Today]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/makingofakdm/index.htm|title=Making of Akshardham|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-30}}</ref>

=== The Opening Ceremony===
Akshardham was consecrated on November 6, 2005 by [[Pramukh Swami Maharaj]], and ceremoniously dedicated to the nation by the [[President of India]], [[Abdul Kalam|Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam]], the [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]], [[Manmohan Singh]], and the [[Leader of the Opposition (India)|Leader of the Opposition]] in the Indian Parliament, [[Lal Krishna Advani]], with the presence of 25,000 guests.<ref name="A-dham Lauded">{{cite news | first= | last= | url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/11/08/stories/2005110814330300.htm | title=Akshardham designers lauded | date=[[2005-11-06]] | author= | publisher=[[The Hindu]] | accessdate=2008-01-04 }}</ref><ref name="Pride of India Interview">{{cite web |url=http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/2006/4-6/18-29_akshardham.shtml |title=Pride of India: How Yogiji Maharaj's Dream Was Fulfilled (Interview) |accessdate=2008-01-05 |author=Rajiv Malik |last=Rajiv |first=Malik |year=2006 |publisher=[[Hinduism Today Magazine|Hinduism Today]] }}</ref> After touring the central monument, President Kalam then gave a speech on where Akshardham fits with society, and finished by saying,
{{cquote|Pramukh Swamiji Maharaj has inspired thousands of people across the country and abroad and brought together the best of the minds for creating a beautiful cultural complex. It has become a place of education, experience and enlightenment. It creatively blends the traditional stone art and architecture, Indian culture and civilization, ancient values and wisdom and the best of modern media and technology. Multiple layers of this complex expresses the strength of the mind, willpower of the human being, indomitable spirit, flowering kindness, fusion of scientific and medical talent, myriad colors of varied cultures and ultimately the power of knowledge. In essence, it is a dynamic complex with lively images.
... Akshardham has happened at the dawn of 21st century with the commitment and dedication of one million volunteers. What has happened today at Akshardham inspires me and gives me the confidence that we can do it? [[India 2020|The realization of developed India is certainly possible before 2020]] with the millions of ignited minds like you.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hinduism.about.com/od/akshardhamtemple/a/akshardhamdelhi.htm |title=The Akshardham Experience |accessdate=2008-01-05 |date=2005-11-07 |publisher=[[About.com]] }}</ref> }}
The Prime Minister, Dr. Singh, followed by hoping that this would usher in religious tolerance,<ref name="Pride of India Interview">{{cite web |url=http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/2006/4-6/18-29_akshardham.shtml |title=Pride of India: How Yogiji Maharaj's Dream Was Fulfilled (Interview) |accessdate=2008-01-05 |author=Rajiv Malik |last=Rajiv |first=Malik |year=2006 |publisher=[[Hinduism Today Magazine|Hinduism Today]] }}</ref>as well as praising the architecture of the complex, and making note of it becoming a future landmark of India,<ref name="A-dham Lauded"/> while L. K. Advani called it "the most unique monument of the world."<ref name="Pride of India Interview">{{cite web |url=http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/2006/4-6/18-29_akshardham.shtml |title=Pride of India: How Yogiji Maharaj's Dream Was Fulfilled (Interview) |accessdate=2008-01-05 |author=Rajiv Malik |last=Rajiv |first=Malik |year=2006 |publisher=[[Hinduism Today Magazine|Hinduism Today]] }}</ref>
Pramukh Swami Maharaj ended the night's speeches and expressed the wish that

{{cquote|In this Akshardham, may one and all find inspiration to mould their lives and may there lives become divine. Such is my prayer to God.<ref>{{cite video |people= |date2= |month2=January |year2=2006 |title=Swaminarayan Akshardham Dedication Ceremony |url=http://www.swaminarayan.org/publications/video/akdmvideo1.htm |format=vob |medium=DVD |publisher=Swaminarayan Aksharpith |location=Amdavad - 4, India |accessdate=2008-01-12 |time= |quote= }}</ref>}}

==Guinness World Record==
On December 17, 2007, Michael Whitty, an official world record adjudicator and member of the management committee of [[Guinness World Records]], traveled to India to present a new world record to [[Pramukh Swami Maharaj]], the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The award was given in Ahmedabad, Gujarat<ref>{{cite news | first=Preeti | last=Jha | url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Guinness-comes-to-east-Delhi-Akshardham-worlds-largest-Hindu-temple/254631/ | title=Guinness comes to east Delhi: Akshardham world’s largest Hindu temple | date=[[2007-12-26]] | author=Preeti Jha | publisher=[[The Indian Express|ExpressIndia.com]] | accessdate=2008-01-02 }}</ref> The record presented was for Akshardham, as the ''World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple''<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | url=http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1162193 | title=Akshardham temple enters Guinness Book of World Records | date=[[2006-07-24]] | author= | publisher=[[MSN]] | accessdate=2008-01-02 }}</ref><ref name="Hindustan Guinness">{{cite news | first=Nivedita | last=Khandekar | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=5ea611c5-3adc-473d-8b54-52314cbdcab8 | title=Delhi’s Akshardham is the world’s largest temple | date=[[2007-12-26]] | author=Nivedita Khandekar | publisher=[[Hindustan Times]] | accessdate=2008-01-02 }}</ref> ([http://www.swaminarayan.org/news/2007/12/guinnessrecords/photo/p04f.gif see certificate here]). The Certificate states,
{{cquote|BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, India, is the world's largest comprehensive Hindu temple. It measures 356 ft. long, 316 ft. wide and 141 ft. high, covering an area of 86,342 sq. ft. The grand, ancient-style, ornately hand-carved stone temple has been built without structural steel within five years by 11,000 artisans and volunteers. His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, revered spiritual leader of [[BAPS]], consecrated the temple on 6 November 2005. Akshardham showcases the essence of India's ageless art, borderless culture and timeless values.}}
Upon presentation of the award, Michael Whitty stated,
{{cquote|It took us three months of research, poring over the extensive architectural plans of the Akshardham and also those of other temples of comparable size, visiting and inspecting the site, before we were convinced that Akshardham deserved the title...<ref>{{cite news | first=Nivedita | last=Khandekar | url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/dec/26akshar.htm | title=Akshardham temple enters Guinness Records | date=[[2007-12-26]] | author= | publisher=[[Rediff.com]] | accessdate=2008-01-02 }}</ref> }}

===Disputes===
Three temples, [[Meenakshi Amman Temple]] in [[Madurai]], [[Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam)|Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple]] in [[Srirangam]], and [[Annamalaiyar Temple|Arunachaleswarar Temple]] in [[Thiruvannamalai]] all located in [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]] are claimed to be larger than Akshardham. Trustees of the these temples have reportedly disputed the Guinness World Record. Meenakshi temple is with the length of 850 feet and breath of 800 feet, much larger than Akshardham. Authorities at Meenakshi temple have argued that temples are places for worship and hence restaurants, boating facilities and other entertainment facilities cannot be part of the temple which is the case of Akshardham. They also argued that construction area of the actual temple is more important than the land area. The area of the Srirangam temple is 156 acres.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.in.msn.com/international/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1165565|title=TN temples bigger than Delhi’s Akshardham|date=2007|accessdate=2008-09-26}}</ref>

== Akshardham Gandhinagar ==
{{main|Akshardham (Gandhinagar)}}
[[Akshardham Gandhinagar]] in [[Gandhinagar]], [[Gujarat]] is the sister complex of Delhi Akshardham. Opened amid great fanfare in 1992, Akshardham Gandhinagar comprises of a monument, exhibition halls, a vast colonnade, contemplative gardens, and a restaurant, much like the monument in New Delhi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akshardham.com/gujarat/monument/index.htm|title=Akshardham Gandhinagar|publisher=BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/india/temples-in-india/akshardham-temple.html|title=Akshardham Temple|publisher=Asiarooms Pte. Ltd|language=English|accessdate=2008-09-30}}</ref>

Akshardham Gandhinagar has attracted millions of visitors from across the world, including [[Bill Clinton]] who commented

{{cquote|Akshardham is not only a unique place in India but in the whole world. It is even more beautiful than what I had imagined. [[Taj Mahal]] is definitely beautiful, but this place, along with beauty, has a beautiful message.<ref>[http://www.akshardham.com/gujarat/news/billclinton.htm Bill Clinton Visits Akshardham]</ref>}}



== References ==
<references />
<references />

{{Euro-mathematician-stub}}
==External links==
[[Category:British mathematicians]]
{{sisterlinks}}
*[http://www.akshardham.com Akshardham Delhi Website]
*[http://www.swaminarayan.org BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha] (Organization responsible for the creation of Akshardham)
*[http://www.akshardham.com/gujarat Akshardham Gandhinagar Website]
*[http://delhitourism.nic.in/publicpage/Akshardham.aspx Akshardham Temple on Delhi city Tourism website]
*[http://www.incredibleindia.org/akshardham/index.htm Akshardham Temple Complex on the Incredible India website]
*[http://www.mysticindia.com Mystic India] (Film shown at Akshardham)
*[http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/adjudications/071220_largest_hindu_temple.aspx Guinness World Records - Adjudications - World's Largest Hindu Temple]
*[http://www.laservision.com.au/page.asp?lid=1&sec=Multimedia&subsec=Web+Movies&subsubsec=Akshardham Video of the Musical Fountain within the Akshardham Complex]

{{Template group
|title = Akshardham (Delhi)
|list =
{{BAPS}}
{{Delhi landmarks}}
}}

[[Category:Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism]]
[[Category:Vishnu temples]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Delhi]]


[[ml:അക്ഷര്‍ധാം അമ്പലം]]
[[te:అక్షరధామ్]]

Revision as of 19:47, 10 October 2008

Swaminarayan Akshardham (Delhi)
The Swaminarayan Akshardham complex in New Delhi
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
Location
LocationNH 24, Noida Mor, New Delhi, India
Geographic coordinates28°36′50.35″N 77°16′39.73″E / 28.6139861°N 77.2777028°E / 28.6139861; 77.2777028
Architecture
TypeVastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra
CreatorPramukh Swami Maharaj / BAPS

Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India.[1] Also referred to as Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays 10,000 years of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. The building was inspired and moderated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, whose 3,000 volunteers helped 7,000 artisans construct Akshardham.[1]

The temple, which attracts 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi,[2][3] was officially opened on 6 November 2005.[1][4] It sits on the banks of the Yamuna River adjacent to the proposed 2010 Commonwealth Games village.[5] The monument features a large central monument crafted entirely of stone, exhibitions on incidents from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the history of India, an IMAX feature, a musical fountain, and large landscaped gardens.[6]


The Monument

Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi

The main monument is at the center of the complex. The monument's dimensions are 141-foot (43 m) high, 316-foot (96 m) wide, and 370-foot (110 m) long.[7] to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The central monument is made of pink sandstone and white marble.[8] The carved details of flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities cover the monument's surface from top to bottom. Designed in accordance to ancient Vedic texts known as the Sthapatya-Shastra, it features a blend of architectural styles from across India.[9]

The structure is constructed entirely from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, and has no support from steel or concrete.[10][11] The monument also consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, nine domes, and 20,000 murtis and statues of Hinduism’s great sadhus, devotees, and acharyas.[6][12] The monument also features the 'Gajendra Pith' at its base. The 'Gajendra Pith' pays tribute to the elephant. It contains 148 scale sized elephants in total and weights a total of 3000 tons.[13]

Within the monument, under the central dome, lies an murti or image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan which is 11-foot (3.4 m) high. The image is surrounded by the gurus of the sect.[14][15] Each image, or statue, is made of the paanch daatu or five metals as in accordance to Hindu tradition.[16] Also within the central monument lie the images of other Hindu deities. These deities include Sita Ram, Radha Krishna, Shiv Parvati, and Lakshmi Narayan.[15]

The Exhibitions

The monument's central dome

Hall of Values

Named 'Sahajanand Pradarshan', the Hall of Values features life-like robotics and dioramas which display incidents from Bhagwan Swaminarayan's life, portraying his message of peace, harmony, humility, service to others and devotion to God. The hall features the world's smallest animatronic robot in the form of Ghanshyam Maharaj, the child form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.[17]

Giant screen film

Named 'Nilkanth Kalyan Yatra', it houses Delhi's first and only large format screen. The theatre shows a movie specially commissioned for the complex that shows the journey Bhagwan Swaminarayan made during his teenage years across the length and breadth of India. An international version of the film was released in 2005 at IMAX and Giant Screen cinemas worldwide under the title Mystic India. The screen is 85-foot (26 m) by 65-foot (20 m). Outside of the theatre stands a 27-foot (8.2 m) tall bronze statue of Nilkanth Varni.[18]

Boat ride

Named 'Sanskruti Vihar', this ride takes visitors on a journey through 10,000 years of Indian history in approximately 10 minutes. Visitors sit in specially designed peacock shaped boats that make their way around an artificial river, passing the world's first university, chemistry laboratories, ancient hospitals, and bazaars, finally ending with a message for the future of India.[4]

Musical fountain

Known as the 'Yagnapurush Kund', it is India's largest step well. It features a very large series of steps down to a traditional 'yagna kund'. During the day, these steps provide rest for the visitors to the complex and at night, a musical fountain show representing the circle of life is played to an audience which is seated on the same steps. The fountain is named after the founder of the Hindu organization, Shastriji Maharaj.[19][20]

Garden of India

Also known as the 'Bharat Upavan', this garden has lush manicured lawns, trees, and shrubs. The garden is dotted with bronze sculptures of contributors to India's culture, including Children of India, Women of India, and Heroes of India.[21]

Other Features

  • The 'Yogi Hraday Kamal' - This sunken garden, shaped like a lotus when viewed from above features large stones engraved with quotes from world luminaries ranging from Shakespeare and Martin Luther King, to Swami Vivekananda and Bhagwan Swaminarayan.[21]
  • 'Neelkanth Abishek' - Devotees offer abhishek, a ritual of pouring water on to the murti of Nilkanth Varni and express their reverence and prayers for spiritual upliftment and fulfillment of wishes.[22]
  • 'Narayan Sarovar' - A lake that surrounds the main Akshardham monument. The lake contains holy waters from 151 rivers and lakes sanctified by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, including Mansarovar. Surrounding the Narayan Sarovar are 108 gaumukhs, symbolizing Janmangal Namavali or the 108 names for god, from which holy water issues forth.[23]
  • 'Premvati Ahargruh' - A vegetarian restaurant modeled on the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra, India and an Ayurvedic bazaar.[6]
  • 'AARSH Centre' - Short for Akshardham Centre for Applied Research in Social Harmony, this center, by study-action, will apply research of social harmony and more topics related to this.[24][25]

History and Development

The Akshardham complex in Delhi

The building had been planned since 1968 as a vision of Yogiji Maharaj. Yogiji Maharaj, the spiritual head of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha at the time, expressed his desire for wanting a grand temple built on the banks of the Yamuna river, to two or three devotee families of Swaminarayan Bhagwan that resided in New Delhi at the time. Attempts were made but little progress happened, and by 1971 Yogiji Maharaj passed away. By 1982, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who was next in line as the spiritual head of BAPS, started to continue fulfilling the dream of his guru, Yogiji Maharaj, and prompted the devotees to look into the possibility of building the temple in Delhi. A request for the plan was put forward to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and several different places were suggested, such as Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and Faridabad. Pramukh Swami Maharaj stood firm in following the wishes of Yogiji Maharaj to build a temple on the Yamuna. After 18 years, in April 2000, the Delhi Development Authority offered 60 acres of land, while the Uttar Pradesh Government offered 30 acres for the front portion. Upon receiving the land, Pramukh Swami Maharaj performed puja on the site for success in the project. Work started up on the site on November 8, 2000. Akshardham was officially opened on November 6, 2005, with the building completed two days short of five years.[26][27]

The Opening Ceremony

Akshardham was consecrated on November 6, 2005 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and ceremoniously dedicated to the nation by the President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Indian Parliament, Lal Krishna Advani, with the presence of 25,000 guests.[8][26] After touring the central monument, President Kalam then gave a speech on where Akshardham fits with society, and finished by saying,

Pramukh Swamiji Maharaj has inspired thousands of people across the country and abroad and brought together the best of the minds for creating a beautiful cultural complex. It has become a place of education, experience and enlightenment. It creatively blends the traditional stone art and architecture, Indian culture and civilization, ancient values and wisdom and the best of modern media and technology. Multiple layers of this complex expresses the strength of the mind, willpower of the human being, indomitable spirit, flowering kindness, fusion of scientific and medical talent, myriad colors of varied cultures and ultimately the power of knowledge. In essence, it is a dynamic complex with lively images. ... Akshardham has happened at the dawn of 21st century with the commitment and dedication of one million volunteers. What has happened today at Akshardham inspires me and gives me the confidence that we can do it? The realization of developed India is certainly possible before 2020 with the millions of ignited minds like you.[28]

The Prime Minister, Dr. Singh, followed by hoping that this would usher in religious tolerance,[26]as well as praising the architecture of the complex, and making note of it becoming a future landmark of India,[8] while L. K. Advani called it "the most unique monument of the world."[26] Pramukh Swami Maharaj ended the night's speeches and expressed the wish that

In this Akshardham, may one and all find inspiration to mould their lives and may there lives become divine. Such is my prayer to God.[29]

Guinness World Record

On December 17, 2007, Michael Whitty, an official world record adjudicator and member of the management committee of Guinness World Records, traveled to India to present a new world record to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The award was given in Ahmedabad, Gujarat[30] The record presented was for Akshardham, as the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple[31][32] (see certificate here). The Certificate states,

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, India, is the world's largest comprehensive Hindu temple. It measures 356 ft. long, 316 ft. wide and 141 ft. high, covering an area of 86,342 sq. ft. The grand, ancient-style, ornately hand-carved stone temple has been built without structural steel within five years by 11,000 artisans and volunteers. His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, revered spiritual leader of BAPS, consecrated the temple on 6 November 2005. Akshardham showcases the essence of India's ageless art, borderless culture and timeless values.

Upon presentation of the award, Michael Whitty stated,

It took us three months of research, poring over the extensive architectural plans of the Akshardham and also those of other temples of comparable size, visiting and inspecting the site, before we were convinced that Akshardham deserved the title...[33]

Disputes

Three temples, Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, and Arunachaleswarar Temple in Thiruvannamalai all located in Tamil Nadu, India are claimed to be larger than Akshardham. Trustees of the these temples have reportedly disputed the Guinness World Record. Meenakshi temple is with the length of 850 feet and breath of 800 feet, much larger than Akshardham. Authorities at Meenakshi temple have argued that temples are places for worship and hence restaurants, boating facilities and other entertainment facilities cannot be part of the temple which is the case of Akshardham. They also argued that construction area of the actual temple is more important than the land area. The area of the Srirangam temple is 156 acres.[34]

Akshardham Gandhinagar

Main article: Akshardham (Gandhinagar)

Akshardham Gandhinagar in Gandhinagar, Gujarat is the sister complex of Delhi Akshardham. Opened amid great fanfare in 1992, Akshardham Gandhinagar comprises of a monument, exhibition halls, a vast colonnade, contemplative gardens, and a restaurant, much like the monument in New Delhi.[35][36]

Akshardham Gandhinagar has attracted millions of visitors from across the world, including Bill Clinton who commented

Akshardham is not only a unique place in India but in the whole world. It is even more beautiful than what I had imagined. Taj Mahal is definitely beautiful, but this place, along with beauty, has a beautiful message.[37]


References

  1. ^ a b c http://www.akshardham.com/whatisakdm/index.htm What is Akshardham
  2. ^ Sharma, Manoj (2007-12-28). "Magnificent monuments of Delhi". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2008-01-08. {{cite web}}: More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)
  3. ^ Datta, Jyotirmoy. "The 8th Wonder - Delhi Swaminarayan temple uses modern technology to transmit timeless message". New India Times. Retrieved 2008-10-09.
  4. ^ a b "Swaminarayan (Akshardham) Temple". Delhi Tourism Online. Retrieved 2008-09-29.
  5. ^ Gupta, Moushumi (2007-07-04). "Games Village gets going as DDA clears lone bid". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2008-01-08. {{cite web}}: More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)
  6. ^ a b c "Akshardham Temple New Delhi". Retrieved 2008-09-26.
  7. ^ "President to inaugurate Akshardham temple today". The Hindu. 2005-11-06. Retrieved 2008-01-05. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |month= (help)
  8. ^ a b c "Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple". DelhiLive.com. 2006-06-04. Retrieved 2008-01-10. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |month= (help) Cite error: The named reference "A-dham Lauded" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  9. ^ http://delhitourism.nic.in/publicpage/Akshardham.aspx Akshardham Temple
  10. ^ "Akshardham Temple Complex". Ministry of Tourism Government of India. Retrieved 2008-09-25.
  11. ^ Kuriakose, Dennis. "Akshardham Temple Delhi". Retrieved 2008-09-25.
  12. ^ "Mandir". BAPS. 2005. Retrieved 2008-09-12.
  13. ^ "Gajendra Pith". BAPS. 2005. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
  14. ^ "Delhi Travel Guide: Akshardham Temple". Professional Travel Guide. Retrieved 2008-10-01.
  15. ^ a b "Garbhagruh- Inner Sanctum". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Retrieved 2008-10-01.
  16. ^ "Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple". DelhiLive.com. 2006-06-04. Retrieved 2008-01-10. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |month= (help)
  17. ^ "Hall of Values". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. 2005. Retrieved 2. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  18. ^ "Giant Screen Film". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
  19. ^ "Akshardham, Musical Fountain of Eternal Life - New Delhi, India". Laservision. 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-26.
  20. ^ "Yagnapurush Kund". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. 2005. Retrieved 2008-09-26.
  21. ^ a b "Garden of India". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
  22. ^ "Neelkanth Abhishek Mandapam". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
  23. ^ "Narayan Sarovar- Sacred Water Lake". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
  24. ^ "Delhi's Akshardham: A monument to India". Rediff.com. 2005. Retrieved 2008-01-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  25. ^ "The Research Centre: AARSH". Retrieved 2008-09-26.
  26. ^ a b c d Rajiv, Malik (2006). "Pride of India: How Yogiji Maharaj's Dream Was Fulfilled (Interview)". Hinduism Today. Retrieved 2008-01-05. {{cite web}}: More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)
  27. ^ "Making of Akshardham". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
  28. ^ "The Akshardham Experience". About.com. 2005-11-07. Retrieved 2008-01-05.
  29. ^ Swaminarayan Akshardham Dedication Ceremony (vob) (DVD). Amdavad - 4, India: Swaminarayan Aksharpith. Retrieved 2008-01-12. {{cite AV media}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |date2= (help); Unknown parameter |month2= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |year2= ignored (help)CS1 maint: location (link)
  30. ^ Jha, Preeti (2007-12-26). "Guinness comes to east Delhi: Akshardham world's largest Hindu temple". ExpressIndia.com. Retrieved 2008-01-02. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)
  31. ^ "Akshardham temple enters Guinness Book of World Records". MSN. 2006-07-24. Retrieved 2008-01-02. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  32. ^ Khandekar, Nivedita (2007-12-26). "Delhi's Akshardham is the world's largest temple". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2008-01-02. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); More than one of |author= and |last= specified (help)
  33. ^ Khandekar, Nivedita (2007-12-26). "Akshardham temple enters Guinness Records". Rediff.com. Retrieved 2008-01-02. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  34. ^ "TN temples bigger than Delhi's Akshardham". 2007. Retrieved 2008-09-26.
  35. ^ "Akshardham Gandhinagar". BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
  36. ^ "Akshardham Temple". Asiarooms Pte. Ltd. Retrieved 2008-09-30.
  37. ^ Bill Clinton Visits Akshardham

External links

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