Creator
Swaminarayan Akshardham was created by Pramukh Swami Maharaj,
the current spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
(BAPS). It was created under his direction after his guru
Yogiji Maharaj expressed the hope that the construction of
the complex. In addition to Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi,
he created an international cultural and religious complex
as Swaminarayan Akshardham, Ghandhinagar (India), Shri Swaminarayan
Mandir in London (England) (popularly known as the Neasden
Temple), and other temples in Houston TX, Chicago, IL, GA
Atlanta, Los Angeles, CA, Toronto (Canada) and Nairobi (Kenya).
His role as spiritual leader means he moves constantly and
meets people throughout the world in order to help them lead
a better life.
At the opening of the complex in November 2005, Pramukh Swami
Maharaj expressed the wish:
"In this Akshardham, May and an inspiration to all mold
and find their lives May he lives become divine. That is my
prayer to God." ~ Narayanswarupdas Shastri (Pramukh Swami)
and inspiration and creator of Akshardham.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (including Pramukh Swami Maharaj
is the leader) is an international social, spiritual and charitable
NGO affiliated to the United Nations. Through its 9000 centres,
750 sadhus (monks), 55000 volunteers and more than 1000000
followers, BAPS conducts more than 160 humanitarian activities.
Akshardham is a part of BAPS culture and educational activities
to promote Indian art, culture and values. BAPS also has a
charitable arm, known as BAPS charitable organizations.
Akshardham Gandhinagar
Akshardham Gandhinagar in the western state of Gujarat is
the sister complex than Delhi. Opened amid great fanfare in
1992, Gandhinagar Akshardham includes a monument to BAPS,
showrooms, a large colonnade, contemplative gardens, and a
restaurant, like its sister in New Delhi.
The Akshardham has attracted millions of visitors worldwide,
including people like Bill Clinton, who commented "Akshardham
is not only a unique place in India but throughout the world.
It is even more beautiful than that I had imagined. Taj Mahal
is certainly beautiful, but this place, along beauty, has
a beautiful message. "
Inaugurated in November 2005, Akshardham has become a major
tourist spots in Delhi. In the sprawling 100 acres is an intricately
carved monument, high-tech exhibits, IMAX theatre, musical
fountain, restaurants and gardens.
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