Monday, August 24, 2009

It’s all about size - Akshardham Temple


Located on the eastern fringes of Delhi, is grand, gorgeous and gigantic.


 “Big, big, big.” That was Mac’s reaction when he was on his way out from the Akshardham temple.  The Spanish tourist had hit the nail on the head. consecrated in November 2005 by Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, the temple has earned a place for itself in the Guinness World Records for its sheer size.

The ‘World’s largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple’, as it is listed, is a sprawling Rs 200 crore pink sandstone construction spread over 100 acres of land. Made out of panch dhatu in accordance with the Hindu tradition, the sanctum sanctorum also has idols of prominent Hindu deities.

Designed by Ahmedabad – based architect Veerendra Trivedi, the monument rests on the shoulders of 148 stone elephants depicting ancient tales from the Indian scriptures.  The Temple is built according to ancient standards without using any steel and is designed to last 1000 years. Narayan Sarovar, a water body, contains waters drawn from the 151 holy rivers visited by Lord Swaminarayan.

A large central monument crafted entirely of stone, an IMAX cinema, a musical fountain, landscaped gardens and a restaurant that serves excellent vegetarian food are some of the other attractions.


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