Massive Swaminarayan Temple for New Delhi

[Jai]

Hi,

The Akshardham Delhi temple by the BAPS foundation in Delhi is set to become another Delhi landmark. These are the same people who built the Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden, UK, the Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the Swaminarayan Mandir in Chicago, and others all around the world in Africa, Asia, America and Europe.

This temple seems to be their biggest, and most intricate project yet, combining several completely different and contrasting architectural styles of temple architecture in India -- Rajasthani, Orrisan, Gujarati and Jain; as well as Mughal architecture seen in the styles and carvings and the wood buildings of the complex -- into a pleasing whole. The Akshardham Temple is composed of the red-sandstone that Delhi is famous for, and that so many of her monuments are constructed of.

It's another massive project in India only recently "discovered" by the India forum members. Its a pity such projects in India aren't reported on by the press or media there. :| Though this temple is under construction, I'm posting it here since its the first anyone here's heard of it.


Description of project:

http://www.swaminarayan.org/news/2000/11/delhi/images/akdmf.jpgThe Main Monument
Evoking the auspiciousness of Badrinath, majesty of Somnath, geometry of Modhera, mysticism of Ellora and grandeur of Angkor Wat, it will rise to stand with other great monuments of culture. Designed and sculpted entirely according to the ancient Indian Sthaapatya Shastras, it will be built to last thousands of years, profusely carved with 120 ornate pillars, 1200 delicate statues and statuettes, 40 filigreed arches, layers of Indian flora and fauna. Ancient mandirs and monuments are being carefully studied to create pure, authentic Hindu carvings through hundreds of craftsmen from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Orissa, reviving stone art.

The Gardens will be meditative with creative sculptures and fountains.

The Cultural Exhibitions
The Cultural Exhibitions will be experiential, where visitors will be able to rediscover and relive Indian culture and values through the most modern, interactive technology.

The Research Center
The Research Center will be futuristic, conducting research in social harmony.

The Auditorium
The Auditorium will promote cultural programs, music and seminars.

http://www.swaminarayan.org/news/2000/11/delhi/images/mapf.jpg

Here is the current temple on the complex:
http://img114.echo.cx/img114/1744/15bv.jpg

A view from the current toward the Akshardham temple:
http://img114.echo.cx/img114/360/14td1.jpg


Some more construction pics:

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/50-12af.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/50-10af.jpg
^ You can appreciate the size from this pic. The older temple can be seen on the right hand side of the pic. Though it is also set farther back, so some of the relative smallness is because of perspective, but still gives a good idea.

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/44-21f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/44-8f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/43-22af.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/43-23af.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/51-4f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/51-7f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/51-12f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/42-23f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/49-31f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/44-12f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/44-13f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/48-1f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/51-2f.jpg


What's unusual is that is that the sculptures and statues they're carving are rather lifelike, rather than stylized artistic forms found in traditional Indian temples. I did a double take when I saw them

Like these elephants:
http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/51-36f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/42-18f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/52-5af.jpg

or these statues being carved:
http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/43-2af.jpg

even look at the carvings of the pillar:
http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/43-30af.jpg

This pic really puts the project in scale; the outer plinth :eek:
http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/51-16f.jpg

Cheers,
Jai

[innoncent_monster]

nice
Will be another masterpiece when done

[Cheese Mmmmmmmmmmmm]

AWESOME!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[Brett]

Most Impressive, i want to visit!

[TORONTO]

Add Toronto to the list too guys. About last two weeks ago there was a ground breaking for the new temple by the same name Swaminarayan Temple. The materials will arrive from India.

TORONTO

[heirloom]

amazing!

[Sumeet]

i love the detail in the work.....'only in India' have i seen such beautiful workmanship

[gurukool]

AWESOME!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

need i say it to be a horizontal skyscraper ?

[Madhusudhan]

WOW! My jaw dropped looking at the magnitude of this project. I am speechless! :bow:

[nukey]

:omg:

[snufalufugus]

Even though this building isn't a towering skyscraper, you have to appreciate the extensive detail that went into this building. It's just amazing!!

[Imperfect Ending]

pretty cool

[Jose Luis]

niceee

[RaStyyle]

WOW!

[Dr.VitO]

beautiful!!!! looks like Taj Mahal's gonna have some competition;)

[panamared]

wowwwww fantasticccccccccc awesome .

[centralized pandemonium]

That's gorgeous.

[michal1982]

THAT'S ABSOLUTLY FANTASTIC! what was the inspiration for that??

[Jai]

Hi,

Also, this image shows a model of the complex, which gives an impression of its layout:
http://www.akshardham.com/news/photos/NewDelhi/016.jpg

All the buildings in the above picture will be carved to the smallest detail by over 1500 craftsmen and -women.

THAT'S ABSOLUTLY FANTASTIC! what was the inspiration for that??Well the vision (or spiritual) inspiration for building seems to be an ethos of the Swaminarayan sect. They're constantly outdoing themselves with each new temple project, each of which are already world class, like the

There most recently completed one, the temple in Chicago:
http://www.swaminarayan.org/news/usa/2005/01/chicago/images/chicagomandirwintermoods12-f.jpg
http://www.swaminarayan.org/news/usa/2005/01/chicago/images/chicagomandirwintermoods06-f.jpg
http://www.swaminarayan.org/news/usa/2004/08/chicago/photo/chicagomandirmoods022-f.jpg
http://www.swaminarayan.org/news/usa/2004/08/chicago/photo/chicagomandirmoods023-f.jpg
http://www.swaminarayan.org/news/usa/2004/08/chicago/photo/chicagomandirmoods024-f.jpg
http://www.swaminarayan.org/news/usa/2004/08/chicago/photo/chicagomandirmoods025-f.jpg
http://www.swaminarayan.org/news/usa/2004/08/chicago/photo/chicagomandirmoods026-f.jpg


This Delhi temple is going to be much, much bigger than even the Chicago or London one. The most direct inspiration for this structure, with its size, schools, halls and museums, is their ten-story Akshardham monument in Gandhinagar, Gujarat:
http://www.akshardham.com/Monument/images/pm1.jpg

The Akshardham in Gandhinagar is built with "6,000 tons of pink sandstone pieced together with incredible accuracy. More than 12 million man hours of 900 skilled craftsmen have created this magnificent monument of 93 sculpted pillars, 40 windows carved from both sides, and a feast of forms and filigrees. Built inch to inch according to the ancient Sthaapatya shastras of India, no steel has been used. Support beams are 22 ft. single piece stone blocks."


This Delhi temple is going to be on a much larger and grander scale than the Gujarat one, more than one and a half times bigger, with a much more expansive grounds.

Here are some pics of the Gujarat Akshardham temple, just to give a taste of what can be expected in the Delhi project:
http://www.akshardham.com/Monument/images/monumentf.jpg
[/IMG]
http://www.akshardham.com/PhotoGallery/Images/Moods/m12f.jpg
http://www.akshardham.com/PhotoGallery/Images/Moods/m06f.jpg
http://www.akshardham.com/PhotoGallery/Images/Moods/m11f.jpg
http://www.akshardham.com/Monument/images/pm5f.jpg
http://www.akshardham.com/Monument/images/Vibhutimandapam/top.jpg
http://www.akshardham.com/PhotoGallery/Images/Art/a01f.jpg
http://www.akshardham.com/Information/images/Harimandapamf.jpg
http://www.akshardham.com/PhotoGallery/Images/Exhibitions/LordSwaminarayan/exp10f.jpg
http://www.akshardham.com/PhotoGallery/Images/People/p01f.jpg
http://www.akshardham.com/PhotoGallery/Images/Nature/n07f.jpg


What's also inspired about this temple is that the fact it is made up of and beautifully reconsiles 4-5 completely different traditional architectural forms -- Jain, Rajasthani, Gujarat, Orissan and Deccani, into one harmonious whole. Some ex:
http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/44-21f.jpg
^ Jain-type carvings with Gujarati style motifs

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/43-23af.jpg
^ You can definately see the Jain influence on the roofs and halls, and the Rajasthani desert style stepped plinths

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/51-4f.jpg
^ The Orissan influence is heavily seen in the taperings and caps of the roof design

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/49-31f.jpg
^ Very Orissan style pillars and frames

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/44-13f.jpg
^ The Gujarat influence is seen in the overall structure, layout and domes

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/04/01/photo/delhi/48-1f.jpg
^ More Rajasthani and Jain style facades and carved marble interiors, with Orissan influenced pillar forms and Gujarati ceilings

Cheers,
Jai

[Jasonhouse]

Sorry, but this isn't a highrise, and this is also U/C. The 'News and Developments' forum is for highrise projects not yet under construction, just as its description and 'readme' states...


Heck of a project though. :)

[james2390]

Absolutely beautiful! :eek:

[JohnnyMass]

I'm speechless...out of this world!!!

[Jai]

Hi

Here are some construction photo updates. The whole Akshardham temple complex work is ahead of schedule.



"Old" Temple, located next to Delhi Akshardham Temple Complex:
http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/09/02/photo/delhi/151-15f.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/0505128f.jpg



Temple Complex Buildings Construction:
http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/09/02/photo/delhi/0507602f.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/0505109f.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/0505034af.jpg
^ Open air theater


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/0505313f.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/09/02/photo/delhi/0507419f.jpg
^ Testing fountain in middle of theater

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/0506132f.jpg
^ Premvati cafeteria

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/0506128f.jpg
^ Museum halls



Main Temple progress:
http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/0505028af.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/0505524af.jpg
^ Massive temple plinth


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/0505011af.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/0505327f.jpg
^ Installation of Amalsaro on the Main Dome of Akshardham


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/09/02/photo/delhi/0507320f.jpg
^ Artists, crafstmen, construction workers all work side by side


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/09/02/photo/delhi/0507521af.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/09/02/photo/delhi/0507433f.jpg



Exterior details:
http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/0505204f.jpg
^ Elephants and columns


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/0505209f.jpg
^ Cute

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/09/02/photo/delhi/0507609f.jpg



Interior details:
http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/0506102f.jpg
^ Huge entrance doors

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/0505901f.jpg
^ View of grounds from entrance

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/0506118f.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/09/02/photo/delhi/0507629f.jpg
^ Inner sanctum



Work is going on 24/7
http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/delhi4f.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/delhi14f.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/delhi20f.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/delhi5f.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/delhi8f.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/07/01/photo/delhi/delhi1f.jpg



Starting landscaping:
http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/09/02/photo/delhi/0507533af.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/09/02/photo/delhi/0507516af.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/09/02/photo/delhi/0507506af.jpg


http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2005/09/02/photo/delhi/0507517af.jpg


-Jai

[JC]

It is so fantastic... I really like it. How many years do they take to complete?

[Jai]

Hi

A site was chosen in the mid 90s, and groundbreaking was on 8 November, 2000.

The temple will be partially open to the public early next year, but the completion of the entire complex (including schools, museums, etc.) and temple will take till 2007.

[Brett]

Thats a must see site when its finished!

[philip]

Wow, with a stunning palace and garden at your disposal, any guy would want to become a monk. Although I have never been to India, I would say the living condition at this place is probably better (and cleaner) than most other places in India. Many guys would probably become a monk just for the better quality of life.

[mk]

Absolutely Amazing !!

Jai, Thanks for sharing. As you said, they alwaays try to outdo themseleves, they must be planning something that will dwarf this in size and scale.

[jd_bond]

Wow, with a stunning palace and garden at your disposal, any guy would want to become a monk. Although I have never been to India, I would say the living condition at this place is probably better (and cleaner) than most other places in India. Many guys would probably become a monk just for the better quality of life.


I think monks are buddhist priest (correct me if I am wrong)...

[Jai]

Phillip,

I don't see how poverty factors into this whole deal. Like any other place of worship in the world, the place is going to be cleaner then, say, the countryside. However, this particular religious tradition, like Jainism, sees building places of worship as an act of worship for God.

One thing thats great about all their temples is that not only is it a temple, but it is also a place of learning, and a source of funding for an ever-growing public charity works projects. What I mean by this latter is, the temples themselves are constructed only with private donations, but the revenue generated by tourists and visitors to the temple funds massive relief projects, free education for the poor, etc. Obviously, they're not charging an entrence fee, but visitors donate money specifically for these causes when they visit. It's astounding just how low the overhead on these temples are, as monks and devotees themselves do upkeep.

The temples also have another goal: revival and sustanance of the ancient art of temple building. An art that is passed down from generation to generation. Something like a three hundred artists from several states are not only employed, but are taught skills that they need to practice their art form. This project alone, not ot mention their many other ones, has literally saved entire artistic traditions that otherwise would have been lost.

They also are centers of learning and culture for the Hindu community in that area, of all sects and creeds, and serve as a community center.


I don't want to get into a theological lecture or anything, but while I guess its possible monks are joining for material benefits, I don't think this is any different a problem than would face any other religious institution in the world. And its not exactly like monks are frolicing in the gardens while courtesans dance and feed grapes in their mouthes.

They do the entire maintinance of the temple, teaching in all the schools, etc. And of course they have their vows of spiritual discipline, celebacy, poverty, etc., While the temple itself is grand, their own living quarters (barracks, really) and lifestyle is quite sparse, especially so compared to Western monks, as is the hindu sanyasin tradition.

I do think your cynicism is misplaced enough to be offensive.


jd_bond,
Monks are found in most religions. The Indian ascetic/monk/sanyasin/fakiri/yogi/sadhu/medicant/etc. tradition is probably the largest, the most varied, and arguably the most asture on the planet. Most Hindu monks do not live in monestaries, but travel the length and bredth of the country, living on alms, sleeping in temples, caves, jungles, practicing yoga and other spiritual disciplines, and teaching the wayward soul. Some, like those in the Shankara, Swaminarayan order, Ramakrishna order, etc. are organized into maths, monestaries, ashrams, hermitages, etc., what have you, which allows them to create magnificant spiritual works like these temples, or the maintinance and upkeep of ancient temples, like the Meenakshi temple in Madurai.

Here's an article on monastic traditions of India (http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1994/9/1994-9-09.shtml), and of monastic practice in the swaminarayan tradition (http://www.swaminarayan.org/news/2003/05/yogijayanti/sadhutradition.htm )

-Jai

[loureed]

omg, sooooooooooo gorgeous.

[fahed]

This will be a masterpiece

Q: How much does the whole development cost?

[Effer]

OMFG! This is going to be one hell of a temple! :cheers2:

[Mosaic]

This is OMG !!!! project.

[Jai]

Some more construction pics

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/151-34f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/146-27f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/146-29f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/142-8f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/142-28f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/142-20f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/143-20f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/153-26f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/153-30f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/153-31f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/153-17f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/153-10f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/143-2f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/149-6f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/152-18f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/147-5f.jpg

http://www.swaminarayan.org/vicharan/2004/11/01/photo/delhi/154-23f.jpg

[auslankan]

Has to be one of the wonders of modern times.Just sensational!

[mtb_nz]

totally beautiful. Would love to visit some time... keep the updates coming :)

[loureed]

I love India!!!

I know I will see this in person one day.

[Jai]

Akshardham temple to open gates soon (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-1271889,curpg-1.cms)

[ Sunday, October 23, 2005 12:28:57 amTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

NEW DELHI: On the hit list of environmentalists after its first brick was laid four years ago, the sprawling pink sandstone and white marble Akshardham temple complex on the banks of Yamuna will finally throw open its gates to visitors on November 8.

Begun by the Swaminarayan sect in 2001, the temple will be officially inaugurated on November 6. "We have not yet decided on who will be inaugurating it, but the date has been fixed," said a media official.Spread over 30 acres on the river bank, the temple has been the target of endless legal and environmental controversies.

But at the same time, its imposing structure has been arousing curiousity and awe among passers-by. The suspense will be over next month.

"Most of the construction is complete. Only some of the polishing and wood work is still on, which will be over before next month," said Sadhu Vivekjivandas.

The temple is already attracting visitors. Some hotels have also started offering packages for the inauguration.

"Devotees from all over the country, who had fasted and sacrificed for the completion of the temple, are allowed to visit it after a permission from the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). This week, we have had devotees from Gujarat and Punjab," he added.

"I have come here for the pooja abhishek ceremony. My family had decided to give up on sweets till the temple is complete. Now, we have come for darshan as the work is complete." said Sujata Shet, whose family has come from Gujarat.

While the authorities refused to give any details on what lies behind the gates — to avoid rush of visitors before completion — they hinted that the campus will be a confluence of the ancient and the modern. It's all about Indian values and traditions, they said.

Here's a trailer of what's in store. An IMAX theatre for showing films on the sect, two exhibition halls and a restaurant modelled on an Ellora cave.

Surpassing its Gandhinagar original, the new temple is more elaborate. It has a sprawling water body and the carvings on the 130-ft-high temple are reminiscent of those in Badrinath, Somnath and Konark.

[Burislav]

Incredible

[wardrobes]

stunningly amazing I've actully seen the contruction site for this temple and it's very huge.

[heirloom]

which part of delhi is this in?

[centralized pandemonium]

http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/7002/561037399xe.jpg

http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/8980/561037602mc.jpg

[CrazyDave]

I am completely "Blown Away" by this project. It's an Architectural Masterpiece!!!! I didn't think this level of detail; at this large scale existed anymore. Very Impressive!!!

:)

[srev2004]

indian architecture is the most underrated in the world!

[knowlard]

For more extensive details & pics visit www.akshardham.com
Surely checkout the 'Photogalary' and 'Opinions' section

[Jai]

Just FYI, the complex has been completed.

There is a photo thread here:
~ Akshardham, New Delhi ...(take 2) ~ (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=287153)

[Nate]

This is just gorgeous... I love the detail in this. Certainly not someone you see everyday. :D

[Bertez]

The detail is amazing

[Bikaner]

Unbelievable! This is a true modern wonder of the world. Will surely visit it one day.