AKSHARDHAM

As majestic as Somnath, as intricately carved as the domes in Delwara, as mystic as the caves of Ajanta, and as sacred as Kedar in the Himalayas, Akshardham captures the total spirit of India's glorious heritage and presents it most enchantingly. It revives the ancient tradition of devotion and dedication, of volunteerism. Akshardham is not a creation built out of a king's command or national treasury, but by the love and service of simple people committed to their belief. The story of Akshardham is one of sacrifice and commitment. Every stone is filled with sentiments, every corner is cemented with feelings. Young volunteers who handled the sandstone quarries in Bansipahadpur often gave their share of food to the bullocks which pulled the stones out. At times, when 8 ton slabs were being dragged, the animal would tire and massage its legs and feed it ghee to revitalise its energy. Akshardham is a miracle worked by thousands of volunteers of Shri Akshar Purushottam Sanstha ( Bochasan ) who gave their time and talent for months and years inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The complex is one grand commemorates his Birth Bicentenary.

For visitors of any age - it is an experience in edutainment; for it simultaneouly educates and entertains. The complex spread in an area of 23 acres, celebrates our spiritual and cultural values through traditional architecture and modern ( hi-tech) exhibitions. Since its opening on 2nd November 1992, within a short span of only 5 years, more than 13 million people from 45 countries have visited Akshardham, confirming its status as India's eternal monument and as one of the marvels of the 20th century. It is a rare confluence of art, education and creativity with a Stone Monument of pink sandstone, Interactive Exhibitions on Indian Culture, Contemplative Gardens and a futuristic Research Centre for social harmony. 

The Monument is 108 ft tall marvel of 6000 tons of pink sandstone, carved and built according to Sthaapatya Shaastras- the ancient scriptures of architecture. No steel has been used, nor any support of modern structures. Yet it stands as the most authentic and awesome architecture of 97 sculpted pillars, 220 single-piece stone beams, 57 windows glorious porch filled with delicate forms and filigree. As a special architectural feat worth noting, are the 22 ft. long support beams used to create space inside the building. The sanctum sanctorum houses the peaceful 1.2 tons gold leafed idol of Lord Swaminaraya.
The Exhibitions take you through the landscapes of India and the wisdom of the Vedas and the Mahabharat. Surround and interactive experiences help visitors trek through the Himalayas... walk across the rope bridge.... admire the dancing musical fountains....... wonder at the fiber optic night sky...face robotic animals in the forests accompany Lord Rama in search of Sita behold the Pandavas lose in the palace of Histinapur..  hundreds of figures, settings, dioramas, audio-video shows and sculptures unfold a stream of interactive experiences - visually mesmeric, scientifically stunning and spiritually moving. The Hall of Harmony places world religions side by side and the world's first 14 screen multimedia show traces man's efforts in search of peace and freedom. It won the Bronze medal at the international competition for audio-video show in Munich 1993..

The Colonnade - Parikrama is an excellent architectural transition between the richly carved monument and the plain exhibition buildings. Its 365 red stone pillars that circumambulate the grounds, are most elevating.

The Research Centre -  AARS conducts applied research in Social Harmony in fields as varied as ecology and education to de- addiction and meditation.

The Gardens - The Sahajanand Van  is a lush green 15 acre patch with meandering walkways, lakes, waterfalls, herbal plants and monotone cultural spots with an area for fun rides for the children.

Philosophically, Akshardham means the imperishable abode, and truly abounds with eternal values that sustain human existence a place where the wisdom of ancient India and the best of world technology have come together to recreate the living experience of culture.