A guest post from a good friend who recently visited Akshardham

In my other business, Interim Business Solutions, I am fortunate to have a lovely helper from Mumbai, India. Lata has been a wonderful helping hand since March 2013 and we have become good friends – virtually! She was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit Akshardham and a number of other wonderful travel destinations which of course made me green with envy. She has been kind enough to share her experience with us.

It was a “maybe” trip on our list of places to visit due to the short time we had in Delhi…but then later became ”THE highlight” of our Delhi visit! It was an one of a kind experience. It’s very difficult to encompass all that we saw and felt in mere words… and more so because it’s all captured within our mind and heart literally as there are no pictures to fall back on (photography strictly forbidden).

Akshardham Temple in Delhi, is a brilliant example of the modern day architecture having its roots, rooted deep in the past. It is one of the modern monumental wonders of India, a specimen of rich Indian architecture much famous for its minute carvings and magnificent sculptures. It has been heralded by the Guinness World Record as the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple.

Akshardham means the eternal, divine abode of the supreme God, the haunt of eternal values and virtues of ‘Akshar’ as defined in the Hindu texts where a heart of devotion, purity and peace forever perches.

As soon as we entered the temple premise, we were overwhelmed to see immense beauty sprawled all around us in exquisitely carved pillars, ornate domes, quadrangle shikhars, reincarnated in a pink and white attire. (The pink stone symbolizes bhakti in eternal bloom and white marble that of absolute purity and eternal peace).

When we entered the ‘Mandir’ (temple), standing with its head held high at 141 ft. to reach the sanctum sanctorum, it took us time to appreciate the impressive pillars, hauling the colossal alcove on their shoulders. They are beautiful. We could see the consummate artistry – flora, fauna, dancers, musicians and Gods – crafted on their surfaces from top to bottom! They are just awe inspiring! The Garbhagriha (Inner Sanctum) reminds one of the Gothic architecture, standing like a silent spectator of divine divinity, where one can even hear one’s heart beat!

There is much more to the place than just the temple…

The Akshardham parikrama (circumambulatory path) consists of 1,152 pillars, 145 windows and 154 samvaran shikhars; amounting to a total of 53,956 stones.

The Swaminarayan Akshardham parikrama is made of red stone from Rajasthan, consisting of 1,152 pillars, 145 windows and 154 carved spires; amounting to a total of 53,956 stones. Surrounding the temple like a beautiful decorative garland, every window and gallery in the lower parikrama provides different views and insights to the amazing Akshardham monument.

In the last 800 years this is the only and largest, intricately carved Mandovar in India, embellished with sculptured stone effigies of India’s great rishis, sadhus, devotees, acharyas and divine incarnations. Walk around the temple premises to reach the tranquil Narayan Sarovar. In the evenings, the lake glitters like a sparkling diamond amidst floating lotus leaves . It is said that the lake contains holy waters from 151 rivers and lakes sanctified by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, including Mansarovar in Tibet.

There are three Halls that one can visit to experience the journey of the temple…

1: Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of Values) Universal values for mankind are presented from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan through films, light and sound shows with robotic figures. Everything here appeared so real, mainly in the robotic dramatizations.

2: Neelkanth Darshan (Giant Screen Theatre) Projected on an 85 ft x 65 ft screen, a large format film vividly portrays the true story of an 11-year-old child-yogi, Neelkanth Varni (The young Bhagwan Swaminarayan). With a cast of over 45,000 people and shot in 108 locations in India, the film takes the viewers on an exciting pilgrimage of India.

3: Sanskruti Vihar (Boat Ride) A spectacular boat ride through 10,000 years of Indian culture, which flourished on the banks of river Sarasvati. We sailed through the world’s oldest Vedic village and bazaar, through Takshashila- the world’s first university, the caves of Ajanta, and much, much more.

The huge Premvati Food Court serves fresh, pure vegetarian food, snacks and drinks.

Also the evening light and laser show are a must watch.

The Akshardham temple is quite serious about security, so if you plan to visit, do note that the only things you are allowed to carry inside other than the clothes you are wearing (cap/shawl/sweater, reading glasses, sun glasses/shoes are all ok – knees need to be covered) are your wallet (not purse) and house/vehicle keys. No food items, no mobile phones, no flowers, candles etc. Leave all these behind in your vehicle/hotel and you will be able to avoid the queue to deposit and retrieve non-permitted items at the cloakroom.

We were overwhelmed by the grandeur of the place. After our senses could absorb as much as humanly possible…we sat and let the beauty and serenity sink in…reluctant to let the real world intrude the feeling of calm and harmony within us!!

Top 10 Delhi (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE)

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Akshardham

One Great Reason to Visit Akshardham

One great reason to visit this travel destination is to experience the exquisite poetry carved in stone, it’s awe inspiring architectural geniuses and to experience supreme peace (sorry that makes it 3 reasons but it HAD to be mentioned!)

Akshardham, India

For More Information

• Wikipedia
• Official Website
• Delhi Tourism

We would all like to have the time to sit down and plan every aspect of the family holiday in great detail. The problem is that in reality everyday tasks such as putting the washing on and feeding the kids simply get in the way.

So what is the solution? Read an overview of some of the trips available with Cosmos and choose which one best suits your brood. Then book it, knowing that having secured yourself a package holiday, everything will be taken care of.

Portugal

Portugal has long been a family favourite destination with its great combination of accessible beaches and cultural cities. It has a warm climate all year round and represents good value for money, both in terms of the cost of the holiday, but also on added extras, which means you won’t have to say no to the kids when they want treats.

Fly to Faro and stay at the Clube Praia da Oura Apartments in nearby Albufeira. This part of the Algarve is well set up for families and this also goes for the accommodation. With a beach on the doorstep and a separate pool for younger guests, the kids will have a lot of fun outdoors on their holiday.

Close by you will find the Zoomarine and Montechoro theme parks, which are great if you want to spend some time away from the resort. Taking a trip by horseback at the Albufeira Riding Centre is also bound to be a hit, as is spending the day undertaking watersports or a boat trip.

Goa

You may not have considered taking your kids on holiday to Goa for a number of reasons – the cost being one of them. But there are more deals out there than you might think and the amount the children will learn about the culture when they are out there will be priceless.

Doing such a trip as a package holiday also takes a lot of the stress associated with travelling to India out of the equation. In fact, it will offer the perfect combination of the familiar and relaxing, as well as the new and exciting.

Stay at the Palmarinha Resort in Calungute, North Goa with its extensive swimming pool and pretty beach. There is lots to keep the kids entertained, such as table tennis and a pool table, if you want some time to take advantage of the massages available within the resort.

This is a great option for older kids who like a bit of independence. Then take them out into the bustling city of Panjim to experience its amazing atmosphere. Expect to see wide tree-lined avenues and stunning colonial era buildings.

Florida

Florida is always a hit with the kids due to the wide selection of theme parks on offer. Let them have their fun, but balance these child-orientated days out with trips to other attractions in the Sunshine State.

Take a trip to the Everglades, where the whole family can learn about the unique biodiversity of the area. Alternatively, head to Mount Dora, only 25 miles from Orlando, where a 19th century vibe has been maintained in this pretty little town.

For easy access to the theme parks, stay at the Metropolitan Express, located across the road from Wet ‘n Wild and mere minutes from Universal Orlando. Its rooms are positioned around a central pool, where you can all head to cool off and relax.

Travel Photo of the Week: Women of Elephanta Island

During a wet, steamy October visit to Elephanta Island and after disembarking from the boat trip from ‘ Gateway of India’ Mumbai, we were welcomed by a group of local women. They modeled for the visitors charging 2 rupees for a photo and more if they could get it! This photo was taken before a further 10-20 ladies came rushing over trying to get in the photo shoot to claim their 2 rupees.

Where is Devi Garh?

Devi Garh, Rajasthan

Devi Garh is nestled in the Aravali Hills in the State of Rajasthan, India. The 18th century palace is located in the village of Delwara and forms one of the three main passes into the valley of Udaipur. Devi Garh, has undergone extensive restoration and rebuilding in preparation for its guests since it was purchased back in 1987 when it had been left empty for more than 20 years. The fort palace was built as a place where the past meets the future.

The grounds have been immaculately landscaped and offer fabulous views over the surrounding hills and a lovely pool to relax by. It really is a splendid travel destination in the Rahasthan landscape in which to base yourself to explore the region which has so much to offer.

The Rough Guide to Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Devi Garh

One Great Reason to Visit Devi Garh

One great reason to visit this travel destination is to enjoy the utmost luxury in the magnifent, historical hill-top palace.

Devi Garh – Luxury Hotel in Udaipur, Rajasthan

For More Information

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