Various television channels telecast the Live Darshan from Swaminarayan Mandir at Kalupur, Ahmedabad to the awaiting devotees who wish to seek blessings. The Swaminarayan temple in Ahmedabad is the first temple of a Hindu sect called Swaminarayan Sampraday. In it is located in the largest city of Gujarat that is in Kalupur area of Ahmedabad. The founder of the sect – Swaminarayan gave instructions and it was built as per his instructions.

The administration of Swaminarayan Sampraday is divided into two Gadis i.e seats as per the will of Swaminarayan. These two Gadis are Narnarayan dev gadi and Laxminarayan dev gadi. The Swaminarayan mandir is headquarters of Narnarayan dev gadi. The structure of this ancient nineteenth century temple is covered with green and yellow sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Their bodies fitted in opulent dresses. The beauty of this temple is enjoyed by hundereds through the Live Darshan from Swaminarayan Mandir at Ahmedabad on their television and other media.

Why Undertake a Strenuous Pilgrimage when you can see Swaminarayan Mandir online?

The architecture of this temple is based on Burma teak wood. With such architecture, every coloured arch and bracket is a bright different shade. This uniqueness is something that stands out in most of the Swaminarayan temples. The grandeur of the temple is described as a fairytale with all its colours and opulent carvings that profusely embellish every wooden bracket, column and arch. The temple sees millions of people on the day after Diwali. The temple hosts a multi storey guest house with air conditioner services and a fully equipped medical center in the premises itself.

The land for the construction of the first shrine of Swaminarayan Sampraday was given to the community as a gift from the British Imperial Government in India. A British officer, Sir Dunlop was very impressed with the activities of Swaminarayan and his followers. He was so impressed that he gifted 5000 acres of land in Kalupur area of Ahmedabad on behalf of the government to build this temple. Swaminarayan personally entrusted the task of constructing the temple to Ananandanand swami who was a paramhansa of the sect.  After completion of the temple when he visited the temple he was so impressed by the temple that he commanded a 101 gun salute to the temple. The installation ceremony of the murti i.e the idol in the temple was celebrated on a grand scale.

About 50000 pilgrims from all over the country were present to witness this auspicious ceremony. Later on the temple returned a part of the land as the British government wanted to build a railway station. This is the place where the Kalupur railway station stands today. The government was so impressed with this understanding that as compensation Read the full article »