Laying of First Stone at Akshardham, New Delhi

With the divine blessings of Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj and the inspiration of Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the construction of Akshardham in the lap of river Yamuna in New Delhi is proceeding at a tremendous pace.

On the auspicious day of Monday 2 July 2001, a significant landmark was ceremoniously celebrated - the first sculpted stone was placed in position by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Upon the sturdily built 20-feet deep foundations - capable of withstanding even major earthquakes - the construction has reached the plinth level - at a height of over 40 feet above ground level. Now the task of assembling the sculpted pink stones of Bansipahadpur in Rajasthan has begun.

A Vedic ceremony was performed from 9.00 - 10.00 am in the presence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj to commemorate this auspicious occasion. Over 350 devotees witnessed this divine occasion, with Swamishri seated on the 40ft high plinth performing the Vedic rites.

Following the ceremony, a special assembly was held to mark the occasion.

President to inaugurate Akshardham temple

Prime Minister to attend function

• The Rs.200-crore cultural complex is spread over 100 acres
• The main monument is 141 feet high
• There are three exhibition halls

NEW DELHI: Slated to become one of North India's major tourist attractions, the grand new Swaminarayan Akshardham temple on the banks of the Yamuna near Noida Mor in East Delhi will be inaugurated by President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam (BAPS) Sanstha.

The Rs.200-crore pink sandstone cultural complex spread over 100 acres showcases the grandeur of Indian history, art, culture and values and will be thrown open to the public from Tuesday, November 8, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. The timings will be extended from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November 15. Designed by architect Virendra Sompura and conceptualised by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, it took over 7,000 master craftsmen and thousands of volunteers from all over the world almost five years to complete the marvel.