Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the marbled beauty of Bhuj!
12 May 2022 16:49:24
If you thought that the glorious Taj Mahal was the only white wonder in Bharat, think again. Because, today we will explore one of the most beautiful temples in India, which look divine in it’s icy marble construction. Located at a distance of 4 kms from the Bhuj Railway Station, is the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - a Hindu temple located in the heart of Bhuj in Gujarat. This is one of the famous temples of Shri Swaminarayan and among the most visited places in Bhuj!
God Swaminarayan asked Vaishnavananand Swami to proceed with a team of the saints to Bhuj to construct a temple. Vaishnavanand Swami and saints went to Bhuj in 1822, camped at the place neighbouring the land of temple drew plans of the temple, complex. The team executed the plans with intricate details. Just a year later, they built a temple abode of NarNarayan Dev.
Architecture | Expanding a 35,000 sq. feet area, this temple has 7 sky touching pinnacles. It consists of one central dome, 25 minor domes and 258 pillars. 156 of these are carved. The peripheries are beautifully carved into the icy marble of Makrana and Ambaji, give it heavenly beauty, serenity and a divine approach to the temple.
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir was constructed by Swaminarayan - the founder of the Swaminarayan Sampraday in 1822. This temple comes under the Nar Narayan Dev Gadi. The earthquake in 2001 destroyed most of Bhuj, including the side of the temple facing north. Miraculously the divine idols here, remained as they were, without enduring any kind of damage.
Later, in 2010 a new temple was constructed close to the old temple. All the divine idols were then moved here. This actually happens to be one of the most expensive temples in Gujarat. As many as 600 sculptors worked with the devotees for more than 7 years to complete this project!
Situated adjacent to the main temple, this newly constructed grand temple, having its own altar and assembly hall, allows up to 1,000 female devotees to sit and pray!
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Dedicated to Nar Narayan and Swaminarayan, the new temple of Swaminarayan is an architectural masterpiece built with marble and is a sight to take in, in Bhuj. Spread across 5 acres of land, this shimmering temple has 7 shikharas, a main dome, 25 smaller domes, and 258 carved pillars made of pure marble! The temple also hosts idols of Radha Krishna, Ghanshyam, Sukh Shaiya, and many more. There exist numerous carvings on the pillars and ceilings of this temple. The temple also has a wonderful 3D film depicting the life of Lord Shree Swaminarayan!
History | Some devotees Gangarambhai jethi Sundarjibhai, Jigneshwarbhai from Bhuj of Kutch, went to Gadhada, where Lord Swaminarayan was attending a Fuldol festival. In that festival, the devotees of Bhuj met Swaminarayan, requesting him to construct a temple in Bhuj.
God Swaminarayan asked Vaishnavananand Swami to proceed with a team of the saints to Bhuj to construct a temple. Vaishnavanand Swami and saints went to Bhuj in 1822, camped at the place neighbouring the land of temple drew plans of the temple, complex. The team executed the plans with intricate details. Just a year later, they built a temple abode of NarNarayan Dev.
The satsang in the Kutch region was spread by Late Guru Ramanand Swami. He constantly visited Bhuj and other places in Kutch.
Architecture | Expanding a 35,000 sq. feet area, this temple has 7 sky touching pinnacles. It consists of one central dome, 25 minor domes and 258 pillars. 156 of these are carved. The peripheries are beautifully carved into the icy marble of Makrana and Ambaji, give it heavenly beauty, serenity and a divine approach to the temple.
Also Read | Gwalior’s finely carved historical site, the Sahastrabahu temple!
You will also find accommodation facilities for travelers, both domestic and international. The building encompasses 4 family rooms, 24 double bedrooms, 18 triple bedrooms, 1 female general hall, 1 male general hall along with dining hall facilities.