Do you know that over 26000 sculpted stone pieces were intricately carved and assembled to bring up Shri Swaminarayan Narayan Mandir, Kolkata- an epitome of Seva, Satsang and Samarpan of countless beings.
The Mandir exemplifying India’s ancient art & culture, has 7 Shikharas, 1 Large Dome,14 small domes,2 samarans, 5 tapered ceilings and 247 pillars through beautifully carved 400 Murthis of Acharyas, Saints, Rishis, Avatars and Devotees. The Mandir is built of pink Rajasthani sandstone.
The Parikrama encompassing the Mandir has a large Marble Footprint ( Charnarvind) of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and runs 1400 feet having 46 Small Domes and 7 Chaukies.No Steel has been used in the superstructure of the Mandir which is 180 ft long,100 ft wide and 80 ft high.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan incarnated on 3rd April 1781 in Chhapaiya Village near Ayodhya (UP) India to liberate countless souls from the bondage of Maya and place them in Akshardham, the Eternal Abode through refuge of God while realising the Aksharbrahman Gunatit Sant.
His spiritual contribution to society got manifested in improved societal standards and most importantly, the innate nature of people, through reinstated values of Daya, Satya, Ahimsa and Brahmacharya.
He reverted to His Divine Abode, Akshardham at the age of 49, promising to be ever present through a tradition of Gunatit Satpurush or successors.
The Mandir – Where Mind Becomes Still
Standing like a shimmering jewel on the architectural landscape of Bhasa, 24 Parganas, South, the Kolkata Mandir is one with the finest traditional and has intricately hand carved stone. The Shikharbadh Mandir built on the principles of ancient Shilpashastras is a divine miracle that embodies excellent craftsmanship.
The Organization
Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha ( BAPS) is a Public Charitable NGO Trust affiliated to the United Nations, Established in 1907, it is a Global Socio Religious and Spiritual Organisation rendering selfless service for 160 Humanitarian Activities in 9100 worldwide centres with 55,000 volunteers and over a million members.
Courtesy :- Ghanshyam Bhagat, BAPS, Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Kolkata… As Shared With Joydeep Dutta, Kolkata