Jodhpur witnessed a historic spiritual moment today with the inauguration and consecration of idols at the country’s second largest Akshardham Temple, after Delhi. The temple, a marvel of traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering, was completed after seven years of work by 500 artisans.
Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnav and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the inauguration, while Mahant Swami Maharaj, head of the Bochasan-based Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), performed the Pran-Pratishtha rituals of the divine idols this morning.
Architectural Brilliance
Built entirely with Jodhpur’s Chittar stone, the temple is unique as it uses no iron or stainless steel in its structure. Instead, all stones are bound together using a traditional interlock system, ensuring durability and strength. Even the pillars employ Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG) technology, blending tradition with innovation.
The temple is designed to remain naturally cool even in 45-degree desert heat. It features intricate carvings up to six inches deep and reflects the Sirohi Ghat architectural style. Spread across a 40-bigha complex, the main shrine covers 10 bighas, rising 91 feet high and 181 feet long, built on a 13-foot-high base.
Unique Features
- 281 circular pillars, an unprecedented number in any BAPS temple.
- A distinctive shape with eight to nine angles, instead of the conventional square or rectangular design.
- A pillarless satsang hall measuring 140 by 125 feet, accommodating 3,000 devotees with a 100×30 feet stage, 14 ACs, and 12 helicopter fans.
- An automatic Annapurna kitchen, capable of preparing meals for 20,000 people simultaneously, with seating for 500 devotees at a time.
Cultural Significance
The temple is not only a place of worship but also a center for social and cultural initiatives. Campaigns on drug de-addiction and value education for children will be conducted here.
On the eve of the Pran-Pratishtha festival, the temple was beautifully lit up, with fireworks adding grandeur to the celebration. Thousands of devotees gathered to witness the ceremony, marking a new spiritual landmark in Rajasthan.
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who visited the temple last evening, hailed the project as the beginning of “a new phase of religion and culture in the country,” recalling how faith has found new acceptance globally, including the Akshardham temple recently built in Abu Dhabi.
With its scale, craftsmanship, and spiritual vision, the Jodhpur Akshardham Temple stands as a shining symbol of devotion, heritage, and community service.