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Text of PM’s address at inaugural function of Pramukh Swami Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav in Ahmedabad

GS Paper – 1,Indian Art and Heritage

Why in the News?
● Recently, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural function of Pramukh Swami Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav in Ahmedabad on 14th December 2022.
● The year-long worldwide celebrations have culminated in the ‘Pramukh Swami Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav’ hosted by BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Shahibaug, which is the global headquarters of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and is taking place from 15th December 2022 to 15th January 2023 in Ahmedabad, featuring daily events, thematic exhibitions and thought-provoking pavilions.
● Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister began his address by hailing Pramukh Swami Maharaj and welcoming everyone on the momentous occasion.
WHAT IS AKSHARDHAM
● ‘Akshardham’ means the divine abode of God.
● It is hailed as an eternal place of devotion, purity and peace. Swaminarayan Akshardham at New Delhi is a Mandir – an abode of God, a Hindu house of worship, and a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony.
● Timeless Hindu spiritual messages, vibrant devotional traditions and ancient architecture all are echoed in its art and architecture.
● The mandir is a humble tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781- 1830), the avatars, devas and great sages of Hinduism.
● The traditionally-styled complex was inaugurated on 6 November 2005 with the blessings of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and through the devoted efforts of skilled artisans and volunteers.
SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

● Each element of Akshardham echoes with spirituality – the Mandir, the Exhibitions and even the Gardens.
● The Akshardham mandir has over two hundred murtis, representing many of the spiritual stalwarts over many millennia.
● The spiritual premise of Akshardham is that each soul is potentially divine. Whether we are serving the family, the country our neighbors or all living beings the world over , each service can help one move towards divinity.
● Each prayer is a call towards improving oneself and moving closer to God.
● A visit to Akshardham is a spiritually enriching experience. Whether it is in realising the power of prayer, in feeling the strength of non-violence, in being aware of the universal nature of Hinduism’s ancient principles, or just in admiring the beauty of God’s abode on Earth –- each element has a spiritual significance.
FACTS AND FIGURES

■ Opened 6th November 2005
■ Constructed by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
■ Inspired by HH Yogiji Maharaj (1892-1971 CE)
■ Created by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj
■ More than 300,000,000 volunteer hours went into making the complex
■ Over 8,000 volunteers from across the world participated in building it
■ Mandir built from intricately carved sandstone and marble
■ Exhibitions on Hinduism, including Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s life and teachings such as prayer, compassion, and non-violence.
■ Open gardens, water bodies and step-well styled courtyard