Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj (New temple)

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a temple complex in Bhuj, Kutch district, Gujarat which is managed by Nar Narayan Dev Gadi of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, a sect of Hinduism. The inauguration ceremony of the temple held from 15 to 23 May 2010.[1][2]

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj
The Temple just after inauguration
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DeityNar Narayan
Location
LocationBhuj
StateGujarat
CountryIndia
Architecture
Completed18 May 2010

History

An earthquake on 26 January 2001 shattered most parts of the city of Bhuj, including the original Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj built by Swaminarayan in 1824. To replace this, the new temple is built of only marble and gold. The throne for the idol of Swaminarayan, the temple domes and doors are make of gold while the pillars and ceilings are made of marble.[1] The original central deity images of Nar Narayan and Swaminarayan in the form of Hari Krishna were moved from the old temple to the new one along with those of Radha Krishna, Swaminarayan in the form of Ghanshyam and Sukh Shaiya and others.[3]

The new temple was built at a cost of 1 billion Indian rupees (100 crore) on 5 acres (20,000 m2) of land. Made in marble, intricate carvings adorn the pillars and ceiling of the most expensive temple built in the Indian state of Gujarat recently.[4]

A large number of people attended the opening ceremony of the temple including those from overseas, including from United Kingdom and various parts of Africa. According to an estimate by a member of the Bhuj Hoteliers' Association, as of October 2009, 75% of the hotel rooms in Bhuj had been booked for the period during which the opening ceremony is scheduled to take place.[1] To manage influx of vehicles, Jubilee ground and Khasda ground, the two biggest grounds in Bhuj will be used for parking arrangements.[1] Temple authorities are expecting around 500,000 visitors during this period.[4]

A 3-D film, the first of its kind on the life and teachings of Swaminarayan titled 'Sahajanand' was screened as a part of the opening celebrations of the temple. Shot by S3D cameras, it is claimed to be the first of its kind in India.[5]

Images of the temple:

  • Temple under construction
  • Ganesh
  • Image of Marble carving of Shiva Nataraj
  • Pillar carving depicting Swaminarayan and Paramhansas
  • One of the side Shikhars
  • Marble pillars
  • Above the sabhamandap
  • Radha Krishna
  • Intricate carving on a marble pillar
  • Hanuman
  • Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj
  • Plan
  • Statue outside temple depicting Kaliya conquered by Krishna
  • Main Gate of Swaminarayan Temple

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Notes
  1. "Bhuj temple to boost hospitality industry". Daily News & Analysis. 29 October 2009. Retrieved 18 November 2009.
  2. "Modi opens Bhuj Narnarayandev Mandir". Desh Gujarat. 18 May 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2011.
  3. "Shree Narnarayan Dev Nutan Mandir Mahotsav 2010".
  4. "Marble marvel coming up at Bhuj". Daily News & Analysis. 26 October 2009. Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  5. "Story of Swaminarayan told by Shaikh bros". Times of India. 8 April 2010. Retrieved 23 April 2010.

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