BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Akshar Deri Gondal
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Jay Shree Swaminarayan BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a renowned spiritual and humanitarian organization, connects with individuals through its network of mandirs (temples) and discourse centers. Serving as permanent sanctuaries for people of all ages, beliefs, and backgrounds, these centers provide a source of peace and spiritual guidance. With over 1000 temples and approximately 3000 reformation centers worldwide, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has established a global presence. Among these centers, the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Gondal, Gujarat holds a special place. This temple, known as the Akshar Deri temple, draws thousands of devotees each year who seek solace and relief from their pain and sorrow. Through prayers and offerings, these devotees express their faith in the belief that the Lord will alleviate their burdens and provide spiritual comfort. Situated in the town of Gondal, within the Rajkot district of Gujarat, the Akshar Deri temple is considered a holy place due to its association with one of Swaminarayan's earliest disciples, Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami. Gunatitanand Swami, a devoted follower of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, played a significant role in the spiritual journey of many. In May 1934, Shastriji Maharaj, the third successor of Swaminarayan, constructed a magnificent three-story temple above the Akshar Deri in honor of Gunatitanand Swami. This temple stands as a testament to the devotion and reverence of its creators and serves as a prominent destination for devotees, particularly on the auspicious day of Sharad Purnima. Gondal holds a special connection to Lord Swaminarayan and His paramhansas, who would frequently visit the town to bathe in the sacred waters of River Gondali. Gunatitanand Swami, serving as the family guru of Gondal's royal family, played a pivotal role in the spiritual upliftment of the region. During one of his discourses, while resting against a pillar, Gunatitanand Swami attained heavenly abode. In commemoration of his life and teachings, the king of Gondal constructed a beautiful shrine at the site where Gunatitanand Swami's ashes were placed in an urn. This shrine, known as Akshar Deri, soon gained prominence as a pilgrimage destination where devotees believed their prayers would be answered and their wishes fulfilled. The history of the Akshar Deri temple is intertwined with an old school that administered the surrounding area for over six decades. Inspired by a divine dream in which Gunatitanand Swami appeared, a devoted disciple named Narayan Maharaj embarked on the mission of constructing a three-tier spiral temple. Haribhai Amin generously donated the land required for the temple, which was subsequently built atop the shrine of Gunatitanand Swami. The Akshar Mandir, within the temple, houses the idol of Akshar Purshottam, and Yogiji Maharaj, a revered spiritual leader, became the temple's first mahant. The temple encompasses several important shrines, each holding its own significance. The first shrine features the revered images of Dham, Dhami, and Mukta. The second shrine depicts the Guru Parampara, representing the lineage of spiritual gurus. In the third shrine, the idols of Purushottam and Akshar take central prominence. The fourth shrine houses Sukh Shayya, while the fifth shrine showcases Ghanshyam Maharaj. The Akshar Deri temple has witnessed numerous miraculous occurrences, reinforcing the devotees' faith and devotion. For instance, during the temple's construction, Yogiji Maharaj was
Jatin Harkhani
30
Mul Akshar Murti Gunatitanand Swami concluded his mortal existence at 12.40 a.m. in 1867 (Vikram Samvat 1923 Aso sud 12) in Gondal. Next morning, Swami's mortal body was placed in a palanquin and taken to the outskirts for the crematory rites. His asthi (bone relics) were placed in a copper urn and buried in the ground. To commemorate the place of cremation, Abhaysinh Darbar of Ganod, a disciple of Gunatitanand Swami, built a beautiful shrine called Akshar Deri. Balmukund Swami and other disciples of Gunatitanand Swami consecrated the carved black stone charanarvind of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the shrine. Thousands of devotees come for darshan and pray for the fulfillment of their wishes (manta). Several years later when the charanarvind wore out, Balmukund Swami of Junagadh had another pair prepared from the sacred stone in Panchala on which Bhagwan Swaminarayan had bathed a number of times. Today, one finds the same charanarvind in Akshar Deri. History of Akshar Mandir, Gondal In 1927 (Samvat 1983) the mahant of Junagadh, Narayandas Swami, who was a disciple of Balmukunddas Swami, desired to build a one-shikhar mandir but was refused permission to do so from the Acharya and Kothari of Vartal. At that time Narayandas Swami said, "In future a sadhu will build a supreme three-shikhar mandir. Let them say no now but the three-shikhar mandir will be built and the murtis of Swami and Shriji will be installed." Shastriji Maharaj used to say that like the mandir in Shrinathji, where thal worth Rs. 700 is offered, here too, the deities will be offered thal worth more than Rs. 700. Yogiji Maharaj used to say, "This place has been sanctified by Gunatitanand Swami. By sitting and having darshan here one experiences peace. One becomes free of bad thoughts, becomes happy and one's wishes are fulfilled." Ghanshyam Maharaj The murti of Ghanshyam Maharaj was sculpted under the guidance of Shastriji Maharaj who stayed for one month in Jaipur. The murti has been made according to the size of Shriji Maharaj (64.25 tasu) and was installed by Shastriji Maharaj two years later in 1936 (Samvat 1992 Vaishakh sud 10). Dham, Dhami and Mukta The murtis of Dham (Gunatitanand Swami), Dhami (Shriji Maharaj) and Mukta (Gopalanand Swami) were also prepared by Shastriji Maharaj in Jaipur while the murti of Ghanshyam Maharaj was being made. The three murtis were installed by Shastriji Maharaj in the first shrine in Gondal. Later, an assembly hall, kitchen hall and Akshar Ghat were built by the bank of the holy river Gondali. In 1975 Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurated the Yogi Smruti Mandir, built over the site where Yogiji Maharaj was cremated. In 1979 Swamishri inaugurated the impressive red-stone gateway of Akshar Mandir. Today the glory of Akshar Deri has increased immensely. Devotees and pilgrims come in multitudes for darshan and to perform pradakshina in Akshar Deri. Many come to perform pradakshinas and offer mahapujas to seek the fulfillment of their desires, freedom from disease and peace of mind. And by virtue of the glory of Gunatitanand Swami their desires are fulfilled.
Dhaval Solanki
10
Divine, Spiritual, Peaceful Place. Visit this place atleast for one time. Darshan of temple will give goosebumps. Art work on marble is amazing. You can do pradakshina of AKSHARDERI as per mentioned schedule of authority. We should keep silence during darshan and pradakshina. This holy place fulfill wishes of all devotees. Stay facilities available for devotees. But you should strictly follow rules and regulations during your stay. Advance registration is compulsory for stay. Also you can enjoy delicious food at temple. Premvati food stall is also available here.(opposite of Akshar Dwar) Also you can enjoy Laser show at Night time @08:00 pm. Its incredible thing to watch this laser show. History :- Akshar Deri and Akshar temple located in Gondal is major pilgrimage site for Swaminarayana sampraday and specifically to BAPS organization. Gunatitanand Swami concluded his mortal existence in 1867 at Gondal. After cremation ceremony Abhaysinh Darbar, disciple of Gunatitanand Swami had built a beautiful shrine called Akshar Deri at that place. In 1927, Narayandas Swami, Mahant of Junagahd and disciple of Balmukunddas Swami desired to build shikhar baddh mandir as he commanded by Gunatitanand Swami in dream. Then Narayanji Maharaj met Maharaja Bhagvatsinhji of Gondal and requested him for the farm in which Akshar Deri was located to build a Shikhar Baddh Mandir. The Maharaja agreed to give the land for Rs. 25,000 with conditions to kept Akshar Deri as it is and three-shikhar mandir to be built at cost of ten lakh within three years. Then Narayanji Maharaj and Haribhai Amin met Shastriji at Sarangpur. In 1932, Shastriji Maharaj put up the foundation-stone and started the excavation work for the pillars of the mandir. During the excavation one silver elephant with a chariot was found, this incident showcase that shortage of resources in Akshar Deri will not happen in future. Even after financial hurdles, temple construction was completed in two years and Shastriji Mahara had arrange three-day yagna for the murti-pratishtha ceremony on 23-5-1934 and Yogiji Maharaj was appointed as the Mahant of Akshar Mandir. For years Yogiji Maharaj served the deities and the devotees here at Akshar Mandir in Gondal. This is how huge and beautiful Swaminarayan temple with Akshar deri present in the basement of the temple becomes major pilgrimage site for swaminarayana. Various facilities for ritual, Maha Puja, holy bath and accommodation for devotee are managed by temple trust.
hardik rana
30
The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Gondal is a breathtaking architectural masterpiece that seamlessly combines spirituality, art, and culture. This stunning temple, situated in the heart of Gondal, is a testament to the devotion and craftsmanship of the Swaminarayan community. Upon entering the temple complex, visitors are greeted by intricately carved marble pillars, which are a testament to the skilled artisans who crafted them. The temple's central sanctum houses the divine idols of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Guru Parampara, creating an atmosphere of profound spirituality. One cannot help but be in awe of the temple's pristine white marble facade, adorned with ornate carvings depicting various Hindu deities and motifs. The temple's architecture blends classical Indian temple design with modern construction techniques, resulting in a structure that is both timeless and awe-inspiring. The temple also boasts beautifully landscaped gardens and serene water features that provide a peaceful environment for meditation and reflection. The entire complex exudes a sense of tranquility and devotion that is truly captivating. Whether you are a devotee seeking spiritual solace or a traveler interested in exploring India's rich cultural heritage, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Gondal is a must-visit destination. It is not only a place of worship but also a testament to human creativity and faith, leaving a lasting impression on all who have the privilege of visiting.
Tirth Thakar
20
BAPS temples always lives up to standards , the management level is just awesome. The place provides inner peace ☮️ even to atheist. The place is one of the cleanest temple I have visited. They provides all kind of facilities from Rooms to lunch (prasad) etc. A little BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhasa, was opened to public in the year 2014. History states that Lord Swaminarayan (as Nilkanth Varni) had passed through this land to visit Ganga Sagar (Sagar Island) in the Bay of Bengal. The mandir was envisioned by HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the then Spiritual Guru of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Also with its temples, the organisation BAPS publicized its good works. In the pandemic, the group has donated masks to hospitals in Los Angeles and has flown oxygen to India, which has been recently engulfed in various other activities. Also there is a rule for men and women, it is complicated so here it is. The main shrine area is divided by railings. One side of the railing is reserved for women, as Swaminarayan propagated that men and women should be separated in temples to allow full concentration on god. Men do a specified number of prostrations (as decided by themselves). In front of the men's section, there is a small section reserved for ascetics and special guests. There is great variety in form and nature of the central images, in front of which are gold- or silver-plated doors that open during darshan
Pranjal Goyal
00
Beautiful Mandir, a very divine place. This Mandir is where the Akshar Deri is, which is a very powerful and special shrine in the Swaminarayan Sampraday, any prayers done here have special effect. Ensure you go and see the Yogi Smruti Mandir, whereby you can see the various prasadi vastu (artefacts). There is also the Gondali river, where there is an indoor ghat available for performing religious rites and rituals like asthi visarjan. The utara accommodation is amazing, very clean, in good condition, and well organised, ensure to book beforehand either from your local BAPS Mandir, or by phoning Gondal Mandir themselves. Free meals are provided to all 3 times a day, and for those staying in the utara accommodation, there is a special dining area overlooking the Gondali river. At around 7pm there is a lightshow on the Gondal Akshar Mandir itself; this is by far one of a kind and is most definitely unique. Every morning starting at around 5:30am there is a Mahapuja conducted at the Akshar Deri; the Mahapuja conducted here is especially powerful and bears a lot of fruits, anyone can sit in the Mahapuja, but for being yajman, you will most likely need to book in advance at the donation office, otherwise it is free for all to sit in and take part in the Mahapuja.
Vandan
00
Nearby Attractions Of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Akshar Deri Gondal
Swaminarayan Mandir Gondal
Yogi Smruti Mandir

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Yogi Smruti Mandir
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Nearby Restaurants Of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Akshar Deri Gondal
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SPOT ON 63603 Hotel Raj Khodal & Guest House
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MURLIDHAR RESTAURANT

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Basic Info
Address
Yogi Nagar, Gondal, Gujarat 360311, India
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Phone
+91 99989 93300
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Website
baps.org
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Reviews
Overview
4.8
(5.1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
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attractions: Swaminarayan Mandir Gondal, Yogi Smruti Mandir, restaurants: Thakar Thal Gondal, Sholay Panipuri, SPOT ON 63603 Hotel Raj Khodal & Guest House, Raiyaraj Khaman, Darbar Bhajiyavada, Premvati, Thakar Fastfood & Restaurant, Aarti Ghughra, Gopal Farshan & Icecream parlour, MURLIDHAR RESTAURANT
