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India Gazette
23-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Divine darshan...": All-party delegation led by Shrikant Shinde visits BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi [UAE], May 23 (ANI): The high-level all-party delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde visited the BAPS Hindu temple near the Abu Mureikha area in Abu Dhabi on Friday. After their visit, Shrikant Shinde described it as a 'divine' experience, calling it a 'reflection of (Aastha) faith and (Asmita) identity' in Abu Dhabi. The all-party delegation comprises MPs Bansuri Swaraj, ET Mohmd Basheer, Atul Garg, Sasmit Patra, Manan Kumar Mishra, BJP leader Surendrajeet Singh Ahluwalia, and former Ambassador Sujan Chinoy. The MPs could be seen clicking pictures in the temple premises and watching audio and visual displays. The temple has been built with intricate carvings and designs. Speaking to ANI after the temple visit, Shrikant Shinde said, 'The only word that truly captures the experience is divine. Witnessing its grandeur in the heart of the Abu Dhabi desert fills me with deep respect for all those who contributed to making this temple.' 'I sincerely thank the BAPS organisation for their tireless efforts in bringing such magnificent temples to life. Today, we witness a reflection of (Aastha) faith and (Asmita) identity in Abu Dhabi. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the late Sushma Swaraj ji for their pivotal roles in making this vision possible,' said Shinde. The mandir symbolises interfaith harmony, representing the UAE's and India's good relations to foster understanding, acceptance, and unity among people of different religious backgrounds. The mandir carvings incorporate stories from the Ramayana, Shiva Purana, Bhagavatam, Mahabharata, and the lives of Hindu figures, as well as stories from Arabian, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Native American, and other civilisations. Earlier in the day, the delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde participated in an interaction event with the Indian community in the UAE, where the members shared the 'New India' and the 'new normal' which has emerged after the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor launched in response. During the interaction event, BJD MP Sasmit Patra shared that Operation Sindoor highlighted India's response towards terrorism. He said, 'We will ensure more than 100 terrorists die for what you're doing. This is the new India.' Earlier in the day, the delegation met Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Co-Existence. Al Nahyan conveyed his deep condolences for the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The delegation highlighted the perpetration of cross-border terrorism and Pakistan's efforts to cause social disharmony in India. The all-party delegation projects India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will convey to the world the country's strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism. India had launched Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. India launched precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian Armed Forces responded effectively to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. The two countries have reached an understanding to stop military action following a call made by Pakistan's DGMO to his Indian counterpart. (ANI)
News18
22-04-2025
- General
- News18
Rooted In Sanatan Dharma, How Swaminarayan Akshardham Temples Are Bridging Modernity With Timeless Tradition
Last Updated: The Swaminarayan temples are widely recognised for seamlessly blending religious depth with modern sensibilities, while remaining rooted in Indian culture, traditions, and sculpture As US Vice-President JD Vance admired the intricate carvings on the stunning Gajendra Peeth—the lower plinth of elephants that forms the pradakshina at the base of the magnificent Swaminarayan Akshardham temple—temple officials explained to him that the structure symbolised strength and wisdom. It is this very architectural grandeur that continues to captivate visitors. The Swaminarayan temples are widely recognised for seamlessly blending religious depth with modern sensibilities, while remaining rooted in Indian culture, traditions, and sculpture. 'These mandirs provide an environment where people—young and old—feel rooted in tradition, uplifted in spirit, and engaged in the community across the world," said Pujya Swami Brahmavihari Das, internal spokesperson and senior sadhu at BAPS. 'The stone temples are purely traditional as per the ancient shilpa shastras, however, the facilities are modern to serve the need of today," he said. As part of their four-day visit to India, Vance, along with his Indian-origin wife Usha and their three children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—made their first stop at the sprawling Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple located along the banks of the Yamuna. According to Akshardham officials, the Vance family explored the temple's majestic art and architecture, immersing themselves in India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. They appreciated the messages of harmony, family values, and timeless wisdom that the Akshardham campus represents. Explaining the significance of the Swaminarayan temples, Swami Brahmavihari Das said the architecture tells stories from the scriptures, showcases saints and sages, and embodies sacred geometry. Though crafted in stone, these structures are designed to shape the spirit. The rituals, he explained, are rooted in the Vedas but carefully adapted for modern times—made accessible, clear, and meaningful for everyone. It is this blend of ancient tradition and thoughtful accessibility that, makes the mandirs widely cherished today. Swami Brahmavihari Das spoke of how the Swaminarayan temples that are present globally, from London to Los Angeles, Paris to Toronto, Sydney to Johannesburg and now in Abu Dhabi, have been welcomed wholeheartedly by the people of those nations. 'We genuinely serve the needs of the local people through universal Sanatan values like love, peace, tolerance and service. This growth is natural, born out of need, not expansionism and it is not about influence, but about inclusion—inviting people into a way of life that is meaningful, moral, and fulfilling with devotion. That's how we've built global relevance without losing local resonance," said Swami Brahmavihari Das. The Swaminarayan sect has set a new benchmark in temple architecture, notably with their iconic Shikhar Dhwaj temples, which feature towering spires or Shikhar Dhwajs. According to Bhavya Tripathi, a religious commentator, 'These temples are very large and are known as Shikhar Dhwaj temples. This style was historically adopted by Indian kings to build grand temples like the Jyotirlingas. The Swaminarayan sect drew from both Hindu and Jain traditions to create this form." Today, the Swaminarayan temple holds a unique and significant place in Indian culture and the temple-building movement, explains Tripathi. 'In 1900, when Shastriji Maharaj took the lead to establish BAPS in Bochasan and later constructed some temples, it laid the foundation for what became a global temple-building movement," Tripathi said. 'Then Yogiji Maharaj, and later Pramukh Swami, carried this forward and established more than 1,300 temples across the world," he said. In the early days, the Swaminarayan temples were not as massive. 'But as Gurus began travelling—first to Africa, then to Europe and America—they recognised the need to communicate on a larger scale," said Tripathi. The goal was to create spaces where 'God resides and the community gathers", as the growing Indian diaspora needed larger temples to cater to their spiritual needs. Today, more than 40 of these Shikhar Dhwaj temples exist across the globe, with the Akshardham Temple in Delhi standing as the most iconic example. Tripathi explains, 'These temples incorporate Indian motifs like camels, elephants, flowers, peacocks, petals, and symbolic trees like the Banyan. This reflects the aesthetic of Vedic temples, which are both grand and deeply symbolic." Authenticity in construction is paramount. 'They mostly use granite and brown stone," he adds. 'Cement is avoided. Instead, they use a mix of limestone and other traditional binding agents—just like in ancient Indian temples." This architectural vision has not only maintained its roots in tradition but has become a symbol of Indian culture globally. The Akshardham temple in Delhi, built on land provided by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is an enduring representation of this architectural grandeur. More recently, the Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi has also gained international attention. 'There was already a temple in Dubai since the 1950s," said Tripathi. 'The UAE wanted a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, and that's how the Swaminarayan temple came up there." Despite being just over a century old, the Swaminarayan sect has consistently reflected Indian religious and cultural values. According to Tripathi, 'They achieve this through their temple design, the presence of Sanyasis, and their rituals." The sect's architectural achievements serve as a testament to how tradition and modernity can seamlessly coexist. The Sanyasis wear Gerua Vastra—saffron robes—and symbolise a modern expression of deeply traditional Hindu values. 'They adhere to the core principles of Sanyasa: not touching Lakshmi (money), and not speaking to women," he added. 'They represent the essence of Sanyasa," Tripathi said. 'Their global travels and engagement as a Hindu sect are rooted in core Indian values. They also continue the Guru-Shishya parampara, which is central to Hindu tradition." Inaugurated in 2005, the grand temple dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan has become a landmark for visitors to the Capital. Revered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Swaminarayan founded the Swaminarayan faith and revived Hindu ideals in 18th century India. He introduced a spiritual path and a structured code of conduct, as detailed by the BAPS Swaminarayan organisation. During their India visit last year, former British prime minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty also visited the Akshardham temple, highlighting its global significance as a spiritual and cultural icon. top videos View all Speaking to News18 about Vance's visit, Gnanmunidas Swami, head of Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, said: 'The visit of the vice-president and his family is a reflection of how these universal ideals resonate across cultures and nations. The visit symbolises the shared values of faith, peace, and unity that continue to strengthen ties between India and the United States." 'Swaminarayan Akshardham stands as a living expression of India's timeless values—faith, family, and harmony—brought to life through art and architecture. In a world searching for deeper meaning, Akshardham offers a space where tradition meets the spirit of modernity." News18 India delivers breaking news, top headlines, and live updates on politics, weather, elections, law and crime, much more. Stay informed with real-time coverage and in-depth analysis of current events across India. tags : abu dhabi baps Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) JD Vance Lord Vishnu Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: April 22, 2025, 09:26 IST News india Rooted In Sanatan Dharma, How Swaminarayan Akshardham Temples Are Bridging Modernity With Timeless Tradition
News18
22-04-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Temples Crafted In Stone, But They Sculpt The Soul': How Swaminarayan Temples Inspire Dharma
Last Updated: With the spotlight on US President JD Vance's visit to Akshardham, BAPS international spokesperson Swami Brahmavihari Das explains how the opulent architecture of Swaminarayan temples is one of the main reasons they are spread across the world The visit of US Vice-President JD Vance has again put the spotlight on the Akshardham temple. One of the major reasons for the Swaminarayan temples to spread across the world is its opulent architecture. More importantly, as BAPS international spokesperson Swami Brahmavihari Das told News18, the 'architecture tells stories from the scriptures, depicts saints and sages, and radiates sacred geometry". 'These temples are crafted in stone, but they sculpt the soul," he said. How have the Swaminarayan temples set a new standard and how are they built to encourage people to continue their dharma? Bhagwan Swaminarayan built five mandirs in his own lifetime and, from then on, the Swaminarayan Sampraday built mandirs as sanctuaries of spirit and service. They inspire dharma not only through rituals but value-based living and humanitarian service. Every detail, from intricate carvings to the warm welcome of volunteers, is designed to ignite a sense of belonging and devotion. These mandirs provide an environment where people – young and old – feel rooted in tradition, uplifted in spirit, and engaged in the community across the world. The stone temples are purely traditional as per ancient shilpa shastras; however, the facilities are modern to serve the needs of today. How do you view the visit of US Vice-President JD Vance and his family to the temple? It was a moment of mutual respect and heartfelt warmth. Vice President JD Vance arrived with his family after visiting the Vatican for Easter and joined us not only as a statesman, but as a spiritually active father alongside his family. He was delighted and his children were excited as they experienced a glimpse of India's timeless values – of peace, prayer, and pluralism. And for us, it was an opportunity to honour the spirit of friendship between cultures, faiths, and nations. When leaders of nations talk about more than just trade, technology, policies and politics, and they take time out to understand and exchange cultural and spiritual values, it is truly heartwarming and hope-building. How has the Swaminarayan sect managed to expand its influence globally while retaining its traditional roots? The BAPS fellowship, through the inspiration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and now Mahant Swami Maharaj, has remained rooted in seva, sanskar, and spirituality. Our mandirs are found across the world – from London to Los Angeles, Paris to Toronto, Sydney to Johannesburg and now in Abu Dhabi. In each of these places, they are welcomed by people in their nations and communities because we genuinely serve the needs of the local residents through universal Sanatan values like love, peace, tolerance, and service. This growth is natural, born out of need, not expansionism and it is not about influence, but about inclusion – inviting people into a way of life that is meaningful, moral, and fulfilling with devotion. That's how we've built global relevance without losing local resonance. What sets the Swaminarayan temples apart in terms of architecture and rituals? We do not make an effort to stand apart – we feel it is an extension of a rich and relevant tradition of Sanatan Dharma. Our architecture tells stories from the scriptures, depicts saints and sages, and radiates sacred geometry. These temples are crafted in stone, but they sculpt the soul. And our rituals, though rooted in the Vedas, are fine-tuned for today – made accessible and understandable to all – performed with devotion, clarity, and purpose. It is this fusion of timeless tradition and compassionate accessibility that makes our mandirs beloved by all in today's times. Why is Akshardham in Delhi, and now the beautiful temple in Abu Dhabi, considered a symbol of the Swaminarayan sect's power and reach? I would humbly say they are not symbols of power, but of prayer. These mandirs represent the reach of love and bhakti and continued relevance of faith in the modern context. Akshardham Delhi stands as a cultural lighthouse in our nation's capital. The Abu Dhabi mandir, built with the grace of Bhagwan and the vision of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, is a bridge between civilisations. Both inspire awe, yes, but more importantly, they inspire harmony. In what ways does the Swaminarayan sect engage with modernity – technology, politics, global diaspora – without compromising on its core values? Following the principles of Sanatan Dharma – we do not see things in the world through the lenses of friends and foes or opportunities and threats. We see the whole world as the work and will of the divine and the events of the world as God's will. This allows us to engage with technological advances, societal changes, and people across the world constructively to further the universal values and increase the happiness that we all desire and cherish. Clarity and commitment to purity of vision and values will never allow modern tools and technology to hijack the heart of humanity. Why are Swaminarayan temples often built on such a grand scale, and what message does that grandeur aim to send? Not all Swaminarayan mandirs are grand, some are small and simple. They are built as per the need and resources available. All in all, mandirs are the home of the most glorious form of the almighty and so they express gratitude to God, reverence for tradition, and a desire to offer the best to the divine. In a world where people rightfully build glorious skyscrapers, museums, stadiums, iconic landmarks for commerce, comfort, and knowledge we build sanctuaries for the soul, abodes of art, culture and spirituality that inspire one and all for generations to come. How do the daily rituals and routines at a Swaminarayan temple differ from those at mainstream Hindu temples? Swaminarayan mandirs like all Hindu temples follow devotional rituals and ceremonies. Every murti is worshipped with devotion and personally cared for as a living deity – adorned every day with garlands and shringar, worshipped by aarti and served with bhog. As you witnessed, our mandirs are open to all people – regardless of caste, creed, or class, from all faiths or backgrounds and the rituals and routines, too, are experienced and respected by all. How is technology used in Swaminarayan temples to manage crowds, conduct rituals, and create immersive spiritual experiences? Technology is our invisible sevak. From crowd management to food preparation – all aspects of a mandir's operations are open to using the latest developments to make a better and safer experience for visitors. But, most importantly, we use it with sanskar. It enhances darshan, not replaces it. At BAPS, technology serves devotion – it doesn't distract from it. It makes spirituality scalable and sacredness seamless. That's the power of combining science with sanskriti. Hence, while the mandir has sacred places for meditation and contemplation where space is available, we create exhibitions and spiritual shows that help transmit values and inspirations. Lastly, in light of the recent announcements, I would also like to share our condolences with Vice-President JD Vance and all those of Catholic faith in India and around the world for the loss of His Holiness Pope Francis. His simplicity, faith and inclusivity were inspirational to many across the world. I personally was present when he signed the Human Fraternity Document on February 4, 2019, in Abu Dhabi. News18 India delivers breaking news, top headlines, and live updates on politics, weather, elections, law and crime, much more. Stay informed with real-time coverage and in-depth analysis of current events across India. tags : Akshardham baps JD Vance Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: April 22, 2025, 07:00 IST News india 'Temples Crafted In Stone, But They Sculpt The Soul': How Swaminarayan Temples Inspire Dharma | Exclusive
News18
21-04-2025
- Politics
- News18
US Vice President JD Vance At Akshardham: A Look At The Monument's Spiritual And Architectural Journey
JD Vance's children were seen dressed in traditional Indian attire during the Akshardham Temple visit in New Delhi. On Monday, April 21, United States Vice President JD Vance began his four-day official visit to India by visiting the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi. Accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, and their three children, the family headed to the temple soon after landing at Palam Technical Airport. They were received by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and given a ceremonial Guard of Honour, as per officials. Vance's children were seen dressed in traditional Indian attire during the Akshardham Temple visit. Temple spokesperson Radhika Shukla said, 'The whole family was here for around 55 minutes. Their experience of 1 hour inside was unforgettable. After the welcome, they started with the Charanarvind of Lord Swaminarayan. Moving ahead, they visited Bharat Upvan. They liked the garden very much. Going further, they visited Gajendra Peeth. They were very overwhelmed by the carvings. Then they went upstairs and after having a darshan of the idol of Lord Swaminarayan in the sanctum sanctorum, they prayed for world peace." The U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance & their children visited Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi—their first stop in India—experiencing its majestic art, architecture & timeless values of faith, family & harmony. #USIndiaRelations #BAPS #Akshardham — Swaminarayan Akshardham – New Delhi (@DelhiAkshardham) April 21, 2025 Here's a closer look at the temple's origin, construction, and journey to becoming one of modern India's most iconic religious sites. The Delhi Akshardham Temple was envisioned by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). The idea was to create a timeless space of worship and learning that would showcase India's spiritual heritage and values. According to BAPS, the temple's inspiration came from Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781–1830), a 19th-century saint and social reformer who is venerated by millions of followers. Plans for the Delhi complex began in the 1990s. After discussions with the Government of India and the Delhi Development Authority, land was allotted in East Delhi, on the banks of the Yamuna River. The Construction Journey Construction began in 2000, and the temple was completed in just five years with the help of over 8,000 volunteers and artisans. The project was managed and funded by the BAPS trust, which oversaw every detail from design to execution. The temple was formally inaugurated on November 6, 2005, by the then President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. It has since become a major spiritual and tourist destination, attracting dignitaries and visitors from across the world. Architectural Style The Akshardham mandir was built entirely using traditional Vedic architectural principles, without steel or concrete in its main structure. Materials include pink sandstone from Rajasthan and white marble from Carrara, Italy. The central shrine stands 141 feet tall, stretches 316 feet wide, and runs 356 feet long. It features over 20,000 carvings of Hindu deities, saints, animals, and motifs from scripture. Its design draws heavily from ancient Indian temple architecture, including elements found in Odisha, Gujarat, and Rajasthani styles. What the Complex Includes The temple is part of a larger cultural and spiritual complex, which includes: Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of Values): Animatronic and audio-visual exhibits based on Bhagwan Swaminarayan's life and teachings. Neelkanth Darshan: A giant-screen film on the teenage spiritual journey of Swaminarayan across India. Sanskruti Darshan (Boat Ride): A 12-minute indoor ride showcasing 10,000 years of Indian civilisation and contributions to science, art, and philosophy. Yagnapurush Kund: The world's largest stepwell-style musical fountain used for a light and sound show every evening. Global Recognition In 2007, the temple was recognised by Guinness World Records as the World's Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple. Its swift construction, intricacy, and scale have drawn praise from scholars, tourists, and spiritual leaders alike. Why It Matters Akshardham is not only a centre of worship for followers of Swaminarayan but also a place where Indian heritage is presented in a format accessible to global audiences. The inclusion of exhibitions, guided tours, and interactive displays makes it a rare blend of tradition and technology. Vice President JD Vance's visit to Akshardham is symbolic in this context, reflecting a growing global interest in India's cultural soft power and the enduring relevance of its spiritual traditions. tags : Akshardham Temple JD Vance First Published:
News18
21-04-2025
- General
- News18
JD Vance In India: How BAPS Is Setting The Standard For Modern-Day Architecture With Akshardham Temples
By blending ancient traditions with innovative techniques, BAPS has made significant contributions to modern-day temple architecture and contemporary temple design United States Vice-President JD Vance kick-started his four-day India sojourn with a visit to New Delhi's Akshardham Temple, which is managed and operated by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a prominent Hindu socio-spiritual organisation. Inaugurated on November 6, 2005, under the guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the then spiritual leader of BAPS, the temple complex is a repository of India's rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. It features the central deity of Swaminarayan, along with representations of Sita-Rama, Radha-Krishna, Shiva-Parvati, and Lakshmi-Narayana. As Vance's visit brings the capital's popular attraction in focus again, News18 takes a look at BAPS, its history, accomplishments and contribution to modern-day temple architecture. TRACING THE ORIGINS BAPS was established in 1907 by Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj and is dedicated to the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The organisation is renowned for its commitment to spiritual, cultural, and humanitarian activities worldwide. According to its website, BAPS was founded on the pillars of practical spirituality and reaches out far and wide to address the spiritual, moral and social challenges and issues we face. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha strives to better society through individual development by instilling values, promoting spirituality, cultivating skills, and nurturing growth. The organisation's universal work through a worldwide network of over 5,025 centers has been recognised through many national and international awards and affiliation with the United Nations. After over 100 years of growth, the organisation has 5,025 centers, 55,000 volunteers, and over one million followers around the world. WHAT DOES BAPS DO? The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha advocates a life based on spiritual progression. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and its sister organisation, BAPS Charities, work together to help those in need across the globe. Some instances include recycling seven million aluminum cans, freeing 700,000 individuals from addiction and substance abuse in just 15 days, planting 10 million trees and providing free medical treatment to 2.5 million tribal community members. Apart from this, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha honours the rich culture and heritage of India through various initiatives such as mega cultural festivals, mandirs, and cultural complexes. It organises India tours for youths living abroad to rediscover Indian heritage and imparts lessons on ethnic cuisine, language, and the performing arts for people to connect with their cultural identity. The organisation also runs schools that provide quality education with a focus on character building, moral values, and spiritual growth. A GRANDEUR LIKE NONE By blending ancient traditions with innovative techniques, BAPS has made significant contributions to modern-day temple architecture and contemporary temple design. BAPS temples, particularly those like the Akshardham Temple in Delhi and the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, feature intricate carvings, sculptural work, and traditional domes, reflecting ancient Vastu Shastra principles. One of the most striking features of BAPS temples is their detailed stone and marble carvings, which are hand-carved by artisans following traditional methods and architectural precision. While the temples may be an ode to traditional aesthetics, they are new-age in incorporating cutting-edge construction techniques and materials. For instance, in Delhi's Akshardham Temple, the central monument is constructed using sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, which are both durable and visually stunning. The temple's central Yagnapurush Kund (the world's largest stepwell) was built using modern hydraulic engineering techniques. Keeping in mind the need to be environmentally conscious, many newer BAPS temples also incorporate eco-friendly practices. The Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, for instance, utilises natural resources like solar energy and rainwater-harvesting systems to reduce its environmental impact. The stunning landscaping around BAPS temples is also in harmony with nature, featuring lush gardens, water bodies, and indigenous plants. The temple designs often incorporate large open spaces and glass windows that allow natural light to flow in, symbolising the divine light and enlightenment. BAPS temples go beyond serving as community spaces for worship; they also double up as cultural centers. Delhi's Akshardham Temple, for instance, includes not just the central sanctum but also exhibition halls, an IMAX theater, and a boat ride that narrates the story of India's ancient culture by combining modern technology with storytelling. Accessibility for all also reigns supreme in the construction of the temples with ramps, elevators and spacious hallways. BAPS has built temples around the world, and each one is designed to suit the specific needs of its local community while preserving core architectural principles. By seamlessly blending ancient traditional designs with contemporary engineering techniques, sustainability practices, and cutting-edge technology, BAPS has been able to create temples that are not only beautiful and functional but also serve as cultural, educational, and spiritual centers. First Published:
