21-04-2025
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.
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