garbhagruh_intro

In the central sanctum, the ‘Garbhagruh’, one has darshan of the murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830 CE), to whom the Akshardham mandir is dedicated. He is accompanied in the central shrine by the succession of divine gurus of the fellowship, each depicted in a posture of service and devotion. The spiritual succession includes Gunatitanand Swami, Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Surrounding the garbhagruh are special shrines for the great avatar-and-devotee pairs: Shri Sita-Ram, Shri Radha-Krishna, Shri Lakshmi-Narayan, and Shri Shiv-Parvati. As a vibrant, active mandir, Akshardham is truly home to these deities, and devotees offer prayers on a regular basis as per traditional practice. Visitors are welcome to join in the arti rituals at 10:00am and 6:00pm.