Inauguration of Nilkanth Abhishek Mandap

On 14 December 2015, the Nilkanth Abhishek Mandap was inaugurated with Vedic rituals at Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar. The murti of Shri Nilkanth Varni was consecrated earlier by Pramukh Swami Maharaj during his visit to Gandhinagar on 4 August 2014.

Mahapuja rituals were performed at 6.30 a.m. on the open grounds of Akshardham complex and simultaneously in the new Abhishek Mandap. Pujya Keshavjivan Swami (Pujya Mahant Swami), Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami (Pujya Kothari Swami), Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami, Pujya Anandswarup Swami and many yajmans performed the mahapuja rituals.

The exquisitely designed Abhishek Mandap was prepared through the intense effort and devotion of sadhus. All devotees present admired the mesmerizing paintings and murtis of Nilkanth Varni, the ornate ceiling and decorative marble floor.

The final installation ritual of Shri Nilkanth Varni was performed by Pujya Mahant Swami, followed by abhishek rituals performed by senior sadhus. The senior sadhus then addressed and blessed the devotees in an assembly. In conclusion, Pujya Mahant Swami reiterated Swamishri’s words, “Who ever faithfully performs the abhishek of this murti of God will fulfil his or her good wishes.”

Shortly thereafter, another milestone event followed. The senior sadhus inaugurated the exhibition, ‘Swaminarayan Darshan’, on the first floor of the main Akshardham mandir. The exhibition includes unique paintings depicting the life and work of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The exhibition was inaugurated with Vedic rites by Pujya Mahant Swami, Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami and the artist Shri Vasudeo Kamath. On the occasion, Shri Vasudeo Kamath opined, “An exhibition of such calibre about a great person’s life is probably a rare occurrence in our world today. I was able to paint such paintings by the grace of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.”