An epitome of Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture, Akshardham Temple is a famous Hindu temple and a spiritual-cultural complex. Also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, it is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan.
Akshardham has made its way to the Guinness Book of World Records as the World's Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple.
The Akshardham Temple is known for its stunning architecture. It has eight ostentatiously carved mandapams while timeless Hindu teachings and...
...flamboyant devotional traditions find their place on the temple's walls. The centrepiece, i.e. Lord Swaminarayan's Murti along with that of 20,000 deities, significant personalities in Indian history and sages showcase the essence of Indian architecture, traditions...
...and timeless spiritual thoughts
Akshardham complex is home to India's largest step well which is a host to the mesmerising water show; an open garden, Narayan Sarovar, various expeditions, and rituals. The complex is not less than a paradise for spiritual seekers.
The temple opened on 6th November 2005 is constructed by BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha). The main attraction of the complex, i.e. the Akshardham Mandir stands as high as 141 foot, stretches as wide as 316 foot and extends as long as 356 foot.
The walls and roofs carved with the images of different deities, musicians, dances, flora, and fauna are a work of great architecture. Every detailing here speaks highly of Indian cultural aspects.
A blend of several ancient styles of Indian architecture has been used to build the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir. The principles of Maharishi Vastu Architecture are followed carefully in its construction.
The builders of this beautiful temple have abided by the norms Shilpa Shastras and hence have made no use of steel and concrete to maximise the lifespan of this great architectural piece. Akshardham is entirely a temple built of Rajasthani pink sandstone & Italian Carrara marble.
It has nine domes with 20,000 murtis of different deities, acharyas, and sadhus
Garbhagruh
Under the temple's central dome is the 11-foot high statue of Swaminarayan seated in Abhayamudra. Surrounding him are the figures of the divine succession of Gurus.
As manifestations of Aksharbrahma, the gurus are God's eternal servants, symbolising devotion and saintliness. Garbhagruh behind itself offers the items sanctified by Lord Swaminarayan during his premises on Earth for direct darshan.
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🌺।।The Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam Stotram traces its origin back to the period of Mahabharata।।🌺
A Thread 🧵
The Śrī Viṣṇu Sahasranāma Stotram (meaning “the Thousand Names of Bhagwan Sri Vishnu”) originates from one of the most sacred and ancient Hindu scriptures — the Mahābhārata, specifically from the Anuśāsana Parva (Book 13), Chapter 149.
🌺।।Context in the Mahābhārata।।🌺
After the great Kurukṣetra war, Bhīṣma Pitāmaha lay on a bed of arrows, awaiting his death. During this time, Yudhiṣṭhira, burdened with sorrow and doubt about his duties as king, approached Bhīṣma to seek divine wisdom on dharma (righteousness), mokṣa (liberation), and the path to peace.
Bhīṣma, full of devotion and divine knowledge, answered Yudhiṣṭhira’s many questions about dharma, yoga, karma, and devotion.
When Yudhiṣṭhira asked:
“By chanting or remembering whose name can man overcome all sorrows and attain peace and success?”
🌺।।The Meenakshi Amman Temple, also known as the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, is one of the most magnificent and spiritually significant temples in India।।🌺
Let's explore the Story of this Temple in this Thread 🧵
It is located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, and is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (a form of Parvati) and her consort Sri Sundareswarar (a form of Shiva).
A Paadal Petra Sthalam where Shiva took the form of Sundareswarar (the handsome one) and married Devi Parvati (Meenakshi). Devi is also known by the name Angayarkanni (mother with the beautiful fish eyes).
Devi Meenakshi emerged from yagna fire as a 3 year old girl when Pandyan King Malayadwaja and Kanchanamalai were praying for a child. It is said that Devi was born with three breasts and there was a prophecy that her superfluous breast would melt away when she met her husband.
🌺।।Kshetrapal Devtas (क्षेत्रपाल देवता) and the Legend behind Panjurli and Guliga Daivas।।🌺
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In Hindu tradition, Kshetrapal literally means “Guardian of the Region” (Kshetra = region/area; Pal = protector). These divine beings are considered protectors of specific places — villages, temples, forests, mountains, or directions — ensuring safety, purity, and balance in that domain.
Here’s a detailed overview 👇
🌺।।Meaning and Role of Kshetrapala।।🌺
Kshetrapal Devtas are guardian deities assigned to protect a particular kshetra (area).
They maintain spiritual order, ward off evil forces, and ensure prosperity in their region.
Every sacred space — especially temples and pilgrimage spots — has a Kshetrapal who oversees and guards it.
🌺।।Panjurli and Guliga।।🌺
Panjurli and Guliga are among the most powerful and revered Daivas (divine spirits) in the Tulu Nadu region of coastal Karnataka (mainly Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Kasaragod).
They are worshipped in the Bhuta Kola tradition — a unique and ancient spiritual system where divine spirits (Bhutas or Daivas) act as guardians, protectors, and justice-givers for the land and its people.
🌺।।Since Bhagwan Sri Krishna is the 9th Avatar in the 10 incarnations of Sri Vishnu, here are 9 interesting facts about our beloved Bhagwan Sri Krishna।।🌺
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1. Sri Krishna was dark and not blue in complexion
Sri Krishna’s colour has been described as blue primarily in many historical writings but it comes to be known that he was not actually blue. He had a darker complexion. He was also very good looking and a natural charmer. Many kathak dancers and writers call him Shyam meaning one of a darker complexion backing up the fact.
2. Sri Krishna had once advised people to worship Govardhan mountain
It was a usual day for the residents of Vrindavan. They were on their way to worship Dev Indra for the rain. Krishna stopped them midway and explained to them the importance of mother nature and the Govardhan mountain. He asked them to worship the mountain and nature instead of Indra Dev. This called for Indra’s rage over Vrindavan and led to the flooding of the entire town. Sri Krishna then picked up the mountain on his smallest finger and saved his fellow villagers. Yet another presentation of his divine self.
3. Draupadi & Krishna shared an unbreakable bond
Through the chapters of Mahabharata, it is very evident that Sri Krishna and Draupadi shared a very special bond. Their bond was one of its kind. Krishna addressed Draupadi as his Sakhi and Draupadi addressed Krishna as his Sakha. He was always there to guide her and be her biggest support system.
🌺।।Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva located at Srikalahasthi Town in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India।।🌺
Let's explore some interesting facts about this famous temple.
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This temple is located on the banks of River Swarnamukhi, adjoining a hill in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.
🌺।।Some amazing facts about Sri Kalahasti Temple।।🌺
1. Srikalahasthi is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalam, represents the Vayu Sthalam the others being manifest at Arunachala (Agni-Linga), Kanchi (Prithvi-Linga), Chidambaram (Akasha-Linga) and Thiruvanaikaval (Jala-Linga). The temple is also regarded as Rahu-Ketu Kshetra and Dakshina Kasi.
2. Vayu is incarnated as Shiva and worshipped as Kalahasteeswara. Goddess Parvathi Devi is worshiped here as Gnanaparasunambika.
3. It is one of the most famous Shiva temples in South India, and is said to be the site where Kannappa, one of the 63 Saivite Nayanmars, offered both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the Siva Linga before Bhagwan Shiva stopped him and granted him Mukthi.