Swaminarayan Temple
The
Swaminarayan Temple was built in 1822, and is the first temple of the
Swaminarayan sect to have been built. The land was given by the British
government to do so, and Lord Swaminarayan himself entrusted the responsibility
for the construction of the temple to Ananandanand Swami.
The
temple is carved in Burmese teak, and every arch and bracket is painted with
bright colors, a defining characteristic of Swaminarayan temples everywhere.
There are several idols installed by Swaminarayan himself, as well as a display
of some of his personal items and sculptures. In the adjoining haveli, there
are quarters for pilgrims of the sect, a special section for women, and an area
where ceremonies and teaching sessions are held for women only.
Located
near Kalupur in the eastern part of the old city, the Swaminarayan Temple is a
splash of color in the midst of the city’s grey and is also the starting point
for the Heritage Walk through the pols of the old city.
0 comments:
Post a Comment