The Vice President of India, Shri Mohammed Hamid Ansari, visited Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi to experience India’s ageless beauty, borderless culture and timeless values.
On behalf of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj - the inspirer & creator of Swaminarayan Akshardham and Spiritual Head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha - Sadhu Atmaswarupdas traditionally welcomed the Honorable Vice President of India with a garland of flowers, chandlo (vermillion powder) and the tying of the sacred kalva (sacred thread).
After admiring the Mayur Dwar (Peacock Gate), Vice President Ansari made his way to the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir where they witnessed the world’s ‘Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple’.
After offering respects and viewing the mandir’s architecture, Vice President Ansari visited the Gajendra Pithika (Elephant Plinth) that includes 148 life-sized carved stone elephants depicting message of social harmony, peace and spirituality.
Vice President Ansari offered prayers for world peace and harmony by offering ‘abhishek’, the ceremonial pouring of sanctified water from 151 holy rivers, lakes and ponds across India on the sacred image of Sri Neelkanth Varni.
Sharing his experience at Akshardham, Shri M. Hamid Ansari wrote, “An architectural marvel reflective of devotional intensity! I thank you for giving the chance to come here and learn the basics of commitment of the devotees.”