He is Akshar, the highest Abode. Through him, a seeker can rise to the level of Aksharbrahman and serve Me eternally.This was how Lord Swaminarayan described Gunatitanand Swami, his spiritual successor. Three centuries later, the sect, among the richest in the world with a large following among Gujarati NRIs, is more than a million strong. Still growing, the sect’s magnetic core is Akshardham, the sandstone temple-monument in the heart of Gandhinagar targeted by terrorists today.For some years now — especially after BJP came to power in Gujarat — people have noticed the growing bond between Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), which designed and built Akshardham, and BJP.Sadhus and followers have graced BJP gatherings; the party’s leaders have made it a point to attend the organisation’s functions. In fact, when CM Narendra Modi had a ceremony last month to ‘‘welcome’’ the release of Narmada waters into Sabarmati, it was the Swaminarayans who did the pooja.The Akshardham complex is an architectural masterpiece standing out for its exquisite pink sandstone works. At the centre is the golden idol of Lord Swaminarayan. The followers believe the 10-storied monument, built without cement or steel, will last a thousand years.The temple is 108 feet high, 240 feet long and 131 feet wide. Designed and crafted as per ancient Indian architectural treatises — the Sthaapatya shastras — it radiates a spiritual aura. With 93 beautifully sculpted pillars, 40 windows and hundreds of figurines and filigrees, it certainly takes the breath away.But Akshardham’s spokesman says: ‘‘It is founded on the pillars of practical spirituality and reaches out far and wide to clear confusion and questions that crowd today’s moral, social and material world. Its strength lies in the purity of its nature and purpose.’’The BAPS work has received national and international recognition, even from the UN. Its international network comprises 2,200 youth centres, 3,000 for children, another 1,300 for women. And, of course, the dedication of over a million followers. The sect is presently led by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth successor of Lord Swaminarayan. Initiated at the age of 18 and named Sadhu Narayanswarupdas, he was appointed Pramukh ten years later.
