Page 14 - The Indian EYE 100623

SPECIAL FEATURE OCTOBER 06, 2023 | The Indian Eye 14

TOWARDS BETTER LIVING

Journey of Enlightenment:

Exploring Nilkanth Plaza at BAPS

Swaminarayan Akshardham, Robbinsville, NJ

A garden serene, a peaceful sight; Tapomurti radiating divinity so bright
Kamandal’s wood, simplicity’s embrace; Batvo’s path, seven years trace
Left foot firm, on earthly ground; Resolve in strength, knows no bound
Right food posed in yogic grace; Aura of austerities woven into space
Shaligram rests, upon a heart’s pure beat; Bhakti and breath, in harmony meet
An innocent face, so calm and pure; A steadfast spirit, splendid and sure
Eyes closed, unwavering in sight; Ears attuned to prayers taking flight
Mala’s unifying string, resonates passion strong; From every bead, echoes devotion song
Wisdom profound, in the raised left hand; An ideal of balance, flawlessly planned
49 years, a selfless legacy; The lucid life of Neelkanth Varni

Canopies of Contemplation
elcome to a sanctuary of spiritual seren- Ten canopies, crafted from the warm embrace
ity and cultural richness - BAPS Swam-
Winarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, of red sandstone, stand sentinel around the plaza.
New Jersey. At the forefront of this magnificent These tranquil alcoves provide spaces for intro-
spection, where visitors can clear their minds and
complex lies Nilkanth Plaza, a place of profound cultivate inner stillness before continuing their
significance and beauty. journey through Akshardham.
The Journey of Nilkanth Varni Incense, Fragrance of Devotion
Central to Nilkanth Plaza is a towering
Near the resplendent murti of Nilkanth Var-
49-foot-tall sacred image of Bhagwan Swamina- ni, devotees offer incense sticks, infusing the air
rayan, known as Nilkanth Varni during his forma- with fragrant devotion. These scents serve as a
tive years. This awe-inspiring statue, meticulously bridge, inviting visitors to experience a deeper
crafted from copper alloy, serves as a visual tribute sense of peace and connect with Nilkanth Varni
to the 49 years he graced this earth. It encapsulates in heartfelt dialogue.
the essence of his 7-year, 8,000-mile pilgrimage
across India - a journey that traversed mountains, A Timeless Experience
rivers, villages, and cities, while enduring extremes Nilkanth Plaza is more than a location; it is an
of climate. immersive experience. Here, you can lose yourself
In his yogic posture, Bhagwan Swaminarayan in moments of quiet contemplation, surrounded
embodies spiritual focus and discipline. This stance by the embrace of family and friends. The plaza’s
mirrors the transformative odyssey that cultivated tranquil ambiance and profound significance with-
virtues of compassion, empathy, and selfless ser- in the Akshardham campus invite you to linger,
vice, leaving an indelible mark on all who encoun- allowing its essence to seep into your soul.
tered him. sacred sites he visited during his transformative Behind the murti of Nilkanth Varni is a stepwell
Legacy of Reform and Values journey. modeled in the tradition of historical stepwells and
Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s legacy extends be- Adorning the plaza are 14 stone plaques, each architectural masterpieces of his time, such as Rani
yond personal enlightenment. In the 18th century, bearing messages and values shared by Nilkanth ki Vãv in Patan, Gujarat. The stepwell has been
sanctified with the waters from 108 sacred rivers
Varni during his travels. These inscriptions serve
he enacted sweeping reforms aimed at uplifting as touchstones of wisdom, resonating with visitors of India, four of which (Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati
society and instilling timeless values. These foun- seeking spiritual guidance. and Saryu) have been represented by bronze murtis
dational principles have endured through the ages, on each of the four sides of the stepwell.
shaping the Swaminarayan Sampraday into what it As you step into Nilkanth Plaza, you embark
is today. Globally, the spiritual and social endeav- on a journey through time, tracing the footsteps of
ors of BAPS stand as a living testament to these a spiritual luminary. The legacy of Bhagwan Swa-
enduring ideals. minarayan lives on, inspiring generations with its
Symbolic Treasures Abound unwavering commitment to compassion, service,
Stepping beyond the sacred image, visitors will and timeless values. Experience this extraordinary
encounter treasures of symbolism that enrich the tapestry of faith, culture, and devotion at BAPS
plaza’s narrative. Swaminarayan Akshardham, where history and
A meticulously detailed map traces the pil- spirituality intertwine, inviting you to explore the
grimage route of Nilkanth Varni, illuminating the depths of the human spirit.

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