Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, will consecrate a 108-foot-tall statue of Tapomurti Shri Neelkanth Varni (Bhagwan Swaminarayan) at the Swaminarayan Akshardham. The statue, made of panchdhatu, a sacred alloy of five metals, notably bronze, portrays Neelkanth Varni standing on one foot, symbolizing deep austerity and penance. This unique statue is the world’s first to depict this form in such a posture.
Elaborate preparations are ongoing for the grand ceremony, with a series of associated rituals conducted at various locations leading up to the consecration. Recently, consecration ceremonies were held at newly constructed BAPS Swaminarayan temples in Panchkula and Kurukshetra. Additionally, the statue intended for installation at the upcoming Paris temple was ritually worshipped on March 23 as part of the spiritual preparations.
The 108-foot statue at Akshardham, primarily made of bronze as part of the panchdhatu composition, took nearly a year to complete. The creation of this magnificent statue involved the dedicated efforts of artisan sadhus associated with Akshardham, around 50 skilled craftsmen, and numerous volunteers who contributed to its realization.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan, known in his youthful ascetic form as Neelkanth Varni, commenced a spiritual journey at the age of 11 after leaving his home. Traveling over 12,000 kilometers across India over seven years, he visited several sacred sites, including the Himalayas, Badrinath, Kedarnath, and other significant locations, earning the name Neelkanth Varni during this transformative phase of his life.
