Sunday, April 8, 2012

Leyer-Wise Carvings (Akshardham Delhi)

Pramukh Swami Maharaj instructed that all the carvings on the mandovar, pillars and ceilings should be deep and of fine quality, so that they would stand the test of time, Further, he suggested that the carvings of the mandir exterior be done layer by layer and be fixed as each layer, from bottom to top, was completed.

Swamishri’s guidance was most apt because the carving and sculpting project was distributed to the 24 workshops around Pindvada. If the sculpting of the top layer finished earlier than the bottom layers, time would be lost in waiting for the bottom layer to be carved. So, the task was organized to be done layer by layer, and thereafter, the stones were transported immediately to new delhi and fixed in place.

Size of Pillars

Swamishri had insisted that the pillars inside the mandir be thick and broad. Some, however, felt that they would not look aesthetic. But the structural engineers agreed to Swamishri’s suggestion and felt that thick, strong pillars were required to make the mandir stand, especially in the earthquake prone zone.


Flag on Main Dome

With Akshardham being a Mandir, Swamishri Stated that a flag should flutter on top. Also, Yogiji Maharaj had wished to have a flag.

Steps to Akshardham Mandir

Swamishri had suggested that the edges of each step to the mandir should protrude a little rather than being aligned with the step. Then, he added that the protruding edge should be round with a thickness of two inches so that it would not snap of due to wear and tear. And finally, on Swamishri’s advice, grooves were made on the edges of the smooth stone steps so that people would not slip and fall.