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Swaminarayan Museum
There are quite a few Museums in Ahmedabad among which Swaminarayan Museum is one focussing on preserving the personal items of Swaminarayan, a great saint believed to be incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This museum project was initiated byAcharya Sri Tejendraprasad who collected these items referred as Prasadi, which are about 5000 in number. This museum is situated at Naranpura area of Ahmedabad and it has collections from all places around the world, the museum complex spread over 175000 sq ft. area.
History
Saint Swaminarayan had a number of devotees during his life time and he used to tour around to give away his’prasadi’ to each of them when requested. These personal items held by people all over the world, were passed on to their successors, without any clue on their details or description. AcharyaTejendraprasadji wanted to collect all these prasadi items and hold them together with description for the public view at NarnarayandevGadi. In fact, he had himself a large collection of prasadi all of which he had contributed to this museum. He started this project to propagate the fame of Saint Swaminarayan and in due time he passed on the responsibility to his son AcharyaKoshalendraprasadji to make the project done more effectively.
Different Sections in Museum
There are different sections in the Museum organising various activities in each section:
- The main museum consisting of artefacts and other prasadi items of Swaminarayan is situated in the prime premises occupying 30000 sqft area.
- Another space of 35000 sqft is earmarked for the audio visual programmes which give the visitors detailed information on the museum
- There is also a mini theatre to exhibit the films and pictures of Swaminarayan’s life.
- There is a libraray containing literature helpful for research scholars to obtain information on various aspects of the life of Swaminarayan.
- A workshop is attached to the museum to make repairs of any item getting damaged in course of time.
Collections and Exhibitions
Most of the collections pertain to the personal items of Saint Swaminarayan, which include garments he was wearing, ornaments, some of his footprints, even fragment of hair, nailbits and few other things coming under prasadi items.
Swaminaryan’s original writing and signature are found in some of the documents collected and preserved, such as the Power of attorney document of Swaminarayangiven to Thakur Kubersingh relating to ShriswaminarayanMandir at Ahmedabad,
Opening
Swaminarayan Museum was inaugurated by the Hon Chief Minister of Gujarat NarendraModi on 8th March 2011. while the opening ceremony was conducted for 5 days commencing from 5th March 2011. A large gathering of about 8 Lakh people took part in the function and activities like the organ donation camp conducted on 8th March 2011 were the highlights of the opening ceremony.
Mission
The objective of this museum is to propagate the fame of Saint Swaminarayan whose presence in the world was felt by his devotees as an incarnation of God.
How to Reach
Narayanpura area is in the city of Ahmedabadwhich can be reached by air, rail and road. Ahmedabad International Airport is well connected with all major destinations in India and abroad. Ahmedabad Railway Station is a prominant Railway junction with fast moving trains connecting all destinations in India. With regard to Road transport it is linked to National Highway No. 8 facilitating one to reach Mumbai in 6 hours time
Timings and Ticket Prices
Entrance is free.
Facilities
There is an audio visual system to guide the visitors and also there is a mini theatre attached to the museum to organise programmes. The entire building is constructed in eco-friendly structure.
Photo Gallery