They are amazed by the spirit of the service being provided at this place. The awe for it gets doubled after the spiritual and architectural experiences that they go thorough during the 2-21/2 hours guided tour to this magnificent structure just at the backdrop of the Games Village. The foreign athletes and the officials, for sure, have taken a liking for the Swaninarayan Akhshardham Temple and are making it their duty to recommend it as a must see to their friends in the Village.
“It’s a magnificent display of architectural beauty. There are no words to describe the hospitality of the volunteers in the temple. We had a para-athlete in our group and the volunteers took every care to make her tour comfortable. They even did not hesitate to lift her along with her wheelchair,” said Raylene Bates, New Zealand athletics coach, adding that she was recommending it as a must see place to the other sportspersons of the team.
“It’s just at the backdrop of the Games Village and if people don’t see it, it will be their loss. I am recommending it to other athletes as well. See, I am here with an athlete and getting her name registered for a trip to the temple,” she added.
According to Swami Gyan Muniji of Akshardham temple, around 150 athletes and officials from the Games Village were visiting the temple on a regular basis. “For us it’s an opportunity to show our culture to the foreigners. We are doing our service to the nation by celebrating our cultural and spiritual beauty. The visiting athletes go back very satisfied. They enjoy coming here. I have met a few athletes who come here directly from the competition. Most of them are foreigners and they go back with a changed perception about India,” said the Swami, adding that they have arranged for special personal guided tours, whose timings vary from one to 21/2 hours.
“This has just been arranged for the Commonwealth athletes. If they get themselves registered at our information centre at village, we arrange for a personal guide and make their trip to the temple very special,” informed the Swami.
In all praise for the temple, Katrina Abdul Hadi of Malaysian Synchronized swimming Team said that it was an amazing experience for her to go through the 10,000 years of Indian history in just two hours. “The Akshardham is a truly magnificent and beautiful place. When you first see the Mandir, the sight is jaw dropping, especially after a close look at all the intricate designs. The exhibits are interesting and laid out in a captivating manner. My day at this beautiful place has been an extremely enjoyable and insightful experience. I especially liked the fact that the whole Akshardham was built by volunteers and donations as a labour of love. It is one of the most incredible places that I have ever been in my life,” she said
Echoing similar views, Adrian Bruce Douglas from Isle of Man archery team described the temple as awe-inspiring. “It was a thoroughly enjoyable visit. The whole temple is awe inspiring and quite breathtaking. The carving is so intricate. It is stunning to believe that Akshardham’s construction was completed in only five years. I very much enjoyed the water ceremony (Neelkanth Varni Abhishek),” said Adrian
.
“It’s a truly magnificent and breathtaking building. It shows what good craftsmen the people of India are. The boat ride was also very interesting. We are dumbfounded! It’s very enlightening and eye opening. We are totally at peace with ourselves. A must visit for anyone who comes to India,” said a group of athletes in unison.
VISIT AKSHARDHAM
Complimentary Guided Tours for Commonwealth Games 2010 | Dignitaries | Athletes | Team Organizers | Games Family
For Registration, Go to:
‘Visit Akshardham Desk’
Located:
In the Games Village
(Next to the Mayor’s Office)
Contact:
M: +91 9910491339 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +91 9910491339 end_of_the_skype_highlighting | +91 9910491343
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
By Rakesh Jha