Throughout mankind's history, many individuals and ideas have changed the structure of human life and society, including even the flow of time. For example Johannes Gutenberg and his printing press. Edison and his invention of electricity. Andrew Fleming and the antibiotic Penicillium or the world's first modern computer. Add the Internet to this list as well. People acknowledge such great people and ideas as game changers since their far sighted vision alongwith their will power and a strongly influential personality have been deeply involved in changing the rhetoric of the society. Many "miracles" can be attributed to them which have given the entire world a whole new direction,. This in turn has had a positive influence on the living conditions of people by bringing more comforts into their lives.
Multi billionaire Jeff Bezos, who is the founder of Amazon is one such game changer. In the year 1990 he set up the Amazon company. This e-commerce company, initially started off as a website which was selling books. The company made a handsome profit. This led to the creation of a large retail company was created, which changed the way the world works. Amazon today is one of the foremost leading companies, which is driving the global market. Amazon's way of working is central to thousands of start ups and companies around the world..
Pramukh Swami Maharaj was another such a game changer. He built around 1200 temples all over the world. Since ancient times, there has been no dearth of temples in India .There are millions of temples over here. Some of them are very huge and are ornamented with amazing artwork. For example the temples of Belur, Halibed, Gurur Vayur, Meenakshi Temple, Khajuraho etc are truly spectacular. It is a wonder how these temples were built with limited hand driven tools available at that time!? Not only is the Akshardham temple that Pramukh Swami Maharaj built equally wondrous, but the cultural-spiritual representations displayed in it by way of the precise use of sophisticated equipment is unparalleled in the world. This is the uniqueness for which it stands out and which has brought about a radical change in the construction of religious complexes underway all over the world.
For centuries no one would have imagined that Indian culture and values could be represented in such a tangible way through the prudent employment of modern technology in a temple complex. Every detail possesses an innate beauty and inspires every one who beholds it . Swamiji's far sighted vision was at the root of fructifying a concept which showed the world that modern day technology is indeed a blessing if it is used judiciously. In this way, both the Creator (Swamiji) and the Creation (Akshardham Gandhinagar temple) became game changers. This has now become a template followed by the entire world. Whether it is the construction of Delhi Akshardham or for the under construction New Jersey, Robbinsville or the Akshardham to be built in Surat, etc, these.are simply large scale models of a very subtle concept. No one would have imagined that something like this could be built. Thus, whenever someone is visiting India, a visit to Akshardham is simply indispensable.
To that extent, even our honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi is an affectionate fan of Akshardham. On 10 April 2017, he spoke about Akshardham to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. He informed him that this place is a must visit. Not only did Modiji talk about Akshardham, but he came for a special Akshardham visit along with Mr Turnbull .
It is indeed highly commendable that a religious place can create such a paradigm shift in people's mindset. There are many people residing in Delhi and elsewhere, who say that they unfailingly bring their guests and friends to Akshardham.
A few years back the local people used to complain that there is no beautiful place in and around Delhi that showcases and celebrates Hindu culture, human values and virtues. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has brought about a huge improvement in the travel itinerary of the local people, tourists and pilgrims by building the Akshardham temple, which has become the foremost in the places to travel bucket list. Another such game changer built by Swamiji is the immensely beautiful and unique BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in London. It stands out as one of the best temple amongst all religious complexes abroad. It would be no exaggeration to say that there is no other place that is so stunning and rich in Indian architecture and art. Many even say that there is no such place in all of Europe. The Neasden area does not have much of historic relevance. There is a brief mention that the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once while passing through Neasden, opened his car window to tip his cigar ash. Before settling on the temple in the Neasden area, around 40 sites were shortlisted by the organization across London But for some reason or the other, a suitable place for the temple was not obtained. After waiting for years, a space was found here in this unpopular place and Swamiji built a miraculous temple in a very short period of time. This made the area very famous overnight and millions of people started queuing up to see the temple. Big celebrities also started lining up to see it. The name of BAPS Swaminarayan temple started to echo in every corner of England.
It has been established and proven to be one of the best places on foreign soil. It has also inspired others to create many such places. For the London temple, it is said that such a place happens once in a millennium. That is, London BAPS Swaminarayan Temple is a unique temple that is built only once in thousands of years. Such a game changer was Pramukh Swami Maharaj and his innumerable works of social upliftment were equally game changers
Thanks Giving
This article is written and submitted to The E Today by Sadhu Amrutvadandas. We thank swamiji for his research and analysis and hope to see the awareness about life and peace being spread ahead to larger mass of our citizens.