History and Significance of Akshar Mandir and Akshar Deri, Gondal, Gujarat
Akshar Deri and Akshar temple located in Gondal is major pilgrimage site for Swaminarayana sampraday and specifically to BAPS organization. Gunatitanand Swami concluded his mortal existence in 1867 at Gondal. After cremation ceremony Abhaysinh Darbar, disciple of Gunatitanand Swami had built a beautiful shrine called Akshar Deri at that place.
In 1927, Narayandas Swami, Mahant of Junagahd and disciple of Balmukunddas Swami desired to build shikhar baddh mandir as he commanded by Gunatitanand Swami in dream. Then Narayanji Maharaj met Maharaja Bhagvatsinhji of Gondal and requested him for the farm in which Akshar Deri was located to build a Shikhar Baddh Mandir. The Maharaja agreed to give the land for Rs. 25,000 with conditions to kept Akshar Deri as it is and three-shikhar mandir to be built at cost of ten lakh within three years. Then Narayanji Maharaj and Haribhai Amin met Shastriji at Sarangpur. In 1932, Shastriji Maharaj put up the foundation-stone and started the excavation work for the pillars of the mandir. During the excavation one silver elephant with a chariot was found, this incident showcase that shortage of resources in Akshar Deri will not happen in future.
Even after financial hurdles, temple construction was completed in two years and Shastriji Mahara had arrange three-day yagna for the murti-pratishtha ceremony on 23-5-1934 and Yogiji Maharaj was appointed as the Mahant of Akshar Mandir. For years Yogiji Maharaj served the deities and the devotees here at Akshar Mandir in Gondal.
This is how huge and beautiful Swaminarayan temple with Akshar deri present in the basement of the temple becomes major pilgrimage site for swaminarayana. Various facilities for ritual, Maha Puja, holy bath and accommodation for devotee are managed by temple trust.
