Delhi, 26 March (H.S.): A 108-foot statue of Neelkanth Varni, the youthful ascetic form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, was consecrated at the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple complex in New Delhi during a two-day religious ceremony attended by thousands of devotees.

The consecration ceremony, known as Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav, was held on March 25 and 26 in the presence of BAPS spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj.

Temple authorities said the statue depicts Neelkanth Varni in a meditative posture standing on one leg, symbolising his spiritual journey undertaken across India at a young age. The installation is being described by organisers as the tallest statue depicting this form.

The rituals began early in the morning with Vedic ceremonies performed by priests and sadhus, with participation from devotees who had gathered from different parts of the country and abroad.

According to organisers, around 300 sadhus participated in the ceremonies, which included traditional rituals, devotional gatherings and prayers conducted over two days.

The temple complex witnessed large crowds as devotees attended the ceremonies and participated in prayers and spiritual programmes organised as part of the event.

As part of the celebrations, a peace yagna was conducted on March 25, followed by the main consecration ritual on March 26. The ceremony included traditional rites associated with installation of temple idols as per religious customs.

Speaking on the occasion, Mahant Swami Maharaj described the installation as a symbol of spiritual values and peace. He said the statue would inspire visitors towards values such as devotion, discipline and service.

Organisers said volunteers and temple workers coordinated arrangements including crowd management and devotional programmes during the event.

The installation of the statue adds another landmark to the Akshardham temple complex, which is known as a major spiritual and cultural destination attracting visitors from India and abroad.

Religious scholars associated with the Swaminarayan tradition describe Neelkanth Varni as representing renunciation, spiritual discipline and the pursuit of higher knowledge.

With the consecration ceremony completed, the temple authorities said devotees would now be able to visit the site for darshan as part of regular temple visits.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar