Prasang 88

The Permanent Project

In 2005, with the inauguration of Delhi Akshardham, BAPS entered a new era. Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple,” the Delhi Akshardham mesmerized the world by being completed in just five years.

Even Reader’s Digest listed Delhi Akshardham among “The Seven Wonders of the 21st Century.” Every eminent personality who visited showered endless praises upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj for this remarkable achievement.

Before the grand inauguration, during public assemblies, dignitaries lavishly praised Swamishri, and he was honored with numerous awards. But Swamishri, who remained detached like a lotus in water, would calmly rotate his mālā, unaffected by the accolades. His mind remained immersed in the remembrance of Bhagwān because, to him, Akshardham was not a world-record-breaking monument but an embodiment of devotion to Bhagwān and Guru.

A defining moment came on November 24, 2005, when world-renowned heart surgeon Dr. Subrahmanyam visited Swamishri. After experiencing Akshardham, he said, “As soon as I entered Akshardham, I felt a deep sense of peace, as if all other concerns had simply disappeared.”

Then, he asked Swamishri a heartfelt question, “Swami, what is your next project?”

Swamishri humbly replied, “To spread satsang, to engage in and inspire bhakti, to bring peace to the world, to cultivate faith and good values in people—that is my ongoing project. These mandirs are just a byproduct of that.”

For Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Delhi Akshardham was merely one small aspect of his ultimate project—devotion to Bhagwān. His sole mission in life was to do bhakti and inspire others to do the same. Bhajan was his profession, his mālā was his wealth, and Bhagwān was his everything.

Thus, it is no surprise that his work manifested divine wonders for the world to see. In the same way, when we prioritize Bhagwān over activities in our own lives, our sevā truly becomes meaningful.