22. Art for life's sake

Shri Sahajanand Swami considered art as a mode of worshipping the supreme beauty of God. Shri Premanand Swami described Sahajanand Swami as "the gold mine of all fine-arts." The contribution of these saints and disciples of Lord Swaminarayan to the development of architecture, sculpture, painting, music and poetry is immensely great. The magnificent temples, the carved arches and mandapams are excellent examples of Indian architecture and sculpture. He encouraged and appreciated the art of dress-designing, making ornaments, wood-work, furniture-designing etc. The offerings by devotees in the form of artifacts such as garments, ornaments, wooden sandals, rosaries, bajaths (wooden stool), carpets, artistic cushions, cots, carts, paintings and literary works have been preserved as a part of our rich heritage. The festival of annakuta encouraged the art of preparing dainty dishes offered to the Lord by the devotees. The paintings and idols revealing different facets and moods of Shreeji Maharaj bear testimony to the advancement of art and literature made under the guidance and inspiration of Shri Swaminarayan.