THE HOLY SAMADH OF SOAMIJI MAHARAJ
SOAMI BAGH, AGRA
|
|---|
|
The foundation of this great building was laid by Maharaj Saheb in 1904 when the actual work of construction was also commenced by sinking 52 wells of different sizes, diameter varying as requirments of the main structure in different places from 5'-6" to 10'-6",
and depth from 50' to 45' according as the hard soil technically called 'mota', was reached in each case. The masonry of the wells consists of brick and lime; and the wells are filled with brick, concrete and lime.
On the top of weach well is constructed a base consisting of huge blocks of stones, 6' square, 2'-3" thick, in two cross layers.
Over the bases, arches of stones, 2'-3" thick in two layers, have been constructed and the wells thus connected with one another.
The main structure is 110'x110' and its height including dome and its 'kalash' will be 193'. There will be a platform 55' broad, all around the main structure; the height of the plinth is 20ft above the ground level.
The pillars octagonal in shape are of marble monoliths (6'5" high and 2'-6" in diameter), each supported on a carved base (1'-9" thick) of marbel 3'-3" square and covered with a more elaborately carved cap (2'-6" thick) of marbel 3'6" square. On the north and south sides there are, in front of octagonal pillars, also cylindrical ones 2'-6" in diameter which too are marble monolights. The rest of the work is masonry work of brick and tone lime (specailly prepared) covered with marble slabs about 3" thick.
The marble used is of different colours, white, pink, green, yellow, and other variegated colours of distinct shades procured from different parts of India, chiefly Makrana (Jodhpur), Baroda, Jaisalmer and Gwalior, and Nowsherea on the Frontier.
Semi-precious stones for inlaid work are procured from the beds of various rivers such as the Narbada and quarries in Gujrat, South India, etc. All the material used is Indian.
The building has an oriental setting but different styles have been beautifully combines.
The stimated cost of the entire work is about 50 lacs of rupees of which nearly 21 lacs have already been spent.
|
|
Back
Preface
Next
|
|
|
