The complex features an Abhisheka Mandap, Sahaj Anand water show, a thematic garden and three exhibitions namely Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of Values), Neelkanth Darshan (an IMAX film on the early life of Swaminarayan as the teenage yogi, Neelkanth), and Sanskruti Darshan (cultural boat ride). According to Swaminarayan Hinduism, the word Akshardham means the abode of Bramha, the Creator and believed by followers as a temporal home of God on earth.
History and Significance:
Akshardham Temple was inaugurated on 6th November 2005 and built under the guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The temple complex was constructed with the combined efforts of thousands of artisans and volunteers, making it one of the largest Hindu temples in the world.
The temple aims to celebrate Indian culture and spirituality, promoting values of peace, harmony, and devotion. The architectural design follows ancient Vedic principles, reflecting the timeless traditions of India’s rich heritage.
Architectural Splendor:
The temple is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, constructed using pink sandstone and white marble. It does not use steel, emphasizing traditional temple-building techniques. Some of its remarkable features include:
Main Mandir: Houses a grand idol of Bhagwan Swaminarayan along with other deities, adorned with intricate carvings.
Mandapams: The temple has beautifully designed mandapams, such as Gajendra Peeth (honoring elephants) and Narayan Peeth (celebrating Bhagwan Narayan).
Yagnapurush Kund: The largest stepwell-style water body, which also serves as the venue for the mesmerizing Sahaj Anand Water Show.
- Exhibitions: The temple offers three grand exhibitions – Sahajanand Darshan, Neelkanth Darshan, and Sanskruti Darshan, which use animatronics, immersive storytelling, and audio-visual presentations to narrate India’s spiritual journey.
The main attraction of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is the Akshardham Mandir. It rises 141-foot (43 m) high, spans 316-foot (96 m) wide, and extends 356-foot (109 m) long. It is intricately carved with flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities.
Designed in accordance with the standards of Maharishi Vastu Architecture, it features a blend of architectural styles across India. It is entirely constructed from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble. Based on traditional Hindu architectural guidelines (Shilpa shastras) on maximum temple life span, it makes no use of ferrous metal. Thus, it has no support from steel or concrete.
The mandir also consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, nine domes, and
20,000 murtis of sadhus, devotees, and acharyas. The mandir also
features the Gajendra Pith at its base, a plinth paying tribute to the
elephant for its importance in Hindu culture and India's history. It
contains 148 life sized elephants in total weighing a total of 3000
tons.
Attractions at Akshardham:
Abhishek Mandap – A ritual bathing ceremony where devotees can offer prayers for peace and prosperity.
Bharat Upavan – A serene garden displaying statues of India’s great leaders and spiritual icons.
Boat Ride (Sanskruti Vihar) – A 12-minute journey through 10,000 years of Indian history, highlighting ancient universities, achievements in science, and spiritual traditions.
Musical Fountain Show (Sahaj Anand Water Show) – A visual spectacle that combines water, light, sound, and storytelling to depict an inspiring tale from Indian scriptures.
The Akshardham mandir has over two hundred murtis, representing many of the spiritual stalwarts over many millennia. The spiritual premise of Akshardham is that each soul is potentially divine. Whether we are serving the family, the country our neighbors or all living beings the world over , each service can help one move towards divinity. Each prayer is a call towards improving oneself and moving closer to God.
A visit to Akshardham is a spiritually enriching experience. Whether it
is in realising the power of prayer, in feeling the strength of
non-violence, in being aware of the universal nature of Hinduism’s
ancient principles, or just in admiring the beauty of God’s abode on
Earth each element has a spiritual significance.
On 17 December 2007, Michael Whitty, an official world record adjudicator for Guinness World Record, travelled to Ahmedabad, India to present a new world record to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, for the Akshardham complex.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Akshardham Temple is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant. The temple is open throughout the year, but visiting during early mornings or late afternoons can help avoid long queues and crowds.
How to Reach:
Akshardham Temple is located in East Delhi, near the banks of the Yamuna River. It is easily accessible by:
Metro: The nearest metro station is Akshardham Metro Station (Blue Line), just a short walk away.
Road: Visitors can take public buses, taxis, or auto-rickshaws from various parts of Delhi.
Rail: The nearest railway stations are New Delhi Railway Station and Anand Vihar Terminal, both well-connected to other cities.
Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport is approximately 20 km away from the temple.
Visitor Guidelines:
Entry Fee: No entry fee for the temple; separate charges apply for exhibitions and water show.
Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM; closed on Mondays.
Security: Cameras, mobile phones, and electronic items are not allowed inside. Cloakrooms are available for storage.
- Dress Code: Visitors are advised to wear modest attire covering shoulders and knees.
The Akshardham Temple is more than just a place of worship; it is a tribute to India's spiritual and cultural legacy. With its stunning architecture, enlightening exhibitions, and serene environment, it offers a fulfilling experience for devotees and tourists alike. A visit to Akshardham is not just a journey through divinity but also a deep dive into India's glorious past and timeless values.
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