Akshardham Temple Delhi: Overview
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, also called as Akshardham Temple is a magnificent Hindu temple complex which is situated in in New Delhi, India. The architecture was completed in 2005,Akshardham Temple Delhi is a great example of traditional Hindu and Vedic architecture, featuring detailed intricate carvings, gardens, mandaps made from pink sandstone and white marble.
The temple is spreaded over 100 acres, the complex includes the main temple, exhibitions on the life and teachings of Swaminarayan, musical fountains, a boat ride through the life of Swaminarayan, and lush gardens.
With its serene ambiance and inspiring architecture, Akshardham Temple has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi, drawing millions of visitors each year. A visit to this spiritual place offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in India's rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions.
Facts about Akshardham Temple Delhi
The Akshardham Temple is a great example of Indian architecture. It took around 300 skilled craftsmen and 7 years to construct this magnificent structure, which is built entirely without the use of steel.
Aks hardham Temple Delhi is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world, covering an area of 100 acres. The main temple building is 141 feet high, 316 feet wide, and 370 feet long.
The temple's walls are decorated with over 20,000 statues and 9,000 carved lotus flowers, depicting scenes from Hindu scriptures and the life of Swaminarayan, the spiritual leader after whom the temple is named.
The temple complex is designed to be earthquake-resistant, with the main structure resting on over 2,000 engineered bearings that allow it to sway and withstand tremors.
Akshardham is designed to be environmentally sustainable, with features like a solar power plant, water recycling system, and lush gardens that help reduce the complex's carbon footprint.
How to Reach Akshardham Temple Delhi
The Akshardham Metro Station on the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro is located right at the entrance of the temple complex. This is the most convenient way to reach Akshardham, as the metro provides direct connectivity from various parts of Delhi.
Several public and private bus services operate routes that stop near the Akshardham Temple. Buses are available from major transit hubs like the Interstate Bus Terminal (ISBT) and Delhi's city center.
Visitors can hire a taxi or cab, either from their hotel or by booking through ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola. This option provides door-to-door service and is particularly useful for those with heavy luggage or small children.
Auto-rickshaws, the iconic three-wheeled vehicles of Delhi, are another convenient option to reach Akshardham Temple, especially from nearby areas.
Visitors with their own vehicles can drive directly to the Akshardham Temple complex, which has ample parking facilities available.
Akshardham Temple Delhi timings
Akshardham Temple Delhi is open everyday except on MONDAY.
Entry starts from 10:00 AM in the morning till laast entry at 6:30 PM in the evening.
The water show in Akshardham Temple takes place at 8:00 PM in the evening.
Akshardham Temple Entry Tickets and Timings
The places that need no tickets and are free to enter by visitors:
Mandir Gardens
Exhibition and Musical Fountain
Abhishek Darshan
Abhisehk Pooja
Entry tickets for various activities are mentioned below:
Akshardham Mandir: Garbhagruh, Mandapams, Mandovar, Narayan Peeth, Gajendra Peeth
Entry Tickets: Free and open to all.
Timings: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Aarti:10:30 am and 6:00 pm
Time to See: 45 minutes
Akshardham Mandaps: Abhishek Ritual, Narayan Sarovar
Abhishek Donation:₹ 50 per person
Timings: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Aarti Time: 6:30 pm
Time to See:10 to 25 minutes
Ritual Duration:10 to 15 minutes
Akshardham Temple delhi Exhibitions
Ticket fee
Adults (Age 12+): ₹ 255
Seniors (Age 60+): ₹ 205
Children (Age 4 – 11): ₹ 155
Children (Below Age 4): Free
Tickets includes:
(1) Sahajanand Darshan
(2) Neelkanth Darshan
(3) Sanskruti Darshan
Timings:
11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Ticket counters close at 6:00 pm
Time to See:
Sahajanand Darshan: 55 minutes
Neelkanth Darshan: 45 minutes
Sanskruti Darshan: 15 minutes
Sahajanand Water Show
Tickets Fee:
Adults (Age 12+): ₹ 95
Seniors (Age 60+): ₹ 95
Children (Age 4 – 11): ₹ 65
Children (Below Age 4): Free
Multiple shows takes place during weekends and public holidays, currently the timing is 8:00 PM.
Time to See:
24 minutes
Things to do in Akshardham Temple Delhi
Akshardham Mandir
Akshardham Mandir is the heart of Swaminarayan Akshardham Complex. The Mandir which was estabhlished on 6 November in 2005.
This surreal structure stands as an example to traditional Indian Hindu architecture which is made to honor the divinity and glory of the divine. It serves as a timeless, beautiful, and peaceful abode for God on Earth, highlighting the devotion, values, and culture inspired by the divine.
Garbhagruh
At the heart of the Akshardham Mandir lies the garbhagruh, or inner sanctum, which serves as the eternal abode of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his divine lineage of spiritual leaders.
These enlightened gurus, including Gunatitanand Swami, Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, and Pramukh Swami Maharaj, are revered as manifestations of Aksharbrahma, the eternal servant and ideal of devotion to the divine.
In the garbhagruh, these great souls are believed to reside eternally, offering constant service and worship to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Visitors to the mandir can seek the blessings of these spiritual luminaries and draw inspiration from their lives of selflessness and devotion.
Directly behind the garbhagruh, visitors can also catch a glimpse of sacred items that were once sanctified by the touch of Bhagwan Swaminarayan himself during his time on Earth.
Surrounding the garbhagruh are special altars dedicated to other revered deities of the Hindu faith, including Shri Sita-Ram, Shri Radha-Krishna, Shri Lakshmi-Narayan, and Shri Shiv-Parvati. These shrines highlight the inclusive nature of the Akshardham Mandir, which celebrates the unity and diversity of the Hindu spiritual tradition.
The garbhagruh stands as a testament to the power of devotion, the beauty of spiritual wisdom, and the eternal presence of the divine in the lives of those who seek it.
Mandapams
As you step inside the Akshardham Mandir, you are greeted by a series of nine thematic spaces known as mandapams. Each mandapam is a masterpiece in its own right, decorated with intricate carvings, ornate pillars, and stunning domes that showcase the unparalleled craftsmanship of the artisans who created this architectural marvel.
As you explore through these mandapams, you are transported to a world where the divine and the celestial intertwine. You encounter murtis of renowned devotees, great avatars, and celestial beings, each one a testament to the power of faith and the beauty of the divine.
Mandovar
The exterior front of a traditional Hindu stone temple is known as the mandovar. At Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi, this mandovar is a true example of craftsmanship, considered the largest and most intricate example built in India in the last 800 years.
Stretching an impressive 611 feet in length and standing 25 feet tall, the mandovar features 200 exquisitely sculpted stone figures depicting many of Hinduism's greatest spiritual luminaries - the rishis, sadhus, devotees, acharyas, and avatars .
The base of the mandovar, called the jagati, showcases carvings of animals and plants from the natural world. Elephants, symbols of strength, are depicted alongside lions, representing bravery and power. Mythical creatures like the vyal, renowned for its speed, also adorn this layer.
As you look upwards, you'll notice detailed floral carvings in the subsequent layers, representing the beauty and fragrance of the divine. In the middle, known as the vibhuti, you'll find sculptures of the avatars, sages, deities, teachers, and devotees who have shaped the Hindu spiritual tradition.
Narayan Peeth
In the Hindu tradition, performing pradakshinas or clockwise circumambulations around a sacred temple is a profound act of reverence and devotion. This ritual symbolizes the belief that God should be the center of one's life, with the faithful walking in a circular motion to reinforce this spiritual principle.
At the Akshardham Mandir, this sacred pradakshina path has been meticulously designed to enhance the devotional experience of visitors. Lining the walkway are three awe-inspiring bronze relief panels, each measuring an impressive 60 feet in length.
These intricate panels depict divine incidents from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the spiritual leader after whom the temple is named. As devotees circumambulate the mandir, they are invited to meditate on these sacred scenes, allowing the life and teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan to inspire their own spiritual journey.
Gajendra Peeth
In traditional Hindu temple architecture, the mandir is often depicted as standing upon the shoulders of elephants, a symbolic representation of strength, stability, and the divine. At the Akshardham Temple Delhi, this age-old tradition has been reimagined in a uniquely creative manner.The Gajendra Peeth, or Elephant Plinth, at the base of the Akshardham Mandir is not merely a static display of these majestic creatures. Instead, it presents a dynamic and captivating depiction of elephants in their interactions with nature, with humans, and with the divine.
Abhishek Mandap
Abhishek is refered as bathing ritual of the diety for fulfilling one's prayer. The person who worships pours the water over the deity wile chanting mantras and prayer.
Abhishek Ritual
The process abhishek ritual begins by tying a thread which is sacred on the wrist. Along with it a sanskrit shlokas are recited, after which each member of the family or visitor bathes the Neelkanth Varni murti with sanctified water in a small pot. Meanwhile this process, families, friends or visitors pray for harmony and peace.
Narayan Sarovar
Since the time of early vedas India has a tradition of respecting thier lakes, stepwells and rivers. To follow this tradition, Narayan Sarovar, a sacred body of water surrounds the main Akshardham temple. Narayan Sarovar contains holy waters of 151 lakes and rivers which were sanctified by Swaminarayan.
Akshardham Temple Exhibitions
The exhibition in Akshardham Temple Delhi are showcased in three large area halls.When visiting Akshardham Temple, never miss experiencing the unique exhibtions showcasing the life and learnings of Swaminarayan. Exhibitions are considered as a source of information, education, inspiration. Artistic, Scientific, stunning, cultural and spritual, these exihibitions are a blend that transports the viewer to the era of ancient India.
Sahajanand Darshan- Hall of Values
Sahajanand Darshan also known as the hall of values is world filled with vales that can help visitors change their lives. Values like Ahimsa which means non violence, honestry, consciousness, unity, peace and love are perfectly displayed throught he exhibition searies with thehelp of scenic representations, animatronic figures which feels totally life like.
Neelkanth Darshan- Giant Screen Film
The Neelkanth Darshan is a giant screen film. Visitors can take a seat in a giant sceen theatre. You can explore deepest and highest mountains of Himalayas and have a trek through Assam rainforests and explore the Rameshwaram Mandir. Walk the steps on his journey covering the subcontinent of India, all in one large film format.
Sanskruti Darshan – Cultural Boat Ride
Sanskruti Darshan is a 12 minute culture boat ride which gives you an experience of thousand of years of Ancient history. Take a ride along the oldest univesity, explore the vedic era lifestyle and have alook at eye surgery which is happening more than thousands years ago.
Akshardham Temple Water Show
The Sahaj Anand Water Show uses lights, lasers, and dancing water to bring a timeless tale from the Kena Upanishad to life. Projecting onto a massive replica step-well, the show creates a captivating display. Witness the battle between the innocence of children and the power of the elements in this inspiring 24-minute spectacle. Don't miss this unique blend of technology and tradition!
The Story
In the "Sahaj Anand" exhibit at Swaminarayan Akshardham, visitors are captivated by a charming story adapted from the ancient Kena Upanishad. The exhibit follows a group of children playing joyfully around a lake, their laughter and song inspiring the very waters to join in their merriment. As the children's playful dance creates a beautiful flower from the lake, they disturb the celebration of the devas who have just triumphed over the demons.
Faced with the anger of the powerful devas, the children's innocent creation is threatened. This sets the stage for a clash between the pure, spontaneous bliss of the children and the ego-driven might of the divine beings.
Through the unfolding of this timeless tale, visitors are invited to discover the secret of "Sahaj Anand" - the innate, effortless joy that transcends the boundaries of the material and the spiritual.This thought-provoking exhibit, with its stunning visual representations and captivating narrative, offers visitors a glimpse into the profound wisdom of the Vedic tradition. It serves as a powerful reminder that true happiness and enlightenment can be found in the simplicity and purity of the human spirit.
Akshardham Temple Tour
That was a peek into the vast beautyb that Akshardham Temple Delhi holds. The Mandir, Mandaps, Exhibitions,Water show, there is nothing that you should miss exploring when visitng Akshardham Temple Delhi.
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FAQs
What is Akshardham Temple famous for?
Akshardham Temple is known for its intricate carvings, beautiful architecture, and the Sahaj Anand Water Show, a multimedia extravaganza.
2.Is Akshardham Temple a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
No, Akshardham Temple is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, it holds the Guinness World Record for the Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple in the World.
3.What religion is Akshardham Temple?
Akshardham Temple is a Swaminarayan Hindu temple. Swaminarayan Hinduism is a branch of Hinduism that emphasizes devotion to Swaminarayan, a revered figure believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
4.What are the opening hours of Akshardham Temple?
You can check Akshardham Temple Entry Tickets and Timings section for all the timings of activities.
Is there an entry fee for Akshardham Temple?
No, entry to the temple itself is free. However, there are separate tickets for the exhibitions, the water show, and other attractions within the complex.
What is the dress code for Akshardham Temple?
Modest attire is recommended to show respect for the religious site. This means clothing that covers shoulders and knees for both men and women.
Can I bring cameras or phones inside the temple?
No, mobiles, camera or any other electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.
What is the Sahaj Anand Water Show?
The Sahaj Anand Water Show is a 24-minute multimedia extravaganza using lights, lasers, fire, water jets, and live actors to tell a story based on the Kena Upanishad, a sacred Hindu text.
Is there a separate ticket for the Sahaj Anand Water Show?
Yes, there is a separate ticket for the Sahaj Anand Water Show. Check Akshardham Temple Entry Tickets and Timings
What time are the Sahaj Anand Water Shows?
Show timings typically occur in the evening after sunset. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule.
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