Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Delhi

                                             Akshardham Temple

 The Akshardham Temple is one of the most recently built temples in Delhi. Constructed by the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), it is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna. Delhi Akshar Dham Mandir was inaugurated in Novenmber'05 in the presence of President APJ Abdul Kalam. It is spread over an area of 100 acres and took about two years to complete. Akshardhaam Temple of New Delhi is built in an architectural style similar to that of the Akshardham temple of Gandhinagar in Gujarat, India. Its construction is based on the ancient Sthaapatya shastras of India and it is built without steel, entirely out of sandstone and marble.
 Approximately 234 ornate pillars, floral motifs, arches, exquisitely carved pavilions, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangle shikhars, a spectacular Gajendra Pith (plinth of stone elephants), adorn this architectural wonder. There are 20,000 statues inside Akshar Dham Mandir of Delhi of India's great sadhus, devotees, acharyas and divine personas. Other features of the Akshardham Temple are an IMAX theatre, a Swaminarayan temple, and an elaborate musical fountain. The area around the temple building has been converted into manicured lawns with beautiful water fountains.
 The main shrine of the New Delhi Akshardhaam temple houses the statue of Lord Swaminarayan. There is an Akshardham Temple Monument to World Peace inside the temple complex. Along with that, there is also a restaurant modeled on the Ajanta and Ellora caves and an Ayurvedic bazaar. Combining Rajasthani, Orrisan, Gujarati, Mughal and Jain temple architecture, the mandir presents a magnificent sight. This temple is a major tourist attraction and counts amongst the wonders of modern India.

Facts & Information about Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple-

•Swaminarayan Akshardham is the world’s largest Hindu Temple.
•This temple was built in 2005 and inaugurated by Mr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
•It was constructed by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
•The height of this temple is 42 meter.
•The temple is made up of granites and marbles.
•The temple consists 9 domes, 20, 000 sculptures of Sadhus.
•the temple is spread over an area of 12 acres.

The wonderful architecture of Akshardham Temple attracts more than 60% travelers who visit Delhi. the visitor can see the museum, parks, and many cultural activities inside the temple area. This beautiful temple is located near the bank of the Yamuna neighboring to the 2010 Commonwealth Games village.

Architecture Of Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple:-

The Temple has been adjudged as the “World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple” in the Guinness World Records. However, the record is being contested by three temples – the Madurai Meenakshi Temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam and the Annamalaiyar Temple in Thiruvannamalai. They argue that these three temples are as big as the Akshardham and are actually temples where the worship of God is carried out.
The Neelkanth Darshan exhibition is the first large format film on India, made by an Indian Organization, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The theater houses New Delhi’s first and only large format screen.

The Yagnapurush Kund is India’s largest step well. The Stepwell means a series of steps, artistically arranged going down towards the centrally placed Yagna Kund. The Yagna Kund is Lotus shaped.

Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is known for its architectural and designing grandeur. It rises 141-foot high, spans 316-foot wide, and extends 356-foot  long. It is intricately carved with flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities.
The Akashardham temple complex is designed with the standards of Maharishi Vastu Architecture. It features a blend of architectural styles across India. Rajasthani pink sandstone have extensively been used in its construction. The temple is based on traditional Hindu architectural guidelines on maximum temple life span, it makes no use of metal and has no support from steel or concrete.

234 ornately carved pillars, nine domes, and 20,000 murtis of sadhus, devotees, and acharyas are also used in the temple. 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.

An 11-foot high statue of Swaminarayan in seating position lies under the temple’s central dome. Swaminarayan is surrounded by images of the faith’s lineage of Gurus depicted either in a devotional posture or in a posture of service. The temple also houses the murtis of Sita Ram, Radha Krishna, Shiv Parvati, and Lakshmi Narayan.

An important feature of the temple complex is a musical fountain, or the Yagnapurush Kund which is regarded as India’s largest step well. It features a large series of steps down to a traditional ‘yagna kund’. During the day, these steps provide rest for the visitors to the complex and at night, a musical fountain show representing the circle of life is played to an audience which is seated on the same steps. The fountain is named after the Shastriji Maharaj. The fountain measures 300 feet by 300 feet  with 2,870 steps and 108 small shrines. In its centre lies an eight-petaled lotus shaped yagna kund designed according to the Jayaakhya Samhita of the Panchratrashastra.

Named as  Bharat Upavan, the garden of Akshardham has lush manicured lawns, trees, and shrubs. The garden is lined with bronze sculptures of contributors to India’s culture and history. These sculptures include children, women, national figures, freedom fighters, and warriors of India, including notable figures such as Mahatma Gandhi.

Akshardham History:-

One of the most popular and amazing tourist attractions in the Indian nation is Akshardham temple.
Known for its beauty and wide area Akshardham has several attributes that defines the existence and motive of human. Destiny of humankind along with universe details comprises the history of Akshardham temple. Researchers do not call this place only as temple as it is the place of enlightenment, education and entertainment. The entire area of Akshardham spreads over 23 acres and it includes parks, rides, lakes, sculptures and shrines flooded over the complete area of temple. All these things collectively describe the entire experience of India’s rich heritage and culture. Akshardham temple history devotes its existence to Lord Swaminarayan and has its inspiration from Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Thousands of people and volunteers have invested their money and service to establish this miraculous architecture of Akshardham that explores the rich culture of religion.
The followers of Lord Swaminarayan work over here by spreading and enhancing the flavor of spirituality and devotion with complete peace of mind. This monument based on authentic and modern techniques present the perfect impression or imprint of Indian architecture with religious culture. The architecture comprises of pink sandstone that comes from Rajasthan. More than thousands of these exclusive stones are carved with historical imprints that narrate the rich culture of India through pictures and carvings. The artists and builders have not used cement or metals like steel so that monument lives for years to come.
The history of Akshardham temple suggests that there are about 93 pillars that are sculpted and more than 40 windows having carving from either sides that allows patterns to look outstanding. The carving done on pillars and the walls of temple are actually poetic and looks wonderful in narrating the aura of devotion towards the culture. This particular temple has its name in the book of records in world, Guinness and it includes all the basic amenities and features that allow offering a prayer. Akshardham Temple history is available on stores and internet for the people having interest in this religious monument. The temple does not ask you to follow particular God rather it just asks people to pray their mentor or teacher that is to whom they owe their existence. All these theories by Lord Swaminarayan were compiled together and the place called Akshardham came in to origin. People here come to practice self-peace of mind and soul as per historical aim of this temple.

Exhibitions:-

Hall 1 - Hall of Values (50 mins)
Experience endless human values via films and eye-catching robotic shows which shows the ideals of overall nonviolence, honesty, family peace, and spirituality.
Hall 2 - Giant Screen Film (40 mins)
Here through a giant screen film, one can discover the entire country through the innovative as well as interesting story of an eleven-year-old yogi who named as Nilkanth. The yogi is the one who brings to life the wide Indian culture and spirituality of country's customs in varied ways.
Hall 3 - Cultural Boat Ride (15 mins)
In hall 3, one can experience a glorious ride of 10,000 years of India's prestigious and enriched heritage which will take 15 minutes. You can also learn about the inventive discoveries and inventions of all the rishi-scientists of country and can also discover the world's first university of Takshashila.

Musical Fountain - Circle of Life:-

A magnificent spectacular musical fountain can be seen in evening. The musical fountain starts for 15 minutes at the temple which depict the cycle of birth, life, and death as it repeats itself.
Garden of India
Garden of India is spread around sixty acres of green lush lawns, gardens and beautiful bronze statues. It also pays tribute to India's child heroes, famous valorous warriors, all the national patriots and strong great women personalities who inspire us in many ways whether its values and character.
Lotus Garden
This garden is built in lotus-shape and is another major attraction at the temple which echoing spirituality. The Garden is an example of serenity as it expressed by all the famous philosophers, talented scientists, and leaders throughout the ancient Indian history.

Dress Code at Akshardham:-

The Temple follows a general dress code as per which the upper wear of both men and women should cover shoulders, chest, navel and upper arms. The temple allows pants and shorts as long as they are below the knee-length. In case, the dress of the visitor is deemed inappropriate, a sarong is provided free of cost.

Festivals celebrated at the Akshardham Delhi Temple:-

The Temple is decorated and lit with lights on occasions like Diwali, Navaratri, and Janmashtami
Poojas and Rituals at Akshardham Delhi


Nilkanth Varni Abhishek:-

An extreme hallowed spiritual tradition in which all the prayers from devotees are offered for entire world peace and continual peace for loved ones and friends with the water of around 151 holy rivers, lakes and ponds of the country

Nearby Temples:-

Uttara Swami Malai Mandir :-

 The Temple is located in Ramakrishna Puram (RK Puram) Sector-7. The shrine is popularly known as the Malai Mandir, Malai meaning Hill in Tamil. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Karthikeya and is constructed following the Chola architecture. The main sanctum is located atop a hill. Apart from the main shrine, Lord Vinayaka, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are also worshiped here.
Birla Mandir :-

The Temple also known as the Laxminarayan Mandir is situated on Mandir Marg. The Temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, another name of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The other shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna and Buddha. The Temple was built by the legendary B.R Birla.

Hanuman Temple:-

 The unique and ancient temple is situated in Connaught Place, Delhi. The Temple is believed to be one of the five ancient shrines in Delhi whose importance can be dated back to the epic Mahabharata. The idol of the presiding deity, Lord Hanuman is believed to be self-manifested. The Temple has glorious past and is still visited by lakhs of devotees every year.
Chhatarpur Temple :-

 The Temple is known as the Shri Aadya Katyayani Shakti Peetham. The Temple is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The Temple is the second largest temple complex in India. The entire temple is constructed of marble and is an architectural delight.

Warning:-

1. While traveling during the night it's better to take public transport or taxi instead of an auto rickshaw. Beyond 8 PM traveling in an auto rickshaw is not advisable especially if you are the first-time tourist and traveling alone.
2. Beware of cheats and anti-social elements. In the case of suspicions do not hesitate to Dial 100, its Delhi Police Helpline.

Activities:-

Going in and around Akshardham Complex shall take some 3 hours. Watch Art & Architecture of the temple and offer prayer to Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The Akshardham Complex runs Exhibitions between 10 am to 5 pm. You can buy a ticket to learn more from India’s rich culture and Hindu religion. The water show in the evening is a special tourist attraction. If you are coming with kids, I am sure this will be fun for them. The Maha Arti which is mainly performed by Head Priest of the Akshardham Mandir is held before water show. The sound of bells and hymens shall make you feel like you are meeting to the God. The Thematic Gardens; Bharat Upvan and The Yogi Hridaya Kamal shall give you teaching in silence from the life of world’s great personalities.
From Akshardham Complex, you can head to Mayur Vihar Phase I for shopping and enjoying on Indian / Italian / Mexican cuisines. Or if you want to do more then go to EDM Mall near Anand Vihar, Kaushambi or Vasundhara. In these places, you can shop for clothes (casuals / fashion wears etc) and enjoy Indian delicacies. If you love eating spicy or want to try once, I will suggest you have “Chhole Bhature” from any food joint. Depending on the type of restaurant or eating joint you chose, a plate of Chhole Bhature shall cost you Rs. 50 – Rs 150.

Timings Of Akshardham Complex:-

First entry-9:30am
Last entry– 6:30pm
(throughout the week except on Mondays when the temple is closed).

Mandir Darshan– 9:30am to 8:00pm
Arti– 10:00am and 6:00 pm
Abhishek Mandap–
Darshan and Pooja– 9:30am to 8:00pm
Arti– 6:30pm.

Water Show After sunset:-

Charges at the Temple
Entry to the complex is free.

Exhibitions Tickets:-

Adults- Rs.170
Senior citizen- Rs.125
Children (4-11 years) – Rs.100
Children (below 4 years) -Free.

Water Show After sunset:-

Water show tickets
Adults – Rs.30
Senior citizens – Rs.30
Children (4-11 years) –  Rs.20
Children (below 4 years) – Free

Abhishek Mandap
Donation (per person) – Rs.50
Darshan is Free


Location & How to Reach Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Delhi:-

Akshardham is located at National Highway 24, Akshardham Setu in New Delhi.
The temple’s location is easily accessible as it is located at 6km distance from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and at a distance of 350m from the Akshardham Metro Station (at a walking distance). The temple is at a 40 minute distance from Old Delhi Railway Station.
Delhi is well connected through metro stations and also has a good network of roadways which makes it easy for tourists from anywhere to reach the place.

By Air:-

Are you coming from Frankfurt or New York or from another Indian state? Upon reaching to Airport in Delhi, you can hire a taxi (AC/Non-AC) or an Auto Rickshaw to reach to Akshardham. All major International Airlines connects to New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). The domestic airport Palam is located at a distance of 5 km from International Airport.

By Rail:-

The capital New Delhi is well connected to the railway network. The major Railway Stations in New Delhi are Old Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi Railway Station, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and Anand Vihar Railway Station. From these railway stations, you can take a Metro Rail / City Bus / Auto Rickshaw / Taxi to reach to Akshardham.

By Bus:-

 Delhi is well connected by road to all major cities of neighboring states viz; Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan. The major Inter State Bus Terminus in Delhi are Maharana Pratap ISBT at Kashmere Gate, Delhi; Swami Vivekanand ISBT at Anand Vihar, Delhi; Vir Hakikat Rai ISBT at Sarai Kale Khan, Delhi. From any of the ISBT, you can take city transport like Metro Rail, Bus, a taxi or auto to reach to Akshardham Temple. If hiring an auto rickshaw to ask your driver to run the vehicle on meter instead of negotiable rates.