Akshardham Temple

About

The spiritual and cultural complex of Akshardham Temple, popularly known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, is located in Delhi, India. Additionally, it serves as a sacred place of worship. The temple grounds are a time capsule showcasing the evolution of Hindu architecture, ritual, and belief over several millennia. The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) constructed it. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who was influenced by Yogiji Maharaj, was responsible for its creation. Pramukh Swami Maharaj officially opened the temple on November 6, 2005, in the presence of dignitaries such as A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Manmohan Singh, L.K. Advani, and B.L. Joshi. Using principles from Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra, the complex’s centerpiece temple was constructed.

Did you know?

Distanced Twins – Akshardham in Delhi is similar to its predecessor Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, The main shrine is the focal point and maintains the central position of the entire complex. Primary Attraction – The Akshardham Mandir is the primary attraction of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex. It is 141 feet (43 meters) tall, 316 feet (96 meters) wide, and 356 feet (109 meters) long. It is meticulously carved with plants, animals, dancers, musicians, and gods. Architectural Wonder – There are 234 intricately carved pillars, nine temples, and 20,000 murtis of swamis, devotees, and acharyas in the mandir. At the base of the mandir is the Gajendra Pith, a plinth honoring the elephant for its significance in Hindu culture and Indian history.

Deities

The Akshardham Temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, in whose honour the Swaminarayan Samprada was established. Lord Krishna was worshipped by Lord Swaminarayan. Inside the sanctuaries of Akshardham are idols of Radha Krishna Dev, Nara-Narayana Dev, and Laxminarayan Dev.

Location

Swaminarayan Akshardham is located in the capital city of Delhi, and the temple is also close to the border with Noida in Uttar Pradesh.

Cultural & Economic Impact

Built at a whopping cost of Rs 200 crore, Akshardham temple in Delhi is spread over 100 acres of land and sees 70,000-80,000 visitors per week. The temple is revered by people across all religions. People from all faiths visit the awe-inspiring temple.

Festivals

The temple frequently holds commemorations in honor of Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the temple’s founder. Gurudev Param Pujya Mahant Swami ji Maharaj, the current Guru and Chief of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushuotam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), oversees the celebrations. Countless devotees and adherents participate in the cultural events commemorating the festivities.

Facts

The Boat Ride to History – The Boat Ride is a 12-minute journey through 10,000 years of glorious heritage, using life-size figures and robotics to depict life in Vedic India, from family life to bazaars and teaching. It also shows the contributions of Vedic Indians to various fields such as science, astronomy, arts, literature, yoga, mathematics, etc.
India’s Largest Steep Well – The musical fountain, also called Yagnapurush Kund, is the greatest step well in India. It has a very extensive staircase leading down to a traditional ‘yagna kund’. During the day, these steps offer visitors of the complex a place to rest, and at night, the Sahaj Anand – Multimedia Water Show is performed.

Frequently Asked Questions { FAQs }

Are tickets to Akshardham free?

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, and is closed on Mondays. In addition, the entrance to the temple is free, but there is a fee for the exhibition that differs according to age.

Is there a dress code in Akshardham?

Yes, there is a dress code that people must adhere to when visiting Akshardham. Men must adhere to the dress code of shirt and trousers, dhoti, or pajamas with an overgarment. The preferred attire for women is a saree or half-saree with a bodice or churidar with pajamas and an upper garment. Shorts, miniskirts, midis, sleeveless tops, low-rise denim, and T-shirts with short lengths are prohibited.

Are you allowed to click photographs in Akshardham?

Authorities at Akshardham prohibit the use of personal cameras and mobile devices, but they do offer official photographers who can snap memorable photos from a prime location on the grounds.

How long is the water show in Akshardham?

The water show is 24 minutes long in Akshardham.