Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India. It is one of the largest Hindu temples in the world and features an array of intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and was built according to the Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra, ancient Indian architectural texts. The temple complex also includes a cultural boat ride, an exhibition on Indian culture and spirituality, and a musical fountain show. Akshardham temple is a major tourist attraction in Delhi and one of the most popular places of worship in India.

History of Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple, also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, was built by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a spiritual organization within the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism. The construction of the temple began in 2000, and it was officially opened to the public in 2005. The temple was built under the guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS at the time, and was constructed using traditional techniques and materials such as pink sandstone and marble.

The temple is a tribute to Lord Swaminarayan, also known as Sahajanand Swami, who is considered to be the supreme God in the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism. The temple complex is also dedicated to the promotion of Indian culture and spirituality and includes an exhibition on the life and teachings of Lord Swaminarayan, as well as a cultural boat ride and a musical fountain show.

Akshardham Temple has become a major tourist attraction in Delhi and is one of the most popular places of worship in India. It is also considered to be an architectural masterpiece and an engineering marvel, due to its intricate carvings and sculptures, as well as its use of traditional building techniques and materials.

The architecture of Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is an architectural masterpiece that showcases the rich heritage and culture of India. The temple complex was built according to the principles of Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra, ancient Indian architectural texts that focus on the harmony between man and nature. The temple is constructed using pink sandstone and white marble and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.

The temple complex is spread over an area of 86 acres and is made up of several distinct sections. The main temple, called the Mandapam, is the centerpiece of the complex and is a magnificent structure that is built without the use of steel or cement. The Mandapam is made up of 234 ornately carved pillars, 9 domes, and 20,000 murtis or statues of various deities.

The temple also features a large garden area, called the Yagnapurush Kund, which is a sacred water body that surrounds the main temple. The garden is home to several statues and sculptures, including the statue of Lord Swaminarayan, which is the tallest statue in any Hindu temple at 42 feet high.

Additionally, the temple complex also includes a cultural boat ride, an exhibition on Indian culture and spirituality, and a musical fountain show. The temple also has several halls for exhibitions, a library, and a food court. Overall, the Akshardham temple is a beautiful blend of ancient architecture and modern technology.

facts about Akshardham Temple

• Akshardham Temple, also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India.
• It is one of the largest Hindu temples in the world, covering an area of 86 acres.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, who is considered to be the supreme God in the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism.
• The temple was built by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a spiritual organization within the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism.
• Construction of the temple began in 2000 and was completed in 2005.
• The temple complex was built according to the principles of Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra, ancient Indian architectural texts that focus on the harmony between man and nature.
• The temple complex is made up of several distinct sections, including the main temple (Mandapam), a large garden area (Yagnapurush Kund), a cultural boat ride, an exhibition on Indian culture and spirituality, and a musical fountain show.
• The main temple is a magnificent structure that is built without the use of steel or cement and is made up of 234 ornately carved pillars, 9 domes, and 20,000 statues of various deities.
• The temple also features a 42-foot-high statue of Lord Swaminarayan, which is the tallest statue in any Hindu temple.
• It is a major tourist attraction in Delhi and is one of the most popular places of worship in India.
• The temple is also considered to be an architectural masterpiece and an engineering marvel, due to its intricate carvings and sculptures, as well as its use of traditional building techniques and materials.

Pro Tips

• Plan your visit in advance to avoid long lines and crowds.
• Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and legs.
• Photography inside the temple complex is not allowed, so be prepared to put your cameras and phones away.
• The temple complex is large, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a lot of walking.
• Be respectful of the temple’s rules and customs, and maintain a quiet and contemplative atmosphere while visiting.
• The temple complex is open all days of the week, but the timings vary on weekdays and weekends, check the official website for the timings.
• Food and drinks are not allowed inside the temple complex, so make sure you eat before you arrive.
• If you’re interested in learning more about the history and teachings of Lord Swaminarayan, consider taking the cultural boat ride, which is included in the ticket price.
• There are facilities for differently-abled people to access the temple easily, you can contact the temple office for assistance.
• If you’re visiting with children, keep in mind that the temple complex is not a playground and that children should be supervised at all times.

How to reach

There are several ways to reach Akshardham Temple in Delhi, India:

1. By metro: The nearest metro station to the temple is Akshardham Station on the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro. From there, it’s a short walk to the temple complex.
2. By bus: There are several bus routes that stop near the temple, including the DTC bus routes no. 8, 8A, 34, 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E, 34F, 34G, 34H, 34J, 34K, 34L, 34M, 34N, 34P, 34R, and 34S.
3. By car: If you’re driving, you can park your car in the temple’s parking lot.
4. By taxi: You can also hire a taxi to reach the temple.
5. By bike: you can also rent a bike and reach the temple.

It is advisable to check the traffic and plan accordingly to reach the temple on time.

Best time to Visit

The best time to visit Akshardham Temple in Delhi, India would depend on your personal preferences and the reason for your visit. However, here are a few things to consider when planning your visit:

1. Weather: The best time to visit the temple would be in the months of October to March when the weather is pleasant. The temperature is not too hot and not too cold, making it comfortable for sightseeing and exploring the temple complex.
2. Crowds: The temple is a popular tourist destination, and it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. It is better to plan your visit during weekdays to avoid the crowd.
3. Timings: The timings of the temple are different on weekdays and weekends, so make sure to check the official website before planning your visit.
4. Aarti timings: If you want to attend the evening Aarti ceremony, make sure you plan your visit accordingly. The Aarti timings are different on weekdays and weekends.
5. Special events: If you’re interested in participating in any special events or ceremonies held at the temple, make sure to check the temple’s calendar of events before planning your visit.

Overall, the best time to visit Akshardham Temple would be during the weekdays and during the months of October to March, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are less.

Near by Attractions

There are several nearby attractions to Akshardham Temple in Delhi, India that you can visit:

1. ISKCON Temple Delhi: This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radharani and is located about 6.5 km from Akshardham Temple.
2. Lotus Temple: This Bahai House of Worship is located about 8.5 km from Akshardham Temple and is known for its unique lotus-shaped design.
3. Jama Masjid: This historical mosque is located about 10 km from Akshardham Temple and is one of the largest mosques in India.
4. Red Fort: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located about 10.5 km from Akshardham Temple and is a popular tourist attraction in Delhi.
5. Raj Ghat: Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, located on the banks of the Yamuna River and is located about 11 km from Akshardham Temple.
6. Qutub Minar: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located about 14 km from Akshardham Temple and is the tallest minaret in India.
7. Connaught Place: This historic shopping and dining district is located about 15 km from Akshardham Temple and offers a variety of shopping and dining options.
8. Swaminarayan Akshardham: This temple is also dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and is located about 3km from Akshardham Temple.

You can either choose to visit them by public transport or hire a taxi for a day tour. It is advisable to check the timings of the other attractions before planning your visit.