Akshardham temple in Delhi is India's one of the largest Hindu temple, It was constructed in 2005. It was inaugurated by formal Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Built according to Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra, Akshardham Delhi presents a traditional architecture of Hindu Temples. This temple located in the bank of the Yamuna in east Delhi.
The temple complex has spread over 90 acres. It was built in Observation of BAPS (Bocāsanvāsī Akshar Purushottam Sansthā). It took 5 years of construction. The main temple of the complex has no use of steel, iron, and concrete. Indian rich legacy, traditions, ancient architecture and everlasting spiritual messages can be seen all over the complex. The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple complex entered the Guinness World Records for being the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple.
Akshardham temple was introduced in the year of 2005. It was inaugurated by Former President of India late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in the presence of Former P.M Dr. Manmohan Singh and other Committee Members. The temple was constructed in observation of BAPS (Bocāsanvāsī Akshar Purushottam Sansthā). It took 5 years and more than 11000 artesian and BAPS Akshardham volunteers. The temple spread over 23 acres included parks, ride, lakes, sculptures, and shrines. The temple is full of flora and fauna. The Akshardham Delhi temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. The temple is the marvel of the architecture and shows the legacy 10,000 years of India. The entire temple is constructed with pink sandstone and Italian Marble. The temple has 10 gates which indicate 10 directions according to Vedic literature.
Akshardham Temple is located at the bank of the Yamuna. The temple has 20000 statue, floral motifs, carved pillars, The temple complex has 234 carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangle Shikaras. It has 148 full-sized Elephant, 40 birds and animals, 120 human sculptures. The Akshardham parikarma consists of 1152 pillars and 145 windows amounting to a total of 53956 stones. The main temple is surrounded by a lake called Narayan Sarovar. The height of the main temple is 115 ft and 131 ft. Wide. The garbha griha houses a seven-foot-tall idol of Lord Swaminarayan covered in gold leaf with the idol resting on a pedestal about three feet high. The temple complex is elevated and a sandstone paved approach leads to it with stone steps. The structure of the building is made in such a way that it can last for at least 1000 years more.
The construction of the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple has started in the year 2000 and it took 5 years of construction. In 2005 It was inaugurated by Former President of India late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in the presence of Former P.M Dr. Manmohan Singh and other Committee Members.
In the 1970s, the spiritual head of BAPS yogi Ji Maharaj wants to build a temple in the bank of the river Yamuna. Further, the successor of yogi Ji Maharaj, Pramukh Swamiji Maharaj sends a request of a proposal to the Delhi government, and several places suggested in the Delhi NCR area.
After so many years Delhi and Uttar Pradesh government offer 90 acres of land for the Temple. After the land acquisition, the development has started. The pramukh swami Ji made a committee of 8 sadhus for this project. 6000 tons of sandstone used in the temple.
This is one of the main attractions. In this hall, you will see the ancient Indian culture with some messages. They convey the message of humanity and nonviolence with audiovisuals with 3D animations.
Hall no. 2 houses a large-format screen. Here, a movie, especially Made for the complex, shows the journey of Bhagwan Swaminarayan throughout India.
In the Abhishek, the visitors pour the water on the ideal of the Neelkantha Akshardham Varni. It is a daily ritual for fulfilling your wish. The bathing process occurred with the sounds of the Shlokas. The fee of the Abhishek is 50 rs. During the Abhishek, the visitors are encouraged to pray for their friends and relatives.
In this hall, you will see the era of ancient Indian history. Here they show the How ancient Indian culture had worked. The yoga and Vedic era bazaar, classrooms of taksashilla, shatranj the ancient Indian game, the eye surgery room.
This is one of the most fascinating places in the Akshardham temple complex. It has a Vedic yagnakund surrounded by the colorful musical fountain that plays Vedic mantras and prayers. Yagnapurush Kund is the country’s largest stepped well. The size of the fountain is 91 by 91 meters that has a total of 2870 steps along with 108 smaller shrines. there are light and water show in which through laser lights and colored fountains, the story of Gods’ arrogance.
Garden of India also known as Bharat upwan lies in the temple complex. It is one of the most beautiful gardens in Delhi with lots of social messages as well as statues of our freedom fighters. This garden has unique architecture and also lots of trees, plants. The stones engraved with quotes written by world-famous writers like William Shakespeare, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Narayan, and Martin Luther King. There are lots of statues of Indian freedom fighters, sadhus, acharyas and many other figures related to India.
Mayur Dwar means the gate which is dedicated to peacock. Peacock has a religious symbol in Indian culture. Peacock is also the national bird of India.
This garden has a shape of Lotus and the garden has quotes of great personalities of the world.
There are many restaurants inside the Akshardham temple where you can enjoy the food and drinks. Almost everything is available such as north Indian food and south Indian food. These Restaurants modeled on the design of Ajanta and Ellora caves.
The Akshardham center for Applied research in social harmony is situated in the complex. Scholars and researchers conduct the studies on education, medicare, and culture of India.
Akshardham Mandir Timing:-The temple open for visitors every morning at 9.30 a.m. and close 6.30 p.m. The temple remains close on every Monday.
Morning Aarti at 10 a.m. & evening Aarti at 6 p.m.
Summer
During the months of summer (Mar to May) it extremely hot the temperature can rise up to 46 degrees.
Monsoon
In the monsoon, the climate remains pleasant, but heavy rainfall can spoil your plans.
Winter
In the winter it can be cold the temperature can fall down to 5 degrees celsius. The morning and evening remain chilly, but in day time you can visit Akshardham temple.
Akshardham Temple ticket is absolutely free.
(Charges for Exibition)
| For adults, (above 12 yrs.) |
220 Rupees
|
| For Senior (above 60 yrs.) |
170 Rupees
|
| For Children (above 4 yrs.) |
120 Rupees
|
(Charges for Water Show)
| For Adults 80 (above 12 yrs.) |
80 Rupees
|
| For Senior 80 (above 60 yrs.) |
80 Rupees
|
| For Children 50 (above 4 yrs.) |
50 Rupees
|
Charge: Free for the physically challenged, elderly and needy
Available: At entrance before the security clearance
Refundable Deposit: Rs.100
Upper Wear: Must cover the shoulders, chest, navel, and upper arms.
Lower Wear: Must be at least below knee-length.
So the temple is located on the bank of the Yamuna river in East Delhi (India). The nearest metro station is Akshardham metro station (335 to walk). You can reach here by public transport or your own vehicle.
From Delhi Airport (29 km New Delhi Airport)
You can pick the metro from the airport metro station and reach Akshardham metro station. From here you can walk for 5 minutes or take an e-rickshaw to reach the entry gate.
From Delhi railway station (1 km New Delhi Railway Station)
From Delhi Railway Station you can pick metro or public transport and reach Akshardham Temple.
From Delhi Interstate Bus Station
From here you can pick buses for Akshardham temple.
Things to do
Things to Do Not
The Swaminarayan Akshardham temple is famous for its unique architecture. All the premises constructed with the red sandstone and Italian marvel. There is no use of steel, iron, and concrete in the construction of the temple. The temple shows the culture of ancient India.
Akshardham temple is one of the most famous temples in Delhi. The temple has hundreds of sculptured stones and 20000 statues. Entire the main temple is surrounded by a lake called Narayan Sarovar. There are 108 faces of cows (gomukh) placed along the lake, which represent 108 Hindu Gods.
The yagna purush Kund, the musical fountain show, the boat ride, Bharat upvan or the garden of India are the main attractions on people. The lawns are decorated with statues. The Sanskrit vihar shows us the ancient cultural history of India.
Also, the temple has 10 gates which show 10 direction according to Vedic literature of India. These gates show that spirituality comes from all directions.
The Akshardham Mandir is Managed by the BAPS(Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha). It was formally established in 1907 by Brahmswaroop Shastri Maharaj. It is a global NGO that hosts many cultural and moral activities all over the world.
Yes, all religions are apparently allowed but short dresses not allowed.
You can’t take anything inside but you have a service counter where you can deposit your belongings and they are safe there.
There is no entry fee for the Akshardham temple.
The Akshardham temple is situated in Delhi.
The address of Akshardham Mandir is NH 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi – 110092.
The temple is open throughout the year. But you can avoid summer because most of the area will be explored on foot.
No, but you can hire a cab or auto from Nizamuddin station to Akshardham temple it will take less than 20 minutes.
The temple remains open from 9.30 a.m to 6.30 p.m.
Note– According to the Guinness Books of World record Akshardham temple is the world’s largest Hindu Temple. And it receives 100000 visitors per week.