Akshardham Temple
ABOUT-
Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom an d bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.
The Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built in only five years through the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and the colossal devotional efforts of 11,000 artisans and thousands of BAPS volunteers. Heralded by the Guinness World Record as the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple, the complex was inaugurated on 6 November, 2005.
The temple, which attracts approximately 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi,was officially opened on 6 November 2005. It sits near the banks of the Yamuna adjacent to the 2010 Commonwealth Games village in eastern New Delhi. The temple, at the center of the complex, was built according to the Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra. In addition to the large central temple crafted entirely of stone, the complex features exhibitions on incidents from the life of Swaminarayan and the history of India, an IMAX feature on the early life of Swaminarayan as the teenage yogi, Nilkanth, a musical fountain on the message of the Upanishads, and large landscaped gardens. The temple is named after a belief in Swaminarayan Hinduism.
The main monument, at the center of the complex, is 141-foot (43 m) high, 316-foot (96 m) wide, and 356-foot (109 m) long, and is covered top to bottom with carved details of flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities.
Designed in accordance with ancient Vedic text known as the Sthapatya Shastra, it features a blend of architectural styles from across India. It is constructed entirely from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, and has no support from steel or concrete. The monument also consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, nine domes, and 20,000 murtis and statues of Hinduism's sadhus, devotees, and acharyas.The monument 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 scale sized elephants in total and weighs a total of 3000 tons.
Within the monument, under the central dome, lies a murti or statue of Swaminarayan which is 11-foot (3.4 m) high. The murti is surrounded by similar statues of the gurus of the sect. Each murti is made of paanch dhaatu or five metals in accordance to Hindu tradition. Also within the central monument lie the murtis of other Hindu deities, including Sita Ram, Radha Krishna, Shiv Parvati, and Lakshmi Narayan.
PLACES TO EXPLORE-
Akshardham Mandir
A traditional mandir (temple) dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan that reflects the beauty and spirituality of India’s ancient art, culture, and architecture
A traditional mandir (temple) dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan that reflects the beauty and spirituality of India’s ancient art, culture, and architecture
Nilkanth Varni Abhishek
A hallowed spiritual tradition in which prayers are offered for world peace and continual peace for oneself, family, and friends with the water of 151 holy rivers, lakes and ponds of India.
Exhibitions
Hall 1 - Hall of Values (50 mins)
Experience enduring human values through films and robotic shows that depict the ideals of nonviolence, honesty, family harmony, and spirituality.
Hall 2 - Giant Screen Film (40 mins)
Discover India through the incredible story of an eleven-year-old yogi named Nilkanth that brings to life the culture and spirituality of India's customs, the majesty of its art and architecture, and the unforgettable sights, sounds, and power of its awe-inspiring festivals.
Hall 3 - Cultural Boat Ride (15 mins)
Sail through 10,000 years of India's glorious heritage. Learn about the discoveries and inventions of the rishi-scientists of India, see the world’s first university of Takshashila, sail through the caves of Ajanta-Ellora and discover India's contributions to humanity through the ages.
Musical Fountain - Circle of Life (Evenings at Sunset - 15 min.)
A spectacular musical fountain show that depicts the cycle of birth, life, and death as described in Indian philosophy.
Garden of India
Sixty acres of lush lawns, gardens and exquisite bronze statues, honouring India's child heroes, valorous warriors, national patriots and great women personalities who inspire values and character.
Lotus Garden
A lotus-shaped garden echoing spirituality as expressed by philosophers, scientists, and leaders throughout history.
VISTORS INFORMATION-
Location-
N. H. 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi, INDIA - 110092
NEAREST METRO STATION-
AKSHARDHAM
Days Closed: Mondays
Complex Entry - Free | No Ticket
Timings
First Entry: 9:30 AM
Last Entry: 6:30 PM
Exhibitions: 10:00AM - 5:30 PM
Admission
| Complex Entry: | Free | No Ticket |
| Mandir & Gardens | Free | No Ticket |
| Exhibition & Musical Fountain | Fee| Ticket |
| Abhishek Darshan: | Free | No Ticket |
| Abhishek Puja: | Fee | Ticket |
Ticket Fee
Exhibition Only
| Adult | (12 yrs & above) | Rs. 170 |
| Senior Citizens | (65 yrs & above) | Rs. 125 |
| Children | (4 to 11 yrs) | Rs. 100 |
| Children | (Below 4 yrs) | Free |
Musical Fountain Only:
| Adult | (12 yrs & above) | Rs. 30 |
| Senior Citizens | (65 yrs & above) | Rs. 30 |
| Children | (4 to 11 yrs) | Rs. 2 |
| Children | (Below 4 yrs) | Free |
Facilities:
| Parking: | Rates per type of vehicle |
| Cloakroom: | Deposit at owner’s risk (No Fee) |
| Photo Booths: | Printed Photograph Memories (Fee) |
| Wheelchairs: | Refundable Deposit - Rs. 100 |
| Food Court: | Meals, Snacks & Beverages (100% Vegetarian Only) |
| Books & Gift Centre: | Publications, Mementos & Gift Items |
Dress Code:
- Respectable - Must cover shoulders and knees
- Wraps provided - Refundable Deposit Rs. 100
Security & Safety: * Cloakroom Facilities Available (In Parking lot)
- Not Allowed:
- All Electronic Items (Mobiles, Camera, Pen Drives, Hands-Free etc.)
- All Bags
- Purses (Shoulder Strap / Hanging)
- Food & Drinks
- Toys
- Tobacco & Alcohol Products
- All Personal Belongings
- Allowed:
- Shoes
- Belts
- Wallets
- Ladies Purses (Handheld)
- Jewelry
- Passports
- Infant Baby Food
Strictly Prohibited:
- Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs
- Tobacco-Related Products
- Impolite Behavior & Language
- PETS
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