The world's largest Hindu pilgrimage site, Swaminarayan Akshardham (New Delhi) is a Hindu temple, and spiritual-cultural complex in New Delhi, India. The temple is close to the border with Noida. Located near Laxmi Nagar, it is also known as Akshardham Temple or Akshardham Delhi, and its name was also recorded in the Guinness World Records in 2007. The complex displays millennia of traditional and modern Hindu culture, spirituality and architecture. Inspired by Yogiji Maharaj and built by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, it was produced by BAPS.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Architecture, Photography, Religion.
- Entrance Fee: Adults: Rs. 170, Children: Rs. 100, Senior Citizens: Rs. 125.
- Visiting Time: 10:30AM to 6:00PM.
- Visit Duration: 6 to 7 hours.
One of the holiest places in Indian history, this temple was officially inaugurated on 6 November 2005 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj by Dr. a. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Manmohan Singh, LK Advani and B.L. Joshi's presence. Spread over an area of 141 feet high and 356 feet long and 316 feet wide, the temple, at the center of the complex, was built according to Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra.
Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, similar to its predecessor Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is the main shrine focal point and maintains the central position of the entire complex. There are various exhibition halls which provide information about the life and works of Swaminarayan. The designers of the complex have adopted contemporary methods of communication and technology to create various exhibition halls.
Adorned with many beautiful artifacts and amazing carvings, the complex includes an Abhishek Mandap, Sahaja Ananda Water Show, a thematic garden, and three exhibitions namely Sahajan Darshan (Hall of Values), Neelkanth Darshan (Kishore Yogi, early Swaminarayan as Neelkanth). An IMAX film on life), Darshan (Cultural Boat Ride) and Sanskriti. Which will win your heart and moreover. There are a total of 20,000 idols here. According to Swaminarayan Hinduism, the word Akshardham means abode of Swaminarayan and followers believe that the Lord is a temporary home on earth.
Akshardham Temple
The main attraction of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is the Akshardham Temple. It is 141-foot (43 m) high, 316-foot (96 m) wide, and 356-foot (109 m) long. It is intricately carved with flora, fauna, dancers, musicians and deities.
Akshardham Temple was designed by BAPS Swami and a member of the Sompura family, Virendra Trivedi. It is built entirely of Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble. Based on traditional Hindu architectural guidelines (Shilpa Shastra) in maximum temple life span, it does not use ferrous metal. Thus, it has no support from steel or concrete.
The temple also has 234 ornate pillars, nine domes, and 20,000 murtis of swamis, devotees and acharyas. The temple also houses the Gajendra Pith, which pays homage to the elephant for its importance in Hindu culture and the history of India. It has a total of 148 life size elephants weighing 3000 tonnes.
Underneath the central dome of the temple is an 11 ft (3.4 m) high statue of Swaminarayan seated in Abhayamudra, to which the temple is dedicated. Swaminarayan is surrounded by images of the lineage of the gurus of the faith depicted either in devotional posture or in the posture of service. Each idol is made of Pancha Dhatu or five metals according to Hindu tradition. The temple also has idols of Sita Ram, Radha Krishna, Shiva Parvati, and Lakshmi Narayan.
Exhibitions
Sahajanand Darshan [Hall of beliefs]
The Hall of Values includes life-like robotics and dioramas that display events from the life of Swaminarayan, conveying his message of peace, harmony, humility, service to others and devotion to God. Set in 18th century India, audiences experience eternal messages inspired by ancient Hindu culture such as 'violence, vegetarianism, perseverance, prayer, morality, and family harmony through 15 3-dimensional dioramas that depict art robotics, fiber Let's use the state of optics, light and sound effects, dialogue and music. The hall also houses the world's smallest animatronic robot, Ghanshyam Maharaj, the child form of Swaminarayan.
Neelkanth Darshan [Theatre]
The theater has Delhi's first and only large format screen, measuring 85-foot (26 m) by 65-foot (20 m). The theater shows a 40-minute film for the particularly complex, Neelkanth Yatra, to commemorate the seven-year pilgrimage made by Swaminarayan during his teen years across India. Mystic India, an international version of the film produced by BAPS Charities, was released in 2005 in IMAX theaters and huge screen cinemas worldwide. A 27-foot (8.2 m) tall bronze statue of Neelkanth Varni is located outside the theatre.
Sanskruti Vihar [boat ride]
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 markets and teaching. It shows contributions to Vedic Indians in various fields such as science, astronomy, art, literature, yoga, mathematics, etc. by eminent personalities such as mathematician-astronomers Aryabhata and Brahmagupta, the great Panini, contributors to the ancient art and science of Ayurveda. sushrutaand like Charaka, the classical Sanskrit writer Kalidasa, the philosopher, economist and royal advisor Chanakya, among others. It reflects the world's first university, Taxila, and the subjects taught there, such as horse riding and warfare. It highlights the contributions of Sufi saints such as Kabir in the Middle Ages and Bhakti movement saints such as Meera and Ramananda, and then in more recent times by modern Indian mathematicians such as Jagadish Chandra Bose, Srinivasa Ramanujan, CV Raman and Satyendra Nath Bose. and philosophers like Swami Vivekananda.
Musical fountain
The musical fountain, also known as Yagyapurush Kund, is the largest step in India. It has a very large series of stairs leading to the traditional 'Yagna Kund'. During the day, these steps provide comfort for the visitors and at night, a musical fountain show called Sahaj Anand – Multi-Media Water Show is showcased. Sahaj Anand Water Show is a breathtaking 24-minute presentation that brings together a wide variety of intriguing media to bring to life the story of Kena Upanishad. With multi-color lasers, video projections, underwater flames, water jets and lights and live actors, the surround sound in the symphony produces a captivating and inspiring presentation. International experts contribute their expertise along with BAPS volunteers and SWMIs to create this one-of-a-kind presentation. This fountain is named after the founder of Hindu organization BAPS, Shastri Ji Maharaj. The fountain measures 300 feet (91 m) by 300 feet (91 m) with 2,870 steps and 108 smaller shrines. In its center is an eight-petalled lotus-shaped yagya kunda designed according to the Jayakhya Samhita of Pancharatra Shastra.
Garden of india
Also known as Bharat Park, this garden has lush lawns, trees and shrubs. The garden is adorned with bronze sculptures of contributors to the culture and history of India. These sculptures include children, women, national figures, freedom fighters and warriors of India, including notable figures such as Mahatma Gandhi.
How to Travel
The complex is accessible by Delhi Metro. Akshardham metro station is adjacent to the premises.
Additional features
- Temple time: Closed on monday
- Visit Timing: 5PM to 6.30PM (Due to COVID, Timings have been changed)
- Aarti Time: Around 6 pm
- Temple Timings: In normal condition
- Darshan: 09:30 am to 08:00 pm
- Aarti: 10:00 am and 06:00 pm
How to reach Akshardham Temple in Delhi?
- Nearest Bus Stop: Akshardham Station is the nearest bus stop to Akshardham Temple. It is just 1 km away.
- Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham is the nearest metro station to Akshardham Temple. It is just 1 km away.
- Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi is the nearest railway station to Akshardham Temple. It is 9.8 km away.
- Nearest Airport: IGI is the nearest airport to Akshardham Temple. It is 22 km away.
Nearby places:
- Qutub Minar, Delhi
- Agrasen Ki Baoli, Delhi
- West to Wonder Park, Delhi
Delhi
Delhi is a union territory and the capital city of India. It is located in the northern part of the country and is bordered by Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Delhi has a rich history and was ruled by various dynasties such as the Mughals, the Khiljis, and the Tughlaqs.Delhi is known for its historical monuments such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun"s Tomb. The city also has a vibrant culture and is known for its street food, which includes dishes like chaat, parathas, and kebabs.The economy of Delhi is primarily based on the service sector, with the city being home to many multinational corporations and government offices. The city is also a major transportation hub, with the Indira Gandhi International Airport being one of the busiest airports in the world.
Delhi
Delhi is also the capital of India and also a major hub of tourism. Delhi becomes a special resort for tourists from all over the world during the winter season. Every year, millions of tourists come to see the culture, art and natural beauty of Delhi. Delhi is known for its beautiful gardens and historical monuments. Delhi is an excellent blend of old and new, ancient and modern cultures and religions. India Gate, Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Tapal, Chattarpur Temple, Birla Temple, Delhi Haat, Garden of Five Sense, Mughal Garden, Lodi Garden, Humayun"s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar, Lodhi"s Tomb, Parliament House, Old Fort, Qutub Minar, Safdarjung Tomb, Red Fort, Rajghat, Indian Railway Museum, Zoo, Handicraft Crafts Museum, Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Palika Bazar etc. In addition, many major malls and Metro journeys can also make tourist travel enjoyable.