Akshardham Temple, or Swaminarayan Akshardham complex, in Delhi, is a quintessential Hindu shrine epitomizing Indian culture, architecture, and spirituality. The brilliant temple is dedicated to Swaminarayan, an Indian yogi and spiritual soul who existed during the 18th century. Touted as the world’s largest comprehensive Hindu temple by the Guinness World Record, Delhi’s Akshardham is known for its aesthetic beauty, unique exhibitions, sprawling campus, and tranquillity. It makes sense that Akshardham is one of the best tourist places to visit in Delhi for a guided sightseeing excursion.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, including its opening and closing times, ticket costs, location of the nearest metro station, directions, and musical water show.
History of Akshardham Temple
Swaminarayan Akshardham Delhi came into existence because of Shri Yogiji Maharaj’s wish to build a temple complex in Delhi. He conceived this idea around 1968 when he was serving as the spiritual head of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, better known as BAPS. Though it was his successor and 5th spiritual guru in line after Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Pramukh Swami Maharaj started the construction of the temple.
For the construction of this temple, the Uttar Pradesh government donated 30 acres of land, which is about 60 acres, to the Delhi Development Authority. Within five years, the construction project was finalized, having begun in 2000. Akshardham Temple is located on the Yamuna River’s bank and opened to the public on November 6, 2005. In the presence of notable individuals, including Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, LK Advani, BL Joshi, and Dr Manmohan Singh, the Indian prime minister at the time, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, she dedicated the temple.
The BAPS built the temple. The Swaminarayan Temple is one of the largest temples in Delhi and all over the country. Over 8000 people contributed more than 300,000,000 hours of their time to construct this temple.
Architecture of Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Temple in Delhi epitomizes classic Hindu architectural styles prevalent in ancient and medieval India. At its heart stands the Akshardham Temple, a marvel constructed per Pancharatra Shastra and Vastu Shastra principles. The main shrine is towering at 141 feet in height, 316 feet in width and 356 feet in length, boasting 234 intricately carved pillars, 20 quadrangle spires, nine elaborate domes, and 20,000 sculptures depicting India’s cultural and spiritual richness. The temple structure is adorned with motifs of deities, flowers, dancers, and musicians; it showcases flawless craftsmanship. The complex is crafted from Italian Carrara marble and Rajasthani pink sandstone, featuring open gardens, stepwell-style courtyards, water bodies, and more.
Things to do & see in Akshardham Temple
Travellers during their visit to Akshardham Temple on a guided Delhi Sightseeing Tour can explore these major attractions –
- Elaborate welcome gates
- The Main Temple of Akshardham
- Abhishek Mandap
- Three Exhibitions
- Garden of India
- Lotus Garden
- Narayan Sarovar
- Musical Fountain or Water Show
- Premvati Ahargruh
- Akshardham Books
Exhibitions at Akshardham Temple Complex
Akshardham Temple Complex encloses three unique exhibition centers, each of which is educational, informative, and inspirational. Let’s take a sneak peek at these:
Sahajanand Darshan (1 Hour, In Hindi) – It is the Hall of Values, which represents different values like perseverance, non-violence, morality, etc., and is showcased through animatronic figures and multimedia technology. Everything is well-displayed in 3D dioramas and immersive projections.
Neelkanth Darshan (45 Minutes, In Hindi)
This is a giant-screen theatre where the spiritual and cultural beauty of this country is shown through a short film titled Neelkanth Yatra. The film traces the story of the pilgrimage undertaken by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in his teenage years.
Sanskruti Darshan (15 Minutes, In Hindi)
At the exhibition hall, visitors can board a boat and sail through 10,000 years of India’s splendour heritage. During the ride, you will pass through exhibits that show a Vedic marketplace, a classroom at Takshashila University, and more.
Musical Fountain or Water Show
One of the most important parts of the Akshardham Temple visit is the multimedia water show named Sahaj Anand. It narrates an episode from the Kena Upanishad through video projections, coloured lasers, water jets, underwater flames, and surround sound.
Duration – 24 minutes; Language – Hindi; Timing – 7:45 PM
Ticket Prices – 90/- for adults; 60/- for children (4 to 11 years); free for kids below four years
Entry Fee & Timings of Akshardham Temple
- 170 per person for adults (Exhibition)
- 100 per person for children (Exhibition)
- 125 per person for senior citizens (Exhibition)
- 80 per person for adults (Musical Fountain)
- 50 per person for children (Musical Fountain)
- 80 per person for senior citizens (Musical Fountain)
Timing – 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Conclusion
Delhi’s Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is an experience that takes one through the centre of ancient India. Plan a visit to this must-see attraction in the nation’s capital. Every minute you spend here will be a remarkable part of your complete Golden Triangle Tour From Delhi.
