Towering over the banks of the Yamuna River in New Delhi, Swaminarayan Akshardham temple isn’t just a temple; it’s a cultural and spiritual odyssey. This architectural marvel is a doorway to 10,000 years of Indian heritage, seamlessly blending art, tradition, and timeless values.

Understanding the Significance of Akshardham Temple

A Legacy Etched in Stone: Crafted from pink sandstone and marble, Akshardham holds the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple. Astonishingly, no steel was used in its construction! Over 11,000 artisans meticulously hand-carved its intricate details, making it a true testament to human dedication and artistic mastery.

A Spiritual Haven: Dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a revered figure in Hinduism, Akshardham promotes universal peace and harmony. The temple complex houses murtis (idols) of various deities, saints, and spiritual leaders, representing the vast spectrum of Hinduism. It’s a place to seek solace, practice devotion, and experience the rich tapestry of Hindu beliefs.

A Celebration of Indian Culture: Beyond the temple, Swaminarayan Akshardham temple offers captivating exhibitions like Sahajanand Darshan (depicting Swaminarayan’s life) and Yagnapurush Darshan (a boat ride showcasing Vedic culture). These immersive experiences bring Indian history and spirituality to life, allowing visitors to connect with the nation’s soul.

A Journey Through the Akshardham Complex

• The Central Mandir: This intricately carved temple is the heart of the complex. Prepare to be awestruck by its grandeur and the exquisite craftsmanship on every surface.
• Exhibitions: Embark on a captivating journey through Indian heritage with multimedia presentations like Sahajanand Darshan and Yagnapurush Darshan.
• The Gardens: Find serenity amidst the beautifully manicured gardens, featuring cascading waterfalls, a serene lotus pond, and bronze sculptures depicting ancient Indian values.
• Sanskruti Vihar (Cultural Exhibit): Witness a mesmerizing display of 11,000 robotic figures showcasing the vibrancy of Indian festivals and traditions. This technologically advanced exhibit brings history alive in a truly unique way.

Planning Your Visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

Timings: The temple is open from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, and closed on Mondays.

Bookings: Entry to the complex is free, but there’s a paid same-day registration for exhibitions and the boat ride. You can register upon arrival.

Travel: Akshardham is well-connected by Delhi Metro (Akshardham Temple Station) and road. Cabs and rickshaws are readily available for your convenience.

FROM AKSHARDHAM METRO STATION

1. Exit the Station and Turn Right
2. Walk 100 meters and Turn Right
3. Walk 250 meters & Enter Akshardham – Gate 1

And FROM THE AIRPORT (1HR 30 MINS)

1. Take the Orange Line to the New Delhi Metro Station
2. Disembark at New Delhi Metro Station
3. Take the Yellow Line (toward HUDA City Centre)
4. Disembark at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station
5. Take the Blue Line (Towards Noida City Centre)
6. Disembark at Akshardham Metro Station

FROM NEW DELHI RAILWAY STATION (40 MINS)

1. Walk towards Ajmeri Gate Exit
2. Walk towards New Delhi Metro Station
3. Take the Yellow Line (toward HUDA City Centre)
4. Disembark at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station
5. Take the Blue Line (Towards Noida City Centre)
6. Disembark at Akshardham Metro Station

FROM OLD DELHI RAILWAY STATION (45 MINS)

1. Walk towards Chandni Chowk Metro Station (350 Meters)
2. Take the Yellow Line (toward HUDA City Centre)
3. Disembark at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station
4. Take the Blue Line (Towards Noida City Centre)
5. Disembark at Akshardham Metro Station

“Swagatam” – Welcome!

At the campus, you will be greeted by a welcome gate followed by a bhakti dwar. If you choose to go through the Visitor Center, you can stop by to ask volunteers to help plan your visit or pick up a printed guidebook. Admire the intricate carvings of Mayur Dwar and make a wish at Charanavind – Sacred Footprints. The Swaminarayan Akshardham temple pilgrimage starts from the Ten Gates (meaning 10 directions), where visitors pass through the Devotion Gate, Visitor Center, and Peacock Gate to reach Charnavind. Along the way, traditional Hindu symbols representing positivity, devotion, beauty, and purity create a sacred atmosphere.

All visitors will be immersed in the energetic Akshardham experience of this auspicious beginning. A large marble replica of the sacred footprint or ‘Charanarbind’ of Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830 AD) between the two Mayur dwarfs commemorates his incarnation on earth. These sacred footprints feature 16 sacred symbols representing the feet of the gods as per the Hindu Shastras. As a humble homage to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, four conch shells water his lotus feet.

• Entry and schedule Admission fee:
• Free, anyone can enter.
• time: 10 am to 6:30 pm
• Viewing time: half an hour(30 min)

Mandir

The centerpiece of the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple is the Akshardham Temple. The Mandir was inaugurated on his November 6, 2005, and was established as an attempt to provide a home to glorify God. God’s glory and divinity – God’s timeless, beautiful, and peaceful home is here on earth. It is God’s temporary home and the devotion, values, and culture that God inspires. Architecturally, the mandir is a homage to traditional Indian Hindu architecture.

The building was designed keeping in mind the Shilpa Shastra, a treatise on the study of ancient and medieval Indian architecture, and the design and construction of the mandir was free of unnatural elements, from its unique sculptural style and proportions. It led me to avoidance. Therefore, the mandir is made without the use of ferrous metals. Akshardham’s mandir consists of 234 intricately carved pillars, nine ornate domes, 20 square towers and his 20,000 statues of Indian Hindu spiritual figures. The mandir is 141.3 feet high and 316 feet wide. It is 356 feet long. In the mandir, each pillar, ceiling, and dome with devotional carvings tell a story of faith, offer a darshan of the gods or capture events from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

ENTRY AND TIMINGS

Entry: Free and open to all.

Timings: 

10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Aarti:

10:30 am and 6:00 pm

Time to See: 45 minutes

Dress Code: Maintain a respectful demeanor by opting for modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Avoid ripped jeans, short skirts, or revealing outfits.

Additional Tips: Photography is not allowed inside the main mandir. However, you can capture memories in the gardens and other parts of the complex. Lockers are available for storing belongings.

NEELKANTH DARSHAN – GIANT SCREEN FILM

At Akshardham’s giant screen theater, visitors become engrossed in Neelkanth Yatra – a signature giant screen film. Here, on 76 feet wide and 57-feet tall screen and 15.1 channels sound experience, the audience follows a young Neelkanth Varni on an epic trek across the Indian subcontinent. From the icy peaks in the northern Himalayas to the warm beaches of southern India, follow Neelkanth as he traverses 12,000 kilometers across the length and breadth of India. Be reminded of the value of sacrifice and service, the wisdom of the eternal soul, and the power of faith.

History

On 29 June 1792, an 11-year-old boy in India left the comfort of his home and set out alone on an extraordinary journey to explore the world beyond, to experience nature, to seek knowledge, and to help people. Discover India and its rich history and culture through the incredible true-life story of Neelkanth, who walked for 7 years, over 12,000 kilometers, barefoot, with few possessions, across the length and breadth of this fabled land. His journey remains a timeless odyssey into the soul of one of the world’s oldest cultures. It is a story of courage and perseverance, including his amazing trek through the freezing winters of the Himalayas. It is a story of fearlessness when face to face with death, is the story of a child’s mysterious ability not only to survive but to absorb wisdom and to selflessly share it with those he met along the way.
TICKETS AND TIMINGS:

Exhibitions Ticket:
Adults (Age 12+): ₹ 255
Seniors (Age 60+): ₹ 205
Children (Ages 4 – 11): ₹ 155
Children (Below Age 4): Free

• Tickets include: (1) Sahajanand Darshan (2) Neelkanth Darshan & (3) Sanskruti Darshan
• Not Available: Separate ticket for an individual exhibition
  Timings:
  11:00 am to 8:00 pm
  Ticket counters close at 6:00 pm
  Time to See:
  Sahajanand Darshan: 55 minutes
  Neelkanth Darshan: 45 minutes
  Sanskruti Darshan: 15 minutes
• Note:
  Exhibitions Entry: First Come, First Serve Basis
  On Busy Days: Expect a Long Waiting Time
  Not Allowed: Food or Drinks Inside Exhibition Halls
  Personal Water Bottles: Deposit On Entry, Collect On Exit
  Rest Rooms: Located at Building Entries and Exits

Exploring Beyond Swaminarayan Akshardham temple

Delhi offers a plethora of tourist attractions to complement your visit to Akshardham. Here are a few suggestions:

• Red Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture and a significant landmark in Indian history.
• Qutub Minar: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world and boasts intricate carvings and architectural styles.
• Lotus Temple: Nicknamed the “Lotus Temple” for its floral design, this Baha’i House of Worship is a place of spiritual contemplation open to all faiths.
• Chandni Chowk: Immerse yourself in the bustling heart of Old Delhi. Explore the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, a historic marketplace teeming with shops, food stalls, and vibrant street life.

A visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham is a multi-sensory experience that celebrates the essence of India. Plan your trip today and embark on a journey through art, culture, and spirituality!

Frequently Asked Questions:

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