Interesting facts about Akshardham Temple in Delhi

Akshardham Temple Delhi

Akshardham Temple in New Delhi, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is a famous temple of India which is located in New Delhi. Akshardham Temple was opened in the year 2005, and is dedicated to “Lord Swaminarayan”. It was inaugurated by the president of India late Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Akshardham Temple is situated on the banks of River Yamuna and reflects Hinduism and ancient culture. The most special thing about this temple is that this temple has made its place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest comprehensive Hindu temple.

The main idol of the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is the statue of Swaminarayan, it includes the statues of 20,000 Divine Legends of India. The Akshardham temple has been constructed with intricately carved marble and sandstone. This temple is spread over 100 acres of land. Travelling at Akshardham Temple is a journey of spiritual knowledge. After visiting the temple, the devotees get wonderful enjoyment.

History of Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple was opened on 6 November 2005 for tourists. It is built by BAPS (Bochasanwasi Sri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sansthan). The major attraction of the complex of Akshardham Temple, which has 141 feet high and 350 feet long, 315 feet wide monuments. The temple has carved walls and fine architectural ceilings with images of deities, musicians, dances, flora and fauna. Everything here talks about Indian cultural aspects.

The architecture of Akshardham Delhi

The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is constructed from ancient styles of Indian architecture. The principles of Maharishi Vastu architecture have been carefully followed in the construction of this temple. To your knowledge, the builders of the temple followed the norms of the Shilpa scriptures and hence did not use any steel and concrete to maximize the life of this huge temple. Akshardham temple is made of Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Karara marble. It has nine domes with 20,000 beads of various deities, acharyas and sages.

Also See: Most Famous Temples of Lord Hanuman in India

Inside Akshardham Temple Delhi

1. Exhibition at Akshardham Temple

The Hall of Values, as the name suggests, t is designed to take in-depth knowledge of values such as perseverance, non-violence, family harmony, prayer and morality. Timeless messages of Hindu culture and told by audio-animatronic shows. Ghanshyam Maharaj in the hall is the world’s smallest animatronic robot in the form of Swaminarayan.

2. Akshardham Musical Fountain

The journey of Akshardham is incomplete without a laser water show. This 24-minute show, with the help of water, projection, music, fire, laser, animation and technology, provides a great experience. The show is named Anand Water Show by the temple.

3. Sanskruti Darshan/ Boat Ride

If you are going to visit Akshardham, then you must ride the cultural boat. This journey introduces the old pages of Indian culture and heritage. Boat Ride has contributions from Vedic Indians such as Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Kalidasa, Chanakya and many more. Then it shows the ride to Taxila, which is the first university in the world to include lessons on horse riding and war. The Vedic period, gradually goes back to the middle ages, showing famous figures like Kabir, Meera, and Ramanand.

4. Neelkanth Darshan

A great giant theatre informs India through the story of a yogi named Neelkanth, in which life is brought into philosophy through the culture and spirituality of the country.

5. Narayan Sarovar

Indian culture has always glorified and respected water bodies. In India, there are many rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Kaveri and many more and are given religious importance. Narayan Sarovar is built around the central Akshardham temple. The lake contains water from 151 holy rivers and lakes.

Akshardham Temple Delhi Timings

Entry: 9.30 am to 6.30 pm

Exhibition: 10.30 am to 6.00 pm

Exhibition Tickets: 10 am to 5 pm

Musical Fountain: 7.45 pm

Akshardham Temple Delhi Entry Fee

Rs/ 170 per person for adults (Exhibition)
Rs/ 100 per person for children (Exhibition)
Rs/ 125 per person for senior citizens (Exhibition)
Rs/ 80 per person for adults (Musical Fountain)
Rs/ 50 per person for children (Musical Fountain)
Rs/ 80 per person for senior citizens (Musical Fountain)

Quick Facts about Akshardham Temple Delhi

Type: Place of worship
Primary Deity: Swaminarayan
Location: On NH 24, Akshardham Setu
Address: NH 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi 110092
Opened: 6th November 2005
Creator: Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Constructed by: Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
Inspired by: HH Yogiji Maharaj (1892-1971 CE)
Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham
Close on: Akshardham temple remains closed on Monday

Best Time To Visit Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

The best time to visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is at 3 pm as it will be better as soon as you are free with exhibitions and can easily attend the Fountain Show in the evening.

How To Reach Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Delhi By Air

Indira Gandhi International Airport is located in the western part of New Delhi and is one of the best airports in the world. It has three operational terminals – Terminal 1C / 1D which is a domestic terminal, used by IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoAir during Terminal 3, international flights and domestic carriers Jet Airways and Air India and Terminal 2 by Terminal 3. To travel from the airport, you can use Delhi Airport Metro Express running from Terminal 3. Alternatively, you can use Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses available outside the airport or you can book a taxi.

How To Reach Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir Delhi By Road

Delhi is connected by road to all the major cities of the country. There are several bus terminals in Delhi and the main operator is Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). Kashmiri Gate ISBT, called “ISBT”, is the largest terminal in New Delhi. Other major terminals are Sarai Kale Khan ISBT (near Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station), Anand Vihar ISBT, Bikaner House (near India Gate), Mandi House (near Barakhamba Road) and Majnu de Tila.

How To Reach Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple By Train

Delhi has four main stations – Delhi Junction, also known as “Purani Delhi”, New Delhi located in central Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin in the south part of the city and Anand Vihar in the east. Delhi Junction and New Delhi Railway Station are connected by Metro Line 2, while Anand Vihar is connected to Metro Line 3. Hazrat Nizamuddin is the departure point for most of the trains going south and Anand Vihar operates most of the services running east. Taxis and buses are available outside all stations to take you to different parts of the city.