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Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple




Swaminarayan Akshardham temple at Delhi is also commonly known as Delhi Akshardham. This is not only a pilgrimage spot but a place which represents the culture, spirituality and architecture of Delhi. This temple is part of a massive complex that attracts thousands of tourists every year. The idea for the temple building was conceptualized by Pramukh Swami Maharaj who is the leader of the trust, Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. Around 7000 artisans were arranged by 3000 volunteers from the Sanstha in order to construct this temple.

Around 70% of the tourists who come to Delhi visit this Hindu temple at Akshardham that is located on the banks of the Yamuna River, just next to the Games Village that was set up during 2010 Commonwealth Games. This temple was formally opened to the public on 6th November 2005. The huge temple was built fully of stone and is situated right at the heart of the complex. This temple was constructed in line with the rules of Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra. In addition to the temple, this complex has an exhibition and IMAX featuring motion pictures and portraits of Swaminarayan when he was a young Yogi named Nilakanth, lush, green gardens, musical fountain based on Upanishads etc. Even the name of the temple was carefully chosen based on the belief of Swaminarayana Hinduism.

Architecture

The temple was built in compliance with the Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra. Situated calmly on the banks of Yamuna River, this temple was formally opened for public use during 2005. The walls and pillars of this temple contain over 2000 sculptures that are inspired from the mythological characters. There are also sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses found on these walls.

This temple is of 141 feet height, 361 feet width and 370 feet length. This temple imbibes middle age architectural styles based on the models of the temples of Jagannath, Lingaraj, Konark, Meenakshi and Ankorvat. This temple is mainly made of two ingredients: one is the canarra marble stone from Italy and the other is the pink sandstone from Rajasthan. Apart from Delhi, this complex attracts tourists from nearby areas of Noida, Gurgaon, Ambala and Faridabad. This has become a mandatory place to visit in Delhi ever since it has been opened for public.

Attractions

Hall of Values

These halls of values use robotics to exhibit the life of Swaminarayan during his early years, interesting incidents from his life, his approach towards world peace and harmony and his thoughts on serving God and fellow countrymen. These places are also known as Sahajan and Pradarshan. This is built in the 18th century style and uses advanced technology like robotics, laser lighting, superior sound effects, fiber optics etc. incorporating the right music and dialogues in between.

Theatre

The screen in this theatre is the largest in Delhi and has a measurement of 85X65. The name of this theatre is Neelkanth Kalyan Yathra. This is a theatre that exclusively screens a film by this name. This film talks about the 7 year long journey of Swaminarayan as a teenager all over India. Swaminarayan was known by the name Neelkanth then and he was a Yogi. This movie was translated in English and was titled as “Mystic India”. All IMAX theatres were targeted for release of this movie during 2005 and world cinemas too were not left behind. Once you come out of the temple you will simply be spell bound at the huge, majestic bronze statue of Neelkanth, standing tall at 27 feet.

Musical Fountain

This is the country’s biggest step-well. There are hundreds of steps that lead down into the conventional Yagan Kund. This place is also known as the Yagnapurush Kund. These steps prove to be ideal resting places for tourists during the day. As the sun begins to set in, tourists can enjoy a musical fountain that springs up from here. This fountain describes about the revolution of one’s life. The measurement of the fountain is 300feetX300 feet. There are a whopping 2870 steps and 108 mini temples that lead in the Yagan Kund below which is in the shape of a lotus that has 8 petals.

Garden of India

The lush and green landscape of this complex is known as Bharat Upvan and there are lots of trees and shrubs that are grown here. There are bronze statues all around this area of people who have contributed immensely to the country’s cultural and historical growth. There are statues of women, children, freedom fighters, national leaders, soldiers and many more around this garden.

Visitor Information

Location : N. H. 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi, INDIA – 110092

Contact : (011) 2201 6688, 2202 6688 | F: (011) 2201 5757 | E: [email protected] | www.akshardham.com

Nearest Metro Station : Akshardham Metro Station (By Walk - 200 metres / 7 min.)

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 owners 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

Best Time to Visit

The months between October and March are quite pleasant and cold in Delhi and this is the apt time for enjoying the beauty of the Akshardham temple. During February, the garden of this complex gives a visual treat as all the flowers are in full bloom. It is wise to avoid summer seasons as the climate tends to soar quite high in Delhi making travel uncomfortable.

OUR PLANING

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