Amazing India Blog Know India Better
Swaminarayana Akshardham at New Delhi was inaugurated on 6 November 2005 with the benediction of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaja and through the determined efforts of 11,000 skilled artisans and thousands of volunteers, is greeted as an immortal place of devotion, sanctity and peace. It is a temple – an abode of God, a Hindu house of worship, and a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony. It amazingly exhibits the essence of India’s ancient architecture, cultures and eternal spiritual messages.
The complex of the massive temple was built in a period of five years only. The Akshardham temple showcases the blend of technical modernity with traditional architectural styles. Counted among the world’s wondrous houses of worship, Akshardham Temple was proclaimed as the World’s largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple by the Guinness World Record.
The Ecclesiatical Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Mandir is the major attraction of the complex. The temple holds a height of 43m, a width of 96m and a length of 109m. The designing is of the temple is as per the Maharishi Architecture. The temple is majorly constructed out of Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian marble. The mandir consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, 9 domes and 20,000 idols of saints, devotees and acharyas.
The temple also holds 148 life sized elephants. There is a 3.4 m high idol of sitting Swaminarayana (to whom the temple is dedicated) beneath the temple’s central dome. The temple also houses the idols of Sita Ram, Radha Krishna ,Shiv Parvati and Lakshmi Narayana. Swaminarayana Akshardham is symbolic of the serenity and spirituality of India’s ancient art, culture and architecture.
Other Essentials at the Complex
Nilkanth Varni Abhishek – This is a spiritual tradition in which prayers are offered for worldwide peace and peace for individuals, family and friends with the water of 151 pious rivers, lakes and ponds of the country.
Hall of Values – The audio – visual show conveys the messages of wisdom and the true meaning of peace, vegetarianism, conscience and harmony.
Giant Screen Film (Neelkanth Yatra) – It is a film screen that revolves around a child saint, Neelkanth Varni. The screen measures upto the height of six stories.
Boat Ride – If you are at Akshardham, then the boat ride is a must. In this ride through a route of 12 minutes you will experience the Indian heritage upto past 10,000 years.
Musical Fountains (WATER SHOW) – There is a phenomenal musical fountain show that depicts the cycle of birth, life and death as started in the Indian philosophy. It also showcases the mutuality between God, nature and man. Multi colour lasers, video, flames beneath the water, water jets and surrounded sound in orchestra with lights and live actors producing an attracting and spiritual presentation of an important chapter from the Kena Upanishad.
Garden of India (Bharat Upvan) – Stretched over an area of 60 acres with lush lawns, serene gardens and unique bronze statue, valiant warriors, patriots and great women personalities inspiring morals and attributes.
Lotus Garden – There is a garden shaped as a lotus showcasing spirituality.
Location & How to Reach
Akshardham is located at National Highway 24, Akshardham Setu in New Delhi.
The temple’s location is easily accessible as it is located at 6km distance from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and at a distance of 350m from the Akshardham Metro Station (at a walking distance). The temple is at a 40 minute distance from Old Delhi Railway Station.
Delhi is well connected through metro stations and also has a good network of roadways which makes it easy for tourists from anywhere to reach the place.
Timings
Akshardham Complex–
First entry-9:30am
Last entry– 6:30pm
(throughout the week except on Mondays when the temple is closed).
Mandir–
Darshan– 9:30am to 8:00pm
Arti– 10:00am and 6:00 pm
Abhishek Mandap–
Darshan and Pooja– 9:30am to 8:00pm
Arti– 6:30pm
Exhibitions–
Ticket Window– 10:00am to 5:00pm
Water Show–
After sunset.
Charges at the Temple
Entry to the complex is free.
Exhibitions Tickets
Adults- Rs.170
Senior citizen- Rs.125
Children (4-11 years) – Rs.100
Children (below 4 years) -Free
Water show tickets
Adults – Rs.30
Senior citizens – Rs.30
Children (4-11 years) – Rs.20
Children (below 4 years) – Free
Abhishek Mandap
Donation (per person) – Rs.50
Darshan is Free
Photography is not allowed. Electronic Gadgets – not allowed.
You may also like to Read :
