Fast
Facts
Location : Near Nizammudin Bridge, Delhi
Built By : BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
Built In the Year : 2005
Dedicated To : Lord Swaminarayan
Managed By : Swaminarayan Sect
Height : 141.3 ft
Width : 316 ft
Length : 356 ft
Opening Time : 9.00 a.m to 9.00 p.m all weekdays except
Monday
Overview
One of wonders of modern world and India as well, Akshardham Temple -
Delhi, portrays the Hindu mythology and India's rich culture. Constructed
through the blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri
Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha), the monument attracts thousands of
tourists every year. Akshardham Temple stands along the bank of Yamuna river
within the huge Akshardham temple complex, amidst 100 acres of lush lawns.
The main monument of Akshardham Temple soars to a height of 141 ft and
houses a beautiful statue of Lord Swaminarayan.
According to Vedas and Upanishads, Akshardham means the eternal, divine
abode of the supreme power (God) and abode of eternal values and virtues of
Akshar. Akshardham Temple complex portrays the 10,000 years of Indian
culture through its beautiful monument, fantastic exhibitions, lush gardens
and many other attractions. In addition to these, Akshardham complex
showcases the essence of India's age-old excellent architecture, rich
traditions and valuable spiritual messages. The complex was constructed with
the sincere efforts of around 11,000 artisans and BAPS volunteer and was
inaugurated on 6th November, 2005.
On the whole, a visit to Akshardham is an enlightening journey through
India's famous art, high values and great contributions for the progress,
happiness and harmony of mankind.
Architecture of the Temple
From architecture point of view, Akshardham Temple Complex, Delhi is an
imitation of the Akshardham temple, Gandhi Nagar (Gujarat), India.
Akshardham temple is made of white marble and red sandstone. It combines
numerous contrasting architectural styles including Hindu temple
architecture of Indian states like Rajasthan, Orissa, Gujarat. You will also
find influences of Mughal and Jain Temple architecture in Akshardham Temple.
Interestingly, the imposing monument is constructed without the use of steel
and consists of 234 exquisitely carved pillars, 20 quadrangled shikhars, 9
ornate domes, a massive Gajendra Pith (plinth of stone elephants) and more
than 20,000 statues.
Attractions of the Temple
Hall of Values : Hall of Values is the place where
universal values for mankind is brought to life through audio-animatronics,
15 unique 3-D dioramas and walk-through dioramas and the life of Lord
Swaminarayan. In the exhibits, the main theme covered include life for
happiness, success and peace of mind. The exhibits also give the messages of
ahimsa, prayer, endeavour, morality, vegetarianism and family harmony.
Giant Screen Film : A 85 ft x 65 ft screen, the Giant
Screen Film presents the story of Neelkanth Varni’s, an 11-year-old
child-yogi, pilgrimage of India in 18th century. The unique period film,
Neelkanth Darshan has been filmed in 108 different locations across India
with 30 huge settings and 45,000 cast in colourful costumes. Produced by an
Indian organisation, Neelkanth Darshan is the first ever wide format film
made in India. The international version of Neelkanth Darshan is named as
Mystic India.
Musical
Fountain (Yagnapurush Kund) : Yagnapurush Kund is a wonderful
combination of a lovely musical fountain and a Vedic Yagna Kund. The kund
has been named after Swami Yagnapurushdasji, the founder of BAPS and the
third successor of Lord Swaminarayan. World's largest Yagna Kund, the
Yagnapurush Kund measures 300 ft x 300 ft in size and has 2,870 steps and
108 small shrines. The 8-petaled lotus shaped Yagna kund has been designed
according to the Jayaakhya Samitha of the Panchratra scripture. Everyday, in
night the temple complex comes to life with the colourful musical water
fountains which echoes with chanting of Vedic sentiments.
Garden of India : Garden of India or 'Bharat Upvan'
presents a wonderful fusion of natural and cultural ambience through its
nicely maintained lawns, lush gardens and magnificent bronze statues of
great role models of India. Here, you will see the statues of great
warriors, freedom fighters, national figures and noted women personalities.
Yogihriday Kamal : Yogihriday Kamal is a lotus of special
auspicious sentiments and it has been built in the memory of Yogiji Maharaj,
who dreamed of Akshardham. Here, every petal of Yogihriday Kamal stands for
the auspicious sentiments of Yogiji Maharaj and inspires with messages of
faith in God and human being.
Boat Ride : A 12-minute long enchanting boat-ride takes
you way back to 10,000 years old India's glorious past. On this boat ride,
you will know about the discoveries and inventions of the renowned
rishi-scientists of India. Watch the world's first university of Takshashila
and also sail through the magnificent caves of Ajanta- Ellora.
How to Reach
By Air : Delhi has one international and one domestic
airport. Various airlines operate flights for Delhi from different part of
India as well as world. Frequent shuttle services connect both these
airports.
By Rail : New Delhi, Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin are three
major rail heads of Delhi. Mail, Express and several other trains connect
these railway stations with rest of the country. Metro railway station is
latest addition in Delhi but it is operational only within the city.
By Road : National Highways, State Highways and several
other good roads connect Delhi with neighbouring states and important places
of the country. Regular state transport and private buses ply within the
city and nearby states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttaranchal etc.
Local Transport : Buses, Cars, Taxis, Auto-rickshaws are
local modes of transport in Delhi. For reaching Akshardham Temple you can
opt any mode of local transport.
Places Where You Can Stay
Accommodation is not at all a problem in Delhi, as the city is dotted with
several hotels, tourist lodges, guest houses etc. From five star to four
star and budget, Delhi offers variety of hotels according to your budget.
