About Akshardham Temple Delhi
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Delhi is a Hindu Temple and cultural Campus situated near Noida Border, New Delhi. Akshardham Temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. It is also dedicated to Great Saint, Devas and Avatars of Hindu God. The Temple also has a statue of Hindu Gods and Goddess such as Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha, Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, Goddess Laxmi and God Narayana, Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. According to Guinness Book of World Record, Akshardham Temple Delhi is the Largest Hindu Temple in the world.
As per Swaminarayan Hinduism, the word Akshardham means the Divine Abode of God. It represent the place where devotees worship the divine and seek their blessings. Swaminarayan Akshardham Delhi is not only a temple but it is also a cultural and spiritual campus where various kinds of activities and exhibitions related to Hindu religion and harmony are organised.
History Of Akshardham Temple Delhi
Akshardham Delhi was opened for public on 6th November 2005. It was Inaugurated by President of India, Late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The Entire Complex of Swaminarayan Akshardham took around 5 years to build as per ancient method such as Vastu Shastra and Pancharata Shastra. The temple is located very close to the 2010 Commonwealth Games Village.
The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Delhi came into existence because of Yogiji Maharaj who come up with an Idea of a Temple complex in around 1968, who was then the Spiritual head of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha). However, it was his successor Pramukh Swami Maharaj Started the construction work of Akshardham Complex in 1982.
Initially the place for constructing the temple was not decided and different places were suggested to guru including Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and Faridabad but it was rejected as it was the dream of Yogiji Maharaj to construct the temple on the Banks of the Yamuna River.
In Year 2000, Delhi Development Authority offered 60 acres of and Uttar Pradesh Government offered 30 acres of Land for the project. The construction of the temple then started in November 2000 and completed in around 5 years. More than 8000 Volunteers participated and 300,000,000 Volunteer hours were spent during the construction of the Temple. The Temple was officially opened in November 2005. The Inauguration function was attended by then Prime Minister of India Mr. Manmohan Sing and Leader of opposition Lal Kishan Advani.
Architecture Of Akshardham Temple Delhi
Akshardham Mandir is the Centre of Swaminarayan Akshardham Complex. The Complex comprises of the main temple, beautiful gardens, Exhibitions, courtyards built in stepwell style and water bodies. Akshardham Temple Delhi has been built with several ancient styles of Indian Architecture that were prevalent during the Ancient and Medieval times. It is build on the principles of Pancharata Shastra and Vastu Shastra. There are complex carvings of flowers, animals, Musicians, Dancers and Hindu Deities on the Mandir and entire Complex.
The Main Shrine of the temple is 141 feet in height, 316 feet in width, and 356 in Length. It Comprises of 234 beautifully carved Pillars, 9 elaborate domes and 20 Quadrangle spires. There are 20,000 murtis of various Deities, Acharyas and Sadhus. The Main Statue of Swaminarayan is 11 feet long and is placed under the Central dome. The Main Deity is surrounded by the statue of other great Saints. Every Statue of Akshardham Temple Delhi is constructed with five metals known as Panch Dhatu.
The main material used for the construction of the temple is Red sandstone from Rajasthan and Italian Carrara Marble which adds beauty to the structure. More than 6,000 tons of Red sandstone was brought from Rajasthan for constructing Temple. The principles of Maharishi Vastu Architecture is carefully followed while constructing the temple. The builders of Akshardham Temple Delhi has obeyed Shilpa Shastras standard and have not use steel and concrete to increase the lifespan of this fantastic piece of this architecture.
Inside Akshardham Temple Delhi Complex
Swaminarayan Akshardham teaches Hinduism Values and Traditions through various types of Media from Water Show to Exhibition and Large Format Film. Akshardham has everything for each visitor’s time, Interest and Personal Quest that makes a Visitor’s experience totally Unique.
SWAGATAM – The Welcome
A Pilgrimage at Akshardham begins at the Ten Gates which represent Ten directions and they continue and pass though the Gate of Devotion, The Visitor Center and The peacock Gate before arriving at the Charnarvind (Holy Footprints). Throughout the way, Visitors pass the space filled with Traditional Hindu Symbols of positive energy that create an auspicious atmosphere for visitors.
- Welcome Gate: This ten gates symbolises ten directions mentioned in Indian Culture. It Reflects the feeling of accepting all auspicious things from all ten Directions. This kind of openness of hearts and minds cultivate the spirit of Universal Love, brotherhood and peace in the world.
- Bhakti Dwar (Gate of Devotion): This decorate Stone wall symbolises the offering of Pristine Bhakti (Devotion) to the dual form of God and his Devotees (Bhakta and Bhagwan). The Bhakti Dwar has 208 Beautifully carved pairs of Bhakta and Bhagwan.
- Visitor Center: Through Bhakti Gate, one enters Visitor Center where visitors are welcomed by display of bells on ceiling. It will help visitor to plan their time at Akshardham Complex.
- Mayur Dwar (Peacock Gate): Peacock is the national Bird of India and it stands for beauty and Self Control in Indian Culture. It is worshipped in Hindu Shastras for its association with Divine Incarnation and stories. Each of two Mayur Dwars has 869 Intricated carved Peacocks welcoming visitors with it’s beauty.
- Charnarvind (Holy Footprints): Between two Mayur Dwars is “Charnarvind” which is the replica of Foot Print of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The Holy Footprint is Built in Marble which is showered by Water from all four Sides. It is comprises of 16 Holy symbols.
Mandir
Akshardham Mandir is the main attraction of Swaminarayan Akshardham Complex. It is 141 foot high, spans 316 foot and extends 356 foot long. It is Constructed from Rajasthan’s Pink Sandstone and Italian Carrara Marbles. The mandir is designed on the Traditional Hindu Guidelines or Shilpa Shastras to maximise it’s lifespan. The Mandir has 234 beautifully carved Pillars, 9 Ornate Domes and 20 Quadrangle spires.
- Garbhagurh: At Garbhagurh, there is a murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830 CE) in Abhayamudra, to whom Akshardham Mandir has been dedicated. Swaminarayan is surrounded by other saints who is depicted in devotional or service posture. Each Murti is made of Panch Dhatu or five metals according to Hindu Tradition. The other saints are Gunatitanand Swami, Bhagat Ji Maharaj, Shastri Ji Maharaj, Yogi Ji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The Temple also has a Murti of Shri Radha-Krishna, Shri Laxmi-Narayan, Shri Ram-Sita and Shri Shiv-Parvati. Akshardham Temple Delhi also has “Smruti Mandapam” in which holy remains of Bhagwan Swaminarayan like his Footprints, Mala, Hairs and clothes. The Arti rituals take place at 10 AM & 6 PM.
- Mandapam: The interior of Akshardham Temple has 9 Mandapams with complex carvings on Pillar. Each sets of Dome and supporting pillar form Mandapams. Every type of Mandapam features the unique forms of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, different avatars and Hindu Deities. Nine Mandapams in Akshardham Temple Delhi are Swaminarayan Mandapam, Param Hansa Mandapam, Ghanshyam Mandapam, Lila Mandapam, Neelkanth Mandapam, Smruti Mandapam, Sahaj Anand Mandapam, Bhakta Mandapam and Purushottam Mandapam.
- Mandovar: Mandovar is an external face of a temple. Swaminarayan Akshardham’s Mandovar is the largest in country built in India. It is 25 feet high, 611 feet long and consist of 2000 scripture stones of Hinduism great Rishi’s, Sadhus, Devotees, Acharyas and Avatar. There is a Elephant which symbolises strength, the Lion which symbolises Bravery, Vyal which is known for it’s Speed.
- Narayan Peeth: It is an ancient Hindu Tradition to perform Pradakshinas as a sign of respect and prayers. This Clockwise faithful walk strengthens our belief that God should be the Centre of one’s life. It has 60 feet long bronze panels which illustrates incidents from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
- Gajendra Peeth: Lower Pradakshina of Swaminarayan Akshardham temple is known as Gajendra Peeth. It is a unique and enchanting feature of Akshardham. This ancient architecture tradition is found in Ancient Kailash Mandir of Ellora and Mahabalipuram Mandir. It portrays inspiring incident related to Elephants like how both humans and elephants share close relationship with each other and how elephants are blessed by God.
Abhishek Mandap
Abhishek is the ritual bathing of a deity while chanting Prayers and Mantras in hope that one’s prayer will be Answered. Visitors can perform Abhishek of the murti of Neelkanth Varni who is youthful and logic form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Devotees are required to pay a donation of Rs. 50 for Abhishek. The murti was made scared by Pramukh Swami Maharaj who is the spiritual Leader of BAPS in 2005. Narayan Sarovar, A scared water body surrounds the Main Akshardham Temple which contains the holy water of 151 rivers and lakes including Mansarovar, Pushkar Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar, Indradyumna Sarovar, Manikarnika Ghat, Prayag Triveni Sangam, River Kashipra, River Ganga and Yamuna, etc.
EXHIBITIONS
Along with it’s beautiful architecture, Akshardham Temple Delhi attracts visitors with range of Exhibitions which are displayed in 3 Large Halls each display Unique things. The three large halls are Sahaj Anand (Hall of Values), Neelkanth Darshan (Large Format Film) and Sanskruti Darshan (Cultural Boat Ride). Time needed for Sahaj Anand Darshan is 55 minutes, Neelkanth Darshan is 45 minutes and Sanskruti Darshan is 15 minutes. You can’t buy tickets for separate exhibitions.
- Sahaj Anand Darshan – Hall of Values: It portrays different incident from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and spread his message on peace, humility, Non Violence, Harmony, etc. It uses multimedia technologies such as 3-D Dioramas, Immersive Projections, Audio animatronic fugures, etc
- Neelkanth Darshan – Giant Screen Theatre: It is a theatre with a huge screen which 85 feet wide and 65 feet tall. The Theatre plays a 45 min movie on the life of Neelkanth Varni (Shri Swaminarayan) who at age 11 decided to trek across Indian Subcontinent from icy peaks in Northern Himalayas to southern beaches on feet (around 12,000 kilometers). The movies teaches us the value of Sacrifice and service, the wisdom of eternal soul and power of faith.
- Sanskruti Darshan – Cultural Boat Ride: It is the most popular exhibition of Akshardham Temple Delhi which is a 12 min. cultural boat ride. The boat ride takes visitors back to 10,000 years back to Vedic Marketplace, Yoga Practices, Game of Chess, Various stage of surgeries done in Ancient India and ancient set up of classrooms at Takshashila.
Thematic Gardens
Akshardham Temple Delhi has 2 gardens which not only add beauty to Akshardham Complex but also Shows beautiful architecture of Great Indian Personalities. One of the Garden is Bharat Upavan which has a Bronze statues of some great role models of India. Ancient Warriors, Freedom Fighters, Great Women, national leaders and great personalities that inspire visitors with values and pride for our great nation. Another Garden is Yogi Hriday Kamal which is a lotus shaped garden named after Yogiji Maharaj who is the fourth Successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
Water Show
The Musical Fountain and water show is the main attraction of the Akshardham Temple Delhi. It is the most popular Musical Fountain in Delhi. The Sahaj Anand Water Show is conducted at Yagnapurush Kund which measures 300′ X 300′ and has 2,870 steps and 108 small shrines. There is also 9 Lotus shaped Central Pool which shows the arrangements in Sacred Hindu Ceremonies. Above the head of the step well is 27 feet tall bronze murti of Neelkanth Varni.
The Sahaj Anand Water Show is a breathtaking 24 minute Light & Sound show presenting the story from ancient Hindu Scriptures Kena Upanishad. A Wide array of technologies has been used in the show such as Multi Color Laser, Underwater Flames, Video Projections, Water Jets and surround Sound which after synchronisingly create a mind Blowing View. The Sahaj Water Show was Developed by the help of the experts from all over the world with BAPS Volunteers and Sadhus.
Food Options At Akshardham Temple Delhi
You can have a Pure and Fresh Vegetarian Cuisine at Premvati Food Court. Various Food options are available.
Akshardham Temple Delhi Tickets Price/Entry Fee
The ticket price of Akshardham Temple of Delhi’s Exhibition Ticket is Rs 255 for Adults, Rs 205 for Sr. Citizens, Rs 155 for children (4-11 years) and Free for children below 4 years. The ticket price of Water Show Ticket is Rs 95 for Adults & Sr. Citizens, Rs 65 for children (4-11 years) & Free for children below 4 years.
| Category | Exhibition Ticket | Water Show Ticket | Abhishek Donation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (Age 12+) | Rs 255 | Rs 95 | Rs 50 |
| Senior Citizens (Age 60+) | Rs 205 | Rs 95 | Rs 50 |
| Children (4-11 years) | Rs 155 | Rs 65 | Rs 50 |
| Children (Below 4 Years) | Free | Free | Rs 50 |
Entry to following places are Totally FREE:
- Welcome Gates
- Visitor Centre
- Holy Footprints
- Mandir
- Gajendra Pith
- Narayan Sarovar
- Bharat Upvan
- Yogi Hriday Kamal
Timings Of Akshardham Temple Delhi
Akshardham Complex is open from Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Monday). First Entry is 10 AM and Last Entry to the Akshardham Complex is 6:30 PM. The Akshardham Temple timings are from 10 AM to 6:30 PM. The Akshardham Light & Water Show timings is 7:30 pm after sunset.
- Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir: Darshan – 10 AM To 8 PM, Arti – 10:30 AM & 6 PM
- Abhishek Mandap: Darshan & Puja – 10 AM To 8 PM
- Exhibition (Ticket Window): 11 AM To 6 PM
- Water Show: After Sunset
- Maha Arti: Before First Show
Akshardham Temple Delhi Photos/Images
Facilities At Akshardham Temple Delhi
Akshardham Complex Delhi has following facilities available:
- Parking Facility: Paid Parking Facility is Available for visitors.
- Cloak Room: It is totally free for visitors.
- Lost and Found: It is located near Security Check.
- Telephone Booth: It is available at Visitor’s Centre, Exhibition’s Exit and Food Court.
- ATM: It is available at Visitor’s Centre.
- Wheelchair: It is available in the premises for free with a refundable deposit of Rs 100 to be paid on spot.
- Restroom: It is available throughout the campus.
- Food Court: Pure and Fresh vegetarian Food is available.
Things To Know Before Visiting Akshardham Temple Delhi
- Mobile Phones, Cameras, Headphones, etc. are not allowed Inside the Akshardham Complex. There is a cloakroom inside the temple to keep it but it may take around 30 minutes to complete the formalities of filling the form etc.
- Outside food is not allowed inside the complex. If you want to eat there is a vegetarian food option available inside the Temple.
- Shoes Must be removed at the place of Worship.
- The Light and water show is conducted in Hindi. However, you can hire a English Speaking Guide who will explain the story behind it for extra charge.
- Last Entry to the Temple is 6:30 PM.
- To Avoid the crowd, Don’t visit on Sundays.
- Akshardham Temple Delhi is Closed on Monday.
- You must wear clothes that cover your Shoulder, Neck, Navel and Knees.
- Avoid Carrying Large Bags with you. Only Purse is allowed after Multiple Screening.
- Carry the pen to fill the form of Cloakroom.
- Try that you don’t miss the Evening Musical and Fountain Show.
- Wheelchairs are available in the premises for free with a refundable deposit of Rs 100 to be paid on spot.
Address Of Akshardham Temple Delhi
The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is located at Noida Mor, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi.
How To Reach Akshardham Temple Delhi
Akshardham Temple Delhi is accessible from all parts of the city. It is well connected by Public Transport from bus to Metro. Nearest Metro Station To Akshardham Mandir is Akshardham Metro Station on Blue Line which is 350 m away from metro station. You can either walk to the Mandir from the Metro station or book a rickshaw in the less fare. If You are coming from Yellow Line on Delhi metro, you can interchange the Metro From Rajiv Chowk and change the Metro towards Akshardham Metro Station on Blue Line.
The Distance of Akshardham Temple from Delhi Airport is 21 Km and it can easily be covered in 1 hour. If you are travelling From Gurgaon to Akshardham Temple Delhi it could take 2 Hours or more than that to reach the temple. Distance of Akshardham Temple to Gurgaon is 42 Kms.
By Metro: The Nearest Metro Station To Akshardham Temple is Akshardham Metro Station on Blue Line (350m Away)
By Cab: You Can easily book a cab for Akshardham Temple from any part of the city.
By Personal Vehicle: You can Come with your Personal Vehicle.
Parking Facility At Akshardham Temple Delhi
Paid Parking facility is available at Akshardham Mandir.
Official Website Of Akshardham Temple Delhi
The official website of Akshardham Temple Delhi is https://akshardham.com/
Contact Number Of Akshardham Temple Delhi
You can contact Akshardham Mandir at +91-11-4344-2344 or mail them at info@akshardham.com
List Of All Akshardham Temples
There are thousand of Akshardham Mandir Today spreading in over 5 continents. Some of the prominent Akshardham Temple Outside India are:
- Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Sydney
- Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Fiji
- Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Adelaide, South Australia
- Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Melbourne
- Swaminarayan Mandir, Perth, Western Australia
- Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Brisbane, Queensland
Places To Visit Near Akshardham Temple Delhi
Top attractions to visit near Akshardham Mandir Delhi:
- Sanjay Lake Park (2.6 Km)
- EOD Adventure Park (3.2 Km)
- Shanti Stupa New Delhi (8 Km)
- Humayuni Darwaja (7.8 Km)
- National Zoological Park (7.8 Km)
- India Gate (8.8 Km)
- Purana Qila (7.2 Km)
- Red Fort (7.2 Km)
- Millennium Park Delhi (9.1 Km)
- Shri Balaji Mandir (10.3 Km)
- Waste to Wonder Park (8.5 Km)
- Shri Kilkari Baba Bhaironath Ji Pandav Kalin Mandir (9.7 Km)
- National Science Centre (7 Km)
- Iskcon Temple Noida (13.2 Km)
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Location Map For Akshardham Temple Delhi
FAQs
When was Akshardham Temple Delhi Inaugrated?
Akshardham Mandir Delhi was Inaugurated on 6 November 2005.
Why Akshardham Temple is Famous?
Akshardham Temple is famous for its beautiful architecture and Musical and Fountain Show.
What is the opening time of Akshardham Temple Delhi?
Akshardham Temple Opens at 10 AM and last entry to the temple is 6:30 PM.
Where is Akshardham Temple Delhi Located?
The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is located at Noida Mor, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi.
What is the best time to visit Akshardham Delhi?
The Best time to visit Akshardham Temple is from September to April.
What is the meaning of Akshardham?
As per Swaminarayan Hinduism, the word Akshardham means the Divine Abode of God.
Is Akshardham Temple Delhi open now?
It is open all days of the week except Monday from 10 AM & Last entry will 6:30 PM.
What is the Entry Fees of Akshardham Temple Delhi?
Free, There is no fees upon entry to Akshardham Temple.
Is Akshardham Free to Visit?
Yes, there is no Entry Fees in Akshardham Temple.
How to buy Ticket for Akshardham Temple?
You can buy ticket of Exhibition and water show at the counter.
How much Hours to visit Akshardham Temple Delhi?
It may take around 3 hours to visit Akshardham Temple including Light & Water Show.
Can we take photos inside Akshardham?
No, Phones are not allowed inside Akshardham Temple if you want you can get yourself clicked by Photographer inside Akshardham Complex.
What is the price for Light show in Akshardham Temple?
The ticket for Light & Water Show is Adults (Age 12+): Rs 90, Senior (Age 60+): Rs 90, Children (4-11): Rs 60 and Children (Below Age 4): Free
Is Cell Phones allowed inside Akshardham Mandir?
Electronic device like Smartphones, Cameras, Headphones, etc. are not allowed Inside the Akshardham Complex.
Is water bottle allow inside Akshardham?
Yes, Transparent bottle is allowed Inside Akshardham Delhi.
How Long is Light show in Akshardham Temple Delhi?
The light show of Akshardham is 24 Minutes which starts after Sunset.
What is the Dress code for Akshardham Temple?
You must wear clothes that cover your Shoulder, Neck, Navel and Knees.
Which movie is shown in Akshardham Temple?
The film shown in Akshardham Temple is the documentary on the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan who is also known as “Neelkanth”.
Can we take Purse Inside Akshardham Temple?
Yes, Purses are allowed inside Akshardham Temple.
Is Belt Allowed inside Akshardham Temple?
Yes, You can wear belts inside Akshardham but you have to remove it once while going through Metal Detectors.
Which God is prayed in Akshardham Temple?
Bhagwan Swaminarayan is Prayed inside Akshardham Temple.
Is there a cloak room in Akshardham Temple Delhi?
Yes, There is cloak room available for you if you want to deposit something, you can submit their easily for FREE
Is parking facility available at Akshardham Temple Delhi?
Yes, there is a paid parking facility available at Akshardham temple.
