Location : New Delhi,
India
Year of Construction : 2005
Dedicated to : Lord Swaminarayan
Akshardham Temple - The Essence of Indian Culture
Swaminarayan
Akshardham temple in the eastern part of Delhi, India with its monumental
creations and breathtaking grandeur stands apart amongst the country's most
fascinating structures of all time. The intricately carved pillars, statues
of deities and divinites adorned on its walls, Akshardham aptly showcases
the jist of Indian culture, architecture and spiritual messages through its
10,000 years of existence. The monolithic construction was accomplished in
just five years with the untiring efforts of 11,000 artisans and
contributions of thousands of devotees of Lord Swaminarayan from all over
the world. This is one place you would not want to miss out on if you are an
ardent Hinduism fanatic and want to witness the heritage of India in all its
facets and glory. Security checks at the temple entrance are very strict
with only small ladies purses and gents wallets being allowed inside the
premises. Cellphone and other electronic devices are prohibited. While entry
inside the temple is free, nominal charges are levied to witness the
exhibitions and light and sound show.
Do Not Miss Out On
The Monument (Swaminarayan Akshardham)
The unbelievable construction of the main monument seems even more
incredible when you know that it was built without using steel. The entire
temple consists of 234 beautifully carved giant pillars, 9 ornamented domes,
a series of stone elephants or Gajendra Pith and 20000 life like statues of
India's great sadhus and divine men. The 356 feet long, 316 feet wide and
141.3 feet high monument is built of pink stone and pure white marble that
together signify absolute purity and eternal peace.
The Hall of Values (Sahajanand Darshan)
The most modern electronic techniques like 3-D dioramas, robotics, light
and sound effects etc. are used to spread the very basic message of Indian
culture and value system through the life of Lord Swaminarayan at the Hall
of Values. Life like statues operated by robotics take you to an 18th
century Indian setting and deliver messages of Hinduism as ahimsa, prayer,
morality, vegetarianism, harmony etc.
Giant Screen Film (Neelkanth Darshan)
Witness the epic pilgrimage of child yogi Neelkanth Varni set in a setting
of 18th century India. The film displayed on a giant screen over six stories
high, features India's holy places, festivals and spiritual traditions and
has been shot at every location from the snow covered peaks of the Himalayas
to the verdant environs of Kerala.
Boat Ride (Sanskruti
Vihar)
A pleasant boat ride through the sanskruti vihar is another major
attraction not to be missed. The 12 minute journey takes the audience
through the 10,000 years of India's glorious heritage including the world's
most ancient vedic village life and bazaar, the world's first university
Takshashila and a journey through the world of ancient discoveries and
inventions by learned Indian men.
Musical Fountain (Yagnapurush Kund)
Yagnapurush Kund or the pit of sacrifice is reminiscent of the ancient
Indian tradition of sacrifice or Yagna performed to appease the deities of
earth, water, fire, air etc. The 8 pettaled lotus shaped yagna kund is the
largest in the world measuring 300 feet in length and width with 2870 steps
and 108 small shrines. With nightfall the place comes alive with a colorful
musical fountain...a spectacular sight to behold.
Garden of India (Bharat Upvan)
The lush, perfectly manicured gardens, the Bharat Upvan is ornate with
colorful flowers, beautiful trees and awe inspiring bronze statues. The
Yogihriday Kamal at the center is named so after Yogiji Maharaj.
Important Information for Visitors
Address : Swaminarayan Akshardham, N.H. 24, Near Noida
Mor, New Delhi, India - 110092, Tel : (011) 22016688, 22026688, Fax : (011)
22015757
All people irrespective of caste and religion are allowed inside the
temple, however one has to go through a series of security checks at the
entrance.
No electronic items such as mobile phones, cameras etc. are allowed inside
the complex.
Swaminarayan Akshardham remains closed for visitors on Monday's.
Timings : April to September (Complex : 9 AM to 7 PM,
Exhibitions : 9 AM to 6:30 PM) October to March (Complex : 9 AM to 6 PM,
Exhibitions : 9 AM to 5:30 PM), Musical Fountain : (Apr to Sep 7 PM, Oct to
Mar 6:45 PM), Night Lighting (only on Saturdays and Sundays), Restaurant
'Premvati' (11 AM to 8 PM), Souvenir Shop (9 AM to 8 PM).
Ticket Price : Entry to the temple complex and garden is
free while nominal charges are levied to witness other attractions.
Warm clothes recommended during winter months that last from November to
March while light cotton clothes appropriate during summers from April to
June.
For more information, refer to www.akshardham.com
Getting
There
Delhi being the capital of India is conveniently connected through rail,
road and airways both nationally and internationally. Internal transport
options include taxis, auto rickshaws, bicycle rickshaws and the metro rail.
It is recommended to fix the fare in advance if travelling by any unmetered
conveyance. Besides, if you are staying in any of the good hotels, the
reception should be able to provide you with a paid vehicle to move around.
Distance from Major Cities
- Agra : 203 Km
- Chandigarh : 238 Km
- Jaipur : 258 Km
- Bikaner : 460 Km
- Shimla : 343 Km
