Imagine walking into a world where ancient Indian architecture meets the spirituality of the land harmoniously. That’s what awaits you at the awe-inspiring Akshardham Temple in Delhi. As an architect of travel who’s seen and explored places spread across this magnificent land. The temple was constructed by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a prominent Hindu organization. This temple start constructed in 1994, and the temple was completed in 2005. It is dedicated to a Hindu Sant of the 19th century, Swaminarayan.
Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir
Location: Noida Mor, Pandav Nagar
Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham Metro Station on the Blue Line.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Attraction: Sahaj Anand Water Show, Hall of Values, Garden of India, Boat Ride, Hall of Values
Items Allowed in temple: Shoes, Belts, Wallets, Ladies Purses (Handheld) Jewellery, Passports, Infant Baby Food.
Items Not Allowed in temple: 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
Key Attractions of Akshardham Temple
SAHAJANAND DARSHAN – HALL OF VALUES:-
An exhibition on the life and teachings of Lord Swaminarayan with dioramas and robotic displays that conveys messages on values, honesty, peace, and devotion. This is one of the main attractions when visiting Akshardham.
SANSKRUTI DARSHAN – CULTURAL BOAT RIDE:-
Take an enchanting 15 minute boat ride across the 10,000-year history of India. Glide past ancient villages and Vedic marketplaces and sip in the knowledge that India is infused with about science, mathematics, and arts. This ride exquisitely narrates the evolution of Indian civilization in an interactive way and in an immersive approach. This has three exhibition halls, where the concept and message of spiritual and cultural values of India will be better understood:
NEELKANTH DARSHAN – GIANT SCREEN THEATER:-
The widescreen movie narrates the early life odyssey of Neelkanth Varni, an innocent young yogi who was later polished to become Lord Swaminarayan, over a nationwide religious journey.
Timing: 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Tues. to Fri.) | 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (Sat. & Sun.) | Ticket counters close at 6:00 pm
Ticket Price: Children Below Age 4 Free | Age 4 to 11 ₹ 155 | Age 12+ ₹ 255 | Age 60+ ₹ 205
Tickets includes: Sahajanand Darshan, Neelkanth Darshan & Sanskruti Darshan ( Not Available Separate ticket for an individual exhibition )
Total Duration: Sahajanand Darshan: 55 minutes, Neelkanth Darshan: 45 minutes, Sanskruti Darshan: 15 minutes
SAHAJ ANAND – MULTIMEDIA WATER SHOW: This is one of the major attractions of this place, the water show. It happens in the Yagnapurush Kund, which is said to be the world’s largest step well. The presentation is very attractive-a blend of water, lights, music, and narration.
Timings: The water show is held in the evening, just after sunset.
Duration: 24 minutes
Ticket Price: Children Below Age 4 Free | Age 4 to 11 ₹ 65 | Age 12+ ₹ 95 | Age 60+ ₹ 95
Beautiful Architecture
Architecture of Akshardham Temple is a masterpiece in traditional Indian architecture and the ancient techniques of stone carving and design. The temple, built using Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, does not employ the use of steel or concrete that is used in construction to this date, based on ancient Vedic principles.
Intricately carved deities, saints, and dancers adorn the mandir and are meant to tell stories from Hindu scriptures. The sanctum of this central shrine contains a 11-foot tall statue of Lord Swaminarayan. It possesses more than 20,000 statues and figures of divine personalities, making it very grand and beautiful.
Facilities
- Paid parking facility
- Free cloak room facility
- Telephone booth ( Available at the Visitors’ Centre, Food Court and Exhibition exits )
- ATM ( Available at the Visitors’ Centre )
- Free Wheelchair facility
- Premvati Food Court
Conclusion
The Akshardham Temple is not only a place to pray but a cultural and spiritual sojourn. Its magnificent architecture, well-manicured gardens, and powerful exhibitions are something everyone would enjoy. If you have come to Delhi for a short while or are stationed here for a long duration, then this temple must not miss a place in your tour list.
Frequently Asked Questions About Akshardham Temple Delhi
- What is Akshardham Temple Famous for?
Answer: It’s known for its grand architecture, spirituality, and cultural exhibitions. - What are the visiting hours of Akshardham Temple?
Answer: Temple is open from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Closed on Mondays. - Is there an entry fee for Akshardham Temple?
Answer: Entry to the temple is free, but charges apply for exhibitions and the musical fountain. - Are mobile phones allowed inside Akshardham Temple?
Answer: No, mobiles and electronic devices are not permitted inside. - What is the nearest metro station to Akshardham Temple?
Answer: Nearest metro station is Akshardham on the Blue Line.