Explore Akshardham – a peaceful haven in Delhi. Learn about entry, timings, and location. Dive into spirituality effortlessly!
Topics
Entry Fee – (Darshan Entry Free)
| Category | Exhibition (INR) | Musical Fountain (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 170 | 80 |
| Children (4-11) | 100 | 50 |
| Senior Citizens | 125 | 80 |
| Children (Below 4) | Free | Free |
Contact Information
- Phone: 011 4344 2344, 011 2201 6688
Quick Facts
- Type: Place of worship
- Primary Deity: Swaminarayan
- Location: On NH 24, Akshardham Setu
- Address: NH 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi 110092
- Opened: 6th November 2005
- Creator: Pramukh Swami Maharaj
- Constructed by: Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
- Inspired by: HH Yogiji Maharaj (1892-1971 CE)
- Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham
Timings
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed / Holiday |
| Tuesday | 10:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 6:30 pm |
| Sunday | 10:00 am – 6:30 pm |
Address
Noida Mor, New Delhi, Delhi, 110092, India
About Akshardham Temple Delhi
The word “Akshardham” in Swaminarayan Hinduism means the abode of the Lord. It symbolizes the serenity and holiness where devotees worship and seek blessings. Akshardham Delhi is not just a temple but also a cultural and spiritual campus, hosting various activities and exhibitions related to Hinduism.
The main deity is Bhagwan Swaminarayan, surrounded by statues of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Opened in 2005, Akshardham stands on the banks of the Yamuna River, inaugurated by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Built with Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra, it holds the Guinness World Record for the largest comprehensive Hindu Temple.
History
Officially opened in 2005, Akshardham Mandir took five years to build using ancient methods like Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra. Conceived by Yogiji Maharaj in 1968, the project began in 1982 under Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The construction used 60 acres from the Delhi Development Authority and 30 acres from the Uttar Pradesh government, completed in 2005. It received a Guinness world record for being the largest comprehensive Hindu Temple.
Architecture
Built with pink sandstone and marble, Akshardham Mandir follows traditional Hindu architecture, displaying intricate carvings of flowers, animals, musicians, dancers, and deities. The temple stands at 141.3 feet, with 234 pillars and 9 domes. The main statue of Swaminarayan is 11 feet long, surrounded by 20,000 idols related to Hinduism.
Personal Advice for Visitors
While my visit to Akshardham Temple was a captivating experience filled with spiritual and cultural richness, I would like to share a practical tip based on my personal encounter.
If you plan to bring your phone, be prepared for a substantial wait at the cloakroom—more than 2 hours for submission and an additional 1 hour for retrieval. The line can be quite lengthy, resulting in a significant portion of your visit spent waiting.
Therefore, my sincere suggestion is, if possible, to consider leaving your phone in your car or keeping it outside. This will not only save you valuable time but also allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of the temple without the hassle of waiting in line.
By following this advice, you can make the most of your visit, enjoy the exhibits, and partake in the spiritual ambiance without any unnecessary delays. Wishing you a fulfilling and delightful experience at Akshardham Temple!
Inside Akshardham Temple
Garbhagruh
The inner sanctum, garbhagruh, houses idols of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his successors. Altars for Hindu deities surround it, including Shri Shiv-Parvati, Shri Sita-Ram, Shri Lakshmi-Narayan, and Shri Radha-Krishna.
Mandapams
Nine mandapams inside present intricate carvings on pillars, domes, and ceilings, showcasing the hypnotic beauty of Hindu architecture.
Other Structures
- Mandovar: One of the largest in the country, adorned with 2000 stone sculptures.
- Jagati: Base of Mandovar with carvings depicting Hindu concepts of life.
- Narayan Peeth: Path for pradakshinas with 60-foot-long bronze panels depicting incidents from Swaminarayan’s life.
- Yagnapurush Kund: Traditional step well with 2800 steps, hosting Sahaj Anand Water Show.
- Thematic Gardens: Bharat Upvan and Yogihriday Kamal showcase sculptures of Indian personalities.
Exhibition
Akshardham Temple offers exhibitions in three halls:
- Sahajanand Darshan: The Hall of Values with exhibits on non-violence, family harmony, morality, and more.
- Neelkanth Darshan: Large Format Film on the life of Neelkanth Varni (Shri Swaminarayan).
- Sanskruti Darshan/ Boat Ride: Cultural boat ride showcasing ancient Indian lifestyle.
Akshardham Musical Fountain
The Sahaj Anand Water Show at Yagnapurush Kund is a mesmerizing blend of technology and creativity, presenting stories from Hindu scriptures. The 24-minute show uses lasers, water jets, flames, sound, and video projections, captivating audiences.
Timings and Entry Fee
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 6:30 pm. Closed on Monday.
- Mandir Aarti at 10 am and 6 pm.
- Entry is free, but charges apply for exhibitions and shows.
- Akshardham Musical Fountain show at 7:30 pm (Tue-Sun), entry fee: Adults – Rs. 80, Children (4-11) – Rs. 50.
How to Reach
- Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham (Blue Line)
- Easily accessible by public transport and metro railways.
- Delhi Airport to Akshardham: 21 km (1.5 hours)
- Gurgaon to Akshardham: 43 km (2 hours)
- Karol Bagh to Akshardham: 12.6 km (50 minutes)
List of Akshardham Temples Worldwide
- Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Sydney
- Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Melbourne
- Swaminarayan Mandir, Perth, Western Australia
- Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Brisbane, Queensland
- Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Adelaide, South Australia
- Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Fiji
FAQs
- Meaning of Akshardham: Abode of the almighty.
- City of Akshardham Temple: Delhi.
- Address: NH 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi – 110092.
- Architect: Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
- Builder: Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
- Location: Noida Mor, New Delhi, Delhi, 110092, India.
- Open on Sundays: Yes, closed on Mondays only.
- Laser Show: Yes, Sahaj Anand Water Show at 7:30 pm.
- Akshardham Temple Entry Fee: Free, charges for exhibitions and shows.
Location Map
Explore the divine and cultural marvel of Akshardham Temple, a spiritual haven welcoming visitors to experience the essence of Hinduism.
You may like:
Hathipole Bazar Market – Udaipur Must-Visit Shopping Destination
