Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Delhi Overview

An epitome of Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is an abode of God built in 2005. Sitting deftly near the banks of River Yamuna, the temple showcases Hinduism and its age old culture. Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, the temple is undoubtedly a work of miracle. Akshardham has made its way to the Guinness Book of World Records as the World's Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple.

Over 8000 volunteers from all around the world were involved in the construction of intricately carved marble and sandstone structure of the temple. Timeless Hindu teachings and flamboyant devotional traditions find their place on the temple's incredible walls. Moreover, the complex is a home to India's largest step well which is a host to the mesmerising water show; an open garden, Narayan Sarovar, various expeditions, and rituals. The complex is not less than a paradise for the spiritual seekers.

The temple takes its visitors on a journey of spiritual enlightenment. It has eight ostentatiously carved mandapams. Each prayer here takes you closer to God and signifies the improvement of oneself. The centrepiece, i.e. Lord Swaminarayan's Murti along with that of 20,000 deities, significant personalities in Indian history and sages showcase the essence of Indian architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual thoughts. If visiting Delhi, then it gets mandatory for you to visit this beautiful place which glorifies Indianess in every aspect.

Akshardham Mandir

The temple opened on 6th November 2005 is constructed by BAPS (Full Form: Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha). The main attraction of the complex, i.e. the Akshardham Mandir stands as high as 141 foot, stretches as wide as 316 foot and extends as long as 356 foot. The walls and roofs carved with the images of different deities, musicians, dances, flora, and fauna are a work of great architecture. Every detailing here speaks highly of Indian cultural aspects.

Architectural techniques

A blend of several ancient styles of Indian architecture has been used to build the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir. The principles of Maharishi Vastu Architecture are followed carefully in its construction. The builders of this beautiful temple have abided by the norms Shilpa Shastras and hence have made no use of steel and concrete to maximise the lifespan of this great architectural piece. Akshardham is entirely a temple built of Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble.
It has nine domes with 20,000 murtis of different deities, acharyas, and sadhus.

Garbhagruh

Under the temple's central dome is the 11-foot high statue of Swaminarayan seated in Abhayamudra. Surrounding him are the figures of the divine succession of Gurus. As manifestations of Aksharbrahma, the gurus are God's eternal servants, symbolising devotion and saintliness. Garbhagruh behind itself offers the items sanctified by Lord Swaminarayan during his premises on Earth for direct darshan. The temple also has the murtis of Mythological duos, Sita Ram, Radha Krishna, Shiv Parvati, and Lakshmi Narayan.

Mandovar

The mandir is the largest temple to be built in last eight hundred years. The Mandovar is 25 feet high and 611 mt long. It has two hundred and thirty ostentatiously carved pillars.The top of the Mandovar has samarans that teach people to live a spiritual life away from the mundane pleasures. Vibhuti, the middle of the Mandovar has sculptures of the sages, avatars, devas, acharyas and devotees. Jagati, the base of Mandovar has living beings as its speciality. Elephant here signifies strength with lion and vyal symbolising bravery and speed respectively.

Gajendra Peeth

It is a tribute to the elephants for their importance in Indian history and Hindu culture. The Gajendra Pith contains 148 life sized elephants weighing 3000 tons in real. These elephants share the message of peace, beauty and gentleness.

Narayan Peeth

The 60 feet long bronze relief panels serve the purpose of doing Parikrama around the central figure of God. The panels have illustrations from the life of Swaminarayan.

What does Akshardham offer?

1) EXHIBITIONS Artistically alluring, spiritually enlightening, culturally poignant, and scientifically amazing, these presentations form a harmonious combination of art, spirituality, culture, and science. They bring into the picture a perfect fusion of ancient values and modern techniques to provide a soul stirring experience of Universal values and Hindu heritage. Three different halls hold the three exhibits respectively. Be a spectator of a thousand years old eye surgery method, Vedic marketplace, ancient yoga, the invention of chess, the life of Swaminarayan and much more!

SAHAJANAND DARSHAN-The Hall of Values

As the name suggests, The Hall of Values, visitors leave the room taking with them the in-depth knowledge of values like perseverance, non-violence, family harmony, prayers, and morality. The timeless messages of Hindu culture are presented using different techniques of audio-animatronic figures, immersive projections, and 3-D dioramas. Furthermore, the hall features the world's smallest animatronic robot in the form of Ghanshyam Maharaj, the child form of Swaminarayan

NEELKANTH DARSHAN-Giant Screen Film

Follow the foot steps of youthful Bhagwan Swaminarayan on his journey to the great Indian subcontinent in the epic film screened in a unique giant theatre. Grab the chance of exploring the gorges of Himalayas, witnessing the Rameshwaram mandir and trekking through the forests of Assam while being at this particular place.

Bhagwan Swaminarayan journey Hindi

Bhagwan Swaminarayan journey English

SANSKRUTI DARSHAN-Cultural Boat Ride

Board a boat and ride through the thousand years of bygone Indian age. This journey unfurls the old pages of Indian culture and development. It features contributions of Vedic Indians like Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Kalidasa, Chanakya and much more. Next, it shows Takshashila, the world's first university incorporating lessons of horse riding and warfare. From Vedic times it moves slowly to the Middle ages showcasing the renowned figures such as Kabir, Meera, Ramananda.Finally, it ends with the contributors of the recent times, namely, Swami Vivekananda, Jagadish Chandra Bose, C. V. Raman, Srinivasa Ramanujan, and Satyendra Nath Bose.

2) MUSICAL FOUNTAIN or THE WATER SHOWReflecting the story from one of the treasures of Knowledge of the Vedic era, Kena Upanishad, Sahaj Anand Water Show is an experience of amaze balls. Undergo the experience of eternal truth where the innocence of children manages to challenge the supreme powers of the almighty as you witness the show taking place in Yagnapurush Kund. The Kund is India's largest step well comprising of 2,870 steps and 108 small shrines. Following this in the centre is a 27 feet high statue of Neelkanth Varnishowcasing the values of determination, courage, and devotion. The nine lotus design of the pool is a replica of a ritual yantra used in Hindu ceremonies.
Running Time- 24 minutes
Timing- Currently, it starts at 7.30 pm

3) NARAYAN SAROVARIndian culture has always glorified and respected the water bodies which is the reason by many rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Kaveri, etc. are given religious importance. Following this sacred tradition, Narayan Sarovar has been built surrounding the central Akshardham Mandir. The Sarovar comprises of the waters of 151 holy rivers and lakes.

4) GARDEN OF INDIA or THE BHARAT UPAVANWith greenery resides, the sculptures of prominent personalities of Indian culture and history. These include the statues of freedom fighters, children, women, and other national figures.

Best Time To Visit Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

Visit the temple around 3 pm so that you get free with the exhibitions as soon as possible and can easily be a part of the spectacular mountain show.

Tips For Visiting Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

Cover your body from shoulders to below the knees
Reach as early as possible, more the delay longer the queues at the ticket office
Carry minimum stuff as nothing except wallets, baby food, and other essential items is allowed inside. Items like food, umbrella, camera, mobile phones, etc. are not allowed.

How to Reach Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

Akshardham temple can be easily reached via Blue Line metro. Take the metro that heads towards Noida and step down at Akshardham metro station. You can either take a rickshaw or can walk to reach the Swaminarayan Akshardham Complex.

Earth Hour 2019, Delhi, India

30 Mar 2019

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Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi participated in the 2019 Earth Hour on March 30. This global movement, which began in 2007, asks landmark buildings throughout the world to turn off non-essential lights for one hour in an act of solidarity and as a call to action to better the environment and prioritize the preservation of nature.

United States Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster Visits Swaminarayan Akshardham, Delhi, India

23 Jan 2019

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United States Ambassador to India, Kenneth Juster, visited Swaminarayan Akshardham. Ambassador Juster was accorded a traditional welcomed by Sadhu Gnanmunidas on behalf of Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj.

During his visit, Ambassador Juster offered respects at the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir, performed abhishek on the murti of Shri Neelkanth Varni and also viewed the Sanskruti Vihar exhibition.

Before departing, Ambassador Juster commented in the visitor’s book, “Thank you for a wonderful tour of the fabulous Akshardham Temple. This is a marvelous complex and provides a good overview of India's history and culture.”

Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu Visits Swaminarayan Akshardham, Delhi, India

25 Nov 2018

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Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu visited Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, as part of his official visit to India commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Romania.

The five-member delegation was traditionally welcomed by senior sadhus of BAPS on behalf of Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj.

Foreign Minister Melescanu offered his respects at the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir and performed abhishek on the sacred murti of Shri Neelkanth Varni. The delegation also experienced the Sanskruti Vihar boat ride that depicts India’s heritage and contributions to society.

Before departing, Foreign Minister Melescanu commented, “After visiting this temple, I am more confident in the prospective of peace in our families, our countries and the world.”

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner & Delegation Visit Swaminarayan Akshardham, Delhi, India

13 Nov 2018

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Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner Visits Akshardham

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, along with a 13-member delegation, visited Swaminarayan Akshardham, marking the mayor’s first stop in a one-week trip to India.

The delegation, which included Houston Council Member Jerry Davis, representatives from the Johnson Space Center and Houston’s Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, and government and business officials from the city of Houston, was greeted in a traditional manner by senior sadhus of BAPS on behalf of Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj.

Mayor Turner offered his respects at the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir and performed abhishek on the sacred image of Shri Neelkanth Varni. The delegation experienced the Sanskruti Vihar boat ride exhibition that depicts India’s heritage and contributions to society. Finally, they witnessed the Sahaj Anand Water Show.

“This visit [to Akshardham] has been a tremendous gift and blessing to me and my delegation,” said Mayor Turner. “As I return, I am renewed in my belief that we can be a positive difference in this world.”

South Korean President Moon Jae-in Starts Trip to India with Visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham, Delhi, India

8 Jul 2018

His Excellency Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea, started his first-ever state trip to India with a visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi.

President Moon and South Korean First Lady, Mrs. Kim Jung-sook, were able to experience the ageless beauty, borderless culture and timeless values of India at Akshardham.

On behalf of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the Spiritual Head of Swaminarayan Akshardham and the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, senior sadhus and trustees traditionally welcomed President Moon and delegation.

President Moon and First Lady Jung-sook offered their respects at the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir and admired the Mandir’s art and architecture.

President Moon then viewed the Gajendra Pithika (Elephant Plinth) that includes 148 lifelike carved stone elephants depicting messages of social harmony, peace and spirituality.

While traveling past Akshardham on the Delhi Metro the following day, President Moon fondly reminisced with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his first visit in India at Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi.

President Moon and First Lady Kim shared sentiments for world peace and harmony by offering ‘abhishek,’ the ceremonial pouring of sanctified water from 151 holy rivers, lakes and ponds across India on the sacred image of Shri Neelkanth Varni.

“I pray for the peace in Korea, India and the world in Akshardham," President Moon wrote.

"I am very delighted to visit this grand temple as part of the first leg of my visit," said President Moon. "After, seeing this, the feeling that I get is that India and Korea may be having different cultures, but the two countries share commonalities in values such as peace, harmony and unity in diversity.”