Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Temple is a Baháʼí House of Worship that showcases the ancient and modern Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. The temple is shaped like a lotus flower, a symbol of purity, spirituality, and harmony in many cultures.
History of Akshardham Temple
Yogiji Maharaj, the fourth spiritual successor of Swaminarayan, a Hindu spiritual leader and reformer, had a vision of building a magnificent temple that would promote the values of peace and harmony among all people. This temple, known as Akshardham Temple, is a tribute to his dream and a testament to his faith.
After Yogiji Maharaj passed away in 1971, his successor Pramukh Swami Maharaj took up the responsibility of fulfilling his dream. Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the fifth spiritual successor of Swaminarayan and the leader of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a socio-spiritual organization that follows the teachings of Swaminarayan.
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BAPS, with the help of thousands of volunteers, artisans, and devotees, constructed the temple. BAPS Swamis and Virendra Trivedi, a member of the Sompura family of architects, designed the temple. The temple reflects the teachings of the Baháʼí Faith, a religion that advocates the unity of God, humanity, and religion. The temple spans 100 acres and stands 43 meters tall. The temple consists of pink sandstone and white marble and features elaborate carvings and sculptures that illustrate various aspects of Hinduism. The temple has 11 domes, 234 pillars, 20 quadrangle shikhars, and 9 ornate mandapams.
The architecture of Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Temple is a masterpiece of art and engineering that was built in 2005 by the followers of Swaminarayan, a Hindu spiritual leader, and reformer. The temple was inspired by the teachings of the Baháʼí Faith, a religion that promotes the oneness of God, humanity, and religion.
The temple covers an area of 100 acres and has a height of 43 meters. The temple is made of pink sandstone and white marble and has intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various aspects of Hinduism. The temple has 11 domes, 234 pillars, 20 quadrangle shikars, and 9 ornate mandapams. The temple can accommodate up to 10,000 people at a time.
Akshardham Temple Attractions and Activities
- Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir: This is the main attraction of the temple, where you can see the idol of Swaminarayan and other deities. You can also admire the stunning architecture and artistry of the temple.
- Hall of Values: This is an exhibition hall that displays the life and teachings of Swaminarayan through audio-visual shows, dioramas, and animatronics. You can also learn about the values and principles of Hinduism, such as ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), shanti (peace), etc.
- Giant Screen Film: This is a large-format film that shows the journey of a young boy named Neelkanth, who later became Swaminarayan. You can witness his adventures and hardships as he traveled across India in search of enlightenment.
- Musical Fountain: This is a spectacular show that combines water, light, sound, and music to create a mesmerizing effect. You can watch the fountain dance to the tunes of classical and folk music and narrate the story of the cycle of life.
- Garden of India: This is a beautiful garden that has lush greenery and colorful flowers. You can also see various statues and monuments that depict the heroes and legends of India, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Rani Lakshmibai, etc.
Akshardham Temple Opening Time and Ticket Fee
Akshardham Temple is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. The temple is closed on Mondays. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple complex, but you need to pay for some attractions and activities. You can buy tickets online through the temple website or at the ticket counter at the temple entrance. The ticket prices are as follows:
- Exhibition Ticket: Rs. 170 for adults; Rs. 125 for senior citizens; Rs. 100 for children (4-11 years); Free for children below 4 years
- Musical Fountain Ticket: Rs. 80 for adults; Rs. 80 for senior citizens; Rs. 50 for children (4-11 years); Free for children below 4 years
- Exhibition + Musical Fountain Ticket: Rs. 220 for adults; Rs. 170 for senior citizens; Rs. 120 for children (4-11 years); Free for children below 4 years
Need to follow some rules and regulations while visiting the temple complex, such as:
- Maintain silence and respect inside the temple premises
- Remove shoes before entering the temple mandir
- Do not take photos or videos inside the temple complex
- Do not carry any electronic items, such as mobile phones, cameras, laptops, etc., inside the temple complex
- Do not carry any food or drinks inside the temple complex
- Do not wear any revealing or inappropriate clothes inside the temple complex
You can reach Akshardham Temple by metro, bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw. The nearest metro station to the temple is Akshardham Metro Station, which is on the Blue Line. The nearest bus stop to the temple is Akshardham Bus Stop, which is on NH 24. You can also book a taxi or an auto-rickshaw online through apps like Ola or Uber or hail one on the road.
Akshardham Temple Address
The temple address is NH 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi -110092. You can also find more information about the temple on its website or on its map.
Akshardham Temple is a place where you can experience the glory and grace of Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. It is a place where you can admire the beauty and diversity of creation and the unity and harmony of all religions. Akshardham Temple is a place where you can find joy, peace, and inspiration.
