As I walked through the impressive entrance gates of the Akshardham Temple in Delhi, I was immediately struck by its grandeur and beauty. The temple, which is one of the largest Hindu temples in the world, is a masterpiece of architecture and a true testament to the creativity and skill of its builders.
The Akshardham Temple, also known as the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, is located in the heart of Delhi and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Hindu culture and religion. In this blog post, I will take you on a tour of this magnificent temple and share some interesting facts and stories about its history and construction.
The History of the Akshardham Temple
The Akshardham Temple was built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a Hindu organization dedicated to the teachings of Swaminarayan, a 19th-century saint and religious leader. The construction of the temple began in 2000 and was completed in 2005. The temple was officially opened to the public on November 6, 2005, by the then-president of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
The temple was built in accordance with the principles of Vastu Shastra, a traditional Hindu system of architecture. The temple complex covers an area of 23 acres and consists of several buildings, including the main temple, exhibition halls, and a water show.
The Architecture
The Akshardham Temple is a stunning example of traditional Indian architecture, with its intricate carvings, exquisite domes, and beautiful gardens. The temple is made of pink sandstone and white marble and is adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and history.
The temple’s central dome is 141 feet high and is supported by 234 pillars, each one intricately carved with images of Hindu deities and motifs. The temple also has nine other domes, each one representing a different spiritual message.
The temple’s exterior is also adorned with beautiful gardens and water features, including a reflecting pool and fountains. The gardens are home to over 10,000 plants and trees, making it a peaceful and serene place to relax and reflect.
The Exhibitions
In addition to its beautiful architecture and gardens, the Akshardham Temple also houses several exhibitions that showcase the rich history and culture of India. The exhibitions cover a range of topics, from ancient Indian civilization to modern-day achievements in science and technology.
One of the most popular exhibitions at the temple is the Hall of Values, which uses interactive displays and multimedia presentations to teach visitors about the importance of values such as honesty, compassion, and respect.
Another popular exhibition is the Sahajanand Darshan, which is a multimedia show that tells the story of Swaminarayan and his teachings. The show is presented in a large, domed theater and uses a combination of sound, light, and special effects to create an immersive and unforgettable experience.
The Water Show
One of the most impressive attractions at the Akshardham Temple is the water show, which takes place every evening. The show is a spectacular display of music, water, and light, and tells the story of the history and culture of India.
The show takes place on a large, outdoor stage that is surrounded by water. The stage features a series of fountains and jets that shoot water high into the air, creating a stunning display of water and light. The show is accompanied by music and narration, which tells the story of India’s rich history and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which God is in Akshardham Temple?
The temple is a humble tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830), an incarnation of Lord Krishna, a Hindu deity. The Akshardham temple was built by Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a Hindu denomination within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya.
Q. Is Akshardham free to visit?
The complex encompasses three exhibition halls, Neelkanth darshan through an IMAX film, an Abhishek mandap, a water show, thematic garden and cultural boat ride. The entry to the temple is free, thought it is open between Tuesdays and Sundays from 09:30 am to 07:30 pm.
Q. How much is boat ride in Akshardham?
The ticket price for Boat Ride at Akshardham Temple is within the ticket cost exhibition shows, which is Rs.170 per person for adults, Rs.125 for visitors above the age of 60 years and Rs.100 for children of the age of 4 to 11 years.
Q. Can we take mobile in Akshardham?
no, mobile phones and any other electronics items are not allowed inside akshardham. you can deposit the same in locker rooms at the entry. only small ladies bags and mens walkets are allowed.
