Swaminarayan Akshardham
The word "Akshardham" refers to God's heavenly home. It is lauded as an enduring sanctuary of worship, virginity, and serenity. Mandirs, or places of worship for Hindus, are abodes of God. Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi is a Mandir and a spiritual and cultural campus devoted to piety, education, and peace. Its art and architecture replicate the timeless Hindu spiritual teachings, vivacious devotional customs, and historic buildings. The mandir is a modest monument to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781–1830), as well as to Hindu deities, avatars, and renowned sages. With HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj's grace and the tireless work of talented craftspeople and volunteers, the traditionally designed structure was officially opened on November 6th, 2005.
Spiritual Significance
Spirituality permeates every aspect of Akshardham, including the Mandir, the Exhibitions, and even the Gardens.
More than 200 murtis, which symbolise many of the spiritual giants spanning many centuries, may be seen at the Akshardham mandir. Each soul has the capacity to be divine, according to the spiritual tenet of Akshardham. Serving one's family, country, neighbours, or all other living things on the planet can all help one progress towards divinity. Every prayer is an invitation to better oneself and draw nearer to God.
Facts and Figures
- It was launched on November 6, 2005
- Bohasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha constructed it (BAPS)
- As a result of HH Yogiji Maharaj (1892-1971 CE)
- His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the creator.
- In order to build the complex, more than 300,000,000 volunteer hours were used.
- It was built by over 8,000 volunteers from throughout the world.
- Mandir made of marble and sandstone that have been artistically sculpted
- Hinduism-related exhibits that cover Bhagwan Swaminarayan's teachings on nonviolence, compassion, and prayer.
- It has open gardens, water features, and a courtyard with a step-well design.
Lesser Known Facts About Akshar Dham Temple :
- The terms akshar, which means immortal, and dham, which means habitation, are combined to form the name Akshardham.
- Akshardham therefore refers to the home of the Eternal One.
- In this complex of temples, there are 10 welcoming gates.
- To increase the longevity of the structure, no concrete or steel was utilised in the construction of the temple.
- The biggest Yagnapurush Kund of its sort in the whole globe is located inside the temple.
- For the creation of magnificent temple, more than 11,000 workers toiled.
- The interior of the temple's food court, Premvati Ahargruh, is decorated with murals depicting the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra.
History
Due to Shri Yogiji Maharaj's desire to construct a temple complex in Delhi, Swaminarayan Akshardham was born. Around 1968, he had this thought while acting as the spiritual leader of BAPS, also known as Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. The building of the temple, however, was initiated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who succeeded him and was the fifth spiritual guru after Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
For the construction of this temple, the Delhi Development Authority and the Uttar Pradesh Government each provided about 30 acres of land. Within five years of the project's beginning in 2000, it was finished. On November 6, 2005, the public may enter Akshardham Temple, which is located beside the Yamuna River. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, L.K. Advani, B.L. Joshi, and Dr. Manmohan Singh, the country's then-prime minister, were among the notable individuals present when Pramukh Swami Maharaj officially opened the temple.
This holy site was built by BAPS and is one of the largest temples in Delhi and all of India. The building of this temple included more than 8000 volunteers, who contributed 300,000,000 hours of their time.
Timings
Tuesday to Sunday :
- First Entry: 10:00 am
- Last Entry: 6:30 pm
- (Closed: Every Monday)
Akshar Dham Today
The Akshardham Temple complex is becoming one of Delhi's most popular tourist destinations. Due to its extraordinary beauty and enormous size, it attracts tourists from all regions of India and beyond. The temple complex may be the biggest structure to be erected in India in the last 800 years. The temple was given the Guinness World Record title of "Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple in the World" in 2007.
Architecture
The Akshardham Temple in Delhi is a tribute to the traditional Hindu architectural designs that were popular throughout India in the ancient and mediaeval periods. The main temple, which stands in the middle of this complex,
was constructed based on Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra principles. This main shrine, known as the Akshardham Mandir, is 356 feet long, 316 feet wide, and 141 feet high.
The temple represents India's culture and spiritual richness with more than 234 intricately carved pillars, 20 quadrangle spires, 9 ornate domes, and 20,000 sculptures of spiritual figures from India. The walls and ceiling of this temple are decorated with carved designs and representations of gods, flowers, dancers, and musicians.
The whole Akshardham Temple complex is a piece of meticulous beauty with impeccable construction. Pink sandstone from Rajasthan and Italian Carrara marble were used to build the temple. Open gardens, a courtyard designed in the stepwell style, several water features, and other buildings surround it.
Safety Inspection
Their top concern is the safety of the visitors. When visiting Akshardham, please abide by the following rules in order to help maintain the area safe and welcoming for families.
- Metal detectors must be accessed by all guests.
- Security officers will frisk each guest.
- Security agents will search each car.
- Within the compound, several goods are prohibited.
- It is definitely forbidden to smoke and drink on campus or in the parking lot.
- It is highly forbidden to bring alcohol and illegal drugs into the parking lot and on campus.
Government law enforcement authorities are required to implement security measures. Entry and waiting lines could be lengthy during the busy season and on holidays. In order to keep Akshardham and all tourists safe, they kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation.
| ITEMS ALLOWED IN THE TEMPLE |
ITEMS NOW ALLOWED IN THE TEMPLE |
| Wallet |
Mobile Phones |
| Shoes |
Cameras |
| Belts |
USB |
| Money |
Electronic Items |
| Jewllery |
Umbrella |
| Water Bottle |
Food & Drinks |
| Passport |
Music Devices |
| Ladies Purse |
Weapons |
| Baby Food |
Luggage |
| Jackets |
Pets, Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs |
How to reach
From Akshardham Metro Station :
-
Exit Station And Turn Right
- Walk 100 Meters And Turn Right
- Walk 250 Meters & Enter Akshardham - Gate 1
From Airport :
- Take Orange Line To New Delhi Metro Station
- Disembark At New Delhi Metro Station
- Take Yellow Line (Toward Huda City Centre)
- Disembark At Rajiv Chowk Metro Station
- Take Blue Line (Towards Noida City Centre)
- Disembark At Akshardham Metro Station
From New Delhi Railway Station :
- Walk Towards Ajmeri Gate Exit
- Walk Towards New Delhi Metro Station
- Take Yellow Line (Toward Huda City Centre)
- Disembark At Rajiv Chowk Metro Station
- Take Blue Line (Towards Noida City Centre)
- Disembark At Akshardham Metro Station
From Old Delhi Railway Station :
- Walk Towards Chandni Chowk Metro Station
- Take Yellow Line (Toward Huda City Centre)
- Disembark At Rajiv Chowk Metro Station
- Take Blue Line (Towards Noida City Centre)
- Disembark At Akshardham Metro Station
What to see/Things to do/Explore
- Visit the ten gates, which correspond to the ten pillars of Indian culture.
- Visit Bhakti Dwar, the devotional gate, and admire the 208 exquisitely carved twin representations of God.
- See the Mayur Dwar, which features two exquisite peacock gates with 869 carved peacocks.
- Look for Shri Bhagwan Swaminarayn's footsteps.
- See the 11-foot-tall, gold-plated bhagwan Narayan murti.
- 20000 carved images of Indian gods, 234 varbed pillars, 9 domes, and a centre structure that is 141 feet high.
- Neelkanth Darshan is a 40-minute IMAX film based on the actual account of an 11-year-old yogi who travelled the length of India.
- On the banks of the Saraswati River, 10000 years of Indian culture have flourished. This is Sanskruti Vihaar, a 15-minute boat journey.
- A 25-minute magnificent water display combining lasers, lights, fire, and fountains is called Yagnapurush Kund and Sahaj Kund.
- Holy water from 151 rivers, lakes, and stepwells that Bhagwan Swaminarayn visited flows into Narayan Sarovar through 108 gaumukha in the area surrounding the Akshar Dham Monument.
Entry
There is no charge for admission to the mandir complex or mandir darshan, and no appointment is necessary.
There is no payment for any of the services provided by their staff or volunteers.
Tips for visiting Akshardham Temple
DRESS CODE :
- A site of daily worship, the Mandir is a holy residence for God. Throughout the complex, there is a rigorous clothing code in place to protect its holiness and spiritual atmosphere.
- Shoulders, chest, navel, and upper arms must all be covered when wearing upper clothing.
- Must be at least knee-length for lower wear.
- A complimentary sarong is given for your visit if your attire does not meet the aforementioned requirements (Refundable Deposit Rs. 100) At the exit, kindly give back the sarong.
Hotels
- The Park new delhi
The Ambassador, New Delhi - IHCL SeleQtions office is situated in New Delhi, close to Khan Market, and is housed in a 1947 historic building. It provides a spa and health club. There is free parking.
- Eros Hotels New delhi -
You may have a top-notch culinary experience right in the middle of Nehru Place. As you enjoy the peace and eat at some of the city's best eateries, make memories.
- Crowne Plaza New Delhi -
A opulent retreat amid the Crowne Plaza New Delhi's bustling commercial zone A gym, a relaxing spa, and an outdoor pool are all available at Mayur Vihar Noida. Modern, roomy accommodations have a flat-screen TV and a pillow menu.
- The MEtropolitan Hotel & Spa new Delhi -
THE MET, a Five Star Deluxe full service hotel, is situated in the centre of New Delhi's business and commercial district and offers quick access to the majority of corporate and financial centres, ministries, embassies, and the grounds of the International Trade Fair. An international tourist searching for convenient access to conducting business in New Delhi could stay at THE MET. With its opulent atmosphere and rich landscape, this urban sanctuary offers a unique experience. Each of the hotel's painstakingly created guest rooms and suites offers individualised comfort, elegance, and all the essential conveniences to please the modern discriminating tourist.
