Akshardham Temple

Overview

Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India's ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India's glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.

The monument, at the center of the complex, is built of pink sandstone and white marble. It is 141 feet high, 316 feet wide and 370 feet long with 234 ornately carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangled shikhars, a spectacular Gajendra Pith (plinth of stone elephants) and 20,000 murtis and statues of India's great sadhus, devotees, acharyas and divine personalities.

History

Inspired by His Holiness Yogiji Maharaj (1892-1971), Akshardham was created by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016), the spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).

It was inaugurated on 6 November 2005 with the blessings of BAPS' current spiritual guru, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. The temple was constructed in only five years, a feat remarkable for its intricate carvings.

Akshardham Temple has made its way into the Guinness Book of World Records as the World's Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple.

Architecture

The temple is a masterpiece of ancient Indian architecture and culture, blending several elements from across India:

Mandir: The main monument is built according to the Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra.
Carvings: The temple features over 20,000 carved figures of deities, musicians, dancers, and rishis.
Mandapam: The main hall has intricately detailed marble and stone work.
Gajendra Pith: The base of the monument features 148 life-sized elephants weighing a total of 3,000 tons.
Gardens: The complex includes beautifully landscaped gardens with fountains and bronze sculptures.

Spiritual Significance

Akshardham Temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830), the central figure in a modern sect of Hinduism known as Swaminarayan Hinduism. The monument enshrines the teachings and life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

The temple encourages visitors to learn about Hindu spirituality and culture. The name "Akshardham" means the divine abode of God, where divine energy resides. It is believed that a visit to the temple helps purify one's soul and brings peace and harmony.

Visitor Attractions

Beyond the main temple, the complex offers several exhibitions and attractions:

Sanskruti Vihar: A boat ride taking visitors through 10,000 years of India's heritage and contributions to society.
Nilkanth Abhishek: Devotees can perform abhishek (ritual bathing) of Neelkanth Varni's murti.
Musical Fountain: The Yagnapurush Kund is a large lotus-shaped fountain that features a spectacular water show.
Theater: A large format film presentation on the life of Swaminarayan.
Narayan Sarovar: A lake that contains holy waters from 151 rivers and lakes across India.