Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Delhi

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.

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.

• 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 SHOW


Reflecting 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 Varni showcasing 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 SAROVAR
Indian 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 UPAVAN
With 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.

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. 

• 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.

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.