Akshardham Temple
Akshardham temple or Swaminarayan temple situated in India’s heart or in the capital city of New Delhi epitomises 10,000 years of the rich tradition of the Indian culture in all its beauty. The temple showcases the grandeur and essence of the ancient architecture. The grand architecture symbolises the timeless spiritual messages that has passed on since the centuries in the Hindu religion. The temple is held in high esteem which depicts the ancient values of Hinduism, the artistry of the period and the overall contribution for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.
The temple was constructed within a period of just five years with the blessings of the great Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. It was the culminating effort of 11,000 artisan and was inaugurated on 6th of November 2005. Akshardham means the eternal or the divine abode of the Lord. Defined in the Vedas as the abode of eternal values and virtues the Swaminarayan temple is an example of temple architecture at its best.
Temple Architecture
Built without using a a single piece of steel, the Temple consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrilateral shikaras along with a spectacular Gajender Pith with plinth of elephants carved on the stones. The Temple consists of 20, 000 statues or murthis of the various Hindu Deity and also includes the statues of the noble sadhus, devotees and eminent personalities. Erected out from a fusion of pink stone and white marbles the temple symbolises shakti and eternal bloom with complete purity and peace.
The Akshardhanm temple was created to honour the fulfilment of the wishes of the Guru Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj, the fourth successor in the spiritual hierarchy of Bhagwan Swaminarayan .A lot of hard working and endeavour was seen on the part of Pramukh Swami Maharaj the follower of the Swamiji in giving final shape to the temple. The massive piece of architecture is of height 141.3ft with a width of 316 ft having a length of 356 feet.
Mandapams
The majestic Temple proudly carries 9 huge domes with 234 pillars where around 20,000 carvings of the great munis, deities and the celestial creatures are carved. Almost 500 status of Paramhansas of the Swaminarayan and many statues of devotees, birds and animals are embellished and carved on the walls The interiors showcase 8 more small madapams.
Vibhuti Mandovar
The external wall of the temple is the largest intricately carved Mandovar in the whole of India. The Mandovar consists of 200 sculptured stone figures of India’s great rishis and the devotees. Created with Gajstar, Sinstar and Chhhajja, the temple has 4287 carved stones with 48 carved statues of the Deity of Lord Ganesh.
Gajendra Pith
The Gajendra pith is, presented in three styles Elephant and Nature, Elephant and Man, Elephant and Divine. The vedic mantras are depicted on the piths. The pith pays tribute to elephants,which symbolizing the entire animal kingdom.. Every panel reflects the messages of social harmony, peace and spiritual faith. The Gajendra Pith is of 3,000 tons having 148 full-sized elephants, 42 birds and animals. It also has 125 human sculptures and embellished stone backdrops of royal palaces.
Neelkanth Abhishek
Devotees in thousands throng the temple premise to offer abhishek, the ritual of pouring of water to the sacred murti of Neelkanth Varni and express their reverence and prayers for peace, spiritual blessings and fulfilment of their wishes.
Accommodation
Some of the best hotels that provide comfort and luxury to the visitors coming to the Akshardham temple are the Ashoka hotel in the heart of the city, the Centaur Hotel near the airport and Holiday inn Crown plaza in Connaught Plaza and the Hyatt Regency. All of these hotels are star category hotels and provides good services.
Monument Height : 141.3 ft
Width : 316 ft
Length : 356 ft
Inauguration : 6-11-2005
Kartik Shukla Panchmi,
Labh Pancham, V.S. 2062
How to reach their :
By Air – All the major National and International Airlines have their flights operating from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The temple is situated at a distance of one hour drive from the airport.
By Rail – The Indian Railway with their modern and organized network connects Delhi to all major and minor destinations in India. The temple is close to the Nizammudin railway station.
By Road – Delhi is well connected by road to all major destinations in North India. The Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) are located at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan and Anand Vihar. Delhi State transport runs frequent bus to the temple area.
Important Note :
All are heartly welcome to Swaminarayan Akshardham, irrespective of creed, caste, nationality, race, gender beliefs. However in the interest of security, Swaminarayan Akshardham reserves the right to screen every entrant.
No electronic items are allowed in the complex – No mobile phone, No cameras.
Please note that Swaminarayan Aksharhdam is closed on Mondays.
Timings :
April to September : Complex 9.00 am to 7.00 pm
Exhibitions : 9.00 am to 6.30 pm
October to March : Complex 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
Exhibitions : 9.00 am to 5.30 pm
Musical Fountain :
April to September : 7.30 pm
October to March : 6.45 pm
Night Lighting : On Saturday, Sunday
Restaurant “Premvati” : 11.00 am to 8.00 pm
Souvenir Shop : 9.00 am to 8.00 pm
Time needed to view Akshardham :
Main Monument and Gardens – One and a half hours
Hall of Values, Boat Ride and Theatre : Approx 3 hours (please allow some waiting time.
Admission :
Entry into the Swaminarayan Akshardham Complex is Free.
Entry to the Monument and Gardens is Free.
Tickets :
To view the Exhibitions
Hall of Values
“Sahajanand Darshan”
Audio-Animatronics Shows (1 hour)
Boat Ride
“Sanskruti Vihar”
India’s Glorious Heritage (15 minutes)
Theatre
“Neelkanth Darshan”
Giant Screen Film (40 minutes)
Adults
Rs. 125
Concessions :
Children (4 years old to 12 years old) Rs. 75
Children below 4 years old are free
Senior Citizens (65 years and above) Rs. 75
School Groups :
(Please note: School Group Concessions are not available on aturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays) Only recognized schools are eligible for the concessions.
Group of 50 Schoolchildren or more Rs. 50 per child
Teachers accompanying Schoolchildren Rs. 125 (1 teacher with every 25 students goes free)
Musical Fountain :
Adult Rs. 20 (above 12 years)
Children Rs. 10 (below 12 years)
“The Management reserves the right of admission and any change to the schedules without prior notice.”
Facilities :
Parking : Ample parking space is available for all types of vehicles. (The cost for parking maximum stay 6 hours)
Two Wheelers Rs. 10
Three and Four Wheelers Rs. 20
Minibus Rs. 50
Coach/Luxury Bus Rs. 100
Cloakroom : Visitors can deposit their possessions in the cloakroom at their own risk and responsibility. The authorities will not be responsible for any damage or loss of possessions.
Visitors Center : While entering the Swaminarayan Akshardham Complex, the Visitors Center provides an overview of the entire complex. Time guidelines for viewing the various attractions can be obtained from here. Enquiries and waiting areas are located here.
Wheelchairs : On entry into the Swaminarayan Akshardham Complex, aged and handicapped visitors may request for a wheelchair, which will be provided on a priority basis. We request relatives/friends of wheelchair users to accompany and help them around the complex. Wheelchairs must be returned before leaving the complex. Refundable deposit – Rs. 100.
Telephone Booths : Public telephones are available at the Visitors Center and other locations around the complex.
Lost and Found Department : Give details of your lost possessions in the Security Department. The management is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal possessions
Strictly Prohibited :
Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking, tobacco, alcohol and drugs are not allowed in the complex.
Mobile Phones, Cameras :
Cameras, video cameras, mobile phones or any electronic items are not allowed inside the complex.
Food :
Visitors are not allowed to carry food inside the premises. Pure, fresh vegetarian food and snacks are available at Premvati Food Court. The restaurant caters to a wide variety of traditional dishes and delicacies, both cold and hot.
Behavior :
Avoid impolite and rude language
Pets
No pets are allowed in the complex.
Clothings :
Visitors are requested to wear respectable clothes to respect the dignity of the place.
Winter : November to March
Weather is mild and pleasant, can be cold. Warm clothes recommended.
Summer : April to June.
Weather is hot and sunny. Light cotton clothes.
Monsoon : July to October. Rainy season.
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