Akshardham Temple : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Akshardham Temple is an elaborate, intricately planned Hindu temple complex located in New Delhi, India. The Hindu deity Swaminarayan is enshrined at the head of the complex and worshipped by devotees across India. Built on the banks of the Yamuna River, the Akshardham Temple is a stunning testament to the brilliance of India’s ancient architectural and engineering heritage. From its ornate spiritual sculptures to its captivating exhibits, the Akshardham Temple is a mesmerizing journey through Indian culture. In this blog, we’ll explore the fascinating history and facts about the Akshardham Temple, as well as provide information and travel planning tips to visit this awe-inspiring shrine.

Interesting Facts About Akshardham Temple

1. Akshardham Temple was opened to the public in November 2005 and is the largest Hindu mandir (temple) in the world.

2. The architecture of the temple is inspired by traditional Hindu architecture.

3. The temple is covered in intricate stone carvings, and took nearly 10,000 artisans more than 2 years to complete the entire temple.

4. The temple is dedicated to Swaminarayan, an 18th-century Hindu saint.

5. The Akshardham Temple is made from 6,000 metric tonnes of pink sandstone from Rajasthan.

6. The temple complex is spread over 86 acres and includes not just the temple, but also a musical fountain, a lotus garden, a food court, a store, and many other attractions.

7. The temple has 3 exhibitions – Sahaj Anand, Nilkanth Darshan, and Sanskruti Vihar.

8. There are over 20,000 statues of sacred figures in the temple complex.

9. The roof of the temple is 48m high and is covered in intricately carved yellow and orange marble.

10. The temple contains the world’s largest comprehensive Hindu documentation centre with more than 200,000 documents written in Sanskrit, English, and other languages.

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History & Information About Akshardham Temple

The Akshardham Temple in Delhi is one of the most iconic structures in the Indian capital. Located in east Delhi’s Noida area, the temple was opened in 2005 and has become one of the most visited sites in India.

The monument is dedicated to the Hindu god Swaminarayan, who was born and lived in the 18th century and was revered by his followers as an incarnation of the god Vishnu. The temple complex stands on the banks of the Yamuna River and is constructed mostly of stone, marble, and bronze sculptures.

The temple is divided into three main sections and is divided into arches and domes. The mandir is the main shrine, where Swaminarayan is venerated. The second section is an exhibition hall that features a 24-foot bronze statue of Swaminarayan. The third section houses the then-largest IMAX theater, which shows a film on the life of Swaminarayan.

The Akshardham Temple complex also includes a lotus-shaped garden, lawns, walkways, and sculptures of Indian deities each representing different values and characteristics. In addition, the complex also houses a musical fountain, boat ride, and a food court offering traditional vegetarian cuisine.

The complex is the recipient of several awards, including the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award. It is also one of the most important places of worship in the Delhi region.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Akshardham Temple

1) Akshardham Temple is a spectacular Hindu temple located in New Delhi, India.

2) The best way to reach the temple is by Metro. The closest Metro station is Akshardham station, which is located on the Blue Line.

3) You should take proper precautions before entering the temple. Wear appropriate clothes such as a kurta-pyjamas for men and salwar-kameez for women. Shoes and mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple.

4) Non-Hindus visiting the temple should remove their shoes, hats and other headgear, and jewellery at the entrance.

5) The Akshardham Temple has no entry fee. However, there is a charge for the audio-visual shows and other exhibitions.

6) Inside the temple, devotees can participate in puja, darshan, and other religious ceremonies.

7) The temple is open all days of the week from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm. However, it is closed on every Monday.

8) People with special needs are welcomed in the temple. Wheelchairs and special facilities are available for them.

9) There are several restaurants and food options nearby the temple that offer delicious cuisines from all parts of India.

10) The Akshardham Temple also has a great souvenir shop from where you can pick up unique and interesting souvenirs.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Akshardham Temple

Q. What is the purpose of Akshardham Temple?
A. The Akshardham Temple is a religious and spiritual complex in Delhi, India, dedicated to the worship of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The complex features a Hindu temple, a water show, cultural and spiritual programs, and an exhibition on Indian culture, ethics, and values.

Q. How can I visit Akshardham Temple?
A. Visits to Akshardham Temple in Delhi usually involve an audio-guided tour of the premises. Tickets and passes can be purchased on the official website of the Akshardham Temple.

Q. How long does the Akshardham Temple tour take?
A. The Akshardham Temple tour typically lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you would like to spend taking in the many exhibits, sculptures, and other attractions at the temple.

Q. Is there an entry fee for Akshardham Temple?
A. Yes, there is an entry fee for visiting Akshardham Temple. The tickets range from ₹20 to ₹200 depending on the type of visit you wish to make.

Q. What attractions are there at the Akshardham Temple?
A. Attractions at the Akshardham Temple include the Neelkanth Abhishek Mandapam, a life-size wax museum, an exhibition on Indian culture, ethical values and traditions, and a multi-sensory theater. There are also nine musical fountains and a 27-meter tall central monument.

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