Visiting Akshardham temple and knowing about the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan was a different experience. My temple visit was for one day and I explored the temple peacefully. One whole day is sufficient to visit the temple properly. And if you have time then I suggest you visit the nearby places of Akshardham. Today in this Blog I am going to tell you about Bhagwan Swaminarayan, overview of temple, architecture and explorations of temple, facilities, Dresscode, transportation and nearby places to visit.
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is a best tourist place for people from within and outside India. Timeless Hindu spiritual messages, vibrant devotional traditions and ancient architecture all are echoed in its art and architecture.The mandir is a humble tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781- 1830), the avatars, devas and great sages of Hinduism.The 141 feet high, 316 feet wide, and 356 feet long beautifully built Akshardham temple has been recorded in the genius book of world records as the world’s largest hindu temple campous.
An Overview on Akshardham Temple
Swaminarayan Akshardham is a Hindu temple and spiritual-cultural campus in Delhi, India. The temple is close to the border with Noida.
Basically, the term Akshardham has been derived from two words ‘Akshar’ which means eternal and ‘Dham’ which means abode, which together means abode of the divine or the eternal.
The temple was officially opened on 6 November 2005 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in the presence of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Manmohan Singh, L.K Advani and B.L Joshi. The Temple is Inspired by and created in the memory of HH Yogi Maharaj(1892-1971). It was built by BAPS( Bochasanwasi shri Akshar purushottam swaminarayan Sanstha) The temple, at the centre of the complex, was built according to the Vastu shastra and Pancharatra shastra.
The eye catchy architecture of Akshardham temple
source-https://akshardham.com/
Once you visit Akshardham temple you can take your eyes from the amazing artwork of the Temple. It is just amazing, outstanding, marvelous and speechless. The inside beauty of Mandap can not be expressed in words.The temple has been constructed with Italian carrara marble and Rajasthani pink sandstone. Constructing the Akshardham temple in Delhi took more than 300,000,000 Volunteer hours. More than 8000 volunteers took part in building it. Temple consists of more than 20000 murtis of Acharya, swamis and devotees with over nine domes and 234 ornately carved pillars. The temple has attractive architecture carved with dancers, flora, deities, musicians and fauna.
Excellent example of Magnificent architecture: The most striking feature
The beautiful structure and architecture of the temple forced me to visit to see the entire temple throughly. To understand the structure of a temple we can devide the whole architecture of the temple into these Important parts.
1.GARBHAGRUHA
2.MANDAPAMS
3.MANDOVAR
4.NARAYAN PEETH
5.GAJENDRA PEETH
GARBHAGRUH
source-https://akshardham.com/
The inner sanctum or garbhagruh of the Akshardham mandir is home to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his divine succession of gurus – Gunatitanand Swami, Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, and Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
As manifestations of Aksharbrahma, the gurus, as manifestations of Aksharbrahma, are God’s eternal servants and ideals of saintliness and devotion.
MANDAPAMS
Ghanshyam Mandapam
The interior of the Akshardham mandir can be divided into nine mandapams or thematic spaces. These nine mandapams are each filled with intricately carved murtis and pillars and capped by unique domes and ceilings. Travelling through these mandapams, one meets renowned devotees, great avatars and rejoicing celestial beings. The ornate designs and intricate carvings of the mandapams inspire reflection of God’s inconceivable beauty and the beauty he inspires in creation.
MANDOVAR
source-https://akshardham.com/
The external facade of a traditional stone temple is known as a mandovar. Swaminarayan Akshardham’s mandovar is the largest, most intricately carved mandovar built in India in the last eight hundred years. It is 25 feet high, 611 feet long and features 200 sculptured stone figures of many of Hinduism’s great rishis, sadhus, devotees, acharyas and avatars.
The base of the mandovar is called the jagati. In this layer, one finds carvings of living beings from our everyday world. First, we have the elephant which is a symbol of strength, then the lion, which symbolizes bravery and ferocity. Thereafter, one finds the vyal (a Pauranic animal) that was renowned for speed.
In the subsequent layers, one finds carvings of flowers that stand for beauty and fragrance. In the middle of the mandovar, known as vibhuti, are sculptures of the avatars, sages, devas, acharyas and devotees.
And on top within this layer are the samarans that exhort people to strive for spiritual height in life. The entire mandovar inspires an individual to liberate his life from the shackles of mundane pleasures and ascend to the ultimate state of God-realization
NARAYAN PEETH
source-https://akshardham.com/
It is an ancient Hindu tradition to perform pradakshinas or circumambulations as a sign of respect and prayers. The faithful walk clockwise around mandirs to reinforce the belief that God should be the center of one’s life.
At the Akshardham mandir, the path for performing these circumambulations is embellished with three 60 feet long bronze relief panels. These panels illustrate divine incidents from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and help the faithful walking these paths to remember God as they perform circumambulations. The layer of the mandir where these panels are installed is known as the Narayan Peeth.
GAJENDRA PEETH
source-https://akshardham.com/
A mandir stands, traditionally and symbolically, on the shoulders of elephants. In a uniquely creative adaptation, the elephants at the base of Swaminarayan Akshardham are not just standing still. The Gajendra Peeth or Elephant Plinth presents stories and legends of elephants with nature, with humans and with God. This depiction of elephants is to honor these grand yet gentle animals and also share messages of peace, beauty and gentleness.
Exploration of Akshardham Temple
Exploration of the Temple can be divided into these parts .
Mandir
Abhishek mandap
Exhibition
Water show
Gardens
1. Mandir
source-https://akshardham.com/
The heart of the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is the Akshardham mandir.Architecturally, the mandir is an homage to traditional Indian Hindu architecture. It is designed with an eye to The ancient and middle-ages medieval Indian treatises on architectural science, – the shilpa shastras, have guided the mandir’s design and construction from its distinctive style of carving and its proportions to its avoidance of .
Accordingly, the mandir is made without the use of ferrous metal in construction.
The Akshardham mandir consists of 234 intricately carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangle spires and 20,000 statues of India’s Hinduism’s spiritual personalities. The mandir reaches 141.3 feet into the sky, spans 316 feet in width,
and is 356 feet long.
Inside the mandir, each worshipfully carved pillar, ceiling and dome shares a story of devotion, offers darshan of a deity, or captures an incident from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
2. Abhishek Mandap
source-https://akshardham.com/
Abhishek is the ritual bathing of a deity for the fulfilment of one’s prayers. The worshiper pours water over the deity amidst the chanting of prayers and mantras.
The abhishek ritual begins with the tying of a sacred thread on the wrist. A brief recital of sanskrit shlokas follows, after which each visitor or family bathes the murti of Neelkanth Varni with a small pot of sanctified water. During the shlokas and the bathing, visitors are encouraged to pray for their families, friends, themselves and for harmony and happiness for all.
3. Exhibition
The exhibitions are displayed in three large halls, each with a unique display style.
The three halls are: Sahajanand Darshan – Hall of Values; Neelkanth Darshan – Large Format Film; Sanskruti Darshan – Cultural Boat Ride.
SAHAJANAND DARSHAN – HALL OF VALUES
Experience a spiritual discourse of Bhagwan Swaminarayan where he reveals the secret of everlasting happiness. source-https://akshardham.com/
Visitors walk into a world of values that can help change their lives and the world. Universal values like love, ahimsa (non-violence), fearlessness, service, humility, compassion, spiritual consciousness, honesty, unity and peace are displayed through a series of exhibits using animatronic figures, scenic representations and short videos.Experience timeless messages of Hindu culture presented in this exhibition. It contains a series of exhibits, each one giving a fresh experience, a new message and a novel presentation. These exhibits portray values like non‐violence, perseverance, prayers, morality, and family harmony using different multimedia technologies like audio‐animatronic figures, immersive projections and 3‐D dioramas.
NEELKANTH DARSHAN – GIANT SCREEN FILM
source-https://akshardham.com/
Come and take your seat in this unique giant screen theater. Explore the highest mountains and deepest gorges of the Himalayas, trek through the rain forests of Assam and see the magnificent Rameshwaram mandir. Follow in the footsteps of Neelkanth, a youthful Bhagwan Swaminarayan, on his journey across the Indian subcontinent in this epic large format film.At Akshardham’s giant screen theater, visitors become engrossed in Neelkanth Yatra – a signature giant screen film. Here, on 76 feet wide and 57 feet tall screen and 15.1 channels sound experience, the audience follows a young Neelkanth Varni on an epic trek across the Indian subcontinent. From the icy peaks in the northern Himalayas to the warm beaches of southern India, follow Neelkanth as he traverses 12,000 kilometers across the length and breadth of India. Be reminded of the value of sacrifice and service, the wisdom of the eternal soul, and the power of faith.
SANSKRUTI DARSHAN – CULTURAL BOAT RIDE
source-https://akshardham.com/
Board a boat and sail through thousands of years of ancient Indian history. Experience the lifestyle of the Vedic era. Pass through the oldest university and watch an eye surgery happening more than a thousand years ago. This 12 minute boat ride presents some of India’s important contributions to the world.
Board a boat and sail through thousands of years of ancient Indian history. Experience the lifestyle of the Vedic era. Pass through the oldest university and watch an eye surgery happening more than a thousand years ago. This 12 minute boat ride presents some of India’s important contributions to the world.
Timings:
11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Ticket counters close at 6:00 pm
Time to See:
- Sahajanand Darshan: 55 minutes
- Neelkanth Darshan: 45 minutes
- Sanskruti Darshan: 15 minutes
Exhibitions Ticket: (Approx)
Adults (Age 12+): ₹ 255
Seniors (Age 60+): ₹ 205
Children (Age 4 – 11): ₹ 155
Children (Below Age 4): Free
4. The Sahaj Anand Water Show
source-https://akshardham.com/
As the sun sets, please take your seat at this traditional step well and experience an eternal truth. Transport yourself to the courtyard of the gods and watch the innocence of children challenge the powers of the mighty! The Sahaj Anand Water Show calls the Yagnapurush Kund its home.
The Sahaj Anand Water Show is a breathtaking 24-minute presentation which unites a variety of intriguing media to bring to life a story from the Kena Upanishad. Multi-color lasers, video projections, underwater flames, water jets and surround sound in symphony with lights and live actors produce a captivating and inspiring presentation. International experts contributed their expertise with BAPS volunteers and sadhus to produce this one-of-a-kind presentation.
Story behind– Children play around a lake and are amazed to see the water joining in their fun. Soon, through their dance and song, a flower is created from the water of the lake. However, their merriment disturbs the devas – gods of the elements – who are celebrating a victory over the demons. The children’s seemingly feeble flower is in danger of being destroyed by the wrath of the gods. The innocence and hope of children is pitted against the powers and ego of the devas. As events unfold, discover whether the flower survives. Learn the secret of Sahaj Anand – innate, spontaneous bliss. This story is adapted from the Kena Upanishad, one of the many treasures of knowledge and wisdom from the Vedic era.
Timings: First show starts soon after sunset.
Multiple shows may be held during weekends or public holidays. (Currently 6:15 pm & 7:15 pm)
Time to See: 24 minutes
Tickets: (Approx)
Adults (Age 12+): ₹ 95
Seniors (Age 60+): ₹ 95
Children (Age 4 – 11): ₹ 65
Children (Below Age 4): Free
5. Gardens
Garden of India- Also known as the Bharat Upvan, this garden has lush manicured lawns, trees, and shrubs. The garden is lined with bronze sculptures of contributors to India’s culture and history. These sculptures include children, women, national figures, freedom fighters, and warriors of India, including notable figures such as Mahatma Gandhi.[28]
Yogi Hraday Kamal: A sunken gardens, shaped like a lotus when viewed from above, features large stones engraved with quotes from world luminaries ranging from Shakespeare and Martin Luther King Jr. to Swami Vivekananda and Swaminarayan.[28]
Facilities in Temple
I got all the facilities in Temple campus to explore the temple hassle free. Here is the list of facilities available for visitors
Clock Room Services
Parking Services
Telephone Booth
Food court
ATM
Lost and find Services
Restrooms
Wheelchairs
Dress code is must
You have to strictly follow the Dress code if you are going to visit Akshardham temple. Visitors need to follow certain dress codes to maintain the spiritual ambience of the Campus
Upper wear– The Upper wear must cover the Upper arms, chest, shoulders and navels.
Lower wear– The Lower must be at least below knee length.
Nearby Places to Visit
1. Sanjay Park- Located just 4.5 Km for Akshardham Temple. Sanjay Lake park encompasses the massive rainwater fed lake. The Lake is famous for hosting over 90 varieties of birds, including pintails, pochard, common teal, Indian spot billed duck, wegtail and more. Sanjay Park is a neighbourhood within Mayur Vihar Phase 2, East Delhi, Delhi.
2. Millennium Park- Located just 9 Km for Akshardham Temple. Millennium Park also known as Indraprastha Park is a popular weekend picnic spot in the heart of New Delhi. It was established in 2004 by the Delhi Development Authority. The lush garden was created over an area of 34 hectares by transforming a landfill site. Millennium Park also attracts visitors with its mesmerizing water pool decorated by small lights. The vibrant flower beds and glistening fountains add to the beauty of the park.
3. Red Fort- Located just 9 Km for Akshardham Temple. If you visit the Akshardham in early morning hours, then I suggest you visit Red fort Afterwards.It is beautifully built by the Mughals. It served as the primary residence of the Mughal emperors. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of the Red Fort on 12 May 1639.following his decision to relocate the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi.The red forts reach history, architecture and magnificence attract many tourists yearly.
4. India Gate- Located just 9 Km for Akshardham Temple.The India Gate (formerly known as All India War Memorial) is a war memorial located near the Rajpath (officially called Kartavya path) on the eastern edge of the “ceremonial axis” of New Delhi. It stands as a memorial to 74,187 soldiers of the Indian Army who died between 1914 and 1921 in the First World War. It makes for an excellent picnic spot, from boating and sightseeing to relaxing.
How to reach
By Air: From Airport Metro which is the orange line take a metro and reach till New Delhi Metro station. Then change from Orange line to Yellow line again, take a metro from New Delhi till Rajiv Chowk and from Rajiv Chowk change to blue line on which Akshardham temple is located.
By Train: The best way to reach Akshardham Temple is by metro. There’s a station named Akshardham on the blue line. From there the temple is a 5 mins walk.
From New Delhi Railway station– The Akshardham temple is around 11 Km away from New Delhi Railway station. You can take metro way to reach there, you can deboard the metro at the Akshardham metro station
From old Delhi metro station– It takes around 45 minutes to reach the Akshardham temple from old Delhi railway station. You can deboard the metro at Akshardham metro station.
By Road: From Akshardham metro station there the temple is at 5 mins walk. You can even take an e-rickshaw from there which will charge Approx 10 per head.
To know more about SwamiNarayan Akshardham you can watch this youtube video on- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwsYVv36Vo0
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Thankyou
For reading this Blog. This travel Blog is written by myself(Jyoti Khare). I am a Content writer, Fiction Blogger, Travel Blogger and also ex banking professional. I started my career as a Banker. I often write short stories and poems which have been published in some magazines and newspapers. I like to go to beautiful destinations and capture their beauty. Writing a travel blog is my hobby. This Blog is about my visit to Akshardham temple New Delhi. I got the opportunity to explore not only The Unbelievable architecture of Akshardham Temple but the Life Of Devine Bhagwan Swaminarayan as well, who were the avatars, devas and great sages of Hinduism. The Temple was built by BAPS( Bochasanwasi shri Akshar purushottam swaminarayan Sanstha)