Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Delhi

 Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Delhi

The Akshardham Temple is located on the National Highway 24 in Delhi. The temple is well known as Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir. Bhagwan Swaminarayan is considered to be the primary deity in this temple. There are also few idols of Hindu gods and goddesses such as Shiv Parvati, Sita Ram, Lakshmi Narayan and also Radha Krishna in the temple premises.

      

The temple is considered to be one of the biggest and the most famous temple in Delhi NCR region. The temple is a beautiful showcase for Indian art, heritage, rituals and also spiritual values to Swaminarayan, who was believed as the torch bearer of the Indian culture. The temple is set in a 100 acre site and the temple was built within 5 years. The Akshardham Temple was created by Pramukh Swami Maharaj which radiates peace, beauty, divinity and joy.

Main Attractions of Akshardham Temple

1. Ten Gates

The Ten gates represent the ten principal directions which is described in the Indian culture. The ten gates also reflects the Vedic sentiment of inviting peace and happiness from everywhere to all the visitors.

2. Bhakti Dwar

The bhakti dwar is considered as the Gate of Devotion which celebrates the Vedic tradition of dual worship. It is believed that offering devotion to God and his choicest devotee is the genuine form of worship. There are 208 sculpted dual forms of Godand his devotees in this resplendent gate.

3. Mayur Dwar

Two Mayur Dwars of the temple consider pay a tribute to the joy and color like a peacock adds to life. The peacock is believed to be a symbol of beauty and purity and it is also the national bird of our country. Each gates has sculpted 869 peacocks imposing.

4. Footprints

In between the two Mayur Dwars , the footprints of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the memory of his incarnation on earth is laid. These footprints are carved out of white marble and also bear the 16 sacred signs of God. Showering water from four directions in a continuous process is also consisted.

5. Akhshardham Mandir

The centre point of the entire temple complex is locates the Akshardham Mandir which is built of pink stone and white marble. It is measurably 141ft high, 316 ft wide and 356 ft long. It also features 234 intricately carved pillars, 9 magnificent doms, 20 pinnacles and over 20,000 amazing sculpted figures. It also displays India’s ancient architectural tradition and is built without the use of steel.

6. Murti

Inside the temple is the Idol of Bhagwan Swaminarayan which is 11 ft high, gold plated. There are also few impressive idols of Radha Krishna, Shri Sita Ram, Shri Lakshmi Narayan and Sri Shiva Parvati

7. Mandovar

The external wall termed as Mandovar is 611 ft long and 25 ft high. It comprises of 4287 carved stones and includes 48 murtis of Ganapati Bappa and also 200 sculpted figures of India’s Great Rishi Munis, Sadhus, Devotees and Acharyas.

8. Gajendra Peeth

The Akshardham Mandir is seated on a unique 1070 ft long Gajendra Peeth, which comprises of 148 sculpted stone elephants and dozens of sculptures off animals, birds and people in a weight of over 3000 tons. It also signifies the glory of elephants and nature in the Indian culture.

9. Hall -1 Sahajanand Darshan

The universal values of mankind such as Courage, Endeavor, Honesty, Faith and Ahimsa are displayed from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan through films, light and sound shows consisting of robotic figures.

10. Hall-2 Neelkanth Darshan

A largely timed film which portrays the true story of an 11 year old child yogi, Neelkanth Vami. The screen where the film is projected is around 85 ft and 65 ft. The film was believed to be shot in 108 locations of India and also featuring crew of cast about 45000 people. The film actually captures the minds of the viewers on an exciting pilgrimage through the majestic Himalayas and also India’s sacred places, festivals, traditions and values.

11. Hall-3 Sanskriti Vihar

An opulent 14 minute boat ride through the stages of 10000 years old Indian Culture, which was
 actually flourished on the banks of river Sarasvati. In a research, it was found that 800 statues
 bring India’s glorious heritage alive. You can also find the world’s oldest Vedic village and
 bazaar. It sails through Takshashila – the world’s first University. One can also learn about
 important inventions and discoveries of ancient Rishi Munis and saints.

World’s Oldest Vedic Village and Bazaar

Takshashila – the world’s first University

Discoveries of Ancient Rishi Munis and Saints

12. Yagnapurush Kund and Sahaj Anand Water Show

The lotus shaped Yagnapurush Kund is considered to be the replica of  a traditional yagna kund.

Every evening it is being transformed into an amazing WATER Show, which has creative blend with lights, fire, lasers, fountains, projector displays and also displays the spiritual aspects of the Upanishads. Also near to it is the 27 ft high metallic murti of Neelkanth Varni, the young yogi form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

13. Narayan Sarovar

The Narayan Sarovar surrounds the Akhardham Monument on three sides. The holy waters of 151 lakes, rivers of India, visited by Swaminarayan has been ritually added to the Narayan Sarovar.

14. Abhishek Mandapam

It is the religious approach of offering prayers and making wishes ritually pouring water of the holy Ganga on the murti of Neelkantha Vami.

15. Parikrama

The Mandir is encircled by a two tier colonnade in red stone encircles the Mandir. Each tier is 3000 ft long with 1152 pillars and 145 windows.

Facts About the Akshardham Temple

• Water show timings are allotted on every evening after sunset.
• Entry to Akshardham Temple is 9.30 am onwards.
• Tuesday to Sunday are open, Mondays are closed.
• Last entry to the Mandir is 6.30 pm.
• There is no entrance fee.
• Exhibition timing hours are from 10.30 am to 6 pm.
• Souvenir shop timings are allotted from 11 am to 8 pm.
• The construction cost of the Akshardham Temple is Rs 400 crores.
• Prime deity of the temple is Swaminarayan.

Prohibitions in Akshardham Temple

• Food from outside is not allowed
• Avoiding improper language, disrespect to any human and rude behaviour.
• Pets are not allowed in the temple premises.
• Electronic goods such as mobile phones, cameras, video cameras are not allowed       inside the premises of the temple.
• Consumption of alcohol, drugs, smoking and alcohol are not allowed inside the           temple premises.