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Akshardham
Contents
- Overview
- [+] Visitor Quick Facts
- [+] Historical Quick Facts
- History
- Myths or Facts
- Architecture And Structural Description
- Things To See
- Nearby Attractions
- Other Information
[ Edit ] Overview
Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in New Delhi built on the banks of the Yamuna River, and adjacent to the proposed Commonwealth Games (2010) Village. "Akshardham" means the eternal, divine abode of the supreme God, and the abode of eternal values and virtues. The Temple was completed in November 2005. The main building in the centre of the complex stands over 140 ft high and features architectural styles from different parts of India.
While a relatively new attraction, the Akshardham Temple complex attempts to showcase the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and spirituality.
The name Akshardham means "the divine abode of the supreme God" and the place associated with divine bhakti, purity and peace.
Visitor Quick Facts
[ Edit ] Famous For
The Akshardham Temple attempts to showcase the bread and history of Hinduism and culture including India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages.
[ Edit ] Location
Akshardham is located in New Delhi on banks of the Yamuna River.
[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Akshardham is between the months of October to February when the weather in Delhi is at its best.
[ Edit ] Days of Operation
Akshardham is closed on Mondays.
[ Edit ] Hours of Operation
Timings for the Akshardham Temple varies by season.
April to September:
- Complex 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
- Exhibitions 11.00 am to 6.30 pm
- Musical Fountain 7.30 pm
October to March:
- Complex 9.00 am to 6.00 pm
- Exhibitions 10.00 am to 5.30 pm
- Musical Fountain 6.45 pm
Other:
- Night Lighting: On Saturdays, Sundays.
- Restaurant 'Premvati': 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Souvenir Shop: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
[ Edit ] Entry Charges & Fees
Entry into Akshardham complex (temple and gardens) is free.
Other Fees apply:
- Hall of Values (Audio Animatronics Show - 1 hour): Rs. 125 / person
- Boat Ride (India's Glorious Heritage - 15 minutes): Rs. 125 / person
- Theater (Giant Screen Film - 40 minutes): Rs. 125 / person
Historical Quick Facts
[ Edit ] Type
Religious and Cultural
[ Edit ] Architecture
[ Edit ] Construction Period
The temple was completed in November 2005 and constructed over a 5 year period.
[ Edit ] Built By
Akshardham was built under the leadership of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha organisation.
[ Edit ] History
[ Edit ] Myths or Facts
[ Edit ] Architecture And Structural Description
The temple is made entirely of white marble symbolizing purity and peace and the red sand stone symbolizing devotion. The temple architecture involves styles from various parts of India and was completed within 5 years. In the entire construction steel was not used at all. The main monument standing 141 feet high and 316 feet wide contains a 11-feet tall statue of Swaminarayan. The temple has 234 ornately carved pillars, 9 domes, 20,000 statues and decorative arches. The entire construction rests on a plinth of 148 stone elephants.
[ Edit ] Things To See
Sahajanand Darshan
Sahajanand Darshan is an exhibition hall where the life of Swaminarayan is displayed through shows.
Neelkanth Darshan
Inside the Neelkanth Darshan Hall there is an IMAX theatre which screens a 45-minute film on the life of Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of the sect, who left home at 11 to travel the country.
Sanskruti Vihar
This is an exhibition hall which offers a 12-minute boat ride showcasing India's heritage, beginning with the Vedic age.
Yangnapurush Kund
Yagnapurush Kund is a large series of steps leading down to a traditional 'yagna kund'. At night a musical fountain show is played here.
Yogi Hruday Kamal
A lotus shaped structure when viewed from above, yogi hruday kamal has large stones engraved with quotes from influential people like Martin Luther King, Shakespeare, Bhagwan Swaminarayan etc.
[ Edit ] Nearby Attractions
Akshardham's location in New Delhi provides access to significant other attractions including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The attractions include:
- Red Fort
- Qutub Minar
- Humayun's Tomb
- Jama Masjid
- Safdarjund's Tomb
- India Gate
[ Edit ] Other Information
Recent News
Water Laser Show, First of its Kind in India at Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar
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