Akshardham Temple

Akshardham, Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham is a hindu temple complex in Delhi, India. The temple is situated on the bank of river Yamuna. The temple displays the soul of Indian culture, civilization, traditions and spirituality. On 17th december 2007, guinness world record was presented to Pramukh Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) for Akshardham as the world's largest comprehensive hindu temple.

The complex was planned by Yogiji Maharaj since 1968, the spiritual head of the BAPS at that time. In 1971, Yogiji Maharaj died. In 1982, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, successor of Yogiji Maharaj as spiritual head of BAPS, started working towards fulfilling the dream of his guru and encouraged his devotees to look into the possibility of building the complex in Delhi. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the 83 year old spiritual leader has over 11 lakh followers across the globe. In april 2000, the Delhi Development Authority and Uttar Pradesh government offered 60 acres and 30 acres of land for the project respectively. Construction work of temple began on 8th november 2000 and temple was officially opened on 6 november 2005. The construction work was completed in 4 years and 363 days. Over 6,000 tons of pink sandstone was brought from Rajasthan. The cost of construction of temple was 400 crores. Pramukh Swami Maharaj's 3,000 volunteers helped 7,000 craftmans to construct the temple.The temple was inaugurated by then president of India Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, prime minister of India Mr. Manmohan Singh and leader of opposition Mr. L.K Advani in the presence of 25,000 guests on 6th november 2005.

The main monument at the centre of complex is built according to vastu shasthra and pancharatra shasthra. The monument is 141 foot high, 316 foot wide and 370 foot long and is covered top to bottom with engraved details of flora, fauna, dancers, and deities. In the monument, under the central dome lies a statue of Swaminarayan which is 11 foot high and made up of paanch daatu in accordance with hindu tradition. The other attractions of complex are three exhibition halls. The halls are sahajanand darshan, neelkanth darsdhan and sanskruti vihar. At sahajanand darshan, life of swaminarayan is displayed by robotics. The neelkanth darsdhan has a huge I-max theatre screening movie based on the life of lord and finally sanskruthi vihar takes visitors on a journey of Indian history in approximately 13 minutes in peacock shaped boats. Akshardham has become a place of education, experience and enlightment.

Top Attractions to See in Akshardham Temple in Delhi
- The central dome which houses the main temple dedicated to Swaminarayan
- Musical fountain show or water show
- The cultural boat ride
- Welcome gates
- Abhishek Mandap
- Exhibitions – Sahahjanand Darsham, Neelkanth Darshan and Sanskruti Darshan
- Gardens and lawns
- Lotus Garden which includes stones engraved with thoughts and quotes given by leaders, philosophers and scientists
- Premvati Ahargruh – Vegetarian food court
- Narayan Sarovar which has the water of 151 holy rivers and lakes spread across India - Akshardham book and gift center which is the souvenir shop

Visiting Time of Akshardham Temple and Ticket Prices
Akshardham being a famous temple in Delhi does not have any entry charges. However, there are several exhibitions for which one has to buy the ticket and the tickets for exhibitions are sold between 10 AM and 5 PM. Apart from all this, the temple opens from 9.30AM to 6.30PM.

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Delhi Tourism, for all the right reasons, is the national capital of incredible India. Synonymous with diversity, Delhi tour has always been the epicentre of all activities in India which is reflected in its tourism. Right from the time of Pandavas, it has served as a major strategic and cultural hub of the country and rightly so, today it’s an exhibition of the history of India. Travelling in Delhi isn’t just limited to history but it’s a step to take past and present hand in hand. Blended with modern advancements, Delhi is the modern-day city of Troy. The amalgamation of all religion and spiritual hubs of different faiths coexisting together in peace is the testament of the unity in diversity. Delhi offers numerous tourist attractions ranging from monuments, museums, shrines to modern day markets. Exploring the city is like witnessing a mini-India, with Delhi Tourism being a reflection of rich culture of India.