Witness India’s Spiritual Grandeur, Culture & Architecture
Swaminarayan Akshardham, popularly known as Akshardham Temple, is one of the most magnificent spiritual and cultural landmarks in New Delhi. Renowned for its breathtaking architecture, peaceful surroundings, exhibitions, and evening water show, Akshardham is much more than a temple—it is a complete cultural experience.
Open to people of all faiths, Akshardham beautifully showcases India’s ancient values, traditions, art, and spirituality, making it one of the most visited attractions in Delhi.
📌 Table of Contents
- Why Visit Akshardham Temple
- About Akshardham
- History & Spiritual Significance
- Architecture & Design Highlights
- Main Attractions Inside Akshardham
- Musical Fountain (Water Show)
- Best Time to Visit
- Akshardham Timings
- Entry Tickets & Charges
- How to Reach Akshardham
- Visitor Rules, Dress Code & Security
- Suggested Half-Day Visit Plan
- FAQs
- Explore More Delhi Travel Guides
🌟 Why Visit Akshardham Temple
- ✔ One of the largest Hindu temple complexes in the world
- ✔ Stunning stone carvings and architecture
- ✔ Deep spiritual and peaceful environment
- ✔ Cultural exhibitions explaining Indian values
- ✔ Family-friendly and educational
Akshardham offers a perfect blend of devotion, learning, and visual beauty.
🏛️ About Akshardham
Akshardham was built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and inaugurated in 2005.
Key Facts:
- Location: Near Yamuna River, East Delhi
- Dedicated to: Bhagwan Swaminarayan
- Built using: Pink sandstone and white marble
- Construction: Without steel or concrete
The complex spreads over 100 acres, surrounded by gardens and water bodies.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
Akshardham reflects the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, focusing on:
- Devotion to God
- Moral values
- Harmony and service to society
The temple was inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj and stands as a symbol of India’s timeless spiritual wisdom.
🏗️ Architecture & Design Highlights
Akshardham’s architecture follows ancient Vedic principles.
Notable Features:
- 234 intricately carved pillars
- 20,000+ statues of deities, saints, and animals
- Domes inspired by ancient Indian temples
- Detailed carvings of flora, fauna, and mythology
Every carving tells a story from India’s rich heritage.
🎭 Main Attractions Inside Akshardham
🛕 Akshardham Mandir
The main temple where devotees offer prayers.
🎥 Sahaj Anand Water Show
A multimedia show conveying spiritual messages.
🎬 Exhibitions (Mandirs)
- Hall of Values
- Giant IMAX-style theatre
- Cultural boat ride through India’s history
🌿 Yagnapurush Kund
India’s largest stepwell-style water structure.
💧 Musical Fountain (Water Show)
The evening musical fountain show is one of Akshardham’s highlights.
- Uses lights, water, sound, and fire
- Explains stories from Indian scriptures
- Duration: Around 24 minutes
Shows are held after sunset—timings vary by season.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Akshardham
✔ Best Months
- October to March – pleasant weather
✔ Best Time of Day
- Afternoon to evening (to include water show)
❌ Avoid
- Mondays (temple closed)
- Peak summer afternoons
⏰ Akshardham Timings
- Open Days: Tuesday to Sunday
- Closed: Monday
🕘 Timings
- Entry: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Last entry: Around 5:30 PM
Exhibition and water show timings vary.
🎟️ Entry Tickets & Charges
- Temple Entry: Free
- Exhibitions & Shows: Paid tickets (approx. ₹170–₹250)
- Children & Seniors: Concessions available
Tickets are purchased at the venue.
🚇 How to Reach Akshardham
🚆 By Metro (Best Option)
- Akshardham Metro Station (Blue Line)
- 5-minute walk from the station
🚕 By Cab / Auto
- Easily reachable via taxis and autos
🚗 By Car
- Parking available near the complex
👗 Visitor Rules, Dress Code & Security
- Modest dress mandatory (covered shoulders & knees)
- Mobile phones, cameras, bags not allowed inside
- Cloakroom facility available
- Strict security checks
Photography is not allowed inside the complex.
🗺️ Suggested Half-Day Visit Plan
Arrival (12:00 PM):
- Security & entry formalities
Afternoon:
- Temple darshan
- Cultural exhibitions
Evening:
- Yagnapurush Kund
- Musical fountain show
Plan at least 4–5 hours for a relaxed visit.
❓ FAQs
Is Akshardham only for Hindus?
No, people of all religions are welcome.
Is photography allowed?
No photography inside the complex.
Is Akshardham suitable for kids?
Yes, especially exhibitions and boat ride.
How much time is needed?
Half day is ideal.
Is there an entry fee?
Temple entry is free.
🌍 Explore More Delhi Travel Guides
After visiting Akshardham, explore nearby attractions like India Gate, Raj Ghat, and National Museum for a complete Delhi cultural experience.
Families may also enjoy National Zoological Park and Nehru Planetarium, while spiritual travelers can visit Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia and Bangla Sahib.
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