Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi. Also referred to as Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays centuries of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. It sits on the banks of the Yamuna adjacent to the 2010 Commonwealth Games village. The monument at the center of the complex of built off of the Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra.
The original temple is located in Gujarat, Gandhinagar area, built in 1992, which gave inspiration to the new Akshardham in Delhi, located on the banks of river Yamuna, near the 2010 Commonwealth Games Village. Both the temples are built by the same religious organization, Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha.
The complex features a large central monument crafted entirely of stone, exhibitions on incidents from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the history of India, an IMAX feature, a musical fountain, and large landscaped gardens.
Attractions of Akshardham Temple
The Main Temple
Carved out of stone, with intricate figures of beautiful flowers, animals, gods, dancers, musicians, and mythology, the temple is a very peaceful place, where lots and lots of tourists, both national and international come to see the art work. Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara Marble has been used in the formation of the structure. You will also get to see beautifully carved domes, pillars, and statues, everywhere.
Yogi Hraday Kamal
A beautiful lotus shaped garden, is one of the features of the temple complex, which also contains huge stones where you will be able to see quotes from the likes of Shakespeare, Martin Luther King, Swami Vivekananda and so on.
Narayan Sarovar
This lake surrounding the entire complex, is believed to be carrying waters of 151 holy rivers of India. And thereby giving it as much an aesthetic value as sacred.
Premvati Ahargruh
This is a vegetarian restaurant, which offers a lot of traditional Indian dishes to the tourists. Designed on the basis of iconic Ajanta and Ellora of Maharashtra, this is a beautiful section as well.
AARSH Center
This is a unique part of the temple complex, also expanded as Akshardham Center for Applied Research in Social Harmony, is a study center where most of the teachings of Swaminarayan, including rural welfare, education, medicine and culture, are learned.
Recreational Attractions
The temple is a major tourist destination where lot of provisions for the tourists' entertainment are also available.
Hall of Values
This is a particular section of the temple where you can see Swaminarayan's teachings through scientific means like robotics, fiber optics, sound and light effects or miniature models.
Theater
A very special feature was included in the temple, which shows movies, made on journeys and pilgrimages of Swaminarayan, both in English and Hindi.
Musical Fountain
A grand fountain named Yagnapurush Kund is also a part of the temple complex, which organize brilliant musical shows in the evening time.
Boat Rides
This is a perfect voyage which will cover a detailed cultural tour of the country in a brief time, and will show you various things on a ride in an artificial lake.
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- The mandir is about 9-10 kms from the New Delhi Railway station, auto Rickshaws are easily available from there.
- The Akshardham Metro Station can be easily boarded from the New Delhi Metro Station.
- It is around 4 kms from the Nizamuddin Railway Station, one can take an auto from the prepaid counter at the station.