Akshardham Temple Delhi

Location : Banks of River Yamuna in East Delhi
Managed By : Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha
Famous For : Exquisite Architecture and Ornate Pillars
Remember To See : Audio Animatronics Show (Sahajanand Darshan)

The Akshardham Temple in Delhi, is the latest tourist attractions in India. Situated on the banks of Yamuna river, the temple was inaugurated on November 7, 2005. The temple constructed under the patronage of the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), spreads over an area of 100 acres. The mega Akshardham Temple complex has well maintained lawns, adorned with water fountains and carved pavilions. The Akshardham temple is considered as one of the wonders of modern India.

Temple Structure

The 141 ft high, 275 ft wide and 315 ft long temple is visible from a long distance. The massive temple built of sandstone and marble is the blend of several architectural temple styles. The Akshardham temple complex houses an 11 ft high, image of Swaminarayan at the centre of main building. The palace like temple is built of around 12,000 tons of pink sandstone and white marble brought from Rajasthan. The temple consists of 234 delicately carved and ornate pillars. The temple has 20 Shikhars (towers) and a beautiful Gajendra parth (plinth of stone elephants). The temple houses 20,000 statues of Hindu deities and motifs. The temple is carved with the images of flora, fauna, dances, musicians and Gods, which cover its surfaces from top to bottom.

Attractions of the Temple

Apart from the magnificent temple, the temple complex has two big exhibition halls, which depicts India's cultural heritage and Indian moral values. The complex has an Imax cinema, a canteen and meditation gardens with fountains and bronze sculptures.

Yagnapurush Kund The Yagnapurush Kund inside the temple complex is largest step well of India. The Kund has a series of steps lead to a traditional 'Yagna kund.'

Bharat Upavan The Bharat Upavan or 'Garden of India' has lush green lawns, trees and shrubs. The garden is dotted with several bronze structures, which depict the contributors to India's culture.

Yodi Hraday Kamal The Yodi Hraday Kamal is the ingenious sunken garden, which looks like a lotus when viewed from above. It has large stones engraved with quotes of Shakespeare, Martin Luther King, Swami Vivekananda and Swaminarayan.

Attractions near Akshardham Temple

National Zoological Park The National Zoological Park, located close to Purana Qila (Old Fort) is considered one of the best zoos in Asia. The zoo established in the 1959, is home to more than 2,000 animals and birds species, which are brought here from continents like Africa, America, Australia and various parts of Asia.

Humayun's Tomb Humayun's TombThe tomb is situated just few Kms away from the temple. It was built by Hamida Begum wife of Humayun, in 1556. The tomb situated on a huge platform amidst a lush garden, is an example of early Mughal architecture.

India Gate Located on Rajpath, this 42 metre high arch, was designed by Edwin Lutyens. It was built in memory of the Indian soldier, who sacrificed their life in the World War 1st. The names of the soldier are inscribed on its arches. The place surrounded by green lawns, fountains and water bodies is an ideal picnic spot.

Red Fort Built during the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, this massive fort is made of red sandstone. The fort has many beautiful palaces and a museum which houses weapons.

Jama Masjid The mosque is situated on the other side of Red Fort. Built by Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid is one of the biggest mosque in India. The mosque made of red sandstone and white marble, is built in the Indo- Islamic architectural style.

Rashtrapati Bhawan The President's building is located in central Delhi, close to the India Gate. The mansion is famous for its architectural splendour and historic importance.

Parliament House The Parliament house is situated close to the India gate. It is the place where the political discussions are held. The magnificent buildings has wide pillared walkways and large halls.

Lotus Temple The Lotus Temple or Bahai temple belong to the Bahai community. Built in the shape of a lotus, the temple has no any idol.

How To Reach

Air: Delhi International airport is connected to major cities of the country. Flights from major cities of India as well as world are available to Delhi


Rail: New Delhi, Delhi, Nizamuddin railway stations have trains from all major towns and cities of the country.

Road: Delhi is well-connected by good network of roads with rest of the country. The buses are available to the temple from different places of Delhi and other nearby towns.

Local Transport: For local transport DTC and State operated buses are available. The rented cars, taxis, auto-rickshaws are also available.

Accommodation

Delhi has many hotels range from luxury, deluxe, star to budget hotels, which provide enough accommodation options. The hotels well-equipped with modern facilities offer the world class services.
Some of the most popular hotels are Crown Plaza Surya (5 Star Deluxe), Ashok Hotel (5 Star Deluxe), Hyatt Regency (5 Star Deluxe), Le Meridien (5 Star Deluxe) and Radisson Hotel (5 Star Deluxe).

Distance from Major Cities

Agra : 203 Km
Chandigarh : 238 Km
Jaipur : 258 Km
Bikaner : 460 Km
Shimla : 343 Km