India is a land abundant with divine places and sacred structures. The temples in India are renowned not only for their historical significance but also for their remarkable architectural excellence. I’ve explored nearly all of India’s major shrines and temples, yet the grand Akshardham Temple in Delhi remained on my list.
All my friends have raved about it, describing it as one of the most captivating and exhilarating temples they’ve ever visited. I used to think of temples as serene and beautiful, but I couldn’t comprehend how one could be described as thrilling until I experienced the grandeur of this magnificent temple firsthand.
Delhi, the national capital of India, is home to multiple laudable tourist places that exhibit special dimensions in the heart of our country.
But today, in this blog, I will talk about the magnificent and fascinating Akshardham Temple.
The name “Akshardham” has been derived from the word “akshar,” which means “eternal,” and “dham,” which means “abode.” Together, they signify the “abode of the divine.”
Akshardham Temple.
This temple not only converges Hindu ideologies in a beautiful way but also falls under the category of one of the most visited temples and tourist capturing places. It boasts magnificent architecture and intricate carvings, but along with that, it offers an essence of spirituality. The architecture and consecutive artistic flavor exhibit great serene beauty.
Expanding over 90 acres of land, the Akshardham Temple complex provides a wide array of attractions. Situated at the center of the complex is the main temple, accompanied by a welcoming area and beautifully landscaped thematic gardens. Additionally, the complex includes designated Hindu ritual spaces for ceremonies such as Rudra Abhishek, captivating exhibits, an artificial river for boat rides, a surrounding artificial lake, an IMAX theatre, a water show, mesmerizing musical fountains, and a prestigious research center, among other features.
I strongly believe that visiting this temple should be at the top of your bucket list. While the temple lacks historical significance, it embodies modern interpretations without compromising its magnificence.
Now, let’s delve into the history of its establishment. In the year 1968, a saint named Yogiji Maharaj expressed his desire to construct the temple on the banks of the Yamuna River. At that time, Yogiji was the leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a spiritual organization initiated by Swaminarayan. He was a yogi and ascetic whose life and teachings brought about a revival of core Hindu principles, including Dharma (duty), Ahimsa (non-violence), and Brahmacharya (celibacy). The temple was envisioned as a representation of everything the organization stood for, with the added vision of becoming an iconic architectural marvel.
Years later, this vision began to take shape when Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj’s successor as the spiritual head of BAPS, initiated the project.
Various bodies, including the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Uttar Pradesh Government, were approached for land and the execution of the plan. The project commenced in April 2000, The project commenced in April 2000, and Akshardham Temple was officially inaugurated on November 6, 2005. There are several special activities and features to explore at this magnificent site.
Special Activities and Features to Explore:
1 .The Main Temple
As you step onto the temple grounds, your attention will be instantly captured by the remarkable architecture of the main temple. I strongly believe that your first glimpse of this temple will leave you mesmerized. The primary attraction is the main temple building renowned for its stunning architecture.
It stands at an impressive height of 141 feet (43 meters), stretches 316 feet (96 meters) wide, and spans 356 feet (109 meters) in length.
Both the interior and the outer facade are adorned with intricate carvings depicting flora, fauna, dancers, deities, and musicians. Notably, the carvings also feature elephants, highly significant animals in Hindu traditions. What’s truly astonishing is that the temple’s base boasts 148 life-sized, perfectly sculpted elephants, collectively weighing a staggering 3000 tons.
One of the most baffling aspects of this temple is that it relies entirely on architectural ingenuity, with no use of steel or concrete for support. This showcases the remarkable brilliance of its design.
2. The Boat Ride
As a curious tourist eager to delve into the history of Hinduism and its nurturing, this 15-minute boat ride will quench your thirst for knowledge and enlighten your mind. This meticulously designed boat tour offers a deep dive into historical insights, particularly about mathematicians, scientists, and many other aspects of Vedic India. While navigating the artificial river within the temple complex, you’ll encounter life-sized figures and robotics that dazzle you with engaging information about Vedic India, eminent personalities, classical writers, and Sanskrit literature. There’s an abundance of knowledge to absorb during this captivating ride.
Yagnapurush Kund (Musical Fountain):
Spanning an impressive 300 feet in both length and width, featuring precisely 2,870 steps and 108 small shrines, the Yagnapurush Kund, also known as the Musical Fountain, proudly holds the title of India’s largest step well. You won’t need to venture to a distant village in Rajasthan to witness this remarkable structure; it’s right within the Akshardham Temple complex. While serving as a resting place for thousands of daytime visitors, the evenings here come alive with a captivating Musical Fountain Show, symbolizing the cycle of life.
At the heart of the fountain, second only to the musical performance, is a Yajna Kund designed in the shape of an 8-petaled lotus, in line with the teachings of the Hindu scripture known as the Panchratra Shastra.
This colossal temple is a testament to the vision and creative brilliance that guided its planning, initiation, and execution. It serves as a symbol not only of Hinduism’s core principles and India’s history but also provides insights into the origin of humanity. Our evolution, progress, and the existential challenges that affect us all.
Using video and audio aids, it imparts timeless wisdom from ancient Hindu culture, encompassing ideals such as non-violence, vegetarianism, perseverance, prayer, morality, and family harmony. In essence, it represents the intricate balance of imperfections and harmony in the world, as seen through the lens of the beliefs of the BAPS Swaminarayan organization and the rich stories and teachings found in Hindu scriptures.
Akshardham Temple is a famous Hindu temple complex located in Delhi, India. To reach Akshardham Temple, you can follow these directions:
By Metro:
The nearest metro station to Akshardham Temple is the “Akshardham Metro Station” on the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro. You can take the metro and get off at this station.
By Road
You can also reach Akshardham Temple by road. It is located near the Noida Link Road and is well-connected by various modes of transportation. You can use a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or a ridesharing service to reach the temple.
By Bus
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and other private bus services operate in the area. You can check for bus routes that pass by Akshardham Temple.
By Air
If you’re arriving in Delhi by air, the temple is approximately 25-30 kilometers away from the Indira Gandhi International Airport. You can hire a taxi or use a ridesharing service to reach the temple from the airport.
Please note that the temple may
have its own specific guidelines or restrictions for visitors, so it’s a good idea to check their official website. You can contact them directly for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Where to stay?
Delhi has a large number of hotels, resorts .Book them in advance according to your budget and preferences.
Special Tips:
Please note that you cannot bring personal belongings such as purses, food, drinks, or electronic devices inside the premises.
- While the entrance to the complex is free, there is nominal fee for the exhibits and the musical fountain show. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, it’s recommended to dedicate an entire day to explore as much as possible..
- Show respect for the temple’s purity and serenity, evident in its intricate interior design.
- Make sure to explore all the shows available. If your visit allows, take your time and enjoy each of the shows.
Final Thoughts:
The Akshardham Temple is a manifestation of spiritual joy in God. Its architecture and attractions like the fountain show and boat ride transport us to a new world. When people ask me why it’s at the top of every tourist’s list, the answer lies in its embodiment. This historical and artistic marvel is a testament to our rich Indian culture. Travel with us.
