Akshardham Temple, Delhi Information with Timings & Entry Fee

Akshardham Temple, or the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex, in Delhi is a quintessential Hindu shrine epitomizing Indian culture, architecture, and spirituality. The exquisite temple is dedicated to Swaminarayan, an Indian yogi and spiritual soul who existed during the 18^th century. Touted as the world’s largest comprehensive Hindu temple by the Guinness World Record, Delhi’s Akshardham is known for its aesthetic beauty, unique exhibitions, sprawling campus, and tranquillity. No wonder, Akshardham counts among the top tourist attractions to explore once you step out of your hotels in Delhi for a sightseeing trip.

Here is everything you should know about Akshardham timing, ticket price, etc.

Akshardham Temple, Delhi: History

Swaminarayan Akshardham or Akshardham Mandir Delhi came into existence as a result of Shri Yogiji Maharaj’s wish to build a temple complex in Delhi. He conceived this idea around 1968 when he was serving as the spiritual head of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, better known as BAPS. However, it was his successor and fifth spiritual guru in line after Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Pramukh Swami Maharaj who started the construction of the temple.

About 60 acres of land was granted by the Delhi Development Authority and 30 acres by the Uttar Pradesh Government for the erection of this temple. The construction started in 2000 and was completed within five years. Standing on the banks of River Yamuna, Akshardham Temple was opened to the public on 6^th November 2005. The temple was inaugurated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in the presence of eminent personalities such as Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, L.K. Advani, B.L. Joshi, and Dr. Manmohan Singh – the then Prime Minister of India.   

One of the biggest temples in Delhi as well as in India, this Swaminarayan Temple was constructed by BAPS. More than 8000 volunteers participated and 300,000,000 volunteer hours were spent in the construction of this temple.

Akshardham Temple, Delhi: Architecture

Akshardham Temple, Delhi is a celebration of classic Hindu architectural styles that were prevalent in various parts of India during the ancient and medieval times. Standing in the center of this complex is the main temple that was built on the principles of Pancharatra Shastra and Vastu Shastra. Called the Akshardham Mandir, this main shrine is 141 feet in height, 316 feet in width, and 356 feet in length.

With more than 234 exquisitely carved pillars, 20 quadrangle spires, 9 elaborate domes, and 20,000 sculptures of spiritual personalities from India, the temple embodies India’s culture and spiritual richness. Carved motifs and images of deities, flowers, dancers, and musicians adorn the walls and ceilings of this temple.

Each part of the Akshardham Temple complex is a work of intricate art that exhibits flawless craftsmanship. The temple has been constructed using Italian Carrara marble and Rajasthani pink sandstone. It is surrounded by open gardens, a courtyard built in stepwell style, various water bodies, and other structures.

Akshardham Temple, Delhi: Today

Today, the Akshardham Temple complex is one of the top tourist places in Delhi. It draws visitors from all parts of India and beyond due to its exceptional beauty and colossal size. The temple complex is arguably the largest one to be built in India in the last 800 years. In 2007, the temple was awarded the title of the Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple in the World by the Guinness World Record.

Things to See in the Akshardham Temple Complex, Delhi

There are several attractions that are worth visiting inside the Akshardham Temple complex in Delhi. These include:

• Elaborate welcome gates
• Akshardham Mandir, the main temple dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan
• Abhishek Mandap
• Three exhibitions namely Sahajanand Darshan, Neelkanth Darshan, and Sanskruti Darshan
• The Garden of India, sprawling 60 acres of thematic gardens adorned with bronze statues representing heroes, warriors, and great personalities from India
• Yogi Hraday Kamal aka the Lotus Garden where you can see stones engraved with thoughts expressed by leaders, scientists, and philosophers from across the world
• Narayan Sarovar, a water body that contains the waters of 151 holy rivers and lakes from across India
• Musical Fountain or Water Show  
• Premvati Ahargruh, the vegetarian food court inside the complex
• Akshardham Books and Gifts Center, the souvenir shop inside the complex

Exhibitions at Akshardham Temple, Delhi

There are three unique exhibitions at the Akshardham Temple, each of which is educational, informative, and inspirational. Displayed in three large halls, these exhibitions are a blend of art, culture, and the latest technologies. There are windows for tickets for Akshardham exhibitions with the operating timings from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Here’s a rundown of the exhibitions at Akshardham Temple, Delhi:

1. Sahajanand Darshan (Exhibition Hall 1)

It is the Hall of Values, where different values like perseverance, non-violence, morality, etc. are exhibited through animatronic figures and multimedia technology. Latest techniques like 3D dioramas and immersive projections are also used to convey the timeless values of Hindu culture.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Languages: Hindi and English (separate shows)

2. Neelkanth Darshan (Exhibition Hall 2)

This is a giant-screen theatre where the spiritual and cultural beauty of the country is shown through a 40-minute film titled Neelkanth Yatra. The film traces the story of the pilgrimage undertaken by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in his teenage years.

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Language*: Hindi

*You can avail headphones for English commentary

3. Sanskruti Darshan (Exhibition Hall 3)

At this exhibition hall, visitors board a boat and sail through 10,000 years of India’s splendid heritage. During the ride, you pass through exhibits that recount some of India’s greatest contributions. For instance, there are exhibits that show a Vedic marketplace, a classroom in Takshashila University, etc. to mention a few.

• Duration: 15 minutes
• Language*: Hindi

*English commentary is available on request

Musical Fountain or Water Show at Akshardham Temple, Delhi

One of the main attractions of the Akshardham Temple in Delhi is the one-of-its-kind multimedia water show named Sahaj Anand. The breathtaking show narrates an episode from the Kena Upanishad through video projections, coloured lasers, water jets, underwater flames, and surround sound.

• Duration: 24 mins
• Language: Hindi
• Timings*: Starts at 7:45 pm

*The first show is held after sunset. Multiple shows are often held during public holidays and weekends

• Ticket Prices: ₹90 for adults; ₹60 for children (4 to 11 years); free for children below 4 years

Akshardham Temple: How to Reach

Here’s how you can reach Akshardham Temple using different modes of transportation:

• By Train: The nearest railway station to Akshardham Temple is the Anand Vihar Railway Station. From the station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw, or taxi, or use other public transportation options to reach the temple, which is approximately 5-6 km away.
• By Metro: Delhi Metro is a convenient and popular mode of transportation in Delhi. Akshardham Metro Station is the nearest metro station to the temple. It is on the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro. From the metro station, you can either walk or take a short rickshaw/auto-rickshaw ride to reach the temple.
• By Airport: If you are arriving in Delhi by air, the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) is the main airport serving the city. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use app-based ride services to reach Akshardham Temple. The temple is approximately 25-30 km away from the airport, and the travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions.

Other Structures at Akshardham

Besides the main temple, there are several other structures and attractions within the Akshardham complex. Here are some of them:

• Sahaj Anand Water Show: This is a spectacular multimedia water show that takes place in the evening at the Yagnapurush Kund, a step-well-like structure. The show portrays an ancient Indian story with water, light, and sound effects, leaving the audience mesmerized.
• Yagnapurush Kund: This is the world’s largest step-well and serves as the central attraction of Akshardham Temple. The steps of the Kund are intricately designed and feature over 2,000 statues of various divine beings.
• Neelkanth Abhishek: A ritual arti and Abhishek ceremony are performed here, paying homage to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Devotees can participate in this ceremony.
• Narayan Sarovar: This is a sacred water body surrounding the main temple. Visitors can walk along its perimeter and take in the tranquil atmosphere.

List of Akshardham Temples in the World

There are several Akshardham Temples around the world, all built and inspired by the teachings and principles of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Akshar Purushottam philosophy. Here is a list of some of the prominent Akshardham Temples:

• Akshardham Delhi, India: The Akshardham Temple in Delhi is one of the most famous and largest Akshardham complexes in the world. It was inaugurated in 2005 and attracts millions of visitors every year.
• Akshardham Gandhinagar, India: Located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, this Akshardham Temple is the original and the first of its kind. It was consecrated in 1992 and is a significant spiritual and cultural centre.
• Akshardham Robbinsville, USA: Also known as the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, this Akshardham Temple is situated in Robbinsville, New Jersey. It was inaugurated in 2014 and stands as a prominent place of worship and community engagement for Hindus in the USA.
• Akshardham London, UK: Located in London, England, this Akshardham Temple is a grand structure inaugurated in 1995. It serves as a spiritual and cultural centre for the Hindu community in the UK.
• Akshardham New Jersey, USA: Situated in Secaucus, New Jersey, this Akshardham Temple serves as a significant religious and cultural center for the Hindu community in the USA.
• Akshardham Kolkata, India: Also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, this temple is located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, and attracts devotees and visitors from the region.

Other Places to See Near Akshardham

There are several other popular attractions and places to see nearby. Delhi is a city rich in history, culture, and landmarks, offering a plethora of options for tourists. Here are some places you can explore near Akshardham:

• Humayun’s Tomb: Located around 5-6 km from Akshardham, Humayun’s Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a splendid example of Mughal architecture. It’s a beautiful mausoleum that inspired the design of the Taj Mahal.
• India Gate: Situated approximately 7 km from Akshardham, India Gate is an iconic war memorial and a symbol of India’s valor. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and take a stroll.
• Red Fort (Lal Qila): Roughly 8 km from Akshardham, the Red Fort is a historic fort complex and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the main residence of Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years.
• Lotus Temple: Located about 6 km away, the Lotus Temple is a magnificent modern architectural marvel and a Bahá’í House of Worship. It’s known for its lotus flower-inspired design and peaceful ambience.
• Qutub Minar: Situated around 15 km from Akshardham, Qutub Minar is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Delhi’s most famous landmarks. It’s a 73-meter tall tower, making it one of the tallest minarets in India.

Lesser-known Facts about Akshardham Temple, Delhi

• The name Akshardham is derived from two words – Akshar meaning eternal and Dham meaning abode. So, Akshardham means the abode of the eternal one.
• There are ten welcome gates in this temple complex.
• No concrete or steel was used in the construction of the temple to maximize the structure’s lifespan.
• The Yagnapurush Kund inside the temple is the largest one of its kind in the world.
• More than 11,000 artisans worked to design this temple.
• Premvati Ahargruh, the food court inside the temple, is designed on the theme of Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra.

Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi is not just a temple; it’s a journey into the heart of ancient India. So, keep aside a day in your itinerary to explore this prime attraction in the national capital. You will enjoy every minute spent here!

FAQs

Q. What is Akshardham Temple in Delhi?

A. Akshardham Temple or Swaminarayan Mandir in Delhi is a magnificent Hindu temple complex dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. It is a spiritual and cultural centre known for its stunning architecture, exhibitions, and serene ambience.

Q. Where can I find Akshardham photos?

A. You can find official Akshardham photos on the temple’s website or by searching online. Photography is generally not allowed inside the temple complex, including the main temple and exhibitions.

Q. Is Akshardham the world biggest temple?

A. While Akshardham Temple in Delhi is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes, it is not considered the world’s biggest temple. It is, however, an impressive and significant architectural marvel.

Q. What is the Akshardham ticket price?

A. The ticket price for Akshardham Temple in Delhi is free, however, there are tickets for exhibitions and shows.

Q. What are the Akshardham Temple Delhi timings?

A. Akshardham Temple or Swaminarayan mandir timings in Delhi may vary, so it’s advisable to refer to the official website or contact the temple for accurate timings. Akshardham opening time is 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Q. How much does the Akshardham water show cost?

A. The ticket price for the Akshardham water show, known as the Sahaj Anand Water Show is 90 for adults; ₹60 for children (4 to 11 years); free for children below 4 years.  The Akshardham water show timings are 7:45 pm.

Q. What is the Akshardham closing time?

A. Akshardham Temple in Delhi usually closes in the evening after the completion of the last water show and other attractions. The exact closing time may change, so it’s advisable to check the latest schedule before planning your visit. The current timings are 8:00 pm.

Q. When does Akshardham Temple open?

A. Akshardham entry timings in Delhi may vary based on the day of the week and the season. Check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours. Current opening timings are 10:00 am.

Q. Is Akshardham closed on any specific day?

A. Akshardham Temple in Delhi is closed on Mondays.