Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is a Hindu mandir located in a vast spiritual-cultural campus in New Delhi. It is the second largest Hindu temple. It was opened to the public in 2005 and lies close to the banks of river Yamuna. It was built as a plan for the 2010 Commonwealth Games by the help of over 3,000 volunteers and 7,000 artisans. The temple has been built taking into account the ancient principles of Vastu Shastra. At Akshardham you will get a great insight into India’s art, culture, tradition and spirituality.
Akshardham (Abode of Gods) is an awe-inspiring grandiose structure that will open your eyes to India's rich culture and heritage. The complex houses beautiful gardens, a musical fountain, a lake, a theatre and a restaurant. So, you can happily spend the entire day here. The temple itself is made of Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian marble. Based on traditional Hindu architectural guidelines on how to maximize the life span of a structure, no ferrous metal has been used. There are over 20,000 sculptures here and the temple walls display carvings of various plants and animals, musicians and dancers, and gods and goddesses. In order to maintain the sanctity of the place, you are not allowed to carry anything inside, except your wallets.
The circuit around the temple, for taking a Parikrama, is a pavement that is over 3000 feet long. The lake around the temple has an amalgam of waters from over 150 lakes and rivers that are considered sacred. The Garden of India here exhibits many bronze statues of famous Indian personalities. There is a sunken lotus shaped garden here with fountains, which is unique. There is a food court where you can get refreshments.
There are various activities you can indulge in here. You can visit the Hall of Values for a 50-minute light and sound show on human values. Or you can catch a 40-minute film about a child yogi at the theatre. There is a 15-minute musical fountain show in the evening. You can even take a relaxing boat ride through India's cultural history. At the end of your visit, you will be dropped back.
