Spiritual Places To Visit In Akshardham Temple, Delhi | Pilgrimage Destination India

Spiritual Places To Visit In Akshardham Temple Delhi

Akshardham Temple, Delhi, is a spiritual destination that is much more than a temple. It is an embodiment of Indian art, culture, and spirituality. The temple complex covers a massive area of over 100 acres and is adorned with intricate carvings, beautiful gardens, and grand structures. The temple is dedicated to Swaminarayan, a revered saint and spiritual leader who preached the values of peace, harmony, and service to humanity.

History of Akshardham Temple

The construction of Akshardham Temple began in 2000 and was completed in 2005. The temple was built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a religious organization that aims to promote the teachings of Swaminarayan. The temple complex was inaugurated by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India.

The architecture of Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is a perfect example of Indian craftsmanship and architecture. The temple complex is designed in a style that blends traditional Indian architecture with modern technology. The main temple is built with pink sandstone and white marble and is adorned with intricate carvings, statues, and domes. The temple complex also includes a water show, a musical fountain, and a lotus garden.

Attractions in Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is a hub of spiritual and cultural activities. The temple complex has several attractions that cater to visitors of all ages. Some of the most popular attractions in Akshardham Temple are:

Abhishek Mandap: A place where visitors can offer prayers and perform rituals.

Sahajanand Darshan: A walkthrough exhibition that showcases the life and teachings of Swaminarayan.

Neelkanth Darshan: A theatre that presents the epic story of Neelkanth, an avatar of Lord Shiva.

Sanskruti Vihar: A boat ride that takes visitors through the history and culture of India.

Garden of India: A garden that features sculptures of India's famous personalities and landmarks.

Spiritual Places to Visit in Akshardham Temple

Apart from the main temple, Akshardham Temple has several spiritual places that are worth visiting. These places are:

Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir

The Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir is the main temple of the complex. It is dedicated to Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. The temple is built with pink sandstone and white marble and is adorned with intricate carvings, statues, and domes.

Bhakti Dham

Bhakti Dham is a spiritual place in Akshardham Temple that is dedicated to the devotion and service of God. It is a place where visitors can meditate, pray, and offer their devotion to God. Bhakti Dham is decorated with beautiful paintings and sculptures that depict the life and teachings of Swaminarayan.

Yagnapurush Kund

Yagnapurush Kund is a sacred place in Akshardham Temple where visitors can offer prayers and perform rituals. It is a rectangular stepwell that is surrounded by 108 small shrines. The kund is named after Shastriji Maharaj, the founder of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.

Narayan Sarovar

Narayan Sarovar is a holy pond in Akshardham Temple that is considered to be a sacred place for Hindus. The pond is surrounded by 108 small shrines that represent the holy rivers of India. Visitors can offer prayers and perform rituals at Narayan Sarovar.

Gajendra Pith

Gajendra Pith is a spiritual place in Akshardham Temple that is dedicated to the Hindu deity Gajendra, who is considered to be the king of elephants. The pith is decorated with beautiful carvings and sculptures that depict the story of Gajendra Moksha.

Meditation and Yoga in Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is not just a place of worship; it is also a place for spiritual practices like meditation and yoga. The temple complex has a meditation room where visitors can meditate and practice yoga. The room is equipped with comfortable seating and soothing music to create a calming environment for visitors.

Akshardham Light and Sound Show

Akshardham Temple hosts a mesmerizing light and sound show in the evening, which is a must-see for all visitors. The show narrates the story of Swaminarayan and showcases the beauty of Akshardham Temple through a spectacular display of lights and sounds.

Sound Healing and Ayurvedic Massage

Akshardham Temple also offers sound healing and Ayurvedic massage services to visitors. The sound healing therapy involves the use of sound vibrations to heal the body and mind, while Ayurvedic massage uses natural oils and herbs to relax and rejuvenate the body.

Food and Dining in Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple has a food court that serves delicious vegetarian food to visitors. The food court has a variety of options, including Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine. The food is prepared with fresh ingredients and is served in a clean and hygienic environment.

How to Reach Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is located in the eastern part of Delhi and can be easily reached by public transport. The nearest metro station is Akshardham Metro Station, which is on the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro. The temple is also well-connected by buses and taxis.

Best Time to Visit Akshardham Temple

The best time to visit Akshardham Temple is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The temple is open from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays.

Accommodation near Akshardham Temple

There are several accommodation options near Akshardham Temple, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Some of the popular hotels near Akshardham Temple are The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Lemon Tree Hotel, and Park Plaza Delhi CBD Shahdara.

Hidden facts about Akshardham Temple, Delhi:-

The Akshardham Temple in Delhi is the world's largest comprehensive Hindu temple, spanning an area of 100 acres.

The temple complex was built using ancient Vedic architectural principles and features over 200 sculptured figures of deities, sages, and animals.

The temple's main monument, the Akshardham Mandir, was constructed entirely without the use of steel or concrete. Instead, it was built using traditional techniques like interlocking stones and without any steel or iron reinforcements.

The temple complex also features a water show named "The Sahaj Anand Water Show," which depicts the cycle of birth, life, and death as per Hindu philosophy.

The temple has an exhibition hall that showcases the history and achievements of India through the ages.

The temple's construction was completed in just five years, between 2000 and 2005.

The temple was built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) organization.

The temple's foundation stone was laid by the former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in 2000.

The temple complex is open to people of all religions and is a popular tourist attraction, receiving millions of visitors each year.

The temple's gardens are home to over 100 species of plants, including medicinal herbs and shrubs, and over 200 species of birds.

How to travel by road to Akshardham Temple Delhi and the nearest bus stand

Akshardham Temple is located in the eastern part of Delhi, near the banks of the Yamuna River. It is well-connected by road, and visitors can reach the temple via taxi, bus, or private vehicle.

The nearest bus stand to Akshardham Temple is the Akshardham Metro Station. From there, visitors can take a short walk to reach the temple complex. The metro station is located on the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro, which connects to other parts of the city.

If you're traveling by taxi or private vehicle, you can use the following address to reach Akshardham Temple:

Akshardham Temple NH 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi - 110092

The temple is located near the Nizamuddin Bridge and the DND Flyover, which are major landmarks in the city. Visitors can use GPS navigation or online maps to reach the temple easily.

It's important to note that the temple complex has limited parking facilities, and visitors are advised to use public transport or park their vehicles in the designated parking area near the temple.

How to travel by train to Akshardham Temple Delhi and the nearest railway station

Akshardham Temple is easily accessible by train, and the nearest railway station is Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. It is well-connected to major cities in India, and several trains run to and from this station.

To reach Akshardham Temple from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or a bus. The temple is located about 8 km from the railway station, and it takes around 20-30 minutes to reach by road, depending on traffic.

If you're traveling from other parts of Delhi, you can also take the Delhi Metro. The nearest metro station to Akshardham Temple is Akshardham Metro Station, which is located on the Blue Line. From the metro station, you can take a rickshaw or a taxi to reach the temple.

Overall, traveling to Akshardham Temple by train is a convenient and affordable option, and there are several transportation options available to reach the temple from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station.

How to travel by air to Akshardham Temple Delhi and the nearest airport

The nearest airport to Akshardham Temple in Delhi is Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is about 25 kilometers away. It is one of the busiest airports in India, with domestic and international flights connecting Delhi to various parts of the world.

To travel by air to Akshardham Temple, you can book a flight to Indira Gandhi International Airport from your nearest airport. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Akshardham Temple. The journey usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Alternatively, you can also take the Delhi Metro to Akshardham Metro Station, which is located right next to the temple. The metro is a convenient and affordable mode of transport, especially if you're traveling within Delhi. The nearest metro station to Indira Gandhi International Airport is Aerocity Metro Station, which is located on the Airport Express Line.

Overall, traveling by air to Akshardham Temple is a convenient option, with Indira Gandhi International Airport being well-connected to major cities around the world. Whether you're a domestic or international traveler, you can easily reach the temple and experience its spiritual and cultural offerings.

FAQs

Q.1 What is the dress code for visiting Akshardham Temple?

Visitors are required to wear modest clothing that covers their shoulders, knees, and ankles. Shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops are not allowed.

Q.2 Is photography allowed inside Akshardham Temple?

Photography is not allowed inside the temple complex, including the exhibition halls and the mandir.

Q.3 Can non-Hindus visit Akshardham Temple?

Yes, Akshardham Temple is open to people of all religions and nationalities.

Q.4 Is there an entry fee to visit Akshardham Temple?

Yes, there is an entry fee to visit the temple complex. However, the entry fee for the exhibition halls, light and sound show, and other attractions may vary.

Q.5 What are the temple's opening hours? 

The temple is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays. However, the timings for the exhibitions, light and sound show, and other attractions may differ.