Apart from being the political centre of India, Delhi has great significance when it comes to culture and history. From Lal Killa to India Gate, the capital of India has a lot of tourist attractions. One among those is the Akshardham Temple Delhi. Anyone travelling to the national capital, even on a shoestring budget, can visit here to experience the essence of spirituality.
Standing, in a majestic fashion, on the banks of the River Yamuna, this holy place is considered a masterpiece of ancient Indian culture—a 300-year-old heritage, rich in art, architecture, culture, values, and wisdom. That's why we have curated this blog for, which gives a sneak peek into the significance and history of Akshardham Mandir Delhi.
(PS: We will also tell you about the Akshardham Temple timings and what you can explore near the temple.)
Episode 1:Akshardham Temple history
Officially inaugurated on 6th November 2005 in Delhi, it was constructed by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). This Hindu house of worship has 10 gates that represent the 10 directions mentioned in Vedic literature.
Episode 2: Akshardham Temple inside
Interestingly, the Akshardham Temple has various attractions for you to see. The temple, spread over 83,342 square feet of area, is broadly divided into six parts. These six places to visit near Akshardham are:
Swagatam: The exploration of Akshardham begins with the invocation of a Vedic prayer: आनोभद्राःक्रतवोयन्तुविश्वतः', which means 'let noble thoughts come to us from all directions.
Mandir: Murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, his successors, Shri Radha-Krishna, Shri Sita-Ram, Shri Lakshmi-Narayan, and Shri Parvati-Shiva reside in the temple. The intricately-carved abode has been built with pink sandstone and marble.
Abhishek Mandap: For the Abhishek, the worshipper pours water over the deity amidst the chanting of mantras for the fulfillment of one’s prayers. Any visitor can offer Abhishek to the deity. (Note, the Abhishek donation is Rs 50 per person.)
Exhibition: The exhibitions, that transport you to ancient India, are displayed in three large halls. All three halls, Sahajanand Darshan – hall of values; Neelkanth Darshan – large format film; and Sanskruti Darshan – cultural boat ride, showcase a fusion of Indian values and wisdom.
Water Show: It's showtime! The water show gives a breathtaking 24-minute presentation that unites a variety of intriguing media to bring to life a story from the Kena Upanishad.
(Quick tip: Google the images of the Akshardham Temple Water Show and you will understand why it deserves all the hype!)
Thematic Gardens: How can you leave without perfect pictures for your Insta feed? Akshardham Temple's Thematic Garden has two offerings: Bharat Upvan and Yogi Hraday Kamal, a lotus-shaped garden. Bonus: Entry to both premises is free!
Note: These are just brief insights into each division of the Temple. The Akshardham Temple has multiple activities and attractions to offer.
Episode 3: About Akshardham Temple
Coming up, are details regarding the location, how to reach Akshardham Temple Delhi, timings, and quick tips along with dos and don’ts you must follow!
Akshardham Temple location
Wondering where is Akshardham temple situated? Well, it is located in the eastern part of Delhi—close to Noida. Now, it’s time to know how to reach there from different routes.
Airport route: The temple is 21 kilometres away from Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi)
Railway route: If you are travelling via train, here is how far the temple is from the different stations:
Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) - 6 kilometres
New Delhi (NDLS) - 11 kilometres
Old Delhi (DLI) - 10 kilometres
Metro Station: From Akshardham Metro station, on the Blue Line, the walk to the temple premises is just 350 metres!
Akshardham Delhi timings & holidays
Tourists can visit Akshardham Temple from Tuesday to Sunday (the temple is closed on Mondays).
You can enter the temple premises between 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening.
(Quick tip: The Maha Arti happens before the first water show i.e. at 6.30 PM)
Dos and don’ts:
It may surprise you, but this holy place has a strict dress code. So if you are planning to visit this temple, make sure your upper wear covers your shoulders, chest, navel, and upper arms, and lower wear is at least below knee-length. However, if your attire does not match the dress code, don't worry! The temple provides a free sarong for you to cover up.
Do not carry outside food and drinks as they are not allowed inside the premises. There is a food court inside the complex that offers numerous delicacies and drinks.
(PS: Try the South Indian dishes and Gujarati snacks while here!)
Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead.