The word 'Akshardham' literally means 'God's divine home.' It is an immortal location where one can devote oneself and find everlasting tranquilly. The Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar is a mandir - a Hindu temple, a place of worship for God, and a spiritual and cultural campus committed to devotion, education, and unity. Its art and architecture reflect timeless spiritual messages and vibrant Hindu traditions. The mandir is a humble homage to Hinduism's avatars, devas, and sages, as well as Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830). With the blessings of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the dedicated efforts of experienced artisans and volunteers, this traditionally-styled edifice was launched on October 30th, 1992. According to the BAPS denomination of Swaminarayan Hinduism, Swaminarayan Akshardham is a large Hindu temple complex in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, inspired by Yogiji Maharaj (1892-1971), the fourth spiritual successor of Swaminarayan, and built by Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016), the fifth spiritual successor of Swaminarayan. The structure, which is located in Gujarat's capital, was created over a period of 13 years and is a monument to Swaminarayan and his life and teachings. The Akshardham mandir, which is made of 6,000 metric tonnes of Rajasthani pink sandstone, is at the heart of the 23-acre compound. The name of the complex is a reference to Swaminarayan's celestial dwelling in the BAPS doctrine; Swaminarayan followers believe that after reaching moksha, or freedom, the jiva or soul proceeds to Akshardham. Swaminarayan is revered as God Almighty by BAPS devotees.
The Akshardham Mandir, which stands 108 feet tall, 131 feet wide, and 240 feet long with 97 carved pillars, 17 domes, 8 balconies, 220 stone beams, and 264 sculpted figures, is the complex's main point. No steel or iron has been used in the mandir in accordance with Vedic architectural principles. Throughout the mandir, 20 foot-long stone beams weighing five tonnes each have been employed as load-bearing support. The central chamber of the mandir features a seven-foot-tall gold-leafed murti, or sacred picture, of Swaminarayan, whom devotees adore as God. The 1.2-ton murti is mounted on a three-foot pedestal. The ideal devotees, Aksharbrahma Gunatitanand Swami and Aksharmukta Goplanand Swami, are flanked by murtis of Swaminarayan in loving devotion positions. A life-sized marble murti of the lineages of gurus or successors of Swaminarayan honoured by BAPS rests in each of the mandir's four corners. The Vibhuti Mandapam on the first floor of the mandir has lotus-shaped displays describing Swaminarayan's spiritual qualities, while the Prasadi Mandapam in the basement has a historical exhibition of numerous precious relics from Swaminarayan's life.
(91-79) 2326 0001, 2326 0002 Fax: (91-79) 2326 0336 gujarat@akshardham.com Swaminarayan Akshardham Sector 20, 'J' Road, Gandhinagar - 382 020 Gujarat, India
The complex includes an Abhishek Mandapam, where all visitors are welcome to do abhishek on the murti of Neelkanth Varni, a yogic form of Swaminarayan. Pramukh Swami consecrated the Murti of Neelkanth Varni in 2014, and Mahant Swami, the sixth spiritual successor of Lord Swaminarayan according to the Swaminarayan Hinduism denomination, opened the Abhishek Mandapam on 14 December 2015. The abhishek ceremony begins with the visitor's wrist being tied with a Kalava, a sacred Hindu thread, and the chanting of Hindu shlokas. Following the thread tying, the guests bathe Neelkanth Varni's murti in a tiny pot of sanctified water. Visitors are encouraged to pray for their own intentions while the murti is being showered.
The five exhibition halls of the complex use audio-visual presentations and life-size dioramas to highlight Hinduism's different topics. Swaminarayan's life, labour, and teachings are depicted in the Neelkanth and Sahajannd Halls. The Mystic India Hall has an IMAX theatre that shows a 40-minute film about Swaminarayan's country-spanning trek, which he began when he was eleven years old and acquired the name Neelkanth Varni. The film, directed by Keith Melton and narrated by Peter O'Toole, features a cast of over 45,000 people and was shot in 108 sites around India. It won the Audience Choice Award at the 10th International Large Format Film Festival at La Geode in Paris, France, and the "Most Popular Film" award at the San Jose IMAX Film Festival. The Premanand Hall is divided into three sections: the first is dedicated to Hindu scriptural texts such as the Upanishads, Ramayan, and Mahabharat; the second explores religions more broadly and includes photographic displays of symbols, scriptures, sacred sites, moral codes, and prayers from the world's major faiths; and the third is a tribute to some of India's most legendary figures. Sant Param Hitakari, the fifth exhibition hall, features an audio-animatronics presentation that refers to a process of eternal happiness.
The Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show is an interpretation of Nachiketa's storey as related in the Kathopanishad. The title of the show is an appellation of the Hindu ontological reality Aksharbrahma or Akshardham, which translates to Truth-Knowledge-Bliss. Pramukh Swami officially launched the programme on April 3, 2010. In a 45-minute recounting of Nachiketa's choice, the spectacular production incorporates fire, fountain movements, laser, water screen projections, music, and live characters. Nachiketa was the son of a rishi named Udalak, who conducted a yagna in which he gave Brahmins diseased, barren animals. Nachiketa was upset by his father's betrayal and inquired as to whom he would be offered in charity. Udalak was enraged by this inquiry and sent Nachiketa to Yamapuri, the underworld. Nachiketa waited three days at King Yama's doorstep for Yama to arrive; Yama was impressed by Nachiketa's resolve and awarded him three boons. Nachiketa begged, first, that his father greet him warmly when he returned home; second, that he be given the wisdom necessary to be worthy of living in the heavens; and third, that he be given knowledge of the eternal soul, the Atma, which transcends death. Nachiketa's theory tells us about finding our true selves, living by our beliefs, persevering in the face of adversity, and maintaining a spiritual perspective in any situation.
Pramukh Swami laid the foundation stone for the Akshardham mandir on December 14, 1979, and the foundation was finished in 1981. 1st The stones used in the Akshardham mandir were prepared by stonework artisans, who smoothed, contoured, detailed, and polished them. Smoothing entails chiselling the hewn stone into smaller pieces; contouring entails stencilling the bare designs onto the stone, as well as giving the stone approximate contours; artisans use chisels to detail the designs and sculptures into stone; and finally, emery is used to file and polish the stone to a smooth finish. While the mandir building was completed in 1985, the exhibition hall concepts and designs took three years to develop, and work on the displays and colonnade began in 1988. On November 4, 1992, the complex was officially opened.
Sahajanand Van is a 15-acre garden with various attractions, including rock arrangements, fountains, a waterfall, and an 18,000 sq. ft. plant nursery. In addition, throughout the garden are six cultural wisdom spots that depict specific incidents and teachings of Hinduism. The first spot is a marble sculpture that depicts Swaminarayan on his favourite mare, Manki. Swaminarayan travelled in Gujarat on horseback, visiting villages and homes of devotees. Manki's love and emotion for Swaminarayan are notable. The second spot is a sculpture depicting Vishnu on the coils of the multi-headed serpent, Shesha. At Vishnu's side is Laxmiji, his choicest devotee.
As the sun sets, take a seat in the outdoor amphitheatre to witness the Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show, which will illuminate you. Transform yourself into a bold Nachiketa as she confronts Yama, the God of Death, and ultimately receives the knowledge of immortality and eternal happiness from him.
The Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show is a mesmerizing 45-minute performance that brings an age-old Kathopanishad tale to life. With its 80ft wide x 60ft high water screen, multicolour lasers, video and light projections, fireballs and underwater flames, water jets, and surround sound symphony, the Sat-Chit-Anand water show instantly captivates you. Join the live actors as they take you on an inspiring and enlightening journey. Witness a one-of-a-kind multimedia interpretive performance by world specialist Yves Pepin and his team of professionals, BAPS volunteers, and sadhus.
The event opens with a mysterious and enthralling introduction to India's deep-seated cultural and spiritual magnificence. Soon after, you meet Nachiketa, the ageless Vedic Era protagonist — a daring and determined 9-year-old kid whose father Uddalak is irritated by his son's curiosity. Uddalak punishes him by sending him to Yamraj, the God of Death. When Nachiketa arrives at Yamraj's residence, he discovers that the God of Death is out on business. When the great Yamaraj returns, he is startled to see the young Nachiketa at his door and uses earthquakes, tornadoes, volcanoes, fire, and thunderstorms to scare him away. Throughout it all, Nachiketa stays unaffected. Yamaraj, impressed by Nachiketa's bravery, affords three boons on him. Nachiketa wants his father's mental health to be restored first and foremost. He then requests information about the yagna, a religious ceremony that allows people to gain divine understanding. Finally, but certainly not least, Nachiketa requests that Yamraj tell the truth about life after death and the route to eternal pleasure. As events unfold, we learn the ultimate secret to true “Sat-Chit-Anand”-“Truth-Consciousness-Bliss” alongside child Nachiketa.
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Religious Activities |
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Daily Routine |
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Tuesday to Sunday ·
CLOSED: EVERY MONDAY ·
MANDIR ·
Darshan: 11:00 am to 7:30 pm ·
Arti: 10:00 am and 6:30 pm EXHIBITIONS ·
Ticket Window SAT-CHIT-ANAND WATER
SHOW ·
Show: After Sunset ·
(Currently 6:45 pm)
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Aarti |
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Arti: 10:00 am and 6:30 pm |
The safety of our visitors is our top priority.
They ask that you observe the following policies while visiting Akshardham to
help make it a safe and family-friendly location.
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Metal
detectors are required for all guests.
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Security
personnel will pat down all visitors.
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Security
personnel will search all vehicles.
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Certain
objects are prohibited from being brought into the complex (please see the list
below)
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It
is definitely forbidden to smoke or consume alcohol in the parking lot or on
campus.
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Within
the parking lot and on campus, carrying alcohol or forbidden substances in
vehicles is absolutely prohibited.
The Mandir
is both a sacred place of worship and a sacred house of God. A rigorous dress
code should be followed within the complex to preserve its sanctity and
spiritual atmosphere.
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Upper
Wear: Shoulders, chest, navel, and upper arms must be covered.
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Lower
Wear: Clothing must be at least knee-length.
FROM
AHMEDABAD RAILWAY STATION
FROM
AHMEDABAD AIRPORT