Akshardham Temple

ABOUT TEMPLE

Deity : Swaminarayan (1781 – 1830), also known as Sahajanand Swami, a yogi and ascetic, believed by followers Swaminarayan Sampradaya to be a manifestation of Krishna or the highest manifestation of Purushottama.

Founder : Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Establishment Year : 2005

Trust : Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha

History : Shri Yogiji Maharaj envisioned a grand temple in Delhi in 1968 while leading BAPS, and this vision was realized by his successor, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who initiated the construction of Swaminarayan Akshardham. The Delhi Development Authority and the Uttar Pradesh Government provided a combined 90 acres of land for the project, which began in 2000 and was completed in under five years. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, the temple was inaugurated on November 6, 2005, in the presence of national leaders and led by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Built by BAPS, with the support of over 8,000 volunteers contributing more than 300 million hours, Akshardham is among the largest temple complexes in Delhi and India.

Architecture: The Akshardham Temple in Delhi showcases traditional Hindu architecture inspired by ancient and medieval styles. Built using principles from Pancharatra Shastra and Vastu Shastra, the central shrine—Akshardham Mandir—stands 141 feet tall, 316 feet wide, and 356 feet long. Constructed with Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, it features 234 intricately carved walls, 20 spires, 9 domes, and 20,000 sculptures of spiritual figures. Surrounded by gardens, water features, and a stepwell-style courtyard, the temple reflects India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Important Places at Temple site: 

• Swagatam : As you enter the Akshardham campus, you’ll be greeted by the grand Welcome Gates and the Bhakti Dwar (Gate of Devotion). At the Visitors’ Center, you can speak with a volunteer for assistance in planning your visit or collect a printed guidebook. Don’t miss the beautifully carved Mayur Dwar (Peacock Gate) and take a moment to make a wish at Charanarvind, which represents the Holy Footprints of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
• Mandir : In the Garbhagruh, offer prayers to the deities and admire the intricately carved Mandapams (ceilings) that enhance the spiritual ambiance. On the first floor, stroll along the Narayan Peeth, a pathway adorned with detailed bronze reliefs. At ground level, explore the Gajendra Peeth, where majestic stone elephants line the outer walls, each telling a unique story through exquisite carvings.
• Abhishek Mandap : Join in a prayer for peace and the fulfillment of heartfelt wishes. As part of this sacred ritual, offer holy water to Neelkanth, the youthful yogi form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
• Exhibitions : The exhibitions at Akshardham create immersive experiences that transport visitors to ancient India—blending artistic beauty, scientific wonder, cultural depth, and spiritual inspiration. They are presented in three engaging sections as (i) Sanskruti Darshan – A cultural boat ride through 10,000 years of Indian heritage (ii) Sahajanand Darshan – The Hall of Values showcasing timeless teachings (iii) Neelkanth Darshan – A large-format film depicting the spiritual journey of Neelkanth
• Water Show : Sahaj Anand is a spiritually uplifting digital water show that mesmerizes with stunning visuals. Using multicolored lasers, video projections, underwater flames, dynamic water jets, surround sound, and live actors, it brings to life a powerful story from the Kena Upanishad in a breathtaking symphony of light, sound, and motion.
• Thematic Gardens : The two themed gardens at Swaminarayan Akshardham offer a serene dialogue with nature, history, and culture. Bharat Upvan celebrates inspiring figures from Indian history—children, men, and women who shaped the nation—while Yogihriday Kamal presents timeless wisdom through quotes from some of the world’s greatest thinkers.

ACTIVITIES

• Visit Time (Tuesday to Sunday, Closed on Monday): First Entry at 10:00 A.M. and Last Entry at 06:30 P.M.
• Mandir : Darshan (10:00 A.M. to 8.00 P.M.) and Arti (10:30 A.M. & 6.00 P.M.)
• Abhishek : Darshan & Pooja (10:00 A.M. to 8.00 P.M.)
• Exhibitions : Ticket Window (11.00 A.M. to 6.00 P.M)
• Water show : After sunset (Currently 7:30 P.M.)

FACILITIES

Parking 

• Paid parking
• Timings: 10:00 am to Gate Closing
• Only for visitors (strictly)
• No cargo or goods vehicles permitted
• First come, first served basis
• Parking at owner’s own risk

Cloak Room

• Only for Visitors
• Charge: Free
• Timing: 10:00 am to Gate Closing
• Electronic Item Deposits: Switch Off (Mandatory)
• All deposit items must meet size restrictions
• No money or valuables should be deposited
• Deposits are at owner’s own risk

Lost & Found : Near Security Check

ATM : At Visitor’s Center

Wheel Chair : At entrance before security clearance with fee of INR 100

Telephone Booth : Available at the Visitors’ Center, Food Court and Exhibition exits.

Restrooms : Available throughout the campus.

Food Court : Pure, fresh vegetarian food and snacks are available at Premvati Food Court.

Books & Gifts Shop : The Akshardham Books and Gifts Center offers a variety of publications – books, audio or video – and souvenir items as well as authentic Ayurvedic supplements and puja materials.

Photo or Selfie : Vantage point available. Printed photos can be picked up at Books and Gifts center.

School Visit Booking : Temple provides students with a valuable opportunity to discover Hinduism, India’s diverse cultural legacy, stunning art and architecture, and its global contributions. To encourage educational visits, the Temple discounted exhibition tickets to government-recognized schools and colleges. For booking click School Booking, Akshardhaam, New Delhi

Group Visit Booking : Akshardham is frequently visited in groups by pilgrims, travelers and corporates. Advance booking available for minimum 50 members. For booking click Group Booking, Akshardhaam, New Delhi

GUIDELINES

Items Allowed Inside the Complex : Wallet, Shoes, Belts, Passport, Money, Ladies' Purse, Jewellery, Baby Food (subject to additional check), Water Bottle (subject to additional check), Jackets

Items Not Allowed Inside the Complex : Mobile Phones, Cameras, USB/Pen Drives, Music Devices, Electronic Items, Weapons, Umbrella, Luggage, Toys, Pets, Food and Drink (outside items), Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs, Drones

Dress Code: Swaminarayan Akshardham is a sacred place of worship. To maintain its spiritual sanctity and serene atmosphere, visitors are kindly requested to dress modestly and respectfully. Please adhere to following dress code:

✅ Upper Body : Clothing must cover shoulders, chest, back, and upper arms.

❌ Not allowed : Sleeveless tops, tank tops, or low-cut tops.

✅ Lower Body : Clothing must extend below the knees.

❌ Not allowed : Shorts, skirts, or dresses above knee length.

⚠️ Inappropriate Attire: Clothing with offensive language or imagery is strictly prohibited.

If needed, sarongs are available for purchase at ₹100 to help visitors comply with these guidelines and preserve the sanctity of the Mandir.

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS

• The word Akshardham combines Akshar (eternal) and Dham (abode), meaning “the eternal abode.”
• The temple complex features ten grand entrance gates, symbolizing universal welcome.
• Built entirely without steel or concrete, the structure was designed for maximum longevity.
• The Yagnapurush Kund within the complex is the largest stepwell of its kind in the world.
• The on-site vegetarian food court, Premvati Ahargruh, is inspired by the Ajanta and Ellora caves, and was crafted by over 11,000 artisans.

VISITOR GUIDE

Map :

Address : NH 24, Pramukh Swami Maharaj Marg, New Delhi 110092

Contact no. : +91-11-4344 2344

Email id : info@akshardham.com

Website : akshardham.com

How to reach:

• Airport : Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) - 21 Km
• Railway Stations : Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) - 6 Km, New Delhi (NDLS) - 11 Km, Old Delhi (DLI) - 10 Km
• Metro Station : Akshardham Metro - 350 meters (walk)

ATTRACTIONS NEARBY

Red Fort : 6.5 km

Raj Ghat : 4.5 km

India Gate : 8.0 km

Chandni Chowk : 7.2 km

National Science Centre : 5.0 km

National Handicrafts & Handlooms Museum : 5.7 km

SOURCES

https://akshardham.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swaminarayan_Akshardham_(Delhi)