Akshardham Temple is a temple built with pink stones and pure white marble (without the use of steel) on the banks of the Yamuna river in Eastern New Delhi near Noida in India. Akshardham Temple, or Swaminarayan Akshardham, showcases 10,000 years of India’s glorious culture, heritage, and spirituality. This temple is a must-see place for Delhi tourists.
Akshardham Temple, New Delhi. Photo Source: Creative Commons
‘Akshardham’ means the eternal and divine abode of God. This temple was built by the followers of ‘Swaminarayan’ (3 April 1781 – 1 June 1830). He was named ‘Sahajanand Swami’, by his guru, Ramanand Swami.
Sahajanand Swami taught the Swaminarayan mantra, a single mantra composed of six syllables, Swa-mi-na-ra-ya-n, which is chanted by the Swaminarayan section of his followers. From that time onwards, he was known as Swaminarayan, and he is considered the incarnation of God. He built six temples during his lifetime. He also appointed 500 Paramhansa (spiritual teachers who attained enlightenment) to spread his philosophy.
The fifth spiritual successor to Swaminarayan and the current guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, constructed the temple, inaugurated on 6 November 2005.
Apart from the huge statue of Swaminarayana, visitors can visit the ‘Hall of Values’, an Audio-Animatronics Show depicting the Indian culture through the life of Swaminarayan. There is also a Giant Screen (six-story building height) that shows the epic period film featuring Swaminarayana, shot over the length and breadth of India, featuring almost all of India’s holy places, festivals, and spiritual traditions. One of its kind in the world and a ‘must-watch for all visitors to New Delhi. There is another exciting 12-minute boat ride, which showcases the 10,000-year-old Indian heritage! The colorful musical fountain and the vast garden are other attractions inside the temple.
This temple is one of its kind in India and occupies its position as a leading Indian tourism center.
How Do I Go to Akshardham Temple, New Delhi?
“Akshardham” metro railway station on the Blue line is at the entrance to the Akshardham Temple, New Delhi. Those traveling by car can go to the Akshardham Temple by taking National Highway No. 24 (which takes you to Noida). New Delhi I.G. International Airport is the nearest airport to Akshardham Temple.
One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, is around 204 kilometers or 127 miles from Akshardham Temple in New Delhi.