AkshardhamTemple: A Spiritual Heaven With Breathtaking Architecture
The Akshardham Temple is a majestic monument dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. The Temple is a part of the sprawling SwaminarayanAkshardham complex which is among the country’s largest temple complexes. Covering an area of approximately 83,342 square feet, it was built in five years. The temple was opened to the public in 2005 and since then has become one of the country’s biggest tourist destinations attracting visitors from all over the world. Moreover, the temple is located in close proximity to some of the best Thai restaurant in Delhi serving scrumptious cuisines.
About Akshardham Temple
The Akshardham Temple is the biggest attraction of the complex and is an oasis of tranquility. It is an imposing structure comprising a height of 141 feet. The outer walls of the aesthetically designed building are embellished with the figurines of deities, musicians, exotic flora and fauna etc. The statues of sadhus and devotees and imposing pillars further add to the beauty of the temple. The massive Gajendra Pith at the base of the temple comprises a whopping 148 statues of elephants. The temple provides fascinating glimpses of Indian culture and traditions and visitors are usually left wonderstruck by the marvellous architecture and the spirituality that surrounds the place. Though the 11-foot statue of Swaminarayan is the prime attraction, here you will also find the figures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses like Shiva and Parvati, Ram and Sita, Krishna and Radhaamong others.
Main attractions
SahajanandDarshan
Get to know more about the life and teachings of Swaminarayan by visiting the SahajanandDarshan. This is a technologically-advanced section where robots and dioramas enrich the knowledge of the devotees by exhibiting some notable incidents from Swaminarayan’s life. The machines also inform the tourists of the deities’ messages of devotion to God, peace and harmony. One of the main highlights of the section is the smallest robot in the world. The robot is in the childhood form of Swaminarayan.
SanskrutiVihar
This 12-minute long boat ride will take you for a journey back to ancient India. You will get to know the various aspects of Vedic India through robots such as the family life, the markets and public spots of the era and the teachings imparted by the gurus. Also highlighted are the contributions of eminent people ranging from the ancient to medieval and modern India like Aryabhata, Panini, Kalidas, Chanakya, Kabir, Jagadish Chandra Bose, CV Raman, etc.
NilkanthDarshan
NilkanthDarshan is a theatre comprising a large screen where 40 minute film about Swami Narayanais shown. The film, titled NeelkanthYatra, shows the pilgrimages undertaken by Swaminarayan when he was a teenager.
If you are planning to travel to Delhi, include the Akshardham Temple in your itinerary for a spiritual experience. Also, do check out some of the best Asian restaurants in Delhi serving food ranging from the vegetarian to the non-vegetarian.