India is a nation of Gods and temples. The temples of India have not only graced history textbooks but are also lauded for their brilliant architecture. I have almost visited all of the major shrines and temples that India has to offer. Yet, I was to visit the majestic Akshardham Temple in Delhi.
All of my friends have described this to be one of the most exciting and thrilling temples that they have ever been to. While I could understand a temple being pious and beautiful and but how could a temple be thrilling is something I didn’t get, till the time I visited this magnificent temple.
As soon as I came across an Akshardham Temple Tour I instantly booked it and packed my bags immediately., The next day I embarked on my journey with high hopes.
About The Akshardham Temple
Akshardham opened in 2005 and is fairly a recent addition to the ever-growing numbers of temples in India. More than thousands of craftsmen had worked on this beauty to create the stunning artwork that we see today.
The temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and other great saints who once walked on this land.
The Temple is located on the NH24 in Delhi and is popularly called the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir. The temple is not the only abode of God but also a brilliant display of Indian tradition through art.
My Journey
I landed in Delhi in the wee hours of the morning. After freshening up in my hotel I headed straight to Akshardham Mandir.
As the roads slowly took a turn I saw this huge complex with such intricate exterior staring at me. In the first glance itself, Akshardham Mandir had managed to capture and captivate me.
The complex is huge and one could easily get lost here. It took me by surprise to learn that it took only five years to complete this colossal elegant temple.
As I approached the temple I genuinely felt that I was witnessing something magical. The exterior of the temple had beautifully carved handiworks, accompanied by large gates and gardens. It was something else.
Exteriors of the Akshardham Temple
source: Jagran Josh
There are a few principle factors that make up the exteriors of the Akshardham Mandir complex. I managed to explore all of them:
Ten Gates
These wonderfully intricate gates symbolize the ten principle directions present in the Indian culture. It also talks about bringing in peace and happiness.
Bhakti Dwar
Another defining factor inside the complex is the Bhakti Dwar. It is adorned with 208 sculpted dual imagery of God and his followers. The gate is stunning. The amount of work and creativity that has gone into it is truly ingenious.
Mayur Dwar
The next beautiful structure that you will encounter is the Mayur Dwar. Dedicated to the national bird of India- Peacocks this door has a life of its own. It is filled with colors and purity and you can feel all the 869 sculpted peacocks come alive as you approach it. I was truly in awe when I came across it and couldn’t take my eyes off it.
Footprints
I collected my brochures about the Akshardham Mandir I was escorted to the famous Charnarvind or the Holy Footprints. The footprints are of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and are carved out of white marbles. The footprints itself made me feel so blessed to be walking inside a temple that once housed Bhagwan Swaminarayan. It was truly an ethereal feeling.
The entire complex itself has 234 carved pillars, 9 splendid domes and more than 20,000 sculptured figurines all of which are so beautiful that they belong to an art museum. Finally, I was starting to grasp how this temple was thrilling.
Inside the Akshardham Mandir
source: Akshardham
After admiring the exterior of the temple I finally decided to proceed inside.
Akshardham Mandir is located at the core of the entire complex. The entire exterior of the temple is made up of glistening pink stones and white marble. It looks so pristine and pure and you can feel positive energy being radiated as you approach it.
I took off my shoes and did the other needful activities and proceeded inside the temple.
The inside of the temple is even more beautiful than the exterior if that even possible. A feeling of warmth grasped and I felt welcomed instantly.
There is an 11ft gold plates idol of Bhagwan Swaminarayan inside and it felt so real. It felt as it Bhagwan Swaminarayan was standing in front of me blessing all of us. Beside this huge idol stood five more sculptures of his successors.
There are also idols of Krishna and Radha, Narayan and Lakshmi, Sita and Ram, Parvati and Shiv, who look regal in their own right.
The entire place is like an art museum. From detailed and intricately carved comes to the mandapams everything is magnificent. Each mandapam has an anecdote to share about the life of Swaminarayan. Each mandapam signifies one aspect of Swaminarayan’s life.
There was so much to take in that I took my sweet time. I looked at every carved dome and explored every symbolism that I took to find.
The Akshardham Mandir is perched on a 1070 ft long Gajendra Peeth. This pedestal consists of 148 sculpted elephants made of stone and other sculptures of different animals, birds, and people. The pedestal alone weighs 3000 tons.
Sahajanand Darshan
Once you are inside the temple you will find several halls. These halls are all a display of the life of Swaminarayan.
In Sahajanand Darshan you will find aspects like Courage, Endeavor, Honesty, Faith and Ahimsa displayed through the line of Swamiji. It is truly thrilling to watch these and learn more about the very essence of the temple.
Neelkanth Darshan
A beautiful film about Swamiji is shown inside Neelkanth Darshan. The film chronicles his entire life and how he became such a holy saint. The film was shot in about 108 places in India, and more than 45000 people were part of the cast and crew.
This film has the power to move you and make you do something good for the world.
Sanskriti Vihar
This is probably one of the most thrilling parts of the temple. Since most of the India culture took place at the banks of River Sarasvati, this exhibition makes you dive into that era. There is a lovely boat ride that will take you through the eras of India.
It was fun yet knowledgable. We passed through the World’s Oldest Vedic Village, several vibrant bazaars and even Takshashila which was the world’s first University.
There are about 800 sculptures and statues that reflect the culture of India.
Yagnapurush Kund and Sahaj Anand Water Show
After having a scrumptious lunch at the dining hall of the temple it was almost time for sunset. At sunset every day, there is a wonderful water show, and I had to stay for that.
The beautiful lotus-shaped Yagnapurush Kund metamorphoses into a blend of light, fire, water, and lasers in the evening just as the sun goes down. The show is amazing. If you visit Akshardham Mandir you must stay back for the water show. You will witness grandeur and display of creativity. Never had I thought that I would witness such fun in a temple!
A Lasting Impression
Once the water show came to an end so did my visit to this glorious Akshardham Mandir. It was truly a life-changing experience. From the temple complex to the thrilling boat ride to the marvelous water show- everything was perfect. Akshardham Mandir is a prime example of how talented the craftsmen of our country is. The design and craftwork are so beautifully and delicately made, that there is no doubt that all of those men and women did it in the name of God.
Some Tips for Akshardham Temple
- The temple doesn’t allow outside food
- You cannot be rude or crass inside the temple
- You cannot carry your phones, cameras and video cameras inside the temple.
- Check the timings for the Water Show as you enter the temple
- On Mondays, the temple remains closed
- Temple shuts down at 6:30 pm
- The temple is free for all and there are no entrance fees
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