Akshardham Temple

Swaminarayan Akshardham opened in 2005, built of pink Rajasthani sandstone and Italian marble in traditional shilpa shastra methods with no steel or concrete in the main structure, its surfaces carved with deities, plants, animals and dancers by thousands of craftsmen working with volunteers. The central monument stands under a large dome on carved pillars, surrounded by an elephant plinth of over a hundred and forty stone elephants in narrative scenes. The grounds hold stepwell-shaped courtyards, gardens, an animatronic exhibition, a boat ride through Indian history and a musical fountain in the evening.

Background

The complex was inspired by Yogiji Maharaj, who had envisioned it since 1968, and created by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who opened it on 6 November 2005. BAPS built it, and it is the second-largest BAPS temple, after Akshardham in New Jersey. The mandir is 356 feet long, 316 feet wide and 141 feet high, with 234 carved pillars and nine domes. Its base, the Gajendra Pith, carries 148 life-sized elephants weighing 3,000 tons together. Under the central dome sits a 3.4 metres high murti of Swaminarayan. The Narayan Sarovar holds water from 151 rivers and lakes, fed through 108 gaumukhs, and the stepwell-style kund measures 91 by 91 metres and has 2,870 steps and 108 small shrines.

Source: Wikipedia, "Swaminarayan Akshardham (Delhi)"

What you'll find

• The carved monument - stone construction without steel, covered in relief work.
• The elephant plinth - over a hundred and forty carved elephants in scenes.
• The stepwell courtyard - a large sunken court in traditional form.
• The evening fountain - the water and light show after dark.

When to go

October to March; the complex closes on Mondays. The musical fountain runs in the evening. Allow time for security, which is strict and slow.

Practical notes

Phones, cameras and bags are prohibited entirely and must be left in lockers, which surprises most first-time visitors. Security queues are long. Exhibitions and the boat ride are ticketed separately.

Nearby

Central Delhi lies west; the Yamuna runs alongside.

Key facts