Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Temple or Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. Akshardham means the adobe of the supreme lord and the temple is a fine example of the Indian architecture, spirituality and art. The temple complex is one of the most beautiful structures built in India. Inspired from the Akshardham Temple in Gujarat and spread over 100 acres, the Akshardham Temple in Delhi is located about seven km northeast of the metropolitan city on the banks of the Yamuna River.
The temple is a complex of many small structures with the main monument built according to Vaastu Shastra (Science of Construction). It is 141 ft high, 316 ft wide and about 370 ft long supported by 234 pillars with floral carvings and also has 11 huge mandapas (domes) and decorated arches. There has been absolutely no use of steel to reinforce any of the structures in the temple complex. There is a plinth that has several stone statues of elephants known as Gajendra Plinth.
The pink sandstone and white marble used in the temple symbolizes perennial charm and virtue. There are over 20,000 statues of Hindu gods and goddesses, floral carvings, intricately carved pillars and arches that have made from white marble and pink sandstone.
The temple complex took 11,000 skilled craftsmen over five years to build. The temple has various structures that incorporate Mughal, Jain, Gujarati, Oriya and Rajasthani architecture which add to the beauty of the temple.
Besides the temple complex, there are many attractions spread across the 100 acre premises of the temple. There is an art gallery, musical fountain, a huge screen in the special theatre which shows many educational films and several exhibitions held from time to time throughout the year. A major attraction in the temple complex is the World Peace monument.
While visiting the temple, it is advisable not to carry electronic items as camera phones, cameras and other electronic items are not allowed inside the temple complex. You can see the light and music show at the musical fountain for a nominal admission fee. Entry to the temple and garden around the temple is open to all without any admission fee from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm every day except Monday. The various exhibitions can be viewed between 11 am and 6:30 pm.
SHOPPING
There is a souvenir shop in the temple complex that sells various religious photos and models of the temple and few of its most popular structures like the main temple and statues.
