Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in Saddi Dilli. Better known as the Akshardham Temple or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. The building was inspired and developed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, whose 3,000 volunteers helped 7,000 artisans construct the Akshardham temple.
The Temple now attracts approximately 70 percent of all tourists visiting Dilli. It was officially opened on 6 November 2005. It is located near the banks of the river Yamuna adjacent to the 2010 Commonwealth Games village in east Dilli. The temple, at the center of the complex is fully Vastu and Pancharatra Shastra compliant. That could probably be the reason why the temple was awarded a Guinness World Record for being the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple.
In addition to the large central temple crafted entirely of stone, the complex features exhibitions on incidents from the life of Swaminarayan and the history of India, an IMAX feature on the early life of Swaminarayan as the teenage yogi, Nilkanth, a musical fountain on the message of the Upanishads, and large landscaped gardens. The temple is named after a belief in Swaminarayan Hinduism.
The traditional mandir (temple) is dedicated to Bhagwan (God) Swaminarayan and it reflects the beauty and spirituality of India’s ancient art, culture, and architecture. Nilkanth Varni Abhishek is a hallowed spiritual tradition in which prayers are offered for world peace and continual peace for oneself, family, and friends with the water of 151 holy rivers, lakes and ponds of India.
In additions to the temple which is mainly for offering prayers and meditation, the complex also houses various exhibitions which one can visit and experience the 10000 years on Indian heritage. These exhibitions are:
1. Hall of Values (50 mins) – Experience enduring human values through films and robotic shows that depict the ideals of non-violence, honesty, family harmony, and spirituality.
2. Giant Screen Film (40 mins) – Discover India through the incredible story of an eleven-year-old yogi named Nilkanth that brings to life the culture and spirituality of India’s customs, the majesty of its art and architecture, and the unforgettable sights, sounds, and power of its awe-inspiring festivals.
3. Cultural Boat Ride (15 mins) – Sail through 10,000 years of India’s glorious heritage. Learn about the discoveries and inventions of the rishi-scientists of India, see the world’s first university of Takshashila, sail through the caves of Ajanta-Ellora and discover India’s contributions to humanity through the ages.
4. Musical Fountain – Circle of Life (Evenings at Sunset – 15 min) – A spectacular musical fountain show that depicts the cycle of birth, life, and death as described in Indian philosophy.
5. Garden of India – Sixty acres of lush lawns, gardens and exquisite bronze statues, honouring India’s child heroes, valorous warriors, national patriots and great women personalities who inspire values and character.
6. Lotus Garden – A lotus-shaped garden echoing spirituality as expressed by philosophers, scientists, and leaders throughout history.
The Akshardham Tempe complex remains closed on Mondays.
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