Tuesday 21 February 2012

Akshardham Temple in Delhi

Akshardham Temple - The Essence of Indian Culture
Akshardham Temple - DelhiSwaminarayan Akshardham temple in the eastern part of Delhi, India with its monumental creations and breathtaking grandeur stands apart amongst the country's most fascinating structures of all time. The intricately carved pillars, statues of deities and divinites adorned on its walls, Akshardham aptly showcases the jist of Indian culture, architecture and spiritual messages through its 10,000 years of existence. The monolithic construction was accomplished in just five years with the untiring efforts of 11,000 artisans and contributions of thousands of devotees of Lord Swaminarayan from all over the world. This is one place you would not want to miss out on if you are an ardent Hinduism fanatic and want to witness the heritage of India in all its facets and glory. Security checks at the temple entrance are very strict with only small ladies purses and gents wallets being allowed inside the premises. Cellphone and other electronic devices are prohibited. While entry inside the temple is free, nominal charges are levied to witness the exhibitions and light and sound show.

Do Not Miss Out On
The Monument (Swaminarayan Akshardham)
The unbelievable construction of the main monument seems even more incredible when you know that it was built without using steel. The entire temple consists of 234 beautifully carved giant pillars, 9 ornamented domes, a series of stone elephants or Gajendra Pith and 20000 life like statues of India's great sadhus and divine men. The 356 feet long, 316 feet wide and 141.3 feet high monument is built of pink stone and pure white marble that together signify absolute purity and eternal peace.

The Hall of Values (Sahajanand Darshan)
The most modern electronic techniques like 3-D dioramas, robotics, light and sound effects etc. are used to spread the very basic message of Indian culture and value system through the life of Lord Swaminarayan at the Hall of Values. Life like statues operated by robotics take you to an 18th century Indian setting and deliver messages of Hinduism as ahimsa, prayer, morality, vegetarianism, harmony etc.

Giant Screen Film (Neelkanth Darshan)
Witness the epic pilgrimage of child yogi Neelkanth Varni set in a setting of 18th century India. The film displayed on a giant screen over six stories high, features India's holy places, festivals and spiritual traditions and has been shot at every location from the snow covered peaks of the Himalayas to the verdant environs of Kerala.



Boat Ride (Sanskruti Vihar)
A pleasant boat ride through the sanskruti vihar is another major attraction not to be missed. The 12 minute journey takes the audience through the 10,000 years of India's glorious heritage including the world's most ancient vedic village life and bazaar, the world's first university Takshashila and a journey through the world of ancient discoveries and inventions by learned Indian men.

Musical Fountain (Yagnapurush Kund)
Musical Fountain Yagnapurush Kund or the pit of sacrifice is reminiscent of the ancient Indian tradition of sacrifice or Yagna performed to appease the deities of earth, water, fire, air etc. The 8 pettaled lotus shaped yagna kund is the largest in the world measuring 300 feet in length and width with 2870 steps and 108 small shrines. With nightfall the place comes alive with a colorful musical fountain...a spectacular sight to behold.

Garden of India (Bharat Upvan)
The lush, perfectly manicured gardens, the Bharat Upvan is ornate with colorful flowers, beautiful trees and awe inspiring bronze statues. The Yogihriday Kamal at the center is named so after Yogiji Maharaj.

Important Information for Visitors
Address : Swaminarayan Akshardham, N.H. 24, Near Noida Mor, New Delhi, India - 110092, Tel : (011) 22016688, 22026688, Fax : (011) 22015757
All people irrespective of caste and religion are allowed inside the temple, however one has to go through a series of security checks at the entrance.
No electronic items such as mobile phones, cameras etc. are allowed inside the complex.
Swaminarayan Akshardham remains closed for visitors on Monday's.

Timings : April to September (Complex : 9 AM to 7 PM, Exhibitions : 9 AM to 6:30 PM) October to March (Complex : 9 AM to 6 PM, Exhibitions : 9 AM to 5:30 PM), Musical Fountain : (Apr to Sep 7 PM, Oct to Mar 6:45 PM), Night Lighting (only on Saturdays and Sundays), Restaurant 'Premvati' (11 AM to 8 PM), Souvenir Shop (9 AM to 8 PM).

Ticket Price : Entry to the temple complex and garden is free while nominal charges are levied to witness other attractions.

Warm clothes recommended during winter months that last from November to March while light cotton clothes appropriate during summers from April to June.

For more information, refer to www.akshardham.com

Architecture of The TempleGetting There
Delhi being the capital of India is conveniently connected through rail, road and airways both nationally and internationally. Internal transport options include taxis, auto rickshaws, bicycle rickshaws and the metro rail. It is recommended to fix the fare in advance if travelling by any unmetered conveyance. Besides, if you are staying in any of the good hotels, the reception should be able to provide you with a paid vehicle to move around.

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