As one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in New Delhi the Swaminarayan Akshardham celebrates millennia of Indian culture in the heart of its bustling capital. A monumental structure of truly monolithic proportions the Akshardham as its popularly known is also one of the city’s most visited tourist attractions with 70% of all tourists exploring Delhi taking the time to stop over at this larger than life cultural wonder. Declared open to the public in 2005 the Swaminarayan Akshardham is the brainchild of the spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan, Sanstha Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Constructed with the help of 3000 volunteers and 7000 craftsmen and artisans this stunning temple on the shores of the Yamuna River is also located near the 2010 Commonwealth Games Village. Built in keeping with the traditional Pancharatra Shastra and Vastu Shastra the complex is constructed of stone in its entirety and features elements that display India’s rich cultural heritage. It depicts episodes from the life and times of Swaminarayan with local historical records exhibited in various areas of the temple.
The central monument measures 43m in height and is 316 feet wide with intricate carvings of deities, dancers, flora and musicians decorating its exteriors. Other must-see highlights include the Hall of Values where visitor can discover the universal values entrenched in the beliefs of Bhagwan Swaminarayan through audio animatronics. A theatrical presentation of the Yogi’s epic journey across India is also available on film for the viewing pleasure of devotees while a musical fountain moving to Vedic prayer is also part of the landscape. Dubbed the Garden Of India the Akshardham’s 60 acre lawn is also worthy of exploration as the environs contains larger than life bronze statues of prominent figures in Indian history including warriors, child heroes and women leaders.
A breathtaking 12 minute boat ride across 10,000 years of Indian history is another chief attraction at the venue as guests will discover the ancient wisdom of Rishi scientists, the globe’s first university Takshashila and the Ajanta-Ellora caves.
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