Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple - New Delhi - Helpful Travel Guide

 

Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is a Hindu mandir (temple) complex and the largest one in the world.

It is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781- 1830), a great sage of Hinduism.

The Akshardham welcomes people of all faiths to visit.

Once you pass security, you will walk through the Welcome Gates.

The ten gates symbolize the ten Guardians of the Directions (the deities who rule the specific directions of space according to Hinduism and Vajrayāna Buddhism).

After Passing through a Visitors' Center, You will see:

- the grand gates of the complex,

- the Bhakti Dwar is decorated by 208 beautifully carved pairs of Bhakta-Bhagwan (the dual forms of god), and

- the Mayur Dwars with 869 intricately carved stone Peacocks.

Between them is the Charnarvind, a large marble replica of the holy footprints of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. 

There are sixteen holy symbols of the Hindu Shastras on it.

You will see people praying there.

As you walk up near the Mandir (the main temple),  you will have to take off your shoes. 

There is a shed to the left of the pathway.  

Put your shoes in a bag and retain the number tag for its return.

The external facade of this traditional stone temple is known as a Mandovar.  

Before going into the Mandir (main temple hall), stroll around the main temple and walk clockwise around the building to see:

- the Narayan Peeth (the bronze relief work) and

- Gajendra Peeth (carved elephants).

Once you go into the Mandir, you will see:

- 234 intricately carved pillars,

- 9 ornate domes,

- 20 quadrangles spires, and

- 20,000 statues of India’s Hinduism’s spiritual gods.

The mandir or temple ceiling is 141.3 feet high, and the hall is 316 feet by 356 feet long.

Don't miss the Golden statue and inner sanctum of Garbhagruh commemorating Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the nine Mandapams (themed spaces).

These nine Mandapams are each have complex carved murtis (statues/idols) and pillars and are covered with a dome(s).

After you visit the Mandir, roam around the two gardens (the Bharat Upvan and Yogihriday).

The Yogihriday Kamal is a lotus-shaped garden with a bridge.

If you are hungry, they also have a vegetarian Food Court.

For an additional fee, you can go to:

Exhibitions: Sahajanand Darshan – Hall of Values; Neelkanth Darshan –Film; and Sanskruti Darshan – Cultural Boat Ride.  

Or

Watch the Sahaj Anand (music and lights water show), Multi-color lasers, video projections, underwater flames, water jets show, and surround sound in symphony with lights and live actors.

Private Evening Tour of Akshardham Temple with Musical Fountain Show  - Meet at Akshardham Metro Station

Address

Akshardham Official address:

Swaminarayan Akshardham NH 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi 110092

Admission Fee and Open Hours

Akshardham Entry Fee:

FREE - the temple complex, gardens, and temple inner sanctum visit.

Tickets or Entry Fee for:

- Water Show: Rs.80 per Adult  (approx. US$1.10)

- All three exhibits: Rs.170 per Adult (approx. US$2.30)

- Combo Ticket: Rs.250 per Adult (has smaller lines)

- Children and Seniors Tickets are available at a discounted price.

Akshardham Hours:

09:30AM - 7:30PM (Tue-Sun)

Open Tuesday to Sunday, Closed on Monday

The First Entry 9:30am 

Last Entry: 6:30pm

Note: Entry in the temple is free, but they charge a fee for their exhibitions, evening water show, and parking.

Getting to Akshardham in Delhi

Akshardham by Delhi Metro :

To get to the Akshardham by Delhi Metro railway

- Take Blue Line (Towards Noida City Centre)

- Disembark at Akshardham Metro Station

- Exit Akshardham Metro Station and Turn Right towards the Akshardham

You will be able to see Akshardham Temple from the station.

Follow the signs and walk about 250 meters & Enter Akshardham - Gate 1

Also available - Private Evening Tour of Akshardham Temple with Musical Fountain Show  - Meet at Akshardham Metro Station

Travel Tips for visiting Akshardham

Tips for visiting Akshardham Temple:

Before arriving, please dress appropriately as per the Akshardham clothes Policy:

- Make sure your clothes cover the shoulders, chest, navel, and upper arms, and pants/shorts/ dresses are at least knee-length.

- If you don’t pass muster at the temple, you borrow a free sarong with a Refundable Deposit of Rs.100.

- Your deposit will be returned when you return the sarong when you exit.

Before entering the complex, there is a security check.

There is a separate line for men and women.

You will pass through metal detectors then will be frisked by security personnel- thus the separate gender lines.

Electrical devices like cameras and mobile phones, and big bags/purses are not allowed in the complex.  

Lockers/ Cloakroom is available before the entry gate.

To be safe, don't bring anything important or valuable with you that can not fit in a pocket.

Due to the Akshardham video policy, we do not have videos inside of the Akshardham Temple Complex.

You can Go to the Akshardham website for the links to the “official” pictures and videos to see how awesome this attraction is!

It is a good place to visit with kids as they have:

The boat ride and a history lesson in an entertaining format like movies about Indian culture.

This attraction will take 2 or more hours depending on your interest and the security line.

If you are staying for the water show, come later in the day.

It will be cooler in the evening, First, go to the Temple and gardens.

Go get dinner or snack at the courtyard then go over and save a seat before the show begins at sundown.
Private Tour: Akshardham Temple and Spiritual Sites of South Delhi Including ISKCON Temple - $26.66

Journey to South Delhi with a private guide and driver for a 6-hour tour of four significant spiritual sites. Your tour starts at the immense Akshardham Temple, and then takes you to a renowned Bahai house of worship named Lotus Temple, the Hare Krishna’s ISKCON temple and Chattarpur Temple, aka Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir. Listen to insightful commentary throughout the day from the guide, who points out other landmarks en route. A private vehicle provides a comfortable ride.

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