One of the largest temple complexes in Gujarat, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is an architectural marvel. Located in the heart of Gandhinagar city, Akshardham was commissioned by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) after initiation by its promoter, Pramukh Swami Maharaj. This magnificent temple has a predecessor in Delhi.
Akshardham Mandir was inaugurated in November 1992 by Pramukh Maharaj and today it is one of the most popular attractions as well as religious sites in Gandhinagar. The temple complex is not only visited by the devotees but it is also a hub that promotes, Indian culture, art and values.
The main sanctum of the temple houses the gilded statue of Lord Swaminarayan, which is 7 feet tall. The floors of the temple have been given different names such as Vibhuti Mandapam, Hari Mandapam and Prasadi Mandapam. There are several sections on all the floors where the devotees are involved with unselfish services to the Lord. The organization that runs the temple wishes that the people should gain knowledge about the cultural roots and fine spirituality of the country.
Boasting of extremely peaceful surroundings, Akshardham in Gandhinagar takes its cue from Sthapatya Shastra. Promoting spirituality, art, devotion, education, research, and architecture, the temple complex has 3 permanent exhibition halls- Sat-Chit-Anand, Sahajanand, and Nityanand.
Location: Sector 20, J Road, Gandhinagar
Dedicated to: Lord Swaminarayan
Built by: Pramukh Swami Maharaj and BAPS
Built in: Between 1979 -1992
Attractions: One of Gujarat’s largest temple complexes, it has elaborate architecture and several exhibitions.
Timings: 09.30 AM- 06.30 PM (Closed on Monday)
Note: Cell phones, cameras, and bags are not permissible in the temple
Architecture of Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
Belonging to the Hindu Swaminarayan group, this colossal temple was completed in 13 years. The length of the arcade of the temple is around 1751 feet. The enormous construction has a height of 108 feet, a length of 240 feet, and a width of 131 feet. Famed for being an architectural achievement, the temple was made using 6000 tons of pink sandstone from Rajasthan. Trained artisans from Bansipahadpur, around 1000 in number, have done the detailed carvings. Iron and steel were not used to construct the Akshardham temple of Gujarat.
History of Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Mandir was inaugurated in November 1992 by Pramukh Maharaj. This temple has undergone various changes to make it a more remarkable structure that reflects the beauty of Hindu Culture. Today, it is one of Gandhinagar’s most popular attractions and religious sites.
Attractions of Akshardham Temple
There are several sections on all the floors where the devotees are involved with generous services to the Lord. The organization that runs the temple wishes that the people should learn about the country’s cultural roots and delicate spirituality. You can explore these elements, considering the eye-catching elements in this shrine.
Sahajanand
This beautiful exhibition illustrates Lord Swaminarayan’s life using creative shows and settings. This exhibition also has ‘Travel in Time,’ a small copy of Chhapiya Hamlet, a cosmos of fiber-optics, another show, ‘Journey through India,’ and 3 ‘sound-n-light’ shows.
Nityanand
Presented in fiberglass figures and a walk-through orbit, Nityanand is a presentation that has particular messages from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Upanishads. The exhibition consists of a scheme of a Gurkula, a copy of Hastinapur Palace of Mahabharata, a description of ‘Harmony of world religions’, an audio-animatronics show, and devotional works of different saint-poets.
Sahajanand Van
A meditative garden where the magnificent Akshardham is also positioned, Sahajanand Van offers stunning views of nature’s beauty. Adorned with colorful flora, this garden looks charming with scatterings of lakes, spray fountains, swings, herbal gardens, and waterfalls. The park spreads over an area of 15 acres.
AARSH (Research Center)
The Akshardham Center for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARSH) is an inventive research institute with study centers, a well-loaded library, and archives. This center mainly aims to use past knowledge, study modern trends, and search for suitable solutions for future times.
Best Time to Visit Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
You can visit this temple any time throughout the year, and choosing the best time would depend on various factors. For pleasant climate conditions, October to March are ideal for visiting Akshardham Temple. However, explore the temple in the early morning on weekdays to avoid the crowds. If you are willing to enjoy the vibrant celebration, visit here on special events such as Holi, Diwali, and Janmashtami.
How to Reach Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
Direct taxis are readily available within the city, a hassle-free traveling option. You will also find auto-rickshaws and bus services that will take you toward Sector 20; from there, you must walk for a few minutes to reach the temple.
