Akshardham Temple Travel Information

Also referred to as Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the Akshardham Temple complex displays millennia of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality and architecture. The building was inspired and moderated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, whose 3,000 volunteers helped 7,000 artisans construct Akshardham Temple. The complex features a large central monument crafted entirely of stone, exhibitions on the life of Swaminarayan and the history of India, an IMAX feature, a musical fountain, a boat ride and large landscaped gardens. Inside the temple, the Sahajanand Pradarshan (also called the Hall of Values) features life-like robotics and dioramas which display incidents from Swaminarayan's life, portraying his message about the importance of peace, harmony, humility, service to others and devotion to God. The Sahajanand Pradarshan is set in 18th century India and displays 15 dioramas through robotics, fiber optics, light and sound effects, dialogues, and music. The hall features the world's smallest animatronic robot in the form of Ghanshyam Maharaj, the child form of Swaminarayan. Outside the temple is the musical fountain. Known as the Yagnapurush Kund, it is India's largest step well. It features a very large series of steps down to a traditional yagna kund (altar). During the day, these steps provide rest for the visitors to the complex and at night, a musical fountain show representing the circle of life is played to an audience which is seated on the same steps. The fountain measures 300 feet by 300 feet with 2,870 steps and 108 small shrines. In its center lies an eight-petaled lotus shaped yagna kund.