Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar

• Temples
• Akshardham Mandir Puja Temple

Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is a majestic Hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. It is one of the largest and most significant temples of the Swaminarayan sect, renowned for its architectural grandeur, spiritual significance, and cultural exhibitions.

🌟 History and Significance

• Foundation: The temple was inaugurated on 2nd November 1992 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha).
• Dedication: The main deity is Swaminarayan Bhagwan. The temple symbolizes devotion, wisdom, and service.
• Architectural Style: It represents traditional Vedic architecture infused with modern craftsmanship.

🛕 Architecture

• Main Shrine: The central temple is built using 6,000 metric tons of pink sandstone from Rajasthan.
• No Steel or Iron: The temple is constructed entirely without the use of steel or iron, emphasizing its traditional design.
• Dimensions:
  • Height: 108 feet
  • Length: 240 feet
  • Width: 131 feet
• Intricate Carvings: The temple showcases sculpted figures of deities, saints, elephants, and intricate motifs.
• Golden Murti: The sanctum sanctorum houses a 7-foot-tall gold-plated idol of Swaminarayan Bhagwan, along with idols of Gunatitanand Swami and Gopalanand Swami.

🎥 Exhibitions and Attractions

1. Sahajanand Hall:
   • Displays the life and teachings of Lord Swaminarayan through animatronic shows and dioramas.
2. Neelkanth Darshan (IMAX Theater):
   • A 45-minute IMAX film depicts the teenage journey of Neelkanth Varni, the youthful form of Swaminarayan.
3. Mystic India:
   • A documentary about India’s spiritual heritage.
4. Water Show:
   • Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show – A multimedia water show narrating a spiritual story from the Kena Upanishad.
5. Garden of India:
   • Also known as Bharat Upavan, featuring bronze sculptures of India’s heroes and sages.

🌿 Temple Premises

• Yagnapurush Kund:
  • India’s largest stepwell with a musical fountain.
• Abhishek Mandap:
  • Devotees perform the ritual of Abhishek (water offering) on the idol of Neelkanth Varni for blessings.
• Souvenir Shop:
  • Offers spiritual books, idols, and artifacts.
• Food Court:
  • Premvati Food Court serves vegetarian dishes.

🕰️ Timings

• Temple Timings:
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Monday: Closed
• Aarti Timings:
  • Morning: 10:00 AM
  • Evening: 6:30 PM
• Water Show Timings:
  • After sunset (7:30 PM or 8:00 PM, depending on the season)

🎟️ Entry Fee

• Temple Entry: Free
• Exhibition Ticket: ₹60 for adults, ₹40 for children (3-11 years)
• Water Show Ticket: ₹90 for adults, ₹60 for children
• Parking: Available with a nominal fee

🚗 How to Reach

• By Road:
  • Well-connected via NH48 and local transport.
• By Rail:
  • Gandhinagar Capital Railway Station – 3 km away.
• By Air:
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad – 23 km away.

🙏 Spiritual Significance

• The temple promotes spiritual values, peace, and devotion.
• It attracts millions of devotees and tourists annually.
• The BAPS organization conducts various charitable and spiritual activities from this temple.

📜 Key Tips for Visitors

• Photography inside the temple is prohibited.
• Mobile phones and electronic devices are not allowed inside.
• Dress modestly and follow temple decorum.
• Allocate at least 3-4 hours to explore the entire complex.

The Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar, is not just a place of worship but a cultural and spiritual hub, offering visitors a blend of devotion, architecture, and enlightenment. It stands as a testament to India’s rich heritage and spirituality.