Akshardham (Delhi) Historical Facts and Pictures

Sitting near the banks of Yamuna in Delhi, Akshardham is an embodiment of Hindu culture and spirituality. The primary deity of the temple is Swaminarayan, the founder of Swaminarayan Sampraday, a sect of Vaishnavism. Also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, the temple was inspired and developed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the Bocahasanwasi Shri Akshar Puroshottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. The temple was officially opened on November 6, 2005.

Akshardham

Akshardham Images

Akshardham Photos

Art and Architecture

Occupying 60 acres of land, Akshardham is an enchanting site to look at. The entire complex is rich in art Architectural design. The temple is built completely in solid rock according to the ancient Sthaapatya Shastra style. Constructed with Rajasthani pink sandstones and white Italian carrara marble, this colossal artistry has 234 ornately curved pillars, 9 ornate domes and 20 quadrangle shikhars. The columns around the temple are built with single pieces of rock, each 22ft. long. The monument at the centre of the complex is 141 ft. high, 316 ft. wide and 356 ft. long, with beautiful carvings of flora, fauna, dancers, musicians and deities.

Akshardham Pictures

Akshardham

The Interior Structure of the Temple

Inside the monument there are 20 thousand statues of Hindu devotees, sadhus, and acharyas. Situated at its base is the Gajendra pith – a plinth paying tribute to its importance in Hindu culture and India’s history. An 11 ft. high statue of Swaminarayan, surrounded by the other stautes of gurus of the sect, lies under the central dome. Each statue is constructed with ‘Paanch dhaatu’ or five metals in accordance to the Hindu tradition.

Akshardham Inside

Inside of Akshardham

Inside View of Akshardham

Akshardham Dome Inside

There are also statues of other Hindu deities, including Lakshmi Narayan, Shiv Parvati , Radha Krishna and  Sita Ram, within the monument. There is a theatre within the complex, known as the Nilkanth, which exhibits the incidents from the life of Swaminarayan.

Akshardham Murti Images

Akshardham Murti Photos

Akshardham Murti Pictures

Akshardham Murti

The Site of Beauty and Attraction

The Akshardham temple is a scene of sparkling spectacle at night when it is illuminated in lights and decorations at the banks of Yamuna.

Akshardham at Night

Akshardham Night

Night View of Akshardham

Akshardham Lotus Garden

When viewed from the above, a sunken garden built in the shape of a lotus displays the large stones engraved with the quotes of great luminaries such as Shakespeare, Martin Luther, Swami Vivekananda and Swaminarayan.

Akshardham Lotus

Akshardham Temple Lotus

In addition to that, a musical fountain show representing the circle of life is played on the steps of the Yagnapurush Kund, which is also the largest step well in India.