If you are looking for a place to experience the rich and diverse culture of India, then you should not miss visiting [akshardham temple gandhinagar], a stunning temple complex that is dedicated to Swaminarayan, a Hindu spiritual leader and reformer. [Akshardham temple gandhinagar] is not just a place of worship, but also a spiritual and cultural campus that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Whether you are interested in history, architecture, art, philosophy, or entertainment, you will find something to inspire and enlighten you at [akshardham temple gandhinagar]. In this article, we will give you an overview of the temple, its history, inspiration, architecture, art, attractions, and activities, as well as some practical information and tips to help you plan your visit.
History and Inspiration
Akshardham temple gandhinagar was inaugurated on November 2, 1992, by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Swaminarayan and the leader of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a Hindu socio-spiritual organization that initiated and managed the project. The temple was inspired by the vision and teachings of Swaminarayan, who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries and spread the message of peace, harmony, and service to humanity. Swaminarayan also established a tradition of building temples that reflect the glory and wisdom of India’s ancient culture and heritage.
The construction of akshardham temple gandhinagar took about 13 years and involved the efforts of more than 9000 volunteers and 7000 artisans. The temple was built entirely from pink sandstone, without using any steel or concrete. The temple covers an area of 23 acres and has a height of 108 feet, a length of 240 feet, and a width of 131 feet. The temple has 97 carved pillars, 17 domes, 8 balconies, 220 stone beams, and 264 sculpted figures. The temple also has a gold-plated idol of Swaminarayan in the main shrine, as well as idols of other Hindu deities and sages in the surrounding shrines.
Architecture and Art
Akshardham temple gandhinagar is a masterpiece of Indian architecture and art that showcases the beauty and spirituality of the Swaminarayan faith. The temple is built entirely from pink sandstone, without using any steel or concrete. The temple covers an area of 23 acres and has a height of 108 feet, a length of 240 feet, and a width of 131 feet. The temple has 97 carved pillars, 17 domes, 8 balconies, 220 stone beams, and 264 sculpted figures. The temple also has a gold-plated idol of Swaminarayan in the main shrine, as well as idols of other Hindu deities and sages in the surrounding shrines.
The temple’s design and elements are inspired by various themes and motifs from Hindu scriptures and culture. The temple’s main dome, for instance, represents the cosmic egg or the source of creation. The temple’s shikhars, or spires, symbolize the peaks of the Himalayas, the abode of the gods. The temple’s gopurams, or gateways, depict the grandeur and diversity of India. The temple’s garbhagruh, or inner sanctum, represents the heart of the devotee, where Swaminarayan resides. The temple’s murtis, or idols, portray the divine qualities and virtues of Swaminarayan and his spiritual successors.
The temple’s carvings are also remarkable for their intricacy and variety. The carvings depict scenes and stories from the life and teachings of Swaminarayan, as well as from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Puranas, and other Hindu epics and legends. The carvings also illustrate the flora and fauna of India, as well as the cultural and social aspects of Indian society. The carvings are a testament to the skill and devotion of the artisans who created them.
Attractions and Activities
Akshardham temple gandhinagar is not just a place of worship, but also a place of learning and entertainment. The temple complex offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you want to explore the history and philosophy of the Swaminarayan faith, experience the beauty and artistry of the temple, or enjoy the spectacle and thrill of the water show, you will find something to inspire and enlighten you at akshardham temple gandhinagar.
Some of the attractions and activities that you can enjoy at [akshardham temple gandhinagar] are:
The Mandir:
The mandir is the main attraction of the temple complex, where you can admire the architecture and carvings of the temple, offer prayers and offerings to Swaminarayan and other deities, and participate in the daily rituals and ceremonies. The mandir is open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, except on Mondays. The entry is free, but you have to follow some rules, such as wearing modest clothing, removing your shoes, and not taking any photos or videos inside the mandir.
The Exhibitions:
The exhibitions are interactive and multimedia displays that showcase the history, philosophy, and culture of the Swaminarayan faith and India. There are three exhibitions that you can visit: Sahajanand Darshan, which is a hall of values that depicts the life and teachings of Swaminarayan through audio-visual presentations and animatronics; Sat-Chit-Anand, which is a water show that narrates the story of Nachiketa, a young boy who learns the secret of immortality from Yama, the god of death; and Nityanand Darshan, which is a hall of harmony that displays the diversity and unity of India through a giant map and a musical fountain. The exhibitions are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, except on Mondays. The entry fee is Rs. 60 for adults, Rs. 40 for children, and Rs. 50 for senior citizens.
The Abhishek Mandapam:
The abhishek mandapam is a sacred chamber where you can perform the ritual of abhishek, which is the bathing of the idol of Swaminarayan with holy water. The ritual is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to the devotee and the world. The abhishek mandapam is open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, except on Mondays. The entry fee is Rs. 50 for adults, Rs. 25 for children, and Rs. 40 for senior citizens. You can also book a special abhishek ceremony for Rs. 1500, which includes a puja, a shawl, a garland, a prasad, and a souvenir.
The Gardens:
The gardens are a beautiful and serene area where you can relax and enjoy the nature and tranquility of the temple complex. The gardens are spread over 13 acres and have various features, such as a herbal garden, a lake, a waterfall, a rock garden, a children’s park, and a lotus pond. The gardens are open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, except on Mondays. The entry is free, but you have to follow some rules, such as not littering, not plucking flowers, and not feeding animals.
How to Reach
There are different ways to reach [akshardham temple gandhinagar] depending on your mode of transportation. Here are some options:
By road:
You can drive or take a bus from Ahmedabad, which is about 30 km away from Gandhinagar. There are buses plying regularly between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar with pick up points at convenient locations. You can get down at Gandhinagar bus depot and hire a rickshaw or a cab to take you to akshardham temple gandhinagar. The temple is located in sector 20 on the J road.
By rail:
You can take a train from Ahmedabad or other cities to Gandhinagar railway station, which is 2 km away from akshardham temple gandhinagar. You can hire a rickshaw or a cab from the station to take you to the temple.
By air:
You can fly to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, which is the nearest airport to akshardham temple gandhinagar. The airport is 21 km away from Gandhinagar. You can hire a cab from the airport to take you to the temple.
Akshardham temple gandhinagar is a divine abode of God and culture that offers a unique and enriching experience to the visitors. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, art, philosophy, or entertainment, you will find something to inspire and enlighten you at akshardham temple gandhinagar.
If you are planning to visit Gujarat, then you should not miss visiting this magnificent temple complex that showcases the essence of India’s ancient culture and heritage. We hope that this article has given you an overview of the temple, its history, inspiration, architecture, art, attractions, and activities, as well as some practical information and tips to help you plan your visit.
We also invite you to visit and experience the temple for yourself and share your feedback and reviews with us. We are sure that you will have a memorable and spiritual time at akshardham temple gandhinagar.
