World’s largest Hindu temple - Akshardham Mandir

Dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a Jain deity, the magnificent Akshardham temple is located on the banks of River Yamuna. It is a part of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha’s (BAPS) initiative to promote Indian art, culture and values.

The majestic entrance to the temple.

The beautiful temple is constructed entirely with pink marble, without any concrete or steel! It enshrines a huge eleven foot, gilded statue of Bhagwan Swaminarayan made with five different metals (Panchadhatu)

The temple and its surroundings are masterpieces of art! It reflects Indian spirituality and heritage. 

Don't miss the gardens!

Photography is not allowed inside the temple, so I could not capture the majestic temple in its grandeur. However, I have reproduced photos of the temple as printed in the temple brochure for your viewing.

Souvenir shop

An overview of the temple complex

 It hold the The Guiness World Record for being the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple.

The temple has been described as follows in the Guinness World Records: 

·     The largest Hindu temple is the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham with a total area of 8,021.43 m² (86, 342 ft²) built by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in New Delhi, India and inaugurated on 6 November 2005.
·         BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, India, is the world’s largest Hindu temple. It measures 356 ft long, 316 ft wide and 141 ft high. The grand, ancient-style temple built within 5 years by 11,000 artisans without structural steel was consecrated on 6 November 2005 by its creator His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of BAPS. The temple showcases the essence of India’s ancient art, traditions and wisdom.

The perimeter...

Inside the complex

The fountain!

The cultural journey....

Beautiful artistic carvings along the walls

Unparalleled craftsmanship!

The illuminated temple

Inside the temple

The ornate gates!

Tips:

-          -The temple is closed on Mondays

-          -To witness the beautiful ride inside the temples complex which showcases India’s glorious heritage, reach early, as many a times, there are long queues for these rides.

-          -Plan to spend a full day at this magnificent temple.

-          -Snacks and refreshments are available with the temple complex.

-         - Travel light as mobile phones, cameras and refreshments are not allowed inside the temple and its surroundings. A cloak room is available to store electronic items.

-Nearest Metro station is Akshardham which is located at a walkable distance from the temple. There are rickshaws also, near the station, which are very convenient for those who do not prefer to walk.

For more information about this majestic temple, please visit its website: http://www.akshardham.com/

UNESCO World Heritage sites of India

The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) encourages countries to sign the World Heritage Convention and to ensure the protection of their natural and cultural heritage. This is indeed a great endeavour of this organisation to ensure that our legacy from the past is passed on to our future generations. It encourages international cooperation in the conservation of our world's cultural and natural heritage.

The UNESCO World Heritage sites of India are:

Cultural
1) Agra Fort
2) Ajanta Caves
3) Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
4) Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
5) Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
6) Churches and Convents of Goa
7) Elephanta Caves
8) Ellora Caves
9) Fatehpur Sikri
10) Great Living Chola Temples
11) Group of Monuments at Hampi
12) Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
13) Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
14) Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
15) Khajuraho Group of Monuments
16) Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya
17) Mountain Railways of India
18) Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi
19) Red Fort Complex
20) Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
21) Sun Temple, Konark
22) Taj Mahal

Natural
1) Kaziranga National Park
2) Keoladeo National Park
3) Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
4) Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
5) Sundarbans National Park
Of these, I have been to 6 sites and hope to visit all of these sites in my life time !

The Adventure continues -----------