Akshardham Temple, Delhi

Akshardham Temple in Delhi is a masterpiece of great Indian culture and its architecture is simply immaculate. Swaminarayan Akshardham Complex of Delhi is a remarkable form of South Indian architecture. It is one of the biggest Hindu places of worship. The Swaminarayan Akshardham Delhi complex is a Monument to World Peace, and is nicknamed "India's Spiritual Theme Park". Akshardham Temple is one of the finest modern architectural marvels, situated in Delhi India as one of the modern monumental wonders of India, a specimen of rich Indian architecture much famous for its minute carvings.

Akshardham Temple is a magnificent Hindu shrine, situated in the east region of New Delhi. Located on the banks of River Yamuna, it was inaugurated in November 2005, by the former President of India - APJ Abdul Kalam, the Prime Minister - Manmohan Singh and Pramukh Swami Maharaj - the spiritual leader of BAPS.

There are not many temple existing of this size and grandeur in India. It is an attempt to relive India's rich heritage and philosophy. The stone temple is created by some 7000 craftsmen over a period of 5 years. The entire construction is on sandstone. It has a grand movie theatre, heritage boat ride and a light sound show with in the temple compound. The shrine is dedicated to Swami Nayarayanan of Swami Narayanan sect, a saint from 17th-18th century from Loj in Gujarat. Swami Narayanan or Neelkanth born in a small village near Ayodhya in Uttarpradesh. He took austere life at the age of 11 and took a pilgrimage running into 7 years and spanning himalayas, eastern India and the peninsula before finally settling in at Loj. He founded a hindu sect based on Swami narayanan sampraday . The visit to akshardham temple will take close to 4-5 hours. So it you need to have half a day dedicted to this in Delhi.

Attractions of the temple includes hall of values which is the place where universal values for mankind is brought to life through audio-animatronics, 15 unique 3-D dioramas and walk-through dioramas and the life of Lord Swaminarayan. Yagnapurush Kund is a wonderful combination of a lovely musical fountain and a Vedic Yagna Kund. The kund has been named after Swami Yagnapurushdasji, the founder of BAPS and the third successor of Lord Swaminarayan. World's largest Yagna Kund, the Yagnapurush Kund measures 300 ft x 300 ft in size and has 2,870 steps and 108 small shrines. The 8-petaled lotus shaped Yagna kund has been designed according to the Jayaakhya Samitha of the Panchratra scripture. Everyday, in night the temple complex comes to life with the colourful musical water fountains which echoes with chanting of Vedic sentiments.

Garden of India or 'Bharat Upvan' presents a wonderful fusion of natural and cultural ambience through its nicely maintained lawns, lush gardens and magnificent bronze statues of great role models of India. Here, you will see the statues of great warriors, freedom fighters, national figures and noted women personalities.Yogihriday Kamal is a lotus of special auspicious sentiments and it has been built in the memory of Yogiji Maharaj, who dreamed of Akshardham. Here, every petal of Yogihriday Kamal stands for the auspicious sentiments of Yogiji Maharaj and inspires with messages of faith in God and human being. A 12-minute long enchanting boat-ride takes you way back to 10,000 years old India's glorious past. On this boat ride, you will know about the discoveries and inventions of the renowned rishi-scientists of India. Watch the world's first university of Takshashila and also sail through the magnificent caves of Ajanta- Ellora.