Introduction

The magnanimity of the complex is the first thing that strikes you about Swaminarayan Akshardham. Its ornate temple architecture on sandstone is intricate and reflects the essence of India’s ancient traditions and timeless spirituality. The sprawling complex is spread across 30 acres on the banks of Yamuna near Noida Mor in East Delhi. The main monument is an architectural marvel in pink sandstone and white marble, covered with 20,000 sculptures and statues of deities and 234 ornate pillars. The temple is 42-meter-high (141 feet), 95-meter-wide (316 feet) and has eleven 22-meter-high (72 feet) domes and decorative arches. You will notice that the whole monument rises on the backs of 148 elephant sculptures, each sporting a unique posture, and a 3 meter (11 feet) panchdhatu statue surmounting the structure.

There are three exhibition halls for which you need to buy entrance tickets, namely ‘Sahajanand Darshan’, ‘Neelkanth Darshan’, and ‘Sanskriti Vihar’. The first is an insight into the life of Swaminarayan by depicting important events that were a turning point in his life through life-size dolls in a recreated village setting. The second, Neelkanth Darshan is a documentary on the life of Swaminarayan, the hardships he faced and how he received enlightenment at such a tender age, in a huge I-Max theatre screen. Conclude this spiritual journey with a 12-minute boat ride through Sanskriti Vihar, down a narrow stream past robotic depictions of important events and schools of the 10,000-year-old Indian culture.

If you have some more time at hand, do catch the light and sound show in an amphitheatre setting. It’s quite a spectacle. Before leaving, stop by at the souvenir shop, and maybe pick up some incense sticks, and marble artifacts adorned with colorful inlay work.

Adults pay Rs. 125 and children from 4 to 12 years, Rs. 75, to gain entrance to the three exhibition halls including boat ride (Sanskriti Vihar). For musical fountain, adults above 12 years pay Rs. 20 and children below 12 years, Rs. 10. In addition to a nominal parking charge for all kinds of vehicle, visitors wishing to make donations to the charity work undertaken by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha can utilize the donation boxes or contact the Reception Center.

Special Attributes

Akshardham has made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for being the world's largest Hindu temple complex.

Nuisance

None, the security arrangement at the temple is very tight and trespassing is prohibited

Dressing restrictions

Since it is a religious site, you are advised to dress appropriately and avoid wearing short or revealing clothes.

Connectivity

Interstate bus, taxi and auto-rickshaw

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers

Exposure

You will mostly be indoors, inside the exhibition halls or exploring the architecture of the main temple complex.

Avoidable Season

June, July, August

Facilities

Lockers to store your belongings, Visitors Centre, souvenir shop, telephone booths

Things Not Allowed

Mobile phone, bag, food, pets, camera and electronic items

Tip

Begin early in the afternoon so that you can explore the temple at leisure and make it on time for the musical fountain show.

Type of site

Temple complex