Swaminarayan Akshardham temple

Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi is one of the most famous cultural and spiritual places in India. Spread over a large area, the temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and beautifully displays India’s ancient art, traditions, and values. The whole complex is full of peace, devotion, and fine design.

The main idol of Swaminarayan is placed with great respect. Visitors also get to see attractive stone work, artwork, and beautifully designed halls that show stories of Indian history and values. The temple complex has exhibitions, gardens, and a special water show that attracts many visitors in the evening. The musical fountain is designed in a way that tells a story through water, light, and sound, making it a memorable experience for families and children.

The temple is not just a place of worship but also a center to learn about spirituality, peace, and culture. Many people come here to find calmness away from busy city life.

Temple Timings & Entry Fee:

1. The temple is open from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM. It stays closed on Mondays.
2. Daily evening aarti is performed around 6:00 PM at the main temple. Visitors are welcome to attend and experience the spiritual atmosphere.
3. Tickets are required only for exhibitions, the Abhishek ritual, and the water show.

Main Attractions:

Akshardham Mandir—The grand temple built of pink sandstone and white marble. It has over 20,000 designs, 234 carved pillars, and stunning domes. Inside, you can see the golden idol of Bhagwan Swaminarayan along with Radha-Krishna, Sita-Ram, Lakshmi-Narayan, and Shiv-Parvati.

Abhishek Mandapam – Devotees can offer water over the idol of Neelkanth Varni (young Swaminarayan) while making prayers and wishes.

1. Timings: Available during temple hours. 
2. Fee: ₹ 50 per person. 
3. Duration: About 15 minutes. 

Exhibitions & Tickets:

1. Three unique halls take you on a journey of Indian culture and values. 
2. Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of Values)—showing life lessons like non-violence, honesty, and faith with audio-visuals and figures. 
3. Neelkanth Darshan—A giant-screen film showing the travels of 11-year-old Neelkanth Varni through holy places of India. 
4. Sanskruti Vihar (Boat Ride)—A ride through 10,000 years of Indian history, from Vedic villages to ancient universities. 
5. Adults (11+ years): ₹60 
6. Children (3–11 years): ₹40 
7. Children below 3 years: Free 
   (One ticket covers all exhibitions.) 

Water Show tickets & timings:

1. A 25-minute evening show at the Yagnapurush Kund. It uses fountains, lights, fire, lasers, and music to share stories from the Upanishads.
2. Timings: The first show starts after sunset (currently 7:30 PM). On weekends and public holidays, multiple shows may be held. 
3. Adults (Age 12+): ₹ 110 
4. Seniors (Age 60+): ₹ 110 
5. Children (Age 4 – 11): ₹ 0 
6. Children (Below Age 4): Free 
7. Duration: Around 24 minutes. 

Gardens and Architecture:

1. Bharat Upvan—a cultural garden with statues of great leaders, saints, and heroes of India. 
2. Yogihriday Kamal – Lotus-shaped garden showing inspiring thoughts of saints and thinkers. 
3. Narayan Sarovar—Sacred lake with waters collected from 151 holy rivers and lakes of India. 
4. Gajendra Peeth—A base of carved elephants showing harmony between humans, animals, and nature. 

Food & Gifts:

1. Premvati Food Court—A pure vegetarian restaurant designed in Ajanta style. 
2. Souvenir Shop – Books, CDs, gifts, herbal care, and spiritual items. 

Important Notes:

1. Entry to Murti Darshan is free. 
2. Photography, mobiles, and outside food are not allowed inside.

Nearby Attractions:

1. India Gate 
2. Lotus Temple 
3. Humayun’s Tomb 
4. Red Fort 
5. Raj Ghat 
6. Connaught Place 
7. Jama Masjid 
8. Purana Qila