subject: Akshardham Temple In Delhi [print this page] India is a country of spiritualism, saints, ardent supporters, temples and religious worship. The temples of India are not only holy places of worship but they also hold very important place in the tourism of the country due to their immense beauty and wonderful architecture. Delhi, the capital city of India, is home to various temples that enjoy the status of famous tourist destinations well known for their architectural brilliance. The temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and Swaminarayan Akshardham temple is its full name which is one of the recently built structures in India. Elegantly positioned in the tranquil surroundings of Delhi, the temple was opened for public since November, 2005.
Akshardham is an architectural and engineering marvel in every sense. The temple complex is so renowned that it attracts 70% of all tourists to Delhi. It was conceived as a monument to honor centuries of Hindu culture, spiritual values and architecture. Akshardham was the undertaking of the Swaminarayan sect, an organization of professional Hindus. Designed and built according to Vedic traditions of 'Vastu Shastra' and 'Pancharatra Shastra', with a little bit of help from modern building techniques, the temple complex extends over a 60 acre landscaped garden beside the Yamuna river and the main temple is a fantasy in pink sandstone and Carrara marble 43 m high, 96 m wide and 110 m in length. Designed and built according to Vedic traditions of Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra, and was completed with the participation of 3,000 volunteers and 7,000 artisans amongst whom were 1,500 tribal women.
The combination of several Indian architectural styles has resulted in a very ornate structure embellished with 234 ornate pillars, 20,000 sculptures and statues of Hindu deities and several huge domes and decorative arches atop the building. 155 domed pavilions with 1,160 pillars spread like wings on either side. The entire monument is on the shoulders of 148 massive elephants. An eleven foot statue, made from a combination of five metals, of the founder of the sect Swaminarayan as a young ascetic is in the entrance hallway. Massive elephants which total to 148, shoulder these monuments.
The complex features an IMAX theatre, an exhibition hall and interactive facilities through which the message of Hindu values and wisdom is put across employing modern media and other edutainment methods. There is also the Sanskruti Vihar, a rather interesting 12 minute boat ride which is a must not miss for those visiting the temple. This relaxing experience gives you a beautiful insight into the heritage of beautiful India.
Famed for its beauty and huge area, Akshardham has several attributes that elaborate the existence and aim of human. Destiny of humankind along with universe details includes the history of the temple. Researchers believe that this is not only a temple but it is a place of enlightenment.
Some other outstanding features of the complex include a lotus shaped sunken garden, a lake surrounding the principal monument with water from 151 water bodies blessed by Swaminarayan, a food court resembling the exotic Ajanta and Elora caves in the state of Maharashtra, an Ayurvedic product bazaar and a research centre for social harmony.
The truly magnificent Akshardham Temple, located on the banks of River Yamuna, takes you deep into passionate Hinduism. Each symbolic and significant feature of the temple is well portrayed and explained, and offers a unique perspective into the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. This stupendous complex of buildings, conceived as a monument to Hindu culture and spiritual values, is built in a style to elicit amazement at every turn, and depicts centuries of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality and architecture.
