Complete Guide to Visiting Akshardham Temple, Delhi

Complete Guide to Visiting Akshardham Temple, Delhi

Akshardham Temple in Delhi is a breathtaking spiritual and cultural landmark that showcases India’s rich heritage, devotion, and architectural brilliance. From its stunning carvings to the mesmerizing Sahaj Anand Water Show, every corner of the temple complex is a visual and spiritual delight. If you’re planning a visit, here’s the ultimate step-by-step guide to help you make the most of your experience.

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The Significance of Akshardham Temple & Swaminarayan Tradition

What Makes Akshardham Special?

Akshardham, meaning "Divine Abode of God," is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in the world. It was inaugurated on 6th November 2005 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, an 18th-century saint and social reformer who revived Hindu values and inspired millions towards devotion, service, and self-discipline.

The temple is an architectural marvel, built without steel and entirely using pink sandstone and white marble. It follows the principles of ancient Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra, making it a unique masterpiece of spiritual and artistic grandeur.

Who was Bhagwan Swaminarayan?

Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781–1830) was a Hindu spiritual leader and reformer who emphasized the importance of:

Selfless devotion (Bhakti)

Morality (Dharma)

Spiritual knowledge (Gnan)

Non-violence (Ahimsa)

He founded the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, which continues to promote service, education, and community welfare worldwide.

His teachings form the foundation of Akshardham Temple, where visitors can experience Indian culture, spirituality, and values through exhibitions, sculptures, and artistic storytelling.

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Pre-Visit Planning

✅ Temple Timings & Entry Details

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Last Entry: 6:00 PM

Musical Fountain Show (Sahaj Anand): Starts at 7:15 PM

✅ How to Reach Akshardham Temple

By Metro: Take the Blue Line and get off at Akshardham Metro Station. The temple is just a 5-7 minute walk from there.

By Car/Rickshaw: You can take a cab or auto-rickshaw from anywhere in Delhi. Paid parking is available.

✅ What to Carry & Dress Code

Valid ID proof for ticket purchases

Comfortable clothing & walking shoes

Cash/Card for food & tickets

Dress Code: Modest attire covering knees and shoulders

No Electronics Allowed: Mobile phones, cameras, and bags are not permitted inside. You can deposit them at the cloakroom at the entrance.

✅ Entry Fees & Ticket Prices (Available for purchase on-site)

Temple Entry: Free

Exhibitions & Boat Ride: Rs. 250 (Adults), Rs. 200 (Seniors), Rs. 150 (Children)

Musical Fountain Show: Rs. 90 (Adults), Rs. 60 (Children)

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Best Itinerary for Visiting Akshardham Temple

🕙 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Arrival & Security Check

Arrive early to avoid long queues. After depositing your mobile and bags in the cloakroom, pass through security to enter the temple premises.

🏛️ 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Temple & Premises Exploration

Start your visit with the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, an architectural masterpiece.

Admire the 141-ft-high central dome, intricate carvings, and over 200 beautifully sculpted pillars.

Visit the Abhishek Mandap to offer prayers with a sacred water ritual.

🍛 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch at Premvati Food Court

Enjoy a delicious Satvik vegetarian meal at the Premvati Food Court. Popular dishes include traditional thalis, dosas, and jalebis.

🎭 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Exhibitions & Shows

Akshardham’s exhibitions are interactive, educational, and visually stunning:

Hall 1: Sahajanand Darshan – 3D dioramas and robotic displays narrate the life of Swaminarayan.

Hall 2: Neelkanth Darshan – Watch a grand IMAX movie about Swaminarayan’s spiritual journey across India.

Hall 3: Sanskruti Darshan – Take a boat ride through 10,000 years of Indian culture, showcasing Vedic history, ancient universities, and scientific advancements.

🌿 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Explore the Gardens

Take a peaceful stroll through the temple’s beautifully landscaped gardens:

Yogi Hraday Kamal – A lotus-shaped garden with inspiring quotes from spiritual leaders.

Bharat Upvan – Features statues of great Indian leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, and Rani Lakshmibai.

🛍️ 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Shopping & Relaxation

Before the evening show, visit the AARSH Centre & Souvenir Shop to buy:

Spiritual books

Idols & souvenirs

Herbal products

💺 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Find a Good Spot for the Water Show

Head to Yagnapurush Kund, the world’s largest stepwell, and grab a good seat for the Sahaj Anand Water Show.

💦 7:15 PM – 7:45 PM | Sahaj Anand Light & Sound Show

This spectacular show is a blend of:

✅ Fountain displays

✅ Laser projections

✅ Fire effects

✅ Mythological storytelling

It narrates an ancient Vedic tale of a child saint, delivering a message of compassion and selflessness.

🚖 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Exit & Pickup

After the show, collect your belongings from the cloakroom and head back via metro, cab, or auto-rickshaw.

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💡 Additional Tips for a Smooth Visit

✅ Visit on a weekday to avoid heavy crowds.

✅ The best time to visit is October to March, when the weather is pleasant.

✅ No photography allowed inside—enjoy the experience without distractions.

✅ Plan your visit around 4-5 hours to explore everything comfortably.

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Final Thoughts

A visit to Akshardham Temple is an unforgettable spiritual and cultural experience. Whether you're drawn by its stunning architecture, peaceful gardens, or immersive exhibitions, this guide ensures you make the most of your visit.

Have you visited Akshardham before? Share your experience in the comments below!