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Akshardham is Delhi’s most famous temple, and it gets thousands of visitors every day. You can easily visit Akshardham on your own, it’s one of the most tourist and family friendly temples in the world. And it’s absolutely worth your time.
My first glimpse of Akshardham Temple was from the Delhi metro. I had heard about it, but because it was a new temple, it wasn’t high on my list. But as soon as I saw the temple from the metro, I knew it must be Akshardham. It was massive! And it looked stunning, even from a distance. I made my first visit a few days later.
Visiting Delhi’s Akshardham Temple: Overview
Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi is one of the largest Hindu temples in the world. It’s remarkable not only because of the unique architecture, but because it was built in just 5 years by artisans and volunteers from all across India. It was completed in 2005.
Akshardham Temple is dedicated to the spiritual leader Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781- 1830), believed by many to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
Besides the mandir (temple), the complex has several ‘exhibitions’ including a boat ride, water show, 3D displays and large screen movie. There’s also a holy sarovar (pool of water), stepwell, food hall, visitors centre, gift shop and children’s playground. This is actually a terrific temple to bring children to.
Hours: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm (last entry 6:30 pm); daily but closed Monday
Cost: free, but there is a fee for the exhibitions
Location: Pramukh Swami Maharaj Marg, New Delhi
What To Expect
This is a very busy temple, and there isn’t a lot of shade. I recommend you be there for 10:00 am when they open, or go after 4 pm when it’s a bit cooler.
When you arrive, the first thing you will have to do is leave all your electronics in the secured area and go through security. Photography is prohibited.
Modest dress is essential. You must cover your shoulders, chest, upper arms, and bottoms should fall below the knees. Visitors can borrow sarongs if needed. Heads do not need to be covered, but you will have to remove your shoes before entering the mandir (there is a free shoe storage facility).
There is a bit of walking because there’s a lot to see, and the grounds are extensive. Apart from the steps leading up to the temple, it’s mostly wheelchair accessible. There are several toilet facilities and drinking water stations around the complex. You need a minimum of 1.5 hours to see Akshardham.
The food hall is clean and serves traditional North and South Indian food. I’ve eaten there several times. If you don’t want to eat at Akshardham, there’s a Haldiram’s at Parsvnath Mall where the Akshardham metro station is located.
Insider tip: Every day there are aartis (religious rituals) at 10:30 am and 6:00 pm in the mandir. It’s a lovely ceremony to witness.
Exhibitions and Water Show at Akshardham
One of the more unusual things about Akshardham is the exhibitions. These include 3D diorama displays, a giant screen movie about the early life of Neelkanth Varni (who later became Swaminarayan), and a 12 minute cultural boat ride extolling the glory of India. They’re a little cheesy, but fun. The fee for all 3 exhibitions is INR 255 for adults, INR 155 for children 4-11, children under 4 are free.
Every evening there is a hugely popular water and light show which depicts a story from the Kena Upanishad (Hindu holy text). It’s a multimedia event using colour lasers, underwater flames, live actors, music and video projections. It starts at 7:15 pm but you must arrive by 6:30 pm. The fee is INR 95 for adults, INR 65 for children 4-11, children under 4 are free.
Akshardham Temple History
Akshardham Temple was the dream of Yogiji Maharaj, who wanted to build a mandir on the banks of the Yamuna River. He started looking for a suitable site in 1968. The Delhi Development Authority finally approved the land purchase in 2000.
Because of the tireless devotion of 7,000 artisans from across India and the 3,000 volunteers who assisted them, the temple was completed in 2005.
Architecture of Akshardham
The temple is built entirely of pink sandstone from Rajasthan and Italian Carrara marble. It is built without any structural steel.
It is an artistic masterpiece. Every pillar, dome and spire is intricately carved and details a devotional lesson or image.
Take your time and walk around the exterior of Akshardham to view the mandovar (exterior facade). The facade is full of the carved images of famous sadhus, gods, sages and flowers. The temple sits on the shoulders of carved elephants, each carved image depicting a Hindu legend.
Inside the mandir are shrines dedicated to the most important Hindu gods, and colourful murals depicting the life of Swaminarayan. Every part of the mandir from the floor to the ceiling has a spiritual meaning. The Akshardham website has a lot of great information about the meaning of the carvings and images.
How To Get To Akshardham
Akshardham Temple is located in East Delhi, on the other side of the Yamuna River. Because it’s not central, it will take a little time to get there.
The fastest way is by Delhi metro. The closest station is Akshardham on the Blue line. Exit from Gate 1. The Delhi metro is excellent and easy to use. You can walk to the temple from the metro station, it’s about 5 minutes down the road. No doubt there will auto rickshaw drivers asking if you want a ride – don’t let them charge you more than INR 50.
Another good option is Uber or Ola, the two most popular ride share apps in Delhi. Both are safe and reliable.
Where To Stay
There aren’t any Delhi hotels close to Akshardham Temple that I’m comfortable recommending. Instead, I suggest you stay somewhere more central, but close to the highway so you can get to Akshardham easily. These are my top picks:
📍Zaza Stay (budget) – This is an upscale guest house with stylish rooms that all come with ensuite bathroom. It’s in the quiet neighbourhood of Nizamuddin West, and the location is superb for exploring Delhi. Breakfast is included.
📍Bungalow 157 (mid-range) – Each floor of this boutique hotel has 3 guest rooms with ensuites, a common living room and kitchen. It’s located in an upscale residential neighbourhood, within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Breakfast is included.
📍Oberoi New Delhi (luxury) – This is one of Delhi’s best and most luxurious hotels. Oberoi is an Indian brand famous for their high standards and luxury properties. The hotel has 4 restaurants, 2 bars (including one of the best roof top lounges in Delhi, Cirrus 9), swimming pool, fitness centre and business services.
FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions people ask about visiting Delhi’s Akshardham Temple:
How much time do you need for Akshardham Temple?
You need a minimum of 1.5 hours to see Akshardham Temple. If you want to see the exhibitions and study the intricate carvings of the mandir, you will need at least 2 hours.
Are foreigners allowed in Akshardham Temple?
Absolutely! Everyone is welcome at Akshardham Temple Delhi. In fact, one of the principles the temple wishes to teach is universal love and brotherhood.
Are jeans allowed in Akshardham Temple?
Jeans are allowed as long as they adhere to the dress code. I have seen many girls wearing kurtas over jeans at Akshardham. To visit the temple, shoulders, upper arms, and bottoms to below the knee must be covered.
The Wrap-up on Why You Should Visit Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Temple should be on every visitor’s Delhi list. It’s a unique and remarkable place. There are many tours that include Akshardham, but it’s an easy site to see on your own. Because it’s away from Central Delhi, you do need to allot almost a half day for the visit, but it’s well worth it.
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
