, Breathtaking Perfection Among Temples in India

There are plenty of great tourist sites to explore in Delhi, India, but none more so than Akshardham. This newly built temple is simply…perfection. My attempt to visit the Hindu temple during my 2008 visit was stopped short due to the volume of visitors at that time. Better planning during my 2009 visit allowed for an early morning stop.

No photography is allowed on the grounds of the Delhi temple, so the pictures shown are from the Akshardham website. As you approach the parking lot, security does a mirror sweep underneath your vehicle as well as an interior inspection. Visitors can walk through the gate during this procedure or wait in the vehicle.

Once you find your parking spot, easy task in the early morning hours, you can either walk directly to the main entrance or stop by the outer guest services booth. Here you can check your cameras and cell phones. Don’t try to sneak these devices in as you will be thoroughly searched further ahead in the security area. You may also purchase maps, books and other small gift items at this time but wait until the main gift shop for your purchases.

Security is simple and rather fast. Remove your belt and watches, large jewelry to speed up the process. There are neat and clean washrooms here if you need to freshen up. Admission is free, no need for tickets.

Past the security gates you are free to wander. Traffic flow is maintained in a one-way pattern. Be sure to get your fill of each site before moving on as you can’t backtrack.

The Welcome Pathway leads you past the Ten Gates which represent the ten directions. Each gate has a water screen built in meant to calm the mind of mundane thoughts and agitations while providing a soothing and tranquil experience. It really works.

Gradually the welcome pathway leads to to the Visitors Center or Bhakti Dwar (Gate of Devotion). Inside the Visitors Center, you can find all the information on Swaminarayan Akshardham from the construction costs, planning and building to facts and figures about the complex. There is a small desk at the rear exit selling CD’s and books of Akshardham but again, wait until the main gift shop.

Upon exit from the Visitors Center you move into the Mayur Dwar. Two Mayur Dwars (Peacock Gates) made of stone, are adorned with 869 peacocks in different shapes and sizes. The peacock is of course the National Bird of India. From here you get your first up close view of Swaminarayan Akshardham. The architecture is breathtaking. You can’t help but realize you are seeing something extraordinary. The official guide states, “Swaminarayan Akshardham epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking panorama. The Monument is made of the Gajendra Peeth at the bottom which interestingly portrays value themes; the Mandovar or outer wall that ornately presents India’s great acharyas, rishis, and avatars; the Samvarans above it which crown the Mandovar; and the traditional domes, kalashes and flag that reflect the tradition of India’s ancient architecture.”

To see this Monument correctly, start at the base of the main staircase and work clockwise.

Gajendra Peeth: “A fascinating 1,070 ft long pageant of elephants in stone. It portrays elephants with nature, man, and God, reflecting the message of peaceful coexistence, love, faith, effort, courage and service. The Gajendra Peeth exhorts mankind towards nobler living and love for nature. A total of 148 stone elephants, 125 human figures, 42 animals, and decorative backdrops were created in four years.”

These carvings are awe-inspiring. Each panel is unique and glorious yet it felt as you moved past each one, your eyes couldn’t believe how magnificent the next panel looked. The carvings became more ornate, more elaborate. Truly stunning.

Mandovar: “The ornate wall of the Swaminarayan Akshardham monument is known as the handover. It is the largest, most intricately carved handover built in India in the past 800 years, and is 610 ft long and 25 ft high. It features 200 sculptured stone figures of India’s great rishis, sadhus, devotees, and avatars.

The handover includes different levels: gagster, Singstar, via star, kumbhstar, kalahstar, Kazakhstan, sangha, and chhajja with a total of 4287 carved stones. The kumbhstar has 48 ornately sculpted murtis of Shri Ganeshji in different mudras.”

Unfortunately, the Mandir was closed for repairs during my visit. On my next visit to Delhi, I will be sure to stop by in order to properly see the inside of the Mandir.

From the Mandir you have the option of moving into the only paid part of the complex. Here you can view the Hall of Values, an audio animatronics show, take a boat ride that lasts roughly 12 minutes taking you through 10,000 years of Indian history and watch an epic period film about the pilgrimage of a child-yogi in 18th Century India. I was only interested in the boat ride and was disappointed to learn it was an all or nothing package. You saw all three venues or nothing. The cost of the package Rs 125. Plan 3 hours to view all the attractions. This doesn’t include the wait time which can be up to 3 hours just to enter the first attraction. Get here early in the day to avoid that mess.

From this area move on to the musical fountain. Followers and tourists rush here toward dusk each night to watch the lighting of the fountain. Since my visit was early morning, obviously I missed the excitement.

Yagnapurush Jund & Musical Fountain: “A fascinating combination of a traditional Vedic yajna Kund and a spectacular musical water fountain. The lotus-shaped and measures 300 ft x 300 ft and comes alive at night with a fabulous musical fountain show themed upon the cycle of life and death. It elegantly portrays the roles of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, as the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the world, through a brilliant fusion of light, sound, and water.”

Yogihriday Kamal: “An 8 petalled lotus-shaped arena that pays tribute to the auspicious sentiments of Yogiji Maharaj (the visionary behind Swaminarayan Akshardham). His prayers for the good of all find resonance through the words and wisdom shared by great people of our world. Each petal displays quotes of distinguished sages, scientists, historians, and statesmen, inspiring faith in God and faith in man.”

Don’t forget to make a pass through the Garden of India. The grounds are impeccably maintained but beyond seeing the landscape, this is the only part of the complex not worth spending much time on. You may be more interested in the history lesson from each display while walking through the gardens than I was. The gardens spread out over 22 acres, be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

And finally, you come onto the main gift shop. You’ll understand why I suggested you wait to make purchases until now. For one thing, you’d have to carry any purchases previously until now plus your options in this well-stocked gift shop are immense. Prices are extremely reasonable. Gift items from postcards, DVD’s, CD’s, shirts, religious ornaments and more cover the shop in very well merchandised displays. Just outside the gift shop is a refreshment area also with very reasonable rates.

Akshardham is more than worth the effort to see. Delhi Metro services the temple with a massive new station being built just outside the main property entrance. The bus service is also available and any taxi will easily know how to get you here.

TIPS: Leave your camera and call phone at the hotel or in the car as you will not be allowed entry with either.

Arrive early to avoid wait times at the security gate and attractions.

No outside food or water is allowed but there is a decent selection at the refreshment stand near the exit area of the complex. Also, there is a restaurant available for sit down dining.

Wait until the main gift shop to make purchases. More options and less carrying throughout your visit make this a fun place to stop and shop.