Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar

At the epicenter of the expansive Akshardham complex, lies a delicate and beautiful architectural masterpiece – the Akshardham Monument cherishes the golden murti of Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan Faith.

The impressive 10 story high monument is made entirely of intricately carved, 6000 tons of pink sandstone from Rajasthan, with no steel or cement used at all, safeguarding that the monument will last for a thousand years. It is 108 ft. tall, splendid structure.

Premeditated and crafted according to ancient Indian Architectural Treatises (called the Sthaapatya Shastras), the monument emits a spiritual aura into the complex. The monument is awash with silence and peace, which one impulsively experiences in the three floors.

Temple History
Exhibitions
Temple Timings
How to Reach
Videos

In Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar is an antecedent to the Akshardham at Delhi, built by the same religious establishment, Bochasanwasi Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) managed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. It was inaugurated on November 2, 1992, during the bicentenary celebrations ofBhagwan Swaminarayan.

Lord Swaminarayan is the primary deity in the temple

Universal morals of Indian ethos are brought to life through the most contemporary exhibition technology. Shows, walk-through dioramas, audio-visuals, light and sound programs, and surround experiences within the 45,000 sq. ft. of demonstration space, educate and enthrall visitors. The Sahajanand Hall depicts the life of Lord Swaminarayan. The Mystic India (Sat-Chit-Anand Pavilion) addresses the quest for eternal happiness through a 14-screen Multi Media Show. The Nityanand Hall visualizes values from the Upanishads, Ramayan & Mahabharat. The Audio-Animatronics Show features the lifelike assembly of statues that sing and speak.

The Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show reveals India’s ancient secret of inner light through an Upanishadic story of Nachiketa, a nine-year-old boy, who bravely confronts Yamraaj, the God of Death, and receives from him the knowledge that has made India, a land of enlightenment. It takes place after sunset.

Upanishads:

Upanishads are the very esteemed scriptures compiled by the sages and insightful thinkers of early India. Various episodes explained in Upanishads guide us in the direction of the the fundamental truth of the life and the values of morals. Here in this part of exhibitions, few selected episodes are presented in 3D dioramas. These dioramas show the values of compliance, trust and determination.

Ramayan:

Some 8 episodes from the oldest epic Ramayan has been carefully chosen and showed here with the most realistic effect. The 3D walk-through dioramas generate the era of Ramayan and gives the ever lasting imprint of the spots. This section of demonstrations teaches the personality of Lord Rama, the sacrifice of His brother Bharat, the devotion of His disciple Shabri, the continence of His brother Laxman and the understanding of His wife, Sita.

Akshardham Temple Timings

From Tuesday to Sunday (Closed every Monday)

Mandir: Daily 9:30a.m. to 7:30p.m.

Night Lighting: On Saturdays, Sundays.

Exhibitions: Daily 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

Rides & Games: 12:00 noon to 8:00p.m.

Restaurant: 10:00a.m. to 8:00p.m.

By Road

Located on NH8c. Distinctive buses and cars are provided by the tourism department, government authorities and private services. Distance by road from critical locations:

Mt. Abu – 190 km
Mumbai – 540 km
Delhi – 900 km

By Air:
23 km from national and international airports of Ahmedabad.

By Railway:
2 km from Gandhinagar railway station.
31 km from AhmedabadRailway station.

Akshardham Temple,Gandhinagar, Gujarat