Visit Akshardham Temple in Delhi to feel peaceful and inspired. This incredible Hindu temple is a must-see for anyone who loves beauty and culture.

Here’s the plan:

• Arrive around 4 PM: Give yourself time to explore the temple grounds.
• Grab a bite: Enjoy delicious food at the temple’s food court.
• Stay for the show: Watch the amazing Water Show after sunset.

It’s the perfect way to end your day in Delhi.

Noelle here, by the way.

Akshardham Temple Timings

The Akshardham Temple Delhi is open Tuesday through Sunday. It’s closed every Monday (the main day off for much of India.)

Entry: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
Water Show: 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm start time (depending on the time of year). Check the schedule.

We think the best time to visit Akshardham Temple is late afternoon. Wander around, see the exhibits, meet new friends and tourists from all over India, eat some dinner, and stay for the Light and Sound Show.

Akshardham Temple Entry Fee: FREE ADMISSION

Entry to the mandir complex and mandir darshan is FREE. You don’t need a ticket or prior appointment.

However, there is cost involved for some parts of the complex.

EXHIBITION TICKETS

Adults (Age 12+): ₹ 255
Seniors (Age 60+): ₹ 205
Children (Age 4 – 11): ₹ 155
Children (Below Age 4): Free

* Tickets includes: (1) Sahajanand Darshan (2) Neelkanth Darshan & (3) Sankruti Darshan
* Not Available: Separate ticket for an individual exhibition

WATER SHOW TICKETS

Adults (Age 12+): ₹ 95
Seniors (Age 60+): ₹ 95
Children (Age 4 – 11): ₹ 65
Children (Below Age 4): Free

ABHISHEK DONATION

Per person: ₹ 50
(Darshan – Free)

Since cameras of any type are prohibited (even smart watches), there’s a paid photo opportunity. It seemed too much like Disneyland, so we passed. But there was a long line of people wanting the souvenir picture with the Akshardham Temple architecture as a backdrop.

There’s also a nice book store and gift shop. It’s worth a stop on your way out.

Keep reading: Visit Delhi’s Qutub Minar

What to Expect When Visiting Akshardham Temple

The 100-acre complex holds more than just a temple. It also includes beautiful gardens, a cultural center, and a water show. As such, it’s a popular tourist destination, attracting millions annually.

The Akshardham Temple in Delhi is a beautiful example of modern Hindu temple architecture. It was built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and opened to the public on November 6, 2005. Over 8,000 volunteers from all over the world helped build the temple.

The Akshardham Temple’s architecture draws inspiration from traditional Hindu styles, particularly those in Gujarat. It’s a feast for the eyes, adorned with intricate carvings, ornate pillars, and breathtaking domes. The temple, built primarily from pink sandstone, exudes warmth and welcome.

Who is Lord Swaminarayan?

The temple honors Lord Swaminarayan, also known as Sahajanand Swami. He was a Hindu yogi and ascetic who lived from 1781 to 1830. His followers revere him as the founder of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. It’s a Hindu denomination that emphasizes devotion to God and adherence to moral principles.

Lord Swaminarayan was a Hindu saint who many people still worship. He is considered a manifestation of Krishna or the highest manifestation of Purushottama.

Keep reading: What to know for India Travel

Akshardham Temple History: Cultural Exhibitions

The Akshardham Temple complex houses a cultural center that explores India’s heritage and spiritual traditions. It features three main exhibitions. It’s so much more than just a Delhi temple.

1. Sahajanand Darshan: This exhibition showcases Lord Swaminarayan’s life and teachings. The Hall of Values uses walk-through 3-D dioramas with life-like robotic statues and films. The immersive experience depicts messages about honesty, family harmony, non-violence, and faith in God. These are all lessons taken from the Bhagwan’s live 
2. Neelkanth Yatra Darshan: It features a captivating IMAX film that brings the Bhagwan’s story to life. Neelkanth Varni (Lord Swaminarayan) took a 12,000-kilometer journey as a teenage yogi. His pilgrimage took him through the Himalayas and to India’s sacred places. The film has a 45,000-person cast and shows sacred places, colorful festivals, and ancient traditions. 
3. Sanskruti Vihar: This exhibition features a 12-minute cultural boat ride that transports visitors through 10,000 years of Indian history. Visitors will witness recreations of historical events, traditional arts, and cultural landmarks.

In all transparency, we opted not to pay for these exhibits. The price is low at 255 rupees, but since the exhibits aren’t in English, we weren’t sure how much we’d gain from them. I wanted to go on the boat ride, but you have to purchase all three options, so we skipped it.

We did see quite a few groups of schoolchildren. So, as an interactive learning center, the complex is a must-see. Drop me a comment if you saw all the exhibits, so I’ll know what I missed.

Keep reading: What to Do in Two Days in Delhi, India

Visiting Akshardham Temple (Mandir)

You’ll need to remove your shoes before entering the main Hindu temple. This is a common practice for any spiritual place or India temple. Sometimes for us Westerners, it’s easy to think we’re visiting another tourist attraction. But having respect for local traditions is important.

There are two shoe storage centers just outside. So, take off your shoes and turn them in to the attendant. You’ll get a locker token to turn in after your visit.

The temple is the eternal abode of Lord Swaminarayan. It’s a place of devotion for his followers. This Mandir represents a place where the mind becomes still, and the soul connects with the Divine.

Although, with a thousand other devotees wandering around, it’s hard to find a quiet space. It’s actually easier to find out in the garden than inside the temple.

At any rate, Akshardham Mandir’s design is based on the ancient Indian Sthapatya Shastras (architectural texts). Artisans and volunteers hand-carved more than 300,000 stones. Although the temple is 141 feet high, 316 feet wide, and 356 feet long, its construction does not use steel.

Here are some other cool facts about the structure.

• 234 ornate pillars
• 20,000 statues and statuettes
• 9 domes
• 20 pinnacles
• Intricately carved entrance pillars

Keep reading: Visiting the Dalai Lama’s Temple in Dharamshala

Murties (Deities)

The murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his spiritual successors are enshrined under the temple’s central dome.

In Hinduism, a murti is a sacred image or statue of a deity or saint. It’s considered more than just a piece of art. Hindus believe that through special rituals, the deity’s divine presence resides within the consecrated murti.

Murtis serve as crucial focal points for prayer, meditation, and other forms of worship. Devotees offer prayers, flowers, and other offerings to the murti to connect with the divine. Essentially, a murti provides a tangible representation of the divine. It helps devotees visualize and connect with the spiritual realm.

Keep reading: First Impression of India: A Traveler’s Guide to Chaos

Prasadi Mandapam (Sacred Relics)

The Akshardham Temple holds some sacred relics of the Bhagwan. You’ll be able to see

• Wooden sandals
• A cloth with an imprint of his holy footprints
• Rosaries and kanthi (wooden necklaces)
• A dhoti and shawl
• Nails, hair, holy thread, and ashes.

Tour the Temple, Then Get Some Dinner

Since we visited the Akshardham Temple in the late afternoon, we opted to eat an early dinner / late lunch at the Premvati Food Court. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

You’ll also find food carts outside with ice cream, juices, and snacks like samosas. Inside, there is a big sweet counter and a hot food station. I had a veg thali, and Steve had Dal Tadka (lentil fry). Both were good but spicy.

We were still acclimating to India’s spicy foods when we visited the temple complex. So, everything seemed a little overwhelming to us then. But a nice mango lassi cooled our mouths and lips right down.

Akshardham Temple Water Show: Sahaj Anand

A Yagna Kund is a sacred fire pit used in Hindu religious ceremonies called Yagna.  Various offerings are placed into the fire during the Yagna while chanting Vedic mantras. These offerings can include grains, herbs, ghee (clarified butter), and other sacred substances.  

The Yagna Kund is considered a sacred space where the energies of the fire, the offerings, and the mantras combine to create a powerful spiritual experience.

The temple features a replica of traditional step wells and a pool called the Yagnapurush Kund. The central pool’s nine-lotus design is inspired by traditional fire pits used in Hindu rituals. At the step well’s head is a 27-foot-tall bronze murti of Neelkanth Varni (the Bhagwan in his youthful state.)

Every evening, this pool becomes the stage for the magical Akshardham Temple Light and Sound Show, telling a story from ancient scriptures, the Kena Upanishad.

In the story, children playing by a lake accidentally create a beautiful flower from the water. Their merriment disturbs the devas. The elements’ gods celebrate victory over the demons and try to destroy the flower. 

Even though they’re initially unimpressed, they eventually learn a valuable lesson from the children’s innocent creativity. The hope and innocence of children pit against the egos and mighty powers of the devas.

Have no fear because the flower survives. Innate and spontaneous bliss is Sahaj Anand’s secret.

The Water Show at Akshardham Temple

The show brings this story to life through water fountains, lights, lasers, and projections. It creates a visually stunning spectacle that kept me entertained. Although we couldn’t understand the words, we were still glued to the production.

The water show starts just after sunset and costs 95 rupees. Families gather about a half hour before showtime, so it’s a festive atmosphere. Children are running and laughing, popcorn is everywhere, and there’s a fun sense of anticipation.

I was surprised at how captivating this show was. Parents and children alike laughed, chanted, and were in awe of the unfolding tale. We caught the gist of it, but I’m sure we missed the nuances of the stories told over generations.

Practical Tips for Your Visit to Akshardham Temple India

We arrived around 3:00 pm and thought it was more time in the complex than needed. So, aim for 4:00-4:30 arrival. That’s still plenty of time to leave items in the cloakroom and go through security.

• Akshardham Temple Timings: The temple is open daily, except Mondays, from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Dress Code: Modest attire is required. Cover your shoulders and knees.
• Security Check: Be prepared for a security check before entering the temple. Men and women go through separate check zones.
• Photography: No photography is allowed. Before entering the temple grounds, you must check your cameras, phones, and smartwatches. You’ll get a slip of paper to document the items you’re leaving. An agent puts them into a bag and then into a secure cubby area. You’ll get a ticket to retrieve your items later. It’s a fast process, so don’t worry if it seems like a long queue.
• Food and Water: If you’re staying for the water show, there’s a large food court with delicious options. There are also food carts around the complex for snacks, drinks, and popcorn.

How to Reach Akshardham Temple:

• Metro: The nearest metro station is Noida, Sector 15.
• Bus: Several buses ply to the temple from various parts of Delhi.
• Taxi or Auto-rickshaw: You can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple directly. A taxi is my suggestion. The taxi driver will wait for you and take you back to your hotel or your next destination.

Akshardham Temple: A Memorable Experience

If you have plenty of time in Delhi, visiting the Akshardham Temple is an excellent experience. However, I’m not sure I’d choose it over the Red Fort or India Gate, so skip this stop if you’re limited on time.

It’s a place where spirituality, culture, and art come together to create a magical atmosphere. If you’re in Delhi for over a few days, add this to your list of places to see.

Tour Guide Contact Info

Here’s the contact information for Zahoor, who helped us navigate northern India and the Golden Triangle. Although he’s based in New Delhi, he regularly communicates with us.

We found him very knowledgeable. He has an extensive database of local hotels for any budget. Depending on the area and our requests, he’s booked us low-cost hotels and luxury ones.

Zahoor’s team coordinated our transportation and drivers, so we didn’t need to worry about getting where we wanted to be. He took care of every detail. We don’t make any money as an affiliate for him, so this is just our suggestion for one of many tour operators.

Grace India Holidays

107, Scindia House, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001

Zahoor +91 98912 64450, WhatsApp

India’s Best Driver

Along the same lines, here’s the contact info for our favorite driver in Delhi and the Golden Triangle, Rakesh. He’s part of Zahoor’s team, too.

Rakesh even took us to the doctor in Delhi when we were both so sick after our arrival. Of course, he teased us for the next couple of months about not getting us spicy food.

Reach Rakesh on WhatsApp at +91 99589 62179. He’ll take great care of you!