Akshardham Temple, Delhi
Delhi is a quintessential Hindu city that embodies the culture, architecture, and spirituality of the Indians in form of Akshardham Temple, or Swaminarayan Akshardham. The exquisite temple is dedicated in the course of the 18th century to Swaminarayan, Indian yogi, and a spiritual spirit. Delhi's Akshardham is known for its aesthetic beauty, its unique exposure, spreading campus, and is regarded as the world's largest comprehensive Hindu temple with Guinness World Record. Not surprisingly, Akshardham is one of the best tourist attractions when you leave your Delhi hotels for a trip.
SwaminarayanAkshardham’s History came into existence because of Shri YogijiMaharaj's desire to build a temple complex in Delhi. In 1968, when he served as Bochasanwasi's spiritual head, Shri Akshar Purushottam, Sanstha of Swaminarayan, conceived this idea. However, after BhagwanSwaminarayan, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, it was his successor and a fifth spiritual guru that began building the temple.
The Development Authority of Delhi granted approximately 60 acres of land for the erection of this temple and the Government of Uttar Pradesh provided 30 acres. Construction began in 2000 and was completed in five years' time. Akshardham Temple was opened on 6 November 2005 and is located on the banks of the Yamuna River. In the presence of eminent personalities such as Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, L.K. Advani, B.L. Joshi and Dr.Manmohan Singh, former prime minister of India, the temple were opened by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
This spiritual place has been as one of the largest temples in Delhi as well as in India. The building of this temple involved more than 8000 voluntary workers and spent 300,000,000 volunteer hours. Akshardham Temple Architecture is a celebration of classic Hindu styles of architecture prevailing over the ancient medieval period in various parts of India. The main Temple built on the principles of PancharatraShastra and VastuShastra is located in the center of this complex. This major shrine, known as the AkshardhamMandir, is 141 feet tall, 316 feet widespread and 356 feet long.
The temple embodies India's culture and spiritual wealth, with more than 234 exquisitely graven pillars, 20 quadrangle spirits, nine elaborate domes,s and 20,000 sculptures from India. The walls and ceilings of this temple are adorned with carved motifs and images of gods, flowers, dancers, and musicians.
Every part of the complex of Akshardham Temple is a work of complex art with perfect craftsmanship. The temple was built with Italian marble Carraraand pink sandstone of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by open gardens, a patio, various water systems, and other structures built in a step-well style.
