Akshardham - Lord Swaminarayan Temple

Akshardham is a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. It is designed and constructed according to ancient Indian architecture (known as the Sthaapatya shastras). The temple is considered as one of the wonders of the world for its magnificent beauty, its extricate carving, and unique combination of ancient and modern technology. An imposing golden figure of the Lord Swaminarayan has been placed inside the temple along with life like idols of other gods and deities. The majestic, intricately carved stone structure stands amid sprawling gardens.  For those who are interested in architecture cannot help but marvel at the majestic structure that has been built from 6000 tonnes of pink sandstone from Rajasthan, which have been neatly fashioned together to make the temple consisting of 93 carved pillars, 40 sculpted windows and numerous other stone statues. The structure measures 108 feet (33 m) in height, 240 feet (73 m) in length and 131 feet (40 m) in width. The colonnade around the monument is 1,751 feet (534 m) in length. The temple is the result of the service and devotion of thousands of volunteers. And every day, it satisfies the spiritual thirst of all its visitors turning their visit into a private pilgrimage. The walls have been ornately done with literally every inch of the structure carved in the most refined way.

The main attractions of the temple are its beautiful monument, exhibitions (Audio Animatronics show –First ever in India), Mystic India and life of Lord Swaminarayan. It is located at sector -20 opposite to Chief Minister's residence. The temple complex also includes food court, gardens, and various joy rides for kids.

The garden

The garden named as Sahajanand Van is a unique blend of contemplative garden and children's park. It encloses a single-piece marble sculpture of Lord Swaminarayan and includes cultural spots; rides and games for children; herbal garden; a lake and a waterfall.

The research center

The Akshardham Center for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARSH) is a futuristic research center with a rich library, study stations and archives. Access to the library is confined to enlisted scholars.

The exhibitions

For the curious children, there are various multimedia and audio animatronics shows that take you back to an era of bliss and contentment. The light and sound show depicting the life and times of the Lord Swaminarayan is worth watching. But to enjoy the exhibition you have to reach before 5.30pm.

Three permanent exhibition halls have been set up to educate the visitor on spiritual matters and on the BAPS movement. These are:

Hall 1: Sahajanand. The life of Lord Swaminarayan is portrayed through imaginative settings and shows. The exhibition includes 'travel in time' through a video show; a fiber-optics cosmos; a miniature recreation of Chhapiya village; a 'Journey through India'; and three 'sound-n-light' shows.

Hall 2: Sat-Chit-Anand. This hall is used to present an IMAX large format film named 'Mystic India'.

Mystic India is the first large format epic on India. Chronicling the incredible journey of a child through the heart and soul of India, it rediscovers a land enriched with an amazing wealth of wisdom, culture and spirituality.

This film was produced by BAPS and directed by well known director of IMAX Movies, Keith Melton.

This hall once housed a spectacular 14-screen multimedia presentation, "Integrovision", to present an exposition of Vedic philosophy and of man's search for the eternal truth, through breath-taking imagery. Apart from the 14-screen multimedia presentation, the exhibition also once included a 'Tunnel of Mirrors,' a glass mosaic and dancing musical fountains.

Hall 3: Nityanand. Walk-through dioramas and fiberglass figures display the message of the Upanishads, Ramayana and Mahabharata. The exhibition includes an audio-animatronics show; a recreation of the Hastinapur palace from the Mahabharata; a recreation of an idyllic Gurukul nestled in the lap of nature; evotional compositions of saint-poets; and an exposiiton on 'Harmony of world religions'.

Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show A 45 minute water show depicts the story of Nachiketa from the Kathopanishad. The shows, the longest of its kind features the use of 4,000 nozzles, 2,000 lights, over 100 pumps and 12 fireball throwers.