Akshardham
Akshardham may refer to:
Akshardham (religion), a belief within the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism
Akshardham (Delhi), a BAPS Swaminarayan temple and cultural complex in New Delhi, India
Akshardham (Gandhinagar), a BAPS Swaminarayan temple and cultural complex in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
Akshardham (New Jersey), a BAPS Swaminarayan temple and cultural complex in Robbinsville, New Jersey, United States
Akshardham metro station, a metro station named after the temple located in New Delhi
Swaminarayan Akshardham came into existence as a result of Shri Yogiji Maharaj’s wish to build a temple complex in Delhi. He conceived this idea around 1968 when he was serving as the spiritual head of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, better known as BAPS. However, it was his successor and fifth spiritual guru in line after Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Pramukh Swami Maharaj who started the construction of the temple.
About 60 acres of land was granted by the Delhi Development Authority and 30 acres by the Uttar Pradesh Government for the erection of this temple. The construction started in 2000 and was completed within five years. Standing on the banks of River Yamuna, Akshardham Temple was opened to the public on 6th November 2005. The temple was inaugurated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in the presence of eminent personalities such as Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, L.K. Advani, B.L. Joshi, and Dr. Manmohan Singh – the then Prime Minister of India.
One of the biggest temples in Delhi as well as in India, this spiritual place was constructed by BAPS. More than 8000 volunteers participated and 300,000,000 volunteer hours were spent in the construction of this temple.
Musical Fountain or Water Show at Akshardham Temple, Delhi
One of the main attractions of the Akshardham Temple in Delhi is the one-of-its-kind multimedia water show named Sahaj Anand. The breathtaking show narrates an episode from the Kena Upanishad through video projections, colored lasers, water jets, underwater flames, and surround-sound.
Duration: 24 mins
Language: Hindi
Timings*: Starts at 7:45 pm
*The first show is held after sunset. Multiple shows are often held during public holidays and weekends
Ticket Prices: ₹80 for adults; ₹50 for children (4 to 11 years); free for children below 4 years