Akshardham Temple is a magnificent Hindu temple located in the region east of New Delhi. Located on the banks of river Yamuna was opened in November 2005 by former President of India - APJ Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister - Manmohan Singh and Pramukh Swami Maharaj - the spiritual leader of BAPS. Pramukh Swami Maharaj is the current spiritual leader of Swaminarayan Sanstha, BAPS. Swaminarayan Akshardham was constructed under his guidance after his guru, Maharaj Yogiji, wished it.
As spiritual leader, Swamiji constantly travels and meets people from all over the world to help them lead a better life. There are several cultural and educational activities conducted by the Swaminarayan Sanstha. Akshardham is also a part of BAPS's initiative to promote Indian art, culture and values. BAPS also has a charitable arm, known as BAPS Care, working for the benefit of the population. The main shrine in the complex is dedicated to Bhawgwan Swaminarayan.
The temple enshrines 11-foot gilded statue of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The building is constructed entirely of pink sandstone and Italian marble, without any concrete or steel. The intricate carvings, magnanimous structure and background of the Yamuna river, make the temple a masterpiece of art. Other than the main temple, a number of buildings in the complex where you can enjoy cultural and spiritual activities.
The Chambers
"Sahajanand Pradarshan 'is the first room in the complex. Has life-size robots, dioramas, and incidents from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. It also houses the world's smallest animatronic robot in the form of Ghanshyam Maharaj, the infantile form Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
"Nilkanth Kalyan Yatra ', Hall 2, houses a large screen format. Here, a film, especially the complex, shows the journey Bhagwan Swaminarayan throughout India.
"Sanskruti Vihar, Hall 3, takes visitors on a journey through 10,000 years of Indian history in 10 minutes. The visitors sit in specially designed peacock boats that make their way around an artificial river.
The Kund Yagnapurush
The Kund Yagnapurush step is the largest of India also. Descend down through a series of steps, a yagna kund "traditional." At night, a musical fountain show, representing the circle of life, is played by an audience sitting in the same way.
The Bharat UPAV
The UPAV Bharat, or "Garden of India ', has extensive lawn, various trees and shrubs, dotted with bronze sculptures of contributors to the culture of India.
The Yogi Kamal Hraday
It is a lotus-shaped garden, containing stones engraved with quotes from world luminaries ranging from Shakespeare and Martin Luther King, to Swami Vivekananda and Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
