Akshardham temple full details ticket prize, timing ,location, and controversy –
The Akshardham Temple, also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, is a major Hindu temple complex located in New Delhi, India. It is a cultural and spiritual center dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, one of the central figures of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism. It is renowned for its architectural grandeur, spiritual significance, and as a hub for education and enlightenment on Indian culture, spirituality, and values.
1. Details of the Akshardham Temple
Location and Background
Location
Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in Delhi, near the Commonwealth Games Village. Inauguration: The temple was inaugurated on November 6, 2005, by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), which oversees the temple.
Size
It spans over 100 acres and is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in the world.
Architectural Features:
Main Temple (Mandir)
Made entirely of pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, without the use of steel or iron, symbolizing eternal peace and spirituality. The main structure is 141 feet high, 316 feet wide, and 356 feet long. The temple’s walls are adorned with intricate carvings of deities, animals, flora, and depictions from Indian history and culture. It contains 234 ornately carved pillars, 20,000 sculptures, and statues of various deities, sages, and other notable figures from Hinduism.
Central Idol
The main deity in the temple is a 11-foot-tall statue of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, seated in the lotus position and made of gold-plated copper. Surrounding him are statues of other prominent figures from the Swaminarayan tradition.
Exhibition Halls
The temple complex includes three large exhibition halls showcasing Indian culture, values, and the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Exhibits use robotics, light shows, dioramas, and multimedia presentations to convey spiritual and cultural teachings. One of the main highlights is a boat ride that takes visitors through 10,000 years of Indian history, displaying major achievements in art, science, and literature.
Musical Fountain (Yagnapurush Kund)
The Yagnapurush Kund is the largest stepwell in the world and features a musical fountain with a nightly water and light show that portrays the cycle of life and teachings from the Vedas.
Gardens
The temple has beautifully maintained gardens like the Bharat Upvan, showcasing various bronze statues of India’s heroes, patriots, and deities.
Yogi Hraday Kamal
A lotus-shaped garden that promotes meditation and introspection.
Cultural and Educational Purpose
Akshardham serves as both a spiritual site and a cultural complex. It educates visitors on Indian history, culture, and values, while promoting peace and understanding across communities. The temple holds regular cultural performances, prayers, and discourses. It also focuses on imparting moral and spiritual values.
Akshardham Timings
Opening Days
The temple is open from Tuesday to Sunday and remains closed on Mondays.
Temple Opening Time: 10:00 AM
Temple Closing Time: 6:30 PM (The last entry to the temple is generally around 6:00 PM.)
Exhibition and Water Show Timings
Exhibition Timings: Open: 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM The exhibitions last for about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the last ticket for the exhibitions is issued at 5:00 PM.
Musical Fountain (Yagnapurush Kund) –
Water Show:
Timing
The water show usually takes place after sunset, around 7:45 PM. The exact timing depends on the season and sunset time, so it is recommended to confirm it on the day of the visit.
Akshardham Ticket Prices
The temple entry is free, but there are separate ticket prices for the exhibitions and the musical fountain (water show).
Exhibition Ticket:
Adults (12 years and above): ₹220
Senior Citizens (60 years and above): ₹170 Children (4 to 11 years): ₹120
Children (below 4 years): Free Musical
Fountain (Water Show)
Ticket:
Adults (12 years and above): ₹90
Senior Citizens (60 years and above): ₹70 Children (4 to 11 years): ₹50
Children (below 4 years): Free
2. Controversies Surrounding Akshardham Temple:
Land Dispute
One of the main controversies surrounding the Akshardham Temple is related to the land on which it is built. The temple is located on the banks of the Yamuna River, an ecologically sensitive area.
Environmental Concerns
Environmental activists have argued that the construction of the temple violated environmental norms, particularly with regards to the Yamuna floodplains, which are vital for the ecological balance of the region. Building on the floodplains raised concerns over the impact on the river’s ecosystem. There were legal cases filed questioning whether proper environmental clearances had been obtained for such a large construction project in a sensitive area.
Supreme Court Clearance
However, the construction was allowed after it was brought to the notice of the authorities that necessary permissions had been acquired, including the clearance from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Supreme Court of India. Political Involvement: There were also allegations of political interference in facilitating the construction of the temple, with claims that the government fast-tracked the process and helped bypass environmental norms to favor religious sentiments and win over certain voter bases.
Comparisons with Other Temples
The temple is often compared with other large Hindu temple complexes such as the Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat (built by the same BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha), and temples like Tirupati or the Birla Mandirs. Some critics argue that the massive resources used for such grand constructions could be better utilized for social services and welfare projects.
Commercialization Concerns
Some critics argue that the temple complex, with its commercial aspects like ticketed exhibitions, boat rides, and cafeteria, leans towards the commercialization of religion. While these facilities are designed to educate and accommodate large numbers of visitors, some see it as diluting the spiritual essence of such places.
Conclusion
The Akshardham Temple stands as a magnificent symbol of Indian culture, spirituality, and architectural brilliance. Despite controversies surrounding its environmental impact and political involvement, the temple remains one of India’s most visited tourist destinations. It continues to inspire millions of devotees and tourists alike with its message of peace, harmony, and the celebration of Indian heritage.
