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Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar is one of the most prominent places of worship in Gujarat and dedicated to Swaminarayan. It is a specimen of traditional stone work, ancient wisdom and the best of contemporary technology that speaks volumes about the cultural heritage of India. It is a magnificent shrine that is located in the heart of Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and inspired by HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The Akshardham shrine is actually a miracle created by the sacrifice of thousands of artists and volunteers. In fact, there are more than 2 million visitors who visit this shrine every year. In fact, most of the people who travel to Gujarat make it a point to pay a visit to this famous place of worship. And when you visit this temple, you are not just a tourist or a traveler but you will be an artist who will discover the art of sculpting oneself from within.

Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar History

  • The internationally famous Swaminarayan Akshardham temple was established on 2nd November 1992. The credit for laying the foundation of this place of worship goes to the Bochasanwasi Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).
  • Akshardham temple describes the concept of Man-making. The devotee’s belief that only an individual can shape his own life and become sensible in the true sense. To project this belief, architecture along with literature, music and hi-tech equipment have been used with extreme care and passion to make it distinct. The success of the shrine lies in the fact that it turns an individual into a Man.
  • The monument symbolizes tremendous human effort that has gone into its formation. Another aspect being that the leader has inspired many devotees through his teachings. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has created a rare mixture that comprises of the monument and the selflessness of the Guru and the disciples which draw people from every corner of the world.
  • The creation of this incredible Akshardham temple is a remarkable event in the history of India.

Significance of the Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar

  • The inauguration ritual of the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple coincided with the centenary celebrations of Yogiji Maharaj and was conducted by Pramukh Swami Maharaj only.
  • Akshardham Temple at Gandhinagar is minutely carved coupled with a striking monument of 6000 tons of pink sandstone soaked with religious stillness.
  • This whole structure was built without using steel in order to increase the maximum longevity of the architecture.
  • There is a 7 feet gold leafed idol of Lord Swaminarayan and his holy ruins. In addition, there are three exhibitions on Indian culture with light and sound shows.
  • Akshardham temple is built at a height of 108 feet and is 240 feet in length, 131 feet in breadth. In addition, the porch around the monument measures 1751 feet (534 meters) in length alone.
  • It is only after investing 13 laborious years that the architecture of this beautiful temple was completed. In addition, it is the skilled artisans of Bansipahadpur who had done the minute carvings of the auspicious shrine.
  • One of the significant factors about this shrine is that it has its own research centre known as, Akshardham Center for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARSH). This center aims at using knowledge of the past, concentrating on the present pattern and masterminding conceivable answers for the future.
  • The research facility is equipped with an extensive library, study stations, and archives. However, it is only open to enlisted scholars who receive the benefits.
  • The first floor of the temple comprises of a museum, which has a collection and a gallery of over 500 ‘parahansas’. Some other items which are displayed here are the letter to the guru of Swaminarayan Ramanand, an art object from an old tree from Chapaya, the shawl used by Swaminarayan and an image of the Lord seated on a horse.
  • The galleries present on the external side serve as the venue for the artistic exhibition and also paves a way for Chez Intervasion shows, audio-visuals, multi-media and the works of Lord Swaminarayan from the Hindu epics.
  • The temple has three permanent exhibition halls inside the complex, which was started with the aim of educating masses on issues regarding religion and BAPS movement.
  • The garden surrounding the sanctum sanctorum is known as Sahajanand Van or the first hall and represents a unique intermingling of reflective garden and children’s park.
  • The second hall or the Sat-Chit-Anand of this place of worship holds the exhibition in a 14-screen multimedia representation. Besides it also contains the ‘Tunnel of Mirrors’ that stands for a glass mosaic and a dancing musical fountain.
  • The third hall of this holy place has many fiberglass models that represent various memos from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Upanishads. An audio-animatronics show portraying various messages from Mahabharata and an exhibition of ‘Harmony of world religions’ are some of the major attractions of this exhibition.
  • Photography and making videos are strictly prohibited in this temple.
  • It was on September 24, 2002, that two armed terrorists attacked this temple killing 33 people and around 70 individuals were injured. The Indian National Security Guard killed both the terrorists and the temple opened after 14 days of the attack.

Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar Timings

  • Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar remains open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 A.M. to 7:30 P.M.
  • Mondays remain closed.
  • The night lighting shows take place on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Exhibitions start at 10 A.M. and end at 6:00 P.M.

Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar Food Timings

  • Visitors are not allowed to carry any food inside the temple premises.
  • Premvati Refreshments at Sahajanand Van provides fresh vegetarian food and snacks to tourists. A tourist can relish the unique taste of the traditional Gujarati dishes here and one can also book meals in advance.
  • The restaurant is open from 10 A.M. to 8 P.M.

Festivals celebrated at Akshardham Temple

  • Annakut Utsav is celebrated with great pomp in this temple. It is observed soon after Diwali and Annakut which refers to a huge amount of food comprising fruits, salads, pulses and juices are offered to the Lord. Around 2550 food items are offered to the deity. This food is later distributed among the pilgrims.
  • Diwali or the festival of lights is another festival that fetches pilgrims from across the nation. The temple is illuminated with lights which pave the way for a spectacular sight.

Poojas and Rituals at Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar

  • The Aarti takes place twice daily especially during the morning and the evening.
  • The deity is bathed with holy water and is offered food thereafter.
  • There are special poojas that are organized during special occasions like the birthday of Lord Swaminarayan, Annakut Utsav etc.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Air– For people looking to travel to flight, the nearest airport to reach this temple is situated in Ahmedabad. This is well connected to every major city in India and in order to reach the temple, you need to hire a taxi from the Ahmedabad airport.
  • By Train– A devotee can reach this temple by train as well. This auspicious place of worship is located at a distance of 2 km from Gandhinagar railway station and 31 km from Ahmedabad railway station.
  • By Road– Akshardham is located at the heart of one of the greenest cities in the world –Gandhinagar that is situated on National Highway 8c. Hence, Akshardham is easily accessible from every location like 25 km from Ahmedabad, 150 km from Vadodara, 230 km from Udaipur, 190 km from Mt Abu and 604 km from Jaipur. There are many special buses and cars that are provided by the tourism department, government authorities and private services.

Hotels in Gujarat: Where to stay

Gujarat welcomes people of all religions and cultures with equal warmth and hospitality. No matter what your budget is, you can be rest assured to find a suitable room in Gujarat with equal ease and comfort. While individuals traveling alone can opt for dormitories, pilgrims visiting this auspicious shrine can look for hotels.

And if you are ready to splurge on luxury, then choose to spend your nights with five-star accommodations. These high-end hotels also offer complimentary breakfast as well. And some of the hotels also have their own private restaurants for their dwellers. These hotels are equipped with all the modern facilities to meet the needs of a contemporary traveler. Also, one can enjoy good discounts coupled with an attractive price if you book a room in advance.

Where to eat

Gujarati food is loved and cherished by people from all parts of India. A typical Gujarati Thali comprises of rice, chapatti, dal, vegetables, pickle, curd and papad. The food in this style is prepared by following a proper hygiene and fewer spices. Some of the special snacks that are exclusive to Gujarat include dhokla, khandvi; and sweets like basundi which are famous for its taste.

A traveler can either opt to try the local cuisine from various food joints that are spread around the city or can look for fine dining options. The food is moderately priced and is mostly vegetarian in nature. However, there are few nonvegetarian eateries as well that offers international flavors too.

Nearby Temples

  • The Adalaj Trimandir – This temple has been built with an area of 40, 175 sq ft with the temple podium being 20,895 sq ft. There is a beautiful fountain at the center of the lush green field. The Satsang Hall is of 31,861 sq ft and the shrine is equipped with an informative museum and mini-theatre on Gnani Purush Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan, around whom the Trimandir is built. Idols from Jainism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism are present within this temple. The center of the temple houses idol of Lord Shree Simandhar Swami, which measures 155 inches, and is made entirely of marble.
  • The Mahudi Jain Temple – Mahudi Tirth is a famous Jain temple and the place was earlier called as Madhumanti or Madhupuri. The main idol of Bhagwan Pradaprabhu was established in 1974 by Acharya Dev Sri Buddisagarsurisvar. He had also installed the idol of Sri Ghantakarna Mahavir on 1980 Vikram era. The Prasad is also known as ‘Sukhadi’ and consists of jaggery, wheat flour, and pure ghee. The pilgrims need to eat the Prasad within the temple premises and are prohibited from carrying it outside. It is open from 5.A.M. to 9 P.M.
  • The Vaishno Devi Temple – Being modeled on the Vaishno Devi temple located at Srinagar, this holy place is situated on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar highway in Gujarat. Thousands of devotees visit this place during Navaratri and offer fruits, rice, coconut, and clothes to the deity.
  • The Vardayni Mata Temple – This is another popular temple that is located in Rupal village of Gandhinagar district in Gujarat. The temple is located in the middle of the village. The Ghee Festival of Palli is very famous and stands at 28 spots in the village. Every stand has tons of Pure Ghee or Clarified Butter kept ready to pour on the “Palli” (Ratha). This ghee is donated by pilgrims who visit this holy place throughout the year.
  • Sri Kotyark Khadayata Temple – Khadayata refers to the business community among the Hindus and this temple sees countless pilgrims visiting the shrine all around the year. It is another destination that tourists can visit with joy and delight.

Gajanan Maharaj

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Indore is an important pilgrimage destination for travelers visiting the sub-continent. There are many famous temples in and around this wonderful city and it sees a large crowd thronging the airport and the busy railway stations all throughout the year. Having a tropical climate, the summers can be as high as 44 degree Celsius and winter temperature can drop down to 14 degree Celsius. However, it receives a good amount of rainfall during the monsoons. One can visit this beautiful and natural place ideally between the months of October to March. The Gajanan Maharaj temple is located at Paliwal Nagar in Indore is considered to be a holy place for the devotees of the Sadguru Shri Gajanan Maharaj.  It stands supreme among the pilgrimage centers in the state of Madhya Pradesh and the shrine is situated only at a distance of 15 minutes from the heart of Indore. There is a belief among the natives that Gajanan Maharaj possessed various spiritual and supernatural powers. He was also aware of the ultimate truth of life. This pious place of worship in Indore is very popular and innumerable pilgrims seek blessings and devotion from states like Maharashtra etc.

Gajanan Maharaj Temple History

  • The famous Gajanan Maharaj temple was built by the Gajanan family in 1988. On the occasion of Basant Panchami, Sri Paliwal donated a land of thirteen thousand square feet to the family for the construction of the shrine.
  • Guru Baba was the person who supervised the whole work and also performed the sacred Bhumi Pujan. Post this pooja, the construction for two important rooms were completed.
  • An enormous image of the holy Gajanan Maharaj was placed in the room. Followers of the Maharaj worship this image on a daily basis.
  • When the temple structure was completed, Satsang was held and Maha Prasad was offered to 13 pilgrims on the first day.
  • There were two youngsters, namely, Bankatlal and Damodar who met a young person with a strong built and fair complexion looking for rice particles on the patrawalies. He was chanting ‘Gan Gan Ganat Bote’ in the Shegaon town and there were a strange calmness and satisfaction on his face. The scorching heat did not affect him and this attached the youngsters to Gajanan Maharaj.
  • Maharaj was the Avatar of Samarth Ramdasa of Sajjangarh. It is said that he used to keep away from worldly things and did not accept any rich food, clothes or ornaments from the devotees. In fact, he was an expert in Bedshastree Sampnna and had done Tapascharya. He used to understand the language of animals and birds and many famous personalities came to visit him.
  • It is said that Gajanan Maharaj was present with Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak at Shivjayanti meeting at Akola and that also on the dais, along with Annasaheb Patwardhan, etc. Being a ‘faith heater’, a psychiatric in today’s language, he is also called as Vidarbha in the nearby states.
  • Maharaj because of his kind and helpful nature are also known as ‘Bhu-Vaikenth’ and ‘The Abode of Bhagwan Shri Vishnu on earth’.

Significance of the Gajanan Maharaj 

  • Shegaon has gained prominence as a popular pilgrimage destination since Shri Gajanan Maharaj lived and died there. People from all walks of life consider Gajanan Maharaj to be a saint with miraculous powers.
  • Although his origins are unknown, yet the holy place of worship is built at his place of death. This great messenger of God was laid to rest on 8 September 1910.
  • Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan is considered to be the largest temple trust in the Vidarbharegion and is also called as the ‘Pandharpur of Vidarbha’. It draws pilgrims from all over the state of Maharashtra.
  • The temple’s structure is completely built of marble and Dholpuri stones and was completed in the year 1994.
  • The Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan Temple Trust coordinates with regard to the day-to-day activities of the temple. Additionally, it is headed by the Managing Trustees, who in general belong to the Patil family. The Trust provides assistance in services with respect to the spiritual, religious, medical and educational domains.
  • The temple consists of 3 floors namely, the Talghar (Basement), Shabhamandap (Main Hall) and First floor for reading Maharaj’s pothi. It again symbolizes Yogmarg, Bhaktimarg and Karmamarg respectively.
  • The main Garbh-Griha or the place where Maharaj is placed is of 224 sq feet and is Octagonal in shape. The Octagonal form depicts protection and presence of the Eight Sidhees of Shree Gajanan Maharaj.
  • The Sabha Mandap of the temple is of 2,000 square feet and the main idol is 5 feet tall, is made up of marble and it directly penetrates into the devotee’s eyes.
  • The sacred Ashtkoti is considered as Asht Siddhis or psychic abilities or powers of Gajanan Maharaj and is very much explained in the sacred Garud Sanhita.
  • Devotees who are interested in offering Mahaprasad should nominate a sum of Rs 4200. A non-refundable booking deposit of Rs 500 is required and the remaining amount can be deposited before 2 days of the Mahaprasad. It is crucial to carry a receipt of the same.

Gajanan Maharaj Temple Timings

  • Gajanan Maharaj Temple opens at 6 A.M. and closes at 9 P.M.
  • This holy place of worship remains closed from 12 P.M. to 4 P.M.

Gajanan Maharaj Temple Food Timings

  • On every Thursday, ‘Maha Prasad ‘is celebrated in large numbers. Devotees from all corners of Indore and outside arrive at this temple to seek Maharaj’s blessings. The Mahaprasad is served from 9 P.M. onwards.
  • Devotees who want to relish the unique taste of Prasad should be present within the temple premises by 7:30 P.M.
  • It should be noted that there should be no leftovers present in the Mahaprasad plate.
  • A pilgrim cannot offer Mahaprasad in remembrance of a dead person.

Festivals celebrated at the Gajanan Maharaj

  • In addition to regular Aarti, Bhajans, and Bhandara on Thursday, every year Maharaj’s Pragat-Utsav and Nirvan-Utsav are celebrated regularly.
  • Mahasivaratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the followers of Maharaj. Every year, thousands of people gather in this temple to offer prayers and seek blessings.
  • Shree Ram Navami festival is observed to proclaim the birth of Lord Sri Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The 9thday (Navami) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra is referred to as Ram Navami. On this day, Lord Rama was born.

Poojas and Rituals at Gajanan Maharaj

  • There are seven rituals that are observed in a day. The ‘Abhishek Pooja’ starts at 6 A.M. and continues till 7:30 A.M. This is followed by Morning Arati which continues for 30 minutes.
  • The Naivedhya is offered to Maharaj at 10 A.M and again at 7:15 P.M.
  • The Evening Arati with and in the presence of Guru Baba starts at 7:30 P.M. and continues till 9 P.M.
  • Any individual who would like to perform Maharaj’s Aarti should be present in the temple by 7:15 P.M. He should also bring a dhoti which is not stitched and Up-vastra. In addition, it is required for the devotee to bring one big garland, one small garland and two Gulkand Paans without masala and supari to offer to the Maharaj.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Air- For people who want to travel in the least time, the flight is the best option. The Indore airport is located at only 10 km distance from the temple and is well connected to all other parts of the nation.
  • By Train- Traveling by train is also a good alternative and some of the nearest railway stations to reach this temple consist of Indore junior railway station which is located at a distance of only 3 km. In addition, the Indore MG railway station is also 3 km and Lakshmibai Nagar railway station is only 5 km far from this holy place. Moreover, visitors or pilgrims from the railway station can easily get local transport to reach the temple.
  • By Road- The city of Indore has good transportation system which connects it with all other major cities or towns of the state by roads. Hence, visitors or pilgrims can easily get either state or national buses to reach the Gajanan Maharaj temple.

Hotels in Madhya Pradesh: Where to stay

Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, Shegaon has a separate and systematic arrangement for providing accommodation to thousands of devotees coming from various nook and corner of the country for Maharaj’s darshan.

In order to extend this facility to the devotees, the Sansthan has four Bhakta Niwas (Two of them in Mandir premises and the other four near parking which is adjoining to Hattikhana, i.e. place of rest of Sansthan’s elephant). Pilgrims can find a double bed and deluxe rooms available with all the modern facilities as per the requirement. The Sansthan has a unique system for providing lodging facilities on a ‘first come first serve’ basis. One can also make way for reserving the rooms in advance. An individual needs to furnish a validated ID proof while applying for the room.

There are other hotels and lodging accommodation available for tourists to choose from. One can choose as per to their taste and ambiance.

Where to eat

For pilgrims and tourists looking for the variety in food, Indore is the right place to visit. It serves impeccable dishes at an attractive price to its visitors. So whether you are vegetarian or nonvegetarian, there are a plethora of options to choose from. For example, one can opt for poha, jalebi, samosa, kachori or dal bafla for breakfast. For lunch and dinner, you can opt for either Indian or Chinese cuisines. The Indian meal or Thali as it is popularly called is a balanced diet comprising of roti, daal, rice, sabzi, pickle, papad and curd.

Additionally, there are many international restaurants and eating joints that provide customized food options as well. For people who have a sweet tooth, there are multiple dishes to relish the unique taste of Indore. Try gorging on Gajak, Garadu and Moong Halwa to satisfy your appetite. Visitors are often found to carry some namkeens from Indore which reminds them of some wonderful memories spent here.

Nearby Temples

  • Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga- It is also called as the Amreshwar temple and is a protected monument with fine stone artifacts. It is said that after the demise of the Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar in 1795, 22 Brahmins paid by the Holkar state perform the Lingacharan puja on a regular basis. 5 out of 12 jyotirlingas – the holy shrines of Lord Shiva, are in and around Mumbai.
  • Annapurna Mandir- It is an ancient shrine where the Annapurna Temple Trust of Indore has raised a great complex containing a Sarva Mangala temple with the three goddesses Laxmi, Parvati, and Saraswati respectively.
  • Gauri Somnath Mandir- This temple is the home to the six feet tall Shivalinga which is made up of smooth black stone and a shining polish. Legends say that no two people can embrace the lings until they are internal uncle and nephew.
  • Siddhnath Barahdwari Siddheshwar- This temple is a protected monument which has been stated by Lord Curzon. It is an important piece of artwork from the concept of structural design. This is located on a plateau on the island hill supported by a large plinth. The plinths are carved on the four sides with about 5ft high that are carried out accurate brilliance and excellence of attitudes in a playful mood.
  • Sidhwarkut Jain temples- It is an important place for worship for the Jains. Siddhwarkut of the 24 Tirthankaras of Jains comprises of some old and renovated shrines.
  • Vishnu Mandir- The large and old Vishnu temple is also located very near to the Gajanan Maharaj Temple. This place is also called as Vishnu Puri by the devotees who offer pooja and seek blessings of the Almighty.

Golden Temple

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Golden Temple: Heaven on Earth

Sri Harmandir Sahib, also know as the Golden Temple in Amritsar is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. Also known as the Shri Darbar Sahib, it is in the center of the old part of Amritsar.It not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance.The Buddha is known to have spent time at this place in contemplation. Two thousand years after Buddha’s time, another philosopher-saint came to live and meditate by the peaceful lake. This was Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh religion. From the early 1600s to the mid 1700s the sixth through tenth Sikh Gurus were constantly involved in defending both their religion and their temple against Mughal armies. From 1767 onwards, the Sikhs became strong enough militarily to repulse invaders. Peace returned to the Hari Mandir.

The focus of attention is the tank that surrounds the gleaming central shrine which is the Amrit Sarovar, from which Amritsar takes its name, excavated by the fourth guru Ram Das in 1577. Golden Temple itself is a mesmerising blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, with an elegant marble lower level adorned with flower and animal motifs in pietra dura work as seen on the Taj Mahal. There is a shimmering second level, covered with gold panels, and topped by a dome gilded with 750 Kg of gold. With the first light of dawn, the reflection of the temple in the tank gives an ethereal atmosphere to the complex. The Golden Dome is supposed to represent an inverted lotus flower, pointing back to earth to symbolize the Sikh’s concern with the problems of this world.

Golden Temple

Golden Temple History

  • The land for the site was bought by the Guru Ram Das Sahib on payment from the Zamindars (landlords) of native villages.The foundation stone of the historic building was laid by a non-Sikh. The Guru gave the task of initiating the building to a Muslim Saint Hazrat Mian Mir ji of Lahore in December 1588.The construction work was directly supervised by Guru Arjan Sahib himself and he was assisted by the prominent Sikh personalities like Baba Budha ji, Bhai Gurdas ji, Bhai Sahlo ji and many other devoted Sikhs.
  • Guru Arjan Dev completed the temple’s construction. He compiled the sacred scripture Adi Granth over a five year period, completing it August 30th, and installing the Granth in the temple on September 1st. He appointed a Sikh named Baba Buddha to be the caretaker of the Granth.
  • It is here that Akal Takht Sahib (Throne of the Almighty) was revealed by Guru Hargobind Sahib in 1609. Two flags representing temporal and spiritual authority (Sikh sovereignty) have been set up in front of Akal Takht Sahib. Here Guru Hargobind Sahib wore two swords of Miri and Piri that means temporal and transcendental authority.
  • The most popular legend connected with (Amrit Sarovar) is the story of Rajni, the daughter of Rai Duni Chand. Rajni was an ardent devotee of Guru. One day, her father got some gifts for all the three daughters. While the other two daughters praised the father, Rajni stated that the gifts were actually from God and that her father was only the medium to deliver it. Hearing this, the father got very angry and made her marry a patient of leprosy. From then onwards, Rajni started struggling to sustain herself and her husband.
  • One day, Rajni placed the basket containing her husband near a pool and went for some work. In the meantime, her husband saw a crow plunging into the water of the pool and coming out transformed into a white bird. Excited over the sight, he too plunged into the water and the miracle transformation occurred. He turned into a handsome young man, with all diseases cured. The couple thanked God and went to their Guru to narrate the happening. It is believed that since then, the tank came to be known as the “Amrit Sarovar” meaning “the pool of nectar”.

Significance of the Golden Temple

  • The temple building has four entrances instead of the usual single entry. This is symbolic of the openness of Sikhism and indicates that followers of all faiths are allowed inside. The walls within are decorated with carved wooden panels and elaborate inlay work in silver and gold. The Adi Granth, compiled by Guru Arjan Dev, rests on a throne beneath a jewel-encrusted canopy.
  • The Jubi tree, at the north western corner of the complex was planted some 450 year ago by the temple’s first head priest. The old, tree is believed to have special powers and childless women tie strips of cloth on it to be blessed with sons. Marriage deals are also fixed under the tree, though this practice is disapproved by the temple authorities.
  • The Darshani Deori (an arch) stands at the shore end of the causeway. The door frame of the arch is about 10ft in height and 8ft 6inches in breath. The door panes are decorated with artistic style. It opens on to the causeway or bridge that leads to the main building of Sri Harmandir Sahib. It is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width.
  • More shrines and monuments are dotted around the edge of the compound. Inside the main entrance clock tower, the Sikh Museum shows the persecution suffered by the Sikhs at the hands of Mughals.

Golden Temple Timings

  • Golden Temple remains open from 3 AM to 10 PM everyday.
  • At around 2:30 AM there is kirtan recited in the early dawn followed by Asa di War at 3:30 AM which is the sikh prayer.
  • At 6:45 AM there is reading of hukumnama from the holy Guru Granth Sahibji.
  • At Sri Akal Takhat, after the Rehras (Evening Scripture) the weapons belonging to Guru Sahib (Sikh Masters) and Martyr Sikhs are displayed at about 8.00 p.m.
  • The Guru Granth Sahib ji is departed through a palki to Sri Akal Takhat Sahib at 10 PM for the rest.

Rituals performed at Golden Temple

The morning Kirtan begins in the sanctum of the Harimandir Sahib in the early morning with the singing of the lengthy composition Asa di Var, which is interrupted by the arrival of a procession from the Akal Takhat of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib being carried on a palanquin on the shoulders of Sevadars (volunteers).

The holy Granth is then ceremoniously opened and a Hukam (command) is taken by opening the text at random and reading the first composition on the open page. The praises sung in honour of the Gurus by court poets and others, and his first discourse of the day in the shrine.

The Guru Granth Sahib then remains on its throne in the sanctum until the early evening, when it is again taken in procession on a palanquin to the Akal Takhat for its traditional night-time rest.

Rules to follow at Golden Temple

Pilgrims need to follow strict rules while visiting Vellore Golden Temple. People are restricted from:

Wearing outfits like shorts, lungis, middies or Bermudas, Consuming tobacco and chewing gums or liquor. Carrying camera, mobile phones and electronics and any inflammable items. One needs to cover the head with a scarf and taking off the shoes before going there.

Festivals celebrated at the Golden Temple

Baisakhi: Baisakhi celebrations are particularly marked at the Golden Temple or Sri Harimandir Sahib Gurdwara at Amritsar – the most sacred centres for Sikh community. For it was here at the Anandpur Sahib, the famous Golden Temple that the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh laid the foundation of Khalsa Panth on a Baisakhi Day in 1699. Sikhs from around the world strive to visit their revered shrine to participate in the grand Baisakhi celebrations organized here.

Gurupurbs: The birth and deaths of Gurus are celebrated as Gurupurbs. First installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden Temple by Guru Arjan Dev, Birth of Guru Nanak (traditionally celebrated in November), Birth of Guru Gobind Singh, Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Martyrdom of The Sahibzadas (the sons of Guru Gobind Singh) are celebrated with great zeal in Golden Temple.

Sangrand: It marks the beginning of a new month. At the Gurudwara, portions of Bara Maha, Song of the 12 Months are read.

Hola Mohalla: Hola Mohalla falls on the Holi Festival of the Hindus. Military exercises swordsmanship and horse riding like are displayed by Nihang Singhs. Various competitions of Poetry and Music are held to celebrate this day.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: Sri Guru Ram Das International Airport  is about 13 km and a 18-20 minutes drive from the city center. Most flights are to Delhi, an hour away, but there are an increasing number of international connections: British Midland International (bmi) flies to London via Almaty, Jet flies to London, Air India flies to Toronto via London and Air Slovakia flies to Bergamo, Barcelona and Birmingham via Bratislava. There are also surprising numbers of flights to Central Asia.

By Rail: Amritsar is well connected by rail with Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, Varanasi, Wagah (29 Kms,Attari Border) and some other places in India. If you are traveling from Delhi, Shatabdi Express will be the best option. The journey takes around 6 hours and the train passes via Ambala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Phagwada and Beas. Amritsar is connected with Lahore (Pakistan) by the Samjhauta Express. The railway station in Amritsar is centrally located; of hardly 15-minutes drive from the Golden Temple.

By Road:  One can reach Amritsar from most of the northern states in just a day’s time. Pathankot is about two and half hours drive from Amritsar. Grand Trunk Karnal Road connects Delhi to Amritsar. Regular buses are available from Delhi I.S.B.T Delhi to Amritsar. There are daily direct buses operating to Jammu, Katra, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala as well, from the city. Thus, Amritsar is adequately connected by road to both the places within Punjab as well as outside the state.

Where to stay

There are seven Niwas Asthans (inns) which provide lodging facilities for pilgrims, maintained by Sri Harimandir Sahib authorities. The reception counters work round the clock to attend to the devotees. The serai accommodation at Golden Temple is really good. There are many serai near Golden temple . Also they have a NRI serai for foreigners.

Sri Guru Ram Das Niwas

Sri Guru Ram Das Niwas is a free hostel for pilgrims and visitors built by the SPGC. This project was initiated by the Local Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee Amritsar and its foundation stone was laid by Sant Sadhu Singh ji of Patiala on 17th January 1931. There are 228 rooms and 18 large halls. The literature stays that the Niwas supplies free bedding,costs,lights and fans. Stays are mostly restricted to 3 days.

Guru Nanak Niwas

This building comprises the offices of the different departments of SGPC and also lodging facilities for pilgrims.Guru Nanak Niwas contains 68 rooms, 22 of the rooms have bathrooms attached.

Guru Hargobind Niwas

Guru Hargobind Niwas contains 88 rooms with double bed and attached bathrooms,there are also 4 halls with hostel / dormitory style living facilities. Rooms are available from Rs. 50 per day per room.

Guru Arjan Dev Niwas

This building is situated at the entrance to the main sarai area. Guru Arjan Dev Niwas has 19 air conditioned, and 72 non AC rooms. Rooms are available from Rs. 50 per day per room.

Mata Ganga Ji Niwas

This stands exactly opposite to Guru Hargobind Niwas. It also houses Internet Department of SGPC. Mata Ganga Ji Niwas has 103 double bed rooms. In addition there are 14 hostel style halls. Rooms are available from Rs. 50 per day per room.

Akal Rest House

This building is situated behind Guru Arjan Dev Niwas. It contains 49 rooms, out of which 5 rooms with 25 beds for NRIs.

Where to eat

In Amritsar, the Sikh gather in a Golden Temple to serve 100,000 meals every single day of the year in a kitchen that never closes.The langar, or community kitchen, found in this temple is the largest free kitchen on the planet. In the Golden Temple an average of 75,000 devotees or tourists take langar in the Community Kitchen daily; but the number becomes almost double on special occasions. Golden Temple kitchen daily serves 2,000 kilos of flour, 1,500 kilos of rice, 13,000 kilos of lentils, and up to 2,000 kilos of vegetables.

Nearby Temples

Durgiana Temple: Shri Durgiana Temple is one of main pilgrim places in Amritsar. The temple, also called Shree Durgiana Tirath or Sitla Mandir, is situated outside the Lohgarh Gate in Amritsar. Build in 16th century; the temple closely resembles Golden Temple, in style and architecture.The temple complex encloses the seats of Lord Hanuman, Mata Shitla, along with Lakshmi Narain.

Ram Tirath: Shri Ram Tirth Temple , dedicated to Lord Ram is situated 11 kms west of Amritsar on Amritsar Lopoke road. The temple dates back to the period of Ramayana and the place is famous for the ashram of sage Valmiki . It is the place where the sage gave shelter to Sita , wife of Rama when she was abandoned after the Lanka Victory. It is also said that sage Valmiki, the writer of the Ramayana started writing the great Epic here.

Akal Takht: Akal Takht is the primary seat of Sikh religious authority and central altar for Sikh political assembly.  It is the highest temporal seat of Sikhism was founded by the Sixth Sikh master Guru Har Gobind Sahib Ji in the year 1609, assisted by Baba Budha Ji and Bhai Gurdas. Guru named it Akal Takhat.

Tarn Taran: The District of Taran Taran is situated in Punjab State of Northwestern India. It is 5059 Sq. Km in area. It is believed that the Sarovar (pond) located in this Gurudwara is the largest among all the Sikh Shrines. Tarn Taran is counted among the most popular Sikh pilgrimage sites in India and thronged by the devotees.

Shani Dham Temple Delhi Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Shani Dham Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shani. The word Shani also denotes the seventh day or Saturday. It is situated at Chhatarpur Road, near Asola, Delhi which is 16 kilometres from the famous Qutub Minar. The temple is one of those rare temples in India that houses a natural rock Idol of Lord Shani.

Shani Dham Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Shani
Location Mehrauli, New Delhi, India
Best Time to Visit Saturday before 07:00 AM
Darshan Timings 5 AM to 10 PM (except Saturday)
4 AM to 12 AM (Saturday)
Entry Fees Free
Dress Code Traditional Wear
Festivals Special pooja on Shani Amavasya
Deepavali
Navratri

The idol of Lord Shani present here is the tallest statue of Lord Shani in the world.

Lord Shani holds a powerful influence on the astrology and religion of Hindus. Devotees visit this temple and pay homage to the deity. They offer prayers at the feet of the Lord to get rid of the problems. The Lord here has been lovingly named as ‘Datti.’

Shani Dham Temple Timings

The timings of Shani Dham Temple are:

Morning Darshan 5 AM to 2 PM
Evening Darshan 3 PM to 10 PM
Darshan Timings on Saturday4 AM to 12 AM
Shani Dham Timings
It takes an hour to worship the Temple.

Poojas and rituals at Shani Dham Temple

The poojas and rituals that are performed at Shani Dham Temple are-

  • Offering mustard oil (Telabhishek) to God Shani while chanting the following mantras:
    • Om Sham Shanishcharaya Namah
    • Om Pram Preem Prom Se Shanishcharaya Namah
    • Om Sham Shanishcharaya Namah
  • Devotees enchant Shani Mantra while moving around the idol (Shila Murty) in the temple.
  • Offering one’s footwear, embracing and kissing the idol is a traditional ritual.
Shani Dham Rituals
Believers offer Mustard oil (Telabhishek) to Lord Shani.

On every Saturday and on Shani Amavasya, special religious poojas are performed in the temple.

What is the significance of Shani Dham Temple?

The significance of Shani Dham Temple is –

  • On the top of the temple, the eight metalled largest radiant Shani idol has been established. As soon as one enters the main door, he explores the huge radiate idol of Lord Shani and the Shani rock too.
  • Before unveiling the idol of Shani, Sant Shiromani Shani Charanuragi ‘Datti’ Madan Maharaj Rajasthani Ji performed the enchanting of One Hundred Crores, and Thirty-Two Lakhs Shani Mantras on the sacred grove.
  • Since then, people believe that most of the problems are automatically solved when they pray at the temple.
  • People offer oil at the shrine of Shani. Some people offer 101 oil boxes or 1 quintal oil and few people even offer an entire tanker of oil to God Shani.
  • Devotees enchant “Om Sham Shanishcharaya Nameh” all the time. No devotee talks to one another. They indulge themselves in prayers and offerings.
  • Each devotee worships Lord Shani directly. Devotees perform circumambulation around his idol himself. There is no Priest, Pandit or a middle-man, between the devotee and Lord Shani. Each devotee is his own priest and the true feelings of him are the true mantras and their results are visible very shortly. 
The Idol holds the record of World’s tallest statue of Lord Shani

What is the history of Shani Dham Temple?

The history of Shani Dham Temple states that:-

  • The world’s largest Shani Idol was unveiled by Anant Shree Vibhushit Jagat Guru Shankracharya Swami Madhavasharam Ji Maharaj on 31st May 2003 at Asola, Fatehpur Behri, Delhi.
  • A Shani idol was also established at Pali, Rajasthan.
  • The temple since has been a great pious place of worship for devotees of God Shani.

What are the major festivals?

The major festivals are :

  • Navratri Pooja – Navratri, also known as Durga Pooja, is a festival celebrated in the honor of nine different forms of the Goddess Durga, for nine consecutive days. People worship the Goddess of Power during these days in order to seek her blessings and protection.
  • Deepawali Pooja – Deepawali, the festival of lights, is the festival of Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. People perform a traditional ‘Lakshmi Pooja‘ on the eve of Deepawali after sunset.
  • Special Pooja on Shani Amavasya – On each Shani Amavasya, rituals such as ‘Pitra Dosh‘ & ‘Kaal Sarpa Dosh‘ are performed at Shani Dham to the God. Devotees perform special worship and ‘Telabhishek’ on such occasions.
Shani Dham Festivals
Special Pooja on Shani Amavasya is performed at the Temple.

Believers offer mustard oil (Telabhishek) to Lord Shani. Telabhishek means bathing the idol of God Shani with mustard oil.

Legends of Shani Dham Temple

The legends of Shani Dham Temple are-

  • It is believed that whoever performs pooja to the God of this temple, their misdeed would be washed away forever.
  • Once the devotees enter the temple, no one talks to one another but stays in a silent pious chanting God’s name. No matter what the troubles are, they are left at the back. They are solved by their worshiping here and by offering oil to Lord Shani. 
  • No material from the exterior in the temple is allowed due to safety issues. The money collected is used for different generous works.
Shani Dham Legends
The Lord in the Temple is Lovingly named as “Datti”.

Architecture and design of Shani Dham Temple

  • Apart from the natural rock Idol of Shani Dev as the prime deity, the attractive statues of other Gods and Goddesses are also shafted.
  • On the top of the eastern part of Shani Dham, the largest beaming Shani idol has been established. The major door of this eastern part falls on the west side.
  • On North and south sides, there are Shani statues erected, in which Shani Maharaj is riding over a variety of rides.
  • There is a statute of Bhairav Dev on the left and the right sides of Shani Shila.
  • On the east side of ‘Shani Shila’, there is a large hall, in which the symbolic idols of the 12 Jyotirlingas are endowed. On top of this hall, there are huge metal statues of Lord Shani.
  • In another room, extraordinary astrological books and materials for Shani pooja are made accessible.
  • In the western part of ‘Shani Dham’, there are western faced huge Shani statues erected riding buffalo and vulture.
Shani Dham Architecture
The western part of the temple has a huge statue of Shani riding vulture.
  • On the right side of the two Shani Statues, the statue of Lord Hanuman is placed. It faces South. Opposite to this, there is a preparation for the devotees to take a bath.
  • On the west side of the hall, there is yet again a different big hall. In this hall, some extraordinary religious performances and the mediation meetings are held. In this big hall, there is an idol of Ardhanarishwar facing towards East. 
  • There is a huge library and a research center, in the Ashram Premises itself.

All types of questions related to Astrology, Ayurveda, Yoga, and the Tantra are being answered at the temple.

Activities at Shani Dham Temple

The Shree Shani Dham Trust is a non-profit, non-governmental social welfare volunteer organization. The Trust is committed in social welfare activities in different parts of India but is mainly focused on Rajasthan, and has worked in areas of Rajasthan affected by drought. Some of their social works are as follows:

  • Helping people affected by drought.
  • Providing free fodder for cattle.
  • Arranging food, clothes, and blankets to the needy.
  • Organizing free medical camps in remote parts of Rajasthan.
  • Pensions for the elderly and needy.
  • Scholarships for meritorious students.
  • Providing tricycles to the disabled.
  • Arranging potable water in the interior rural areas of Rajasthan.
Shani Dham Activities
The Shree Shani Dham Trust is a non-governmental social welfare volunteer organization run by the Temple.

How to reach Shani Dham Temple?

Here’s how to reach Shani Dham Temple :

  • Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport is the official airport of Delhi (17.4km).
  • Metro: Nearest metro stations to the temple are Chattarpur station (6.2 km) and Qutub metro station(9.1 km).
  • Rail: The three important railway stations of Delhi are New Delhi Railway Station (23.2 km), Old Delhi Railway Station (26.5 km) and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station(22.0 km). 
  • Road: Several state government-run buses and taxis operate round the city which transports to the Chattarpur area. The three major bus stands in Delhi are Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Kashmiri Gate (30 km), Sarai Kale-Khan Bus Terminus (21.4 km)and Anand Vihar Bus Terminus(31.6 km).

Where to stay near Shani Dham Temple?

Please carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of the hotel rooms.

There are several 3-star to 5-star hotels and lodges located around the mandir area which provide good accommodation options.

Where to eat near Shani Dham Temple Delhi?

There are many AC/Non-AC restaurants and dhabas around the Chattarpur area which serve healthy multi-cuisines.

What are some temples near Shani Dham Temple?

  • Lotus Temple –The Lotus Temple, located in Delhi, India, is a Baha’i House of Worship. The temple is built in the shape of a floating half-open lotus set amidst pools and gardens. It serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent and has become a prominent attraction in the city.
  • Qutub Minar – Qutub Minar is a 73-meter tall tapering tower of five storeys, with a 14.3 meters base diameter, reducing to 2.7 meters at the top of the peak. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone and the last two are made of marble and sandstone.  
  • India Gate – The India Gate (originally called the All India War Memorial) is a war memorial located astride the Rajpath, on the eastern edge of the ceremonial axis of New Delhi, India, formerly called Kingsway.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shani DhamTemple-

What’s the best time to visit Shani Dham Temple?

The best time to visit Shani Dham Temple is on Saturdays.

Is photography allowed in Shani Dham Temple?

Photography is not allowed inside the Temple.

What’s the Shani Dham Temple darshan timing on Saturdays?

The Shani Dham Temple darshan timing on Saturdays are 4 AM TO 12 AM

What’s the address of Shani Dham Temple?

Maharishi Dayanand Marg, Sadhna Enclave, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110017, India

What’s the most popular time to visit Shani Dham Temple?

The most popular time to visit Shani Dham Temple is 07:00 AM (daily)

What’s the average time spent in Shani Dham Temple?

The average time spent in Shani Dham Temple is 1 hr

Which attraction is normally visited before or after visiting Shani Dham Temple?

Bijay Mandal is normally visited before or after visiting Shani Dham Temple.

What are the metro stations available near Shani Dham Temple?

Nearest metro stations to the temple are Chattarpur station (6.2 km) and Qutub metro station(9.1 km).

Who unveiled the idol of Shani in Shani Dham Temple Delhi?

On 31st May 2003, the idol of Shani dev was consecrated by Anant Shree Vibhushit Jagat Guru Shankracharya Swami Madhvasharam Ji.

Can women offer oil to the diety in Shani Dham Temple?

Women can’t offer oil to the diety in Shani Dham Temple.

How many times the mantras were enchanted before the unveiling of the idol?

One Hundred Crores and Thirty-Two Lakh times the mantras were enchanted

Akshardham Temple Delhi Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Akshardham Temple Delhi located on the banks of River Yamuna in New Delhi is a visual treat for visitors. Akshardham Temple Delhi Complex has been developed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).

Akshardham Temple Delhi is dedicated to Sri Swaminarayan, the deity worshiped in the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism. This sect is a sub-sect of Vaishnava Hinduism and has its origins in Gujarat. Followers of this sect believe that Swaminarayan is an avatar of the Nara Narayana who performed penance at Badarikashram. They believe that Narayana took rebirth as Swaminarayan to destroy evil and establish “Ekantik-Dharma”- a religion based on morality, knowledge, detachment and devotion.

Akshardham Temple Delhi Complex begins with the visit to the ten stone gates that signify the ten directions. The pilgrim then passes through the Bhakti Dwar (Gate of Devotion), the Visitor Centre and the Mayur Dwar (Peacock Gate).  Between these two gates, the Charnarving (holy footprints) of Sri Swaminarayan is located. The main attraction of the complex is the Akshardham Mandir.

The 141 feet high, 316 feet wide and 356 feet long Rajasthani pink stone structure presents an imposing view fit to be called as the Abode of God (Akshardham). Akshardham Temple Delhi has two circumambulation paths – the Narayan Peeth and the Gajendra Peeth. The Gajendra Peeth depicts the legends and the importance of Elephants in the Hindu culture.

The inner sanctum or the Garbhagruh is home to the Sri Swaminarayan and his succession of Gurus. Special shrines are also dedicated to Sri Sita-Ram, Radha-Krishna, Lakshmi-Narayan, and Shiv-Parvati. The nine intricately carved mandaps depicting stories of the life of Sri Swaminarayan are an architectural wonder.

Akshardham Temple Delhi Complex also runs three exhibitions, each imparting knowledge, and wisdom to the visiting devotees. The exhibitions are the Sahajanand Darshan, Neelkanth Darshan, and Sanskruti Vihar. The Sahajanand Darshan is a visual portrayal of Hindu Cultural values like peace, perseverance, morality, family harmony, vegetarianism, and non-violence.

The Neelkanth Darshan takes the visitors through an epic journey of the young Neelkanth across the Indian Subcontinent. The Sanskruti Vihar is a 15-minute boat ride that takes us past the glorious history of India in from the Vedic times till now. It highlights contributions of important personalities in various fields like philosophy, mathematics, art, music, economics and religious movements. Besides these, the Yagnapurush Kund, Garden of India and the Yogi Hriday Kamal are must visit features of the Temple Complex.

Akshardham Temple Delhi History

The Akshardham Temple Delhi was the vision of Yogiji Maharaj in 1968. Yogiji Maharaj was the fourth successor of Swaminarayan, worshiped in the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism. His vision was to build a grand temple dedicated to Sri Swaminarayan on the banks of River Yamuna. However, his wish could not be realized before he passed away.

In 1982, Pramukh Swami Maharaj put forward a request to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). In 2000, the DDA offered 60 acres of land and the Uttar Pradesh Government offered 30 acres of land. The construction was started on 8 November 2000 and was officially completed on 6 November 2005.

The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Delhi was inaugurated on 6 November 2005 by the honorable Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

As per the sect of Swaminarayan in Vaishnava Hinduism, the origin of the sect begins with the Nara-Narayana (twin brothers) avatar of Lord Vishnu. The Hindu Mahabharata identifies God Krishna with Narayana and Arjuna with Nara (the human among the twins). The followers of the Swaminarayan faith believe that Swaminarayan is an incarnation of Narayana.

Significance of Akshardham Temple Delhi

The architecture of the Bhakti Dwar and the Mayur Dwar are mesmerizing. The Bhakti Dwar is intricately carved and possesses sculptures of several Gods and Goddesses like Lakshmi-Narayan, Akshar-Purushottam, Parvati-Shiv, Sita-Ram, Radha-Krishna, Nar-Narayan and many more. The Mayur Dwar has 869 carved images of Peacocks welcoming visitors. It is believed that Peacock stands for Beauty and Self-Control in Indian Culture.

The architectural style of the Temple Complex is a blend of several styles from across India. As per the traditional Hindu Shilpa Shastras, no ferrous material has been used for its construction. The structure receives no support from steel or concrete.

The majestic structure of the Akshardham Temple Delhi consists of 234 carved pillars, nine domes, Gajendra Pith (base of the structure carved with 148 elephants together weighing 3000 tons) and about 20,000 sculptures of Sadhus, Acharyas, and devotees.

The external surface or the wall of a traditional stone temple is called a Mandovar. The external surface area of the Akshardham Temple Delhi is the largest carved Mandovar in India in the last 800 years.

The Narayan Sarovar that surrounds the Temple is unique as it consists water from 151 rivers and lakes believed to have been sanctified by Sri Swaminarayan. Some of the rivers, lakes and sangams are – Mansarovar, Pushkar Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar, Indradyumna Sarovar, Manikarnika Ghat, Prayag, River Ganga, River Yamuna, River Shipra and many more.

The Temple has been adjudged as the “World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple” in the Guinness World Records. However, the record is being contested by three temples – the Madurai Meenakshi Temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam and the Annamalaiyar Temple in Thiruvannamalai. They argue that these three temples are as big as the Akshardham and are actually temples where the worship of God is carried out.

The Neelkanth Darshan exhibition is the first large format film on India, made by an Indian Organization, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The theater houses New Delhi’s first and only large format screen.

The Yagnapurush Kund is India’s largest step well. The Stepwell means a series of steps, artistically arranged going down towards the centrally placed Yagna Kund. The Yagna Kund is Lotus shaped.

Akshardham Temple Delhi Timings

  • Akshardham Temple Delhi opens at 9:30 AM and closes at 6:30 PM.
  • The Temple remains closed on every Monday.
  • The Temple or the Mandir is open from 9:30 AM to 8 PM. The Aarti is performed at 10 AM and 6 PM.
  • The Abhishek Mandap is open from 9:30 AM to 8 PM. The Aarti is performed at 6:30 PM.
  • The Ticket window of the Exhibition remains open from 10 AM till 5 PM.
  • The Water Show usually starts at 7:15 PM after the sunset.

Dress Code at Akshardham Temple Delhi

The Temple follows a general dress code as per which the upper wear of both men and women should cover shoulders, chest, navel and upper arms. The temple allows pants and shorts as long as they are below the knee-length. In case, the dress of the visitor is deemed inappropriate, a sarong is provided free of cost.

Festivals celebrated at Akshardham Temple Delhi

The Temple is decorated and lit with lights on occasions like Diwali, Navaratri, and Janmashtami

Akshardham Temple Delhi Sevas and Poojas

Abhishek – Devotees can perform the ceremony of ritual bathing known as Abhishek of the idol of Neelkanth Varni, the youthful form of Sri Swaminarayan. The ritual involves tying a sacred thread on the wrist followed by the recital of shlokas and mantras. After the Pooja, the devotee performs the Abhishek with a pot of sanctified water.

How to reach Akshardham Temple Delhi

  • By Air – The Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi is situated at a distance of 21 km from Akshardham. One can take a taxi to reach Akshardham. The Public Bus number 534 connects Akshardham to the Airport. However, public bus transport is not recommended for visitors with more luggage to carry. Alternatively, one can take the Orange Metro Line to reach New Delhi Metro Station. Take the yellow line from the station to reach the Rajiv Chowk Station. Finally, take the blue line to reach the Akshardham Metro Station.
  • By Train – The capital city of New Delhi is well connected to all parts of the country. The city has a network of small local railway stations with three major railway stations dispersed throughout the city. They are New Delhi Junction, Hazrat Nizamuddin and Old Delhi Railway Station. These stations are situated 11 km, 6 km and 10 km away respectively from the Akshardham Temple. Several city buses connect these stations to Akshardham Temple.
  • By Road – The Kashmiri Gate Bus Stand is situated 13 km away from the Akshardham Temple and is well-connected by buses as well as Metro to the Temple. The buses from Haryana and Rajasthan stop here. The Sarai Kale Khan bus stand is located just 5.5 km from the Temple complex. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses connect these two bus stands to Akshardham. The Anand Vihar Terminal is located 11 km from the Temple. Buses arriving from the neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand halt here.

Where to stay nearby?

New Delhi is a metropolitan and a cosmopolitan city that boasts a large array of hotels ranging from basic lodges to seven-star hotels. Akshardham is situated near residential colonies. However, important business areas like Noida are located nearby. They provide a large range of options for a comfortable stay.

Where to eat?

The Premvati Food Court is open inside the Temple Complex. The ambiance of the food court resembles the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Pure vegetarian cuisine, as well as Continental cuisine, is served to the devotees at nominal rates.

Nearby Temples

  • Uttara Swami Malai Mandir – The Temple is located in Ramakrishna Puram (RK Puram) Sector-7. The shrine is popularly known as the Malai Mandir, Malai meaning Hill in Tamil. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Karthikeya and is constructed following the Chola architecture. The main sanctum is located atop a hill. Apart from the main shrine, Lord Vinayaka, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are also worshiped here.
  • Birla Mandir – The Temple also known as the Laxminarayan Mandir is situated on Mandir Marg. The Temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, another name of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The other shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna and Buddha. The Temple was built by the legendary B.R Birla.
  • Hanuman Temple – The unique and ancient temple is situated in Connaught Place, Delhi. The Temple is believed to be one of the five ancient shrines in Delhi whose importance can be dated back to the epic Mahabharata. The idol of the presiding deity, Lord Hanuman is believed to be self-manifested. The Temple has glorious past and is still visited by lakhs of devotees every year.
  • Chhatarpur Temple – The Temple is known as the Shri Aadya Katyayani Shakti Peetham. The Temple is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The Temple is the second largest temple complex in India. The entire temple is constructed of marble and is an architectural delight.

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