The temple was officially inaugurated on 6th November 2005 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, in the presence of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Manmohan Singh, L.K Advani, and B.L Joshi. The temple, situated at the center of the complex, was built according to the principles of Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra.
Similar to its predecessor in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the main shrine in Swaminarayan Akshardham remains the focal point, occupying a central position in the entire complex. Various exhibition halls provide information about the life and teachings of Swaminarayan. Modern communication and technology have been incorporated into the design of these exhibition halls.
The complex boasts several features, including an Abhishek Mandap, Sahaj Anand water show, a thematic garden, and three exhibitions: Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of Values), Neelkanth Darshan (an IMAX film depicting the early life of Swaminarayan as the teenage yogi, Neelkanth), and Sanskruti Darshan (cultural boat ride). In Swaminarayan Hinduism, the term "Akshardham" refers to the abode of Swaminarayan, believed by followers to be a temporal home of God on earth.
Akshardham Mandir
The Akshardham Mandir was designed by BAPS Swamis and Virendra Trivedi, a member of the Sompura family. It is entirely constructed from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, adhering to traditional Hindu architectural guidelines (Shilpa Shastras) for maximizing the temple's lifespan. Notably, it does not use any ferrous metal, steel, or concrete for support.
The mandir comprises 234 ornately carved pillars, nine domes, and 20,000 murtis (sacred images) of swamis, devotees, and acharyas. At the base of the temple, there is the Gajendra Pith, a plinth that pays tribute to the elephant for its significance in Hindu culture and India's history, featuring 148 life-sized elephants weighing a total of 3000 tons.
Under the central dome of the temple lies an 11-foot (3.4 m) high murti (sacred statue) of Swaminarayan seated in the abhayamudra, to whom the temple is dedicated. Swaminarayan is surrounded by images of the faith's lineage of Gurus, depicted either in a devotional posture or in a posture of service. Each murti is made of "paanch dhaatu" or five metals, following Hindu traditions. The temple also houses the murtis of Sita Ram, Radha Krishna, Shiv Parvati, and Lakshmi Narayan.
Sahajanand Darshan - Hall of Values
The Hall of Values features lifelike robotics and dioramas depicting incidents from Swaminarayan's life, conveying his message about the significance of peace, harmony, humility, service to others, and devotion to God. Set in 18th-century India, the audience experiences timeless messages from ancient Hindu culture, such as non-violence, vegetarianism, perseverance, prayers, morality, and family harmony through 15 three-dimensional dioramas. These dioramas incorporate state-of-the-art robotics, fiber optics, light and sound effects, dialogues, and music. Additionally, the hall showcases the world's smallest animatronic robot in the form of Ghanshyam Maharaj, the child form of Swaminarayan.Nilkanth Darshan - Theatre
The theatre houses Delhi's first and only large format screen, measuring 85-foot by 65-foot. It presents a 40-minute film specially commissioned for the complex, titled "Neelkanth Yatra," which recounts a seven-year pilgrimage made by Swaminarayan during his teenage years throughout India. Notably, the theatre previously showcased "Mystic India," an international version of the film produced by BAPS Charities and released in 2005 at IMAX theatres and giant screen cinemas worldwide. Outside the theatre, visitors can find a 27-foot tall bronze murti of Neelkanth Varni.Sanskruti Vihar - Boat Ride
The Boat Ride offers a captivating 12-minute journey through 10,000 years of glorious heritage, utilizing life-size figures and robotics to depict life in Vedic India. The ride encompasses various aspects of Vedic society, from family life to bustling bazaars and educational settings. It also highlights the remarkable contributions of Vedic Indians to fields such as science, astronomy, arts, literature, yoga, and mathematics. Eminent figures like mathematician-astronomers Aryabhata and Brahmagupta, grammarian P─Бс╣Зini, Ayurvedic pioneers Sushruta and Charaka, classical Sanskrit writer K─Бlid─Бsa, philosopher and economist Chanakya, and others are showcased. The journey also features the world's first university, Takshashila, and the subjects taught there, including horse riding and warfare. Moving through time, the boat ride explores the Middle Ages, featuring Sufi saints like Kabir and saints from the Bhakti movement such as Meera and Ramananda. Finally, it highlights the contributions of modern Indian mathematicians like Jagadish Chandra Bose, Srinivasa Ramanujan, C. V. Raman, Satyendra Nath Bose, and philosophers like Swami Vivekananda.The Musical Fountain: India's Enchanting Yagnapurush Kund
The fountain, named in honor of the founder of the Hindu organization BAPS, Shastriji Maharaj, spans an impressive 300 feet by 300 feet, adorned with 2,870 steps and 108 small shrines. At its center lies an exquisite eight-petaled lotus-shaped yagna kund, designed in accordance with the Jayaakhya Samhita of the Pancharatra shastra.
The Garden of India, also referred to as Bharat Upavan, complements the grandeur of the musical fountain with its lush manicured lawns, trees, and shrubs. This splendid garden features a remarkable collection of bronze sculptures honoring the diverse contributors to India's rich culture and history. From children and women to national figures, freedom fighters, and valiant warriors, the sculptures pay homage to notable personalities like the iconic Mahatma Gandhi.
Together, the Musical Fountain and the Garden of India form a harmonious haven where art, culture, and nature intertwine, leaving visitors with an unforgettable experience of India's vibrant heritage.