BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Ghandhinagar Gujarat

Here is some information about Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Ghandhinagar Gujarat India.

Location:Ghandhinagar Sector 20,'J' Road,Near Ahmedabad

Built in: During 1979 -1992
Built by: Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Dedicated to:Lord Swaminarayan
Attraction: One of the largest temple complexes in Gujarat
Best time to Visit : October to March
Visiting Timing : 3 to 4 Hours
Tel: 91-79-23260001, 23260002
Fax: 91-79-2326 0336
Photography : No
Total Akshardham Complex area: 1,004,349 sq.ft ( 93,341 sq.m, 23 acres )
Cultural Complex area: 358,749 sq.ft ( 33,341 sq.m, 8.2 acres )
Cultural Garden area: 645,600 sq.ft ( 60,000 sq.m, 14.8 acres )
Temple Timing :From Tuesday to Sunday (Closed every Monday)
Temple: Daily 9:30a.m. to 7:30p.m.
Night Lighting : On Saturdays, Sundays.
Exhibitions : Daily 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.
Rides & Games : 12:00 noon to 8:00p.m.
Restaurant : 10:00a.m. to 8:00p.m
Website : http://www.akshardham.com/gujarat/

More Information about Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Ghandhinagar

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is an architectural phenomenon that is recounting the cultural heritage of India. Having one of the largest temple complexes in Gujarat, Akshardham is a wonderful shrine located in the heart of Gandhinagar. The magnificent monument is easily accessible by the local means of transport available in the city. Predecessor to Akshardham at Delhi, the temple was constructed by the same organization BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) with the blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

In Nov' 1992, Akshardham Mandir was inaugurated by Pramukh Maharaj himself, the promoter of BAPS. In the present day, Akshardham Temple has become a major and popular attraction amongst the devotees and tourists. Prolific effort of BAPS, Akshardham Temple is a center to encourage art, culture and values of India. Akshardham is an excellent specimen of Indian roots, where art is ageless, culture is borderless and values are changeless.

The sanctum sanctorum embraces the seven feet tall, gilded image of Lord Swaminarayan. Hari Mandapam, Prasadi Mandapam and Vibhuti Mandapam are name allotted to the different floors. These floors embrace various sections, where people are engaged in the selfless service to the Lord. The main idea behind these programs is to introduce people with the philosophy of Lord Swaminarayan. The aim of BAPS' is to educate people about the rich spiritual and cultural roots of India.

Designed on the lines of Sthapatya Shashtra, Swaminarayan Akshardham is the paradigm of silence and peace. Akshardham presents a perfect blend of devotion, art, architecture, education, exhibitions and research at one venue. In the temple complex, 'Sahajanand', 'Sat-Chit-Anand' and 'Nityanand' are three permanent exhibition halls that are made to enlighten the visitor on spiritual matters.

What to See in Akshardham

Temple

Intricately carved, the majestic Monument made of 6,000 tons of pink sandstone is awash with spiritual stillness.
Specifications:
Height : 108 ft. (32.9 m)
Length : 240 ft. (73.1 m)
Width : 131 ft. (39.8 m)
Floor area : 32,427 sq.ft (3,013.7 sq.m )
Colonnade length: 1,751 ft. (534 m) long

Hari Mandapam

7 ft. Gold-leafed Murti of Lord Swaminarayan.
The Monument exudes warmth and peace, and serves as a fountain of peace.
Floor area : 12,997 sq.ft ( 1,207.9 sq.m ).

Vibhuti Mandapam

Revelations of the Lord, displayed in exquisitely-lit brass lotuses.
Each revelation is a deep yet practical treatise on philosophy.
Floor area: 8,033 sq.ft ( 7 46.6 sq.m ).

Prasadi Mandapam

Display of holy relics of Lord Swaminarayan.
Floor area: 11,397 sq.ft ( 1,059.2 sq.m).
Visitors to the Monument are requested to remove shoes and observe silence.

Exhibitions

Double-walled, air-cooled halls. A large area of walk-through displays create an unforgettable experience of Indian Culture. Total Floor area: 62,023 sq.ft (5,764.4 sq.m )

Hall 1 & Hall 2: Neelkanth & Sahajanand: (60 Minutes)

The life of Lord Swaminarayan is experienced through amazing settings and shows.
Floor area: 21,817 sq.ft (2,027.7 sq.m).

Attractions: Travel in time through a video show, Fiber-optics cosmos, Mini Chhapiya village, Journey through India, 3 light & sound shows.

Hall 3 - Mystic India: (45 minutes)

Mystic India rediscovers India, a land of many mysteries and fascinations. A period film set 200 years back in time, it retraces the incredible journey of an 11-year old child yogi, Neelkanth.
Floor area: 9,421 sq.ft ( 875.6 sq.m ).

Attractions: An epic journey into the land and soul of India. This entertaining, educating and enlightening film was made originally in giant screen format.

Hall 4 - Premanand: (60 Minutes)

Walkthrough dioramas and fiberglass figures display the messages of Upanishads, Ramayan and Mahabharat.

Floor area: 30,785 sq.ft (2,861.1 sq.m )

Attractions: Palace of Hastinapur from the Mahabharat, Gurukul in nature's lap, Songs of saint-poets, Harmony of world religions.

Hall 5 - Sant Param Hitkari: (15 Minutes)

A superb audio-animatronics show brings to life the atmosphere, characters and events from over 200 years ago to reveal the key to eternal happiness.

Garden

The Sahajanand Vun is a unique blend of contemplative garden and children's park. Floor area: 645,600 sq.ft (60,000 sq.m, 14.8 acres).

Attractions: Cultural spots, Rides and games for children, Single-piece marble sculpture of Lord Swaminarayan, Lake and waterfalls, Herbal garden.

Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show

The Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show reveals India’s ancient secret of inner light through an Upanishadic story of Nachiketa, a nine year old boy, who bravely confronts Yamraaj, the God of Death, and receives from him the knowledge that has made India, a land of enlightenment.
Duration: 45 Minutes
Timings: After sunset

Research Center

AARSH - Akshardham-center for Applied Research in Social Harmony
A futuristic research center with a rich library, study stations and archives. Accessibility to the library has been reserved for enlisted scholars.

Facilities in Akshardham Temple Ghandhinagar

Wheelchairs
Free wheelchairs are available on a need-based priority at the main reception counter. One assistant is expected to attend the disabled and return the wheelchair.

Baggage

For security measures baggage is not allowed inside the complex.

Lost or Found

Claim or report lost property at the main reception counter. The authorities cannot be held responsible for stolen or damaged properties.

Parking
Ample parking facilities for cars, vans, minibuses, coaches, and other vehicles.

Opinions
Suggestions or opinions are welcome at the main reception.

How To Reach Akshardham Temple Ghandhinagar

By Road:
Special buses and cars are provided by the tourism department, government authorities and private services.
Distance by road from important locations:
Ahmedabad - 25 km Vadodara - 150 km Jaipur - 604 km Udaipur - 230 km
Mt. Abu - 190 km Mumbai - 540 km Delhi - 900 km

By Air:
23 km from national and international airports of Amdavad.

By Railway:
2 km from Gandhinagar railway station.
31 km from Amdavad railway station.