Akshardham Temple - A must see for everyone (part i)

Last week I finally managed to visit the Akshardham temple after having returned once from the gates because of the heavy rush that was there. I had been wanting to see Akshardham Temple for quite sometime but somehow the visit got delayed each time. I am pretty happy that I finally made it to the place and now look forward to be there again soon but this time I would want to have a much more peaceful visit than this visit when we were rushing to cover as much as possible.

The complex is such a grandeur which epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture. It is a rare example that showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.

We reached the temple at around 1 on a sunny weekday in the afternoon. We preferred to go on a weekday rather than a weekend as it usually jam packed on Saturdays & Sundays. We parked our car and headed for the entrance and were advised by the security guard there not to take too much stuff inside as lot of things are not allowed. We decided not to take camera, water bottles, food stuff, etc. Though you can keep wearing leather belts but you need to take them during the security check. Entrance to the temple complex is free. Once the security check cleared you get to see the 10 gates which takes you to a big hall where in one can read about the origin of Akshardham, Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Other places where Akshardham is built, etc.

Going though the illustrations and descriptions in the hall, it was quite a good briefing as my knowledge about the temple was very limited. As soon as you come out of that hall one could see the main complex standing in front of you asking to take a closer look. As we moved towards it you could feel the grandeur of the place within you and see the intricacies and the fineness of the design of every smallest object there. Everything around seems to perfectly done and I really wonder how such a thing would have been conceived. We took out our shoes there just before moving up to the main complex, inside the complex in the center was the 11ft high, gilded image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. There are murtis of the deities of Sanatan Dharma: Shri Sita-Ram, Shri Radha-Krishna, Shri Lakshmi-Narayan, Shri Shiv-Parvati, avatars and twenty-four Chaturvyuh or Keshav murtis of God. This complex is surrounded by a sacred water lake, Narayan Sarovar which contains holy waters from 151 rivers and lakes sanctified by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, including Mansarovar.

Continue reading :
• Akshardham Temple - A must see for everyone (part ii)
• About Akshardham Temple