Swaminarayan Akshardham, on the east bank of the Yamuna in Delhi, is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in India. Opened in 2005 by the BAPS Swaminarayan organisation, it was built in the traditional way, with hand-carved stone and no structural steel, and has quickly become one of the most visited sights of the capital.
The main monument:
The central temple is built of pink sandstone and white marble. Its domes, pillars and ceilings are covered with thousands of carved figures of deities, saints, dancers, musicians, animals and flowers. Around its base runs the Gajendra Pith, a long frieze of carved elephants telling stories from Indian tradition. Inside sits a golden statue of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the 18th-century founder of the Swaminarayan movement.
Around the complex:
- Exhibition halls presenting Indian culture and values through films, dioramas and robotics.
- A boat ride through a reconstruction of 10,000 years of Indian heritage.
- The evening water and light show at the step-well (Yagnapurush Kund).
- Gardens with bronze statues of national heroes.
Good to know:
Entry to the complex is free; the exhibitions and water show need tickets. Mobile phones, cameras and bags are not allowed inside and must be deposited at the cloakroom, so photographs are only possible from outside. Modest dress is expected. The complex is usually closed on Mondays – please check before visiting. Allow at least three hours, or half a day with the exhibitions and the evening show.
