Swaminarayan Akshardham (New Delhi) facts for kids

Swaminarayan Akshardham is a huge and beautiful Hindu temple and a cultural center in New Delhi, India. People also call it Akshardham Temple or Delhi Akshardham. It's a place that shows off thousands of years of amazing Hindu and Indian culture, spiritual ideas, and incredible architecture.

This special place was built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) organization. It was created to honor Swaminarayan, a very important spiritual leader. The temple was officially opened on November 6, 2005.

What is Akshardham?

Akshardham means "the divine home of God." It's not just a temple; it's a large campus with many different parts. The main temple building is made of pink sandstone and marble. It features detailed carvings of gods, dancers, musicians, and animals.

Inside the Main Temple

The main temple has a huge statue of Swaminarayan. There are also statues of other important Hindu gods and teachers. The temple's design follows ancient Indian building styles. It shows the rich history of Indian art and spirituality.

What Else Can You See?

The Akshardham complex has many attractions for visitors. There's a boat ride that takes you through 10,000 years of Indian history. You can also see a giant screen film about Swaminarayan's life. There's a cultural boat ride and a musical fountain show.

The complex also has beautiful gardens and a large step-well. The step-well features 108 small shrines. It's a peaceful place to explore and learn.

Building the Temple

Building Akshardham was a massive project. Thousands of skilled workers and volunteers helped create it. They used traditional methods to carve the stone. The temple shows amazing craftsmanship and dedication.

The architect for this grand project was Vikram Lall. The spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired its creation. It stands as a symbol of peace and harmony.

Images for kids

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  The mandir's central dome

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  The musical fountain and the statue of Neelkanth Varni in its background

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  The Akshardham complex in Delhi

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  Construction on the Akshardham complex

See also

In Spanish: Akshardham para niños