Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Ahmedabad - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

At a distance of 29 Km from Ahmedabad Junction, Swaminarayan Akshardham is a Hindu temple located in Gandhinagar city of Gujarat State. This temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and was built by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the same organization as the one in Delhi. The Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar is one of the biggest temples in India, and among the top places to visit in Ahmedabad. Akshardham acts as a cultural center and is a melting pot that can enthrall tourists from around the country. The temple seeks to spread the teachings and philosophies of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and is a center of devotion, education and unification of the society as a whole.

History of Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple was commissioned by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) after initiation by its promoter, Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1979. It took 13 years to complete and was inaugurated in 1992. The mandir is a humble tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781- 1830) and is a Hindu house of worship and a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, education, and unification. A specimen of fine craftsmanship, the Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar is one of the largest and most prominent temples in Gujarat state.

Architecture of Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

Covering an expanse of 23 acres, the temple complex features a magnificent shrine, expansive prayer halls, exhibition spaces, a lush garden, and a research facility. Constructed from numerous tons of Rajasthan pink sandstone, this monumental temple stands at a height of 108 feet, with a length of 240 feet and a width of 131 feet. The Akshardham Mandir is adorned with 97 intricately carved pillars, 17 elaborate domes, 220 stone beams, 57 stone screens, 3 porticos, and 256 statues representing spiritual figures. Built in accordance with Vedic architectural principles, the temple does not incorporate any steel or iron in its structure. It is situated within the expansive garden known as Sahajanand Van.

The sanctum sanctorum contains a 7-foot tall idol of Lord Swaminarayan in a seated position, with his right hand raised in Abhaya mudra, accompanied by his disciples Swami Gunatitanand and Swami Gopalanand. An enchanting light display occurs every Saturday and Sunday, enhancing the temple's exotic allure. The Akshardham temple houses 5 Exhibition Halls, each employing stunning audiovisual techniques and life-sized dioramas to convey various themes of Hinduism. The Halls of Sahajanand and Neelkath depict the life and teachings of Swaminarayan.

A major highlight of the temple is the Sat-Chit-Anand Water Show, which narrates the story of Nachiketa from the Kathopanishad. This captivating performance utilizes fire, fountains, animations, lasers, water screen projections, music, and live actors, creating a harmonious blend of technology and natural elements to convey the divine parable.

Festivals of Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar is the venue for numerous festivals, with Diwali, known as the festival of Lights, being particularly significant. The temple also commemorates various other celebrations, such as the birthday of Bhagatji Maharaj, the second spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, as well as Posh Sud Trij, Posh Sud Punam, Maha Vad Teras, Vaishakh Vad Teras, and Navratri.

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

The Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Ahmedabad enforces a strict dress code, recommending that visitors wear modest clothing that adequately covers the upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, or alternatively, formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, torn jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.

Non-Hindus are allowed to enter the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Ahmedabad. However, visitors are prohibited from bringing food, bags, luggage, mobile phones, radios, and other electronic devices into the temple. Additionally, photography and videography are strictly forbidden within the temple grounds.

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Timings

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10 AM - 7:30 PM, Water Show: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM - 7:30 PM, Water Show: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday: 10 AM - 7:30 PM, Water Show: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 10 AM - 7:30 PM, Water Show: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 7:30 PM, Water Show: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 7:30 PM, Water Show: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Water Show is available for Rs. 100 for Adults & Rs. 70 for Children
Exhibition is available for Rs. 60 for Adults & Rs. 40 for Children

Best Time to Visit Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

The optimal time to visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is between October and March, with the peak period occurring from November to February. It is advisable to steer clear of the summer months due to the intense heat and high temperatures, as well as the monsoon season, which frequently results in heavy rainfall and flooding of the Sabarmati River. The evening is the most favorable time for a visit, as it allows for the opportunity to enjoy the Water Show.

How to Reach Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is the nearest airport which is about 10 km from Ahmedabad. It has flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Cochin, and Lucknow. Ahmedabad Junction is well connected by trains with Mumbai, Allahabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Puri, Chandigarh, Tirunelveli, Kutch, New Delhi, Okha, Kolkata, Bangalore, Jodhpur, Lucknow, Rameswaram, Ajmer, Jaipur, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Dwarka, Bhavnagar, Vishakhapatnam, Bikaner, Mysore, Trivandrum, Kochi, Surat, Vadodara, and Jaisalmer. Ahmedabad Bus Stand is well connected with buses from New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Agra, Jaipur, Gandhinagar, Gandhidham, Amreli, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Mount Abu, Udaipur, Surat, Jamnagar, Bhuj, Porbandar, Anand, and Vadodara. Travelers can reach the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, situated 29 kilometers away, by taking a bus or hiring a taxi, or cab from Ahmedabad.