Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple, Vadodara - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple

At a distance of 62 Km from Vadodara, Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple, and spiritual-cultural campus located at Poicha Village in Gujarat. Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, this temple is also referred to as Nilkanthdham Poicha or Poicha Swaminarayan Mandir. Situated on the banks of the Narmada River, it is one of the amazing temples in Gujarat and among the popular places to visit as part of the Vadodara family packages.

History of Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple

The Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple located in Poicha was built by the Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan, guided by Shree Dharmavallabhdasji Swami, and inspired by Guruvarya Shree Devkrushndasji Swami and Shastri Maharaj Shree Dharmajivandasji Swami. The temple was inaugurated on October 28, 2013, by Guruvarya Shree Devkrushndasji Swami. The murti pran pratishtha ceremony was conducted by Shree Rakeshprasadji Maharaj, the acharya of the Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi, in the presence of saints and devotees of the Swaminarayan Sampraday.

Architecture of Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple

The Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple showcases a grand design that harmoniously blends traditional Hindu architecture with contemporary elements. Constructed from pink sandstone in a magnificent style, it is distinguished by its elaborately carved stone pillars, domes, and spires. Spanning 105 acres, Nilkanthdham encompasses the Swaminarayan Mandir, Sahajanand Universe (a cultural exhibition of Hindu heritage), Gau Dham (a cowshed), and the banks of the Narmada River.

The main temple is situated in the center of an artificial pond, which houses a Shivling and a fountain, accessible by a peacock-shaped boat. Inside the main temple, one can find idols of God Vishnu accompanied by Sheshnag, Lord Ganesha, Hanumanji, 108 gaumukh, Saptarishi, and the 12 Vishnu Avatars. The temple's walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Additionally, visitors can explore the Sahjanand Universe, located directly across from the Swaminarayan main temple. This area spans 24 acres and features a towering 151-foot idol of Lord Swaminarayan, along with over 1100 idols representing Indian culture and Hindu pilgrimage, a science city, amusement park, Water Park, boat rides, a maze, a horror house, yampuri darshan, a light and sound show, and 3D theaters.

The evening aarti of Lord Swaminarayan is particularly captivating, highlighted by a giant elephant ringing the bell with its trunk. The temple is especially enchanting at night, with the light show drawing large crowds. Its close proximity to the Statue of Unity, just a few kilometers away, makes it convenient for travelers to visit both attractions in one trip.

Festivals of Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple

The Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple in Poicha organizes various festivals, such as the Kalyan Mahotsav and Janmashtami Mahotsav. The Kalyan Mahotsav is observed from Bhai Beej to Labh Pancham, while the Janmashtami Mahotsav commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, featuring decorations, joy rides, and the provision of food and snacks.

Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple in Poicha does not enforce a strict dress code; however, it is advisable to wear modest attire that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect. Men are encouraged to don a dhoti or pajama along with an appropriate upper garment, or to wear formal trousers and shirts. Women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is recommended to avoid modern clothing such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.

Non-Hindus are generally allowed to visit the Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple in Poicha. Although the rituals and practices of the temple are rooted in the Hindu faith, the temple aims to provide an inviting environment for all who are in search of spiritual comfort or wish to gain a greater insight into the Swaminarayan tradition.

Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM - 8 PM Light Show: 7 PM - 10 PM, Exhibition: 10:30 AM - 7 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM - 8 PM Light Show: 7 PM - 10 PM, Exhibition: 10:30 AM - 7 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM - 8 PM Light Show: 7 PM - 10 PM, Exhibition: 10:30 AM - 7 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM - 8 PM Light Show: 7 PM - 10 PM, Exhibition: 10:30 AM - 7 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM - 8 PM Light Show: 7 PM - 10 PM, Exhibition: 10:30 AM - 7 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 3:30 PM - 8 PM Light Show: 7 PM - 10 PM, Exhibition: 10:30 AM - 7 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 8 PM, Light Show: 7 PM - 10 PM, Exhibition: 10:30 AM - 7 PM

Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple Entry Fee

Entry is available for Rs. 140 for Adults & Rs. 80 for Children
Nauka Vihar is available for Rs. 50 for Adults & Rs. 20 for Children
Swimming Pool is available for Rs. 80 for Adults & Rs. 60 for Children per Hour

Best Time to Visit Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple

The optimal period to visit the Nilkanthdham temple is from October to February, when the climate is pleasant and ideal for temple exploration. Additionally, numerous festivals take place during winter, enhancing the temple's beauty with decorations. However, visitors should note that this is the peak season, leading to larger crowds. For a more tranquil experience, the months of September and October, after the monsoon, present a lush and picturesque landscape. It is advisable to refrain from visiting during the summer months due to the intense heat.

How to Reach Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple

Vadodara International Airport is the nearest airport which is about 7 Km from Vadodara Railway Station. It has well-connected flights from Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Vadodara Railway Station is well connected by trains with Bhuj, Surat, Trivandrum, Delhi, Rameshwaram, Bangalore, Mumbai, Okha, Veraval, Pune, Indore, Bhavnagar, Kota, Darbhanga, Puri, Varanasi, Vishakapatnam, Lucknow, Jaipur, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Dehradun, Sawai Madhopur, Goa, Amritsar, Cochin, Kolkata, Udaipur, Jabalpur, Porbandar, and Jamnagar. Vadodara is well connected by road with all the major cities of Gujarat along with Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Surat, Udaipur, Jaipur, Delhi, Indore, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. About 62 Km, travelers can reach Nilkanthdham Temple by taking a bus or hiring cab from Vadodara.