The largest Hindu temple in the world
The Akshardham in Delhi, India, is the largest Hindu temple in the world. It is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan who was one of the best known Hindu prophets. This temple represents cultural beauty at its best. It is located on the outskirts of Delhi on the banks of the Yamuna River. The architecture of the temple speaks volumes about the Indian culture of 10,000 years ago. The temple was built over a period of 5 years and hired the services of 11,000 craftsmen. Akshardham was inaugurated in November 2005 and since then it has received thousands of visitors daily. There is another Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, the capital of the state of Gujarat. Akshardham means eternal or lasting forever. There are many things to do in Akshardham. First of all, you can visit the main temple on the premises which has a very large idol of Lord Swaminarayan.
The entire temple is built without using a single piece of steel. The interior of the main temple consists of a total of 234 carved pillars and 20,000 small murtis (idols). It also has a spectacular path called Gajndra Path and 9 ornate domes. After visiting the main temple you can see the animatronics audio show that lasts 3 hours. The show consists of the different stages of Lord Swaminarayan’s life and how he left his luxurious life as a prince to understand the sufferings of people outside of his kingdom. He finally achieved enlightenment after religious teachings from him to spread the word of mankind. In the show you move from one diorama to another and see the different events that happen in the life of the Lord.
If you are not tired yet, you should definitely experience the boat ride. The ride takes about 12 minutes and makes you experience the 10,000-year-old Indian heritage and culture. It is a journey through the ancient inventions and discoveries made by renowned Indians. Through the musical fountain at night you can see the fascinating combination of natural elements such as fire, water, air and earth. You can laze around or take a stroll in the facility’s garden, also called the Garden of India. This is one of the largest gardens in India with lush green gardens and has wonderful bronze statues of different Hindu gods in some places.
One important thing to note is that for security reasons, wallets, purses, bags, and mobile phones are not allowed on the temple premises. You can put them in your car or deliver them to the safe deposit boxes at the door. This temple is a must see in Delhi. It symbolizes architectural brilliance and is spread over 100 acres. Sandstone and marble are the main materials used for the construction of the temple. Don’t forget to visit the IMAX theater which shows Lord Swaminarayan’s documentaries and films. You can have lunch at the restaurant inside the temple premises.