Sacred Heritage
Akshardham Temple
New Delhi, Delhi
State:Delhi
District:New Delhi
Quick Facts
Location
New Delhi
Presiding Deity
Bhagwan Swaminarayan
Architecture
Traditional Hindu/Vedic (Nagara Style Influence)
Dynasty
BAPS
Timings
10:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Entry). Closed on Mondays.
Entry Fee
Free
Best Time
October to March is ideal for visiting Delhi. Visiting in the late afternoon allows you to see the temple in daylight and stay for the musical fountain show at night.
Overview
A massive Hindu temple complex displaying millennia of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture.
History & Legacy
The concept for Akshardham was envisioned by Yogiji Maharaj (the spiritual head of BAPS) in 1968, who wished for a grand temple on the banks of the Yamuna. However, the project only took flight under his successor, Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Construction began in 2000 and was completed in a record five years, involving 11,000 volunteers and thousands of skilled artisans. The temple was opened to the public on November 6, 2005. It stands as a modern tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781—1830) and the rich heritage of India, representing a revival of ancient Vedic building techniques in the 21st century.
Architecture
The main monument, the Akshardham Mandir, rises 141 feet high, spans 316 feet wide, and extends 356 feet long. It features 234 ornately carved pillars, nine magnificent domes, and over 20,000 statues of Hindu deities, sages, and devotees. The base of the temple features the 'Gajendra Pith', a tribute to elephants, with 148 life-sized stone elephants weighing a total of 3,000 tons. The architecture is a blend of the Nagara and Pancharatra styles. The entire structure is built using a tongue-and-groove system, with no metal supports. The Italian Carrara marble used in the interior is carved with breathtaking precision, creating a celestial atmosphere in the main sanctum.
Religious & Cultural Significance
Signature Feature: Gajendra Pith (Elephant Plinth) and Steel-free Construction. The temple is built entirely of pink sandstone and white marble without steel or concrete reinforcement.
Daily Rituals
The temple follows the Swaminarayan Sampradaya traditions. The day begins with the 'Mangala Aarti'. The main deity, Bhagwan Swaminarayan, is offered various 'Thals' (food offerings) throughout the day. Devotees can participate in 'Abhishek' of the Neelkanth Varni (the youthful form of Swaminarayan) in a dedicated area. The evening 'Sandhya Aarti' is a grand and musical ceremony. Maintain silence and follow a strict code of conduct, including depositing all electronic items and leather goods at the entrance.
Festivals & Celebrations
Annakut, celebrated the day after Diwali, is the grandest festival, where thousands of food items are offered to the Lord. Janmashtami, Diwali, and the birth anniversaries of the BAPS Gurus are celebrated with great pomp, including special assemblies, cultural programs, and elaborate decorations. The temple becomes a hub of activity during these periods, with thousands of volunteers ensuring a smooth experience for visitors.
Interesting Facts
Guinness World Record for Largest Hindu Temple, Intricate Stone Carvings, Sahaj Anand Water Show, Cultural Exhibits
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
October to March is ideal for visiting Delhi. Visiting in the late afternoon allows you to see the temple in daylight and stay for the musical fountain show at night.
Temple Timings
10:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Entry). Closed on Mondays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are cameras or mobile phones allowed inside?
A. No, mobile phones, cameras, and all other electronic items are strictly prohibited inside the complex. A free cloakroom facility is provided at the entrance.
Q. Is there an entry fee?
A. Entry to the complex and temple is free, but there are separate tickets for the exhibitions (Sanskruti Vihar, etc.) and the Sahaj Anand water show.
Q. How long does it take to see the entire complex?
A. To fully experience the mandir, exhibitions, and the water show, set aside at least 4 to 5 hours.
Did You Know?
- This temple features the highest structure of its period.
- This temple was built under the patronage of the BAPS dynasty, reflecting their architectural vision.
Related Temples
Same State
Chhatarpur Temple
A massive marble temple complex dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, featuring both North and South Indian architectural styles.
Kalkaji Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Kalka Devi, believed to date back to the Satya Yuga, and highly crowded during Navratri.
Hanuman Mandir Connaught Place
One of the five ancient temples from the Mahabharata era in Delhi, famous for its continuous 24-hour chanting since 1964.
Yogmaya Temple Mehrauli
One of Delhi's few surviving ancient temples, believed to be built by the Pandavas and a symbol of communal harmony.
Gauri Shankar Temple Delhi
An 800-year-old temple in Chandni Chowk built by a Maratha soldier, housing a centuries-old brown Shiva Lingam.
Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir
The oldest Jain temple in Delhi, built in 1656 and famous for its vibrant red architecture and Charity Birds Hospital.
Same Tradition
Rasmancha Bishnupur
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Jor-Bangla Temple Bishnupur
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Shyam Rai Temple Bishnupur
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Dashavatara Temple
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Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir
A grand and historic temple marking the birthplace of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, representing the pinnacle of Nagara architecture.
Prem Mandir
A stunning modern white-marbled complex in Vrindavan dedicated to Divine Love, known for its life-like tableaus of Krishna's pastimes.
Visiting as an International Traveller
India's temples are living traditions — not museums. Every temple has its own customs. This guide helps first-time visitors prepare with confidence and respect.
Foreign visitor information is being researched
Please verify with the official temple authority before planning your visit.
Entry Status
Foreign Visitors
Verify Before VisitingVisitor Information
Entry policies vary between temples. Most temples welcome visitors, while some may restrict access to specific areas, rituals, or the inner sanctum. Always verify the latest entry guidelines with the official temple authorities before your visit.
Dress Code
Modest clothing is expected at every Indian temple — a sign of respect, not a restriction. Think of it as dressing for a formal ceremony.
Shoulders covered
Knees covered
Shoes removed before entry
Head covering (women)
Rain gear available
Warm layers (winter)
A scarf is always useful — it covers shoulders, works as a head covering, and can double as a makeshift face cover if needed.
Temple Etiquette
Remove footwearShoes and sandals are left outside. Socks are usually fine. Most temples provide free shoe storage.
Silence phonesSwitch to silent or vibrate before entering. Phone calls inside the temple are considered disrespectful.
Queue patientlyDarshan queues can be long — sometimes hours at major temples. Wait your turn calmly. No pushing or cutting.
No touching idolsUnless a priest explicitly invites you, never touch the deities. This is considered a serious breach of respect.
No flash photographyFlash disturbs the sacred atmosphere. Some temples ban all cameras inside the inner sanctum.
No smoking or alcoholTemple premises are strictly smoke-free and alcohol-free. This includes e-cigarettes.
Receive prasadam respectfullyAccept with both hands or right hand. Never refuse. Eat it — do not discard blessed offerings.
Respect restricted areasCertain areas may be off-limits to visitors. Follow signage and priest instructions.
No public displays of affectionTemples are conservative spaces. Avoid hugging, kissing, or intimate behaviour on the premises.
Dress conservativelyAvoid revealing clothing. Tight, transparent, or ripped clothes are not appropriate.
Photography Guide
Outside
Inside
Flash
Drone
Tripod
Commercial
Outdoor photography is generally permitted. Indoor photography is often restricted. Always look for signage or ask a priest before taking photos inside.
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season
October to March is ideal for visiting Delhi. Visiting in the late afternoon allows you to see the temple in daylight and stay for the musical fountain show at night.
Moderate to High — comfortable weather
Summer
April — June
Low — hot plains, pleasant hills
Monsoon
July — September
Low — lush landscape, travel delays possible
Language & Communication
English spoken
English is widely understood at major tourist temples. In smaller local temples, Hindi and the regional language are more common. A smile and simple hand gestures go a long way. Learning a few words of the local language is always appreciated.
Payment & Currency
Cash (Indian Rupees) is the most reliable option, especially for temple offerings, small shops, and local transport.
UPI digital payments (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) are widely accepted across India — even at roadside stalls. Download one before you arrive.
International credit/debit cards work at most ATMs, hotels, and larger establishments. Smaller vendors may only accept cash or UPI.
Carry small denominations (₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100 notes) for offerings and temple donations. Large notes (₹500, ₹2000) can be hard to break at smaller counters.
Accessibility
Many historic temples have uneven stone floors, multiple steps, and narrow passages. Wheelchair access is limited at older sites — contact the temple in advance.
Basic restroom facilities and drinking water are available at most major temples. Some charge a small fee (₹5–₹10).
Safety Tips
Stay hydrated — carry a reusable water bottle, especially in hot climates.
Keep valuables secure — use hotel lockers for passports and excess cash.
Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear — temple floors can be hot, wet, or uneven.
Beware of unofficial guides or touts near temple entrances. Only use authorised services.
Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa. Leave originals in your hotel safe.
Download offline maps — mobile networks can be unreliable near remote temple sites.
Understanding Temple Traditions
These short explanations help make sense of what you see and experience.
What is Darshan?
Darshan means 'seeing' — but in a temple it means being seen by the deity. It is a sacred moment of connection, not just a viewing.
Why remove shoes?
Removing footwear is a sign of humility. It also keeps the temple floor clean, since devotees sit and pray on the ground.
What is Prasadam?
Food offered to the deity and then distributed to devotees. It is considered blessed. Accept it with both hands and do not discard it.
Why ring the bell?
The bell creates a focused acoustic atmosphere, wards off distractions, and announces your presence before entering the inner sanctum.
Why walk clockwise?
Circumambulation (pradakshina) is done clockwise, keeping the sanctum on your right — an auspicious direction aligned with the sun's path.
What do offerings mean?
Flowers symbolise devotion, coconuts represent the ego being broken, incense purifies the air, and lamps represent the victory of light over darkness.
Tips for International Visitors
Temple Vocabulary
Darshan/ DAR-shan /
Sacred viewing of the deity; the central act of temple worship.
Pradakshina/ pra-DAK-shee-na /
Clockwise circumambulation of the sanctum.
Prasadam/ PRA-sa-dam /
Blessed food offered to the deity and distributed to devotees.
Garbhagriha/ GAR-bha-GREE-ha /
The innermost sanctum where the main deity resides.
Shikhaara/ shi-KHAA-ra /
The towering spire above the sanctum, a defining feature of temple architecture.
Mandapa/ MAN-da-pa /
A pillared hall or pavilion within the temple complex.
Currency Tips
The Indian Rupee (?, INR) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. For temple offerings, keep small notes (₹10, ₹20, ₹50). Most temples accept donations in cash only — digital payments are uncommon at the offering counter itself.
Donation Etiquette
Offerings (dakshina) are given with the right hand. Place cash in the donation box (hundi) or give it directly to the priest. There is no fixed amount — give what feels appropriate. Some temples have fixed fees for special entry or puja participation.
Removing Footwear
Shoes and sandals are removed before entering the temple building. Most temples have a designated shoe counter (free or a small fee of ₹5–₹20). Socks are generally allowed. In monsoon, carry a plastic bag for wet shoes.
Temple Queue System
Darshan queues can take 30 minutes to 3 hours at popular temples. Many offer paid VIP darshan (₹100–₹500) for faster entry. Special queues for women, elderly, and disabled visitors exist at some temples. No line jumping.
Festival Crowd Warning
Major festivals draw enormous crowds — sometimes hundreds of thousands. Book accommodation months in advance. Expect road closures, restricted vehicle access, and limited phone network. Arrive early (before dawn) to avoid the worst congestion.
Photography Etiquette
Always look for signage before taking photos. When in doubt, ask a priest. Never take photos of devotees in prayer without permission. Selfie sticks are banned at most temples. Silently switch your phone to silent mode.
Essential Contacts
Police / Ambulance / Fire: 112 (National Emergency Number)
Tourist Helpline: 1800-111-363 (Multi-lingual, Ministry of Tourism)
Women's Helpline: 1091
Travel Preparation Checklist
Packing Checklist for Akshardham Temple
Continue Reading
Temple-specific visitor information is continuously researched and updated from official sources. Where specific data is unavailable, general India travel guidance is provided. Always verify current policies with the temple authority before your visit.
Information last verified July 2026. Temple-specific data coming soon.
By Sacred Places India Editorial Team
Updated: July 2026
Related:Delhi TemplesBhagwan SwaminarayanTraditional Hindu/Vedic (Nagara Style Influence) StyleBAPSMethodology
Delhi
BAPS
Modern Temple
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