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Visit Akshardham – The Abode Of Spirituality

Gujarat is spread with numerous beautiful places of interest that must be visited. Read about one such place, Akshardham, a mesmerising temple complex that is located in Gandhinagar.

By Srushti

Akshardham, which is sometimes known as Swaminarayan Akshardham is an enormous temple complex that is located in the capital city of Gandhinagar in Gujarat. Akshardham literally translates to Divine Abode of God. It is an important place of pilgrimage to BAPS followers.

The temple complex was built in honour of Swaminarayan and his teachings, by Pramukh Swami, who was the spiritual head of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. It is a Hindu worship place that was built in 1992; it took over a period of 13 years to be completed.

<strong>Also Read: All About The Adalaj Stepwell In Gujarat</strong>Also Read: All About The Adalaj Stepwell In Gujarat

Architecture

Akshardham Gujarat

PC: Official Website

The mesmerising pink hue is obtained by the 6000 metric tonnes of pink sandstone that was used to build the temple. This pink sandstone was brought all the way from Rajasthan. The temple is spread across a huge area of 23 acres, where the centre is occupied by the main Akshardham Mandir.

This mandir consists of 97 beautifully carved pillars, 17 domes and 264 exquisitely sculpted figures installed in and around the temple. In place of steel or iron, 20-foot-long stone beams are used as foundation of the temple, following the Vedic principles of architecture.

The centre of the mandir is adorned by a 7-foot-tall image of Swaminarayan and is surrounded by idols of his devotees.

Exhibition Halls Of Akshardham

Akshardham Gujarat

PC: Official Website

The temple complex comprises of five different exhibition halls, all of which are used for audio-visual presentations of various themes and stories of Hinduism. One of the halls, known as the Mystic Indial Hall, has an IMAX theatre which is used for screening a 40-minute-long film that is about Swaminarayan and his journey that began at the age of 11.

Topic: DelhiDelhi" title="Also Read: Akshardham Temple In Delhi" />Also Read: Akshardham Temple In Delhi

Sahajanand and Neelkanth are the two halls where all of Swaminarayan's life works are portrayed. Premanand is a hall which is sectioned into 3 segments that has texts of Hindu scriptures, Hindu epics, etc. Sant Param Hitkari is the final hall that shows animatronics messages on everlasting happiness.

The mandir remains open from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm while the exhibition halls remain open between 10 am to 5.30 pm everyday.

Akshardham Water Show

Akshardham Gujarat

PC: Official Website

As an interpretation of Nachiketa, a character from a Hindu epic, the Sat-Chit-Anand water show is performed. It literally means Truth-Knowledge-Bliss. It is a magnificent, one of a kind show that has animations of a fountain, water screen projections and live performances that showcase the story of Nachiketa and his choices.

The show begins post sunset at 7 pm, between Tuesday to Sunday every week.

How To Reach Gandhinagar

By Air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport, located in Ahmedabad, is the closest airbase to Gandhinagar, which is at a distance of 27 km from the city. This airport is well connected to many major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, etc.

By Train: The closest railhead is located at a distance of 27 km, which is the Ahmedabad railway station. It is connected to many cities like Ajmer, Guwahati, Jaipur, to name a few.

Akshardham Gujarat

PC: Official Website

By Road: Gandhinagar is connected by a well-maintained network of roads to various neighbouring places, such as Vadodara, Mumbai, Surat, through many national highways. State government and private buses are available in plenty to travel in and around the city.

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