A specimen of fine craftsmanship, the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar is one of the largest and most prominent temples in the entire state of Gujarat. Located in Gandhinagar city, the famous Akshardham temple is a place, which consists of a number of things under one roof like art, education, architecture, exhibitions and research. It is truly an architectural masterpiece.
About Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat :
Situated in the west Indian state of Gujarat, Akshardham is one of the largest temple complex in India. Built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purshottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) under the able guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the colossal structure beautifully coalesces elements as devotion, art, architecture, education and research at a single place. The awe inspiring structure was given shape using 6000 tonnes of pink sandstone neatly fashioned together to make for an awe inspiring architectural marvel consisting of 93 carved pillars, 40 sculpted windows and numerous other stone statues. It required more than 12 million man hours to build, provided by 900 skilled craftsmen.
The Monument of Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat :
The imposing 10 stories high intricately carved architectural masterpiece is one of the major attractions in the state of Gujarat. A beautiful golden idol of Lord Swaminarayan can be seen inside along with life like idols of other gods and deities. The walls are ornately done with literally every inch of the structure carved in the most refined way.
Architecture of Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat :
After employing continuous labor for 13 years, the colossal structure took its complete form. The colonnade to this shrine is approximately 1,751 feet (534 meters) in its length. The massive structure extends to 108 feet in height, 240 feet in length and 131 feet in width. Considered as an architectural masterwork, the imposing temple consumed 6,000 tonnes of pink sandstone that was imported from Rajasthan. The intricate carvings boast of the skilled artisans of Bansipahadpur. No steel or iron has been used in the construction of temple to ensure the maximum life of the monument.
Other Attractions of Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat :
Adalaj
Situated just 10 km from Gandhinagar, Adalaj is known for one of the finest baodi (step well) in the state of Gujarat. Built during the 15th century AD by Queen Rudabai, the place was a favourite retreat for women of the royal family, especially during the hot summer months.
Gandhi Ashram
Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati river, the ashram of Mahatma Gandhi was known as the Satyagraha Ashram during the ancient times. It was here that bapu spent years of his life and began his famous ‘dandi march’ to protest against the salt tax.
Hatheesing Jain Temple
Built in 1850 by a Jain merchant, the Hatheesing temple is dedicated to the 15th century Jain apostle Dharamnath. The temple is built of pure white marble and is one of the best examples of Jain architecture with neatly carved walls and pillars.
Jama Masjid
One of the most beautiful and largest mosque in India consists of more than 260 pillars supporting its 15 domes. The mosque, built in 1423 by Ahmad Shah is located in the old part of Ahmedabad city.
Multimedia Show :
Watch how modern technology is helped to deliver the message of spirituality to the world. The 25 minutes multimedia show Sat-Chit-Anand played in the granite finished auditorium takes the devotees on a spiritual journey and presents the message of truth, consciousness and bliss.
Stay At :
Some of the best quality accommodation facilities available in and around Gandhinagar include Hotel Haveli (3 star, located at sector 11), Sovereign The Heritage Hotel, Taj Residency Ummed (5 star, 1 km from airport and 8 km from railway station), Cama Park Plaza (4 star, 11 km from airport, 3 km from railway station), Comfort Inn Sunset (4 star, 0.5 km from airport, 6 km from railway station), Inder Residency (3 star, 7 km from airport, 5 km from railway station), Holiday Inn (3 star, 4 km from airport, 3 km from railway station), Hotel Westend (3 star, 12 km from airport, 5 km from railway station) and Fortune Landmark (3 star, 11 km from airport, 6 km from railway station).
Getting There :
Ahmedabad, situated at a stone’s throw away from Gandhinagar is the most convenient place to get access to Gandhinagar. Ahmedabad is conveniently connected to rest of the Indian cities through Air, Rail and road transport. Regular local buses connect Ahmedabad with Gandhinagar and can be boarded from the Lal Darwaja or any of the numerous stops along the Ashram Road.
By Air : The airport at Ahmedabad is situated just 13 km from the city, from where local buses and taxis are easily available to reach the city. Indian Airlines
operates regular flights for Ahmedabad from Delhi and other major Indian cities. Flights are available from Delhi twice each day at 6:00 and 18:15. For other details on flight schedule and timings, refer to the official site of Indian Airlines http://indian-airlines.nic.in/
By Rail : Ahmedabad is a major railway station, conveniently connected with all the major Indian cities. A number of passenger and superfast trains start from and terminate at the Ahmedabad station. Daily trains between Delhi and Ahmedabad are the Ashram Exp. and HW ADI Mail.
By Road : Ahmedabad is well connected by roads to other cities in Gujarat. State transport buses and private operators provide regular services to cities within and outside the state.
Distance from Major Cities :
- Ajmer : 526 Km
- Aurangabad : 586 Km
- Bhopal : 568 Km
- Nashik : 490 Km
- Mumbai : 545 Km
- Indore : 382 Km
- Porbandar : 394 Km
Location : Gujarat
Also Known as : Akshardham Gandhinagar
Year of Construction : 1992
Dedicated to : Lord Swaminarayan
Best time to Visit : October to March