Located in the Vaishali Nagar of Jaipur, Akshardham Temple is a stunning handicraft with religious fervor. Also known as Swaminarayan Temple, Akshardham Temple is popular for its beautiful architecture, cultural aesthetic, beautiful idols, sculptures and carvings. This shrine is dedicated to the Hindu god Swaminarayan, one of the most famous Hindu priests. This temple showcases the cultural beauty at its best. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, this is an unparalleled fusion of the ethnic traditions of the past and the innovative architecture of the present.
History of Akshardham Temple
Since Akshardham is a modern temple, there is not much history associated with it. Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sansthan founded this temple, known by the short name “Swaminarayan”. These temples were built under the Sanstha, Swaminarayan Sampraday who was founded by Ramanand Swami in the early 20th century.
The Sanstha built many temples in many cities of India and from India with various idols of God Swaminarayan. The Akshardham Temple in Jaipur is one of the nine temples built in some major cities in India. All the temples show unique forms of Krishna’s life. The Akshardham Temple of Jaipur is dedicated to Lord Vishnu while the other temples are dedicated to other Hindu gods. But they are all known by the names of Akshardham Temple, Swaminarayan Temple or Swaminarayan Akshardham.
The architecture of Akshardham Temple
Although the construction is relatively recent, the temple looks like an ancient temple from the historical period. It maintains the beauty of ‘Hindu’ as a religion. The unusual style of architecture and the stunning beauty of the temple is what attracts most of the tourists here. The temple showcases the surreal beauty of architecture and has become extremely popular among Krishna devotees.
The complex of the temple measures approximately 23 acres and has a sanctum sanctorum in the center. The entire structure is beautifully carved with a mix of white marble and pink sandstone. The temple has a staircase that leads you to the main hall of the temple. The Akshardham Temple has pillared walls that are well ventilated and spacious.
The temple also houses two small shrines which include the gods of Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna and Shiva Parvati. The walls of the temples are decorated with beautiful paintings, scriptures, carvings, mantras and slogans that create a sacred atmosphere of the temple and fill the visitors with positive aura and faith.
The Akshardham Temple stands atop a slightly raised platform amid a beautifully designed lush green landscape with fountains. It is a treasure of tranquility as the temple gives a lush green view even from afar, making this place full of optimism, peace and serenity. This greenery that surrounds the place makes you dive into the serendipity of the place.
The main idol of the temple which belongs to Lord Narayana is well studded and decorated with ornaments of gold and silver adding beauty to it. The entire area of Swaminarayan temple means that the temple devotional zone, God zone and courtyard are very neat and clean, making the visitors feel like the temple is like heaven offering faith in God.
The temple houses three main zones:
Hari Mandapam
This is a house where you will find the presence of a 7 feet tall gold leaf covered idol of Lord Swami Narayana. This is the main area of worship and meditation. The statue is decorated with gold and silver ornaments.
Vibhuti Mandapam
As we all well know, God Narayana is fond of lotus flowers and therefore lotus is offered to him in daily prayers. This part of the house reveals the beautifully lit copper lotuses.
Prasad Mandapam
This section displays the sanctified holy relics of Lord Swami Narayana.
One should definitely visit Akshardham Temple in Jaipur to feel the divine environment of this holy place. A seductive architectural marvel, an epitome of artistry and a must-see tourist destination, Akshardham promises an unforgettable visit with memories to last a lifetime.
Akshardham Temple Times and Entry
It is open from 07:30 to 12:00 in the morning and from 4 to 08:15 in the evening. It is closed on Mondays. Entrance is free.
Darshan Times:
Open: 7.30 am to 10.15 am
Closed to Rajbhog Thal: 10:15 am to 11:15 am
Open: 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Closed: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Open: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed for Thal: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Open: 19:00 to 20:15
Akshardham Aarti Timings
Mangla Arti: 6.00 am
Shangar Arti: 7.30 am
Rajbhog Arti: 11.15 am
Sandhya Arti: 7.00 am
Shayan Arti: 8.00 am.
How To Reach Akshardham Temple
It is about 6.2 km from Jaipur city. It takes about 15 minutes to get there. The city of Jaipur is well connected by roads, railways and airways.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Akshardham Temple in Jaipur is between October and February. This time is the winter season here, when the temperature remains pleasant all the time. You can visit this temple at any time of the day, but it is best if you come here early in the morning or after sunrise.
Nearby places to visit
Jaipur has numerous tourist attractions with a number of places to visit. Some of the places are Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Wind, City Museum etc.
Travel tips
- All visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple. Shoe racks are available there.
- Please turn off your cell phones before entering the temple.
- You must wear covered clothing. Your clothing should cover the shoulders and knees and do not wear shorts or skirts shorter than knee length.
- Make sure not to be noisy when visiting Akshardham.
- Please note that indoor camera/videography is not allowed.
- If you are looking for delicacies, the Food Hut is there to satisfy your hunger.
- It also has a children’s area where children can enjoy the large playground and slides.
