Akshardhaam - An abode of Peace and Joy

The Visit

If you want to rejuvenate your mind and soul, and unleash from the strings of busy and materialistic life, give Akshardham Temple, New Delhi a definite try someday!!!

What I am going to tell you is the experience of my recent visit with friends on a week-day. The weather was pleasant, and the crowd was less, obviously for it was a working day and early morning. Let me tell you the unique thing about this temple. Not only the temple area, but the magnificent ambience boasts aesthetic value and greenery which gives you peace and solace.

It was an awesome experience to walk barefoot on the clean soothing marble floor. And the divine view of majestic temple known for its splendid architecture was mind-refreshing.

The temple

The moment I stepped towards the temple, I felt so pure, so free. The smile on my face was because of the inner serenity, to see the majestic temple. We all walked in the middle of the way (to keep symmetry with the pathway leading towards the entrance). It looked so beautiful.  Inside the temple lies the giant deity and the reminiscent of the Lord – Swaminarayan along with deities of various Gods, and many spiritual works and relics. We stopped at the splendid deity of the God, ‘Swaminarayan’ and took the ‘aarti’.

While I had my eyes close, I felt redeemed. And so, I opened my eyes as if opening myself to God rather than praying or asking for anything.

Narayan Sarovar

On the outer wall of the mandir are 108 bronze gaumukhs, symbolizing 108 names of God, from which holy water spouts forth. I saw people (specially foreign tourists) studying the sculptures, and the details of the intricate art on the walls. We walked on the other side. The side, surrounding the peaceful, beautiful, serene and sacred water body, Narayan Sarovar, surrounding the temple. (It contains the holy waters of 151 rivers and lakes sanctified by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, including Manasarovar, Pushkar Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar, Indradyumna Sarovar, Manikarnika Ghat, Prayag Triveni Sangam, River Kshipra, Rivers Ganga and Yamuna and many others).

It was so peaceful. I wanted to steep in its coldness. It all looked like a fairy dream, something so surreal and mystical. The place appeared as if it was reserved for just four of us.

I sat in a window, which opens towards the pool of water. There, I looked at the water sparkling with golden sunlight. The time in which we drink the wonders of the natural splendor was magical and melodious because of the beautiful soothing spiritual music in the corridor.

The exhibitions

One more attractive and unique feature is ‘The exhibitions’, which includes a 45 minute telefilm based on the life of Swaminarayan on huge screen and nice sound effects, a boat ride introducing many traditional anecdotes and sayings in small parts, and finally a walk through the exhibitions depicting various aspects of life, lifestyles, and robotic manifestation of anecdotes. In short, you will see a blend of art, spirituality and technology. 

  

And it’s all INDOOR.

The food

Well, the most important thing – The food. I bet you won’t deny that it was the tastiest food you ever had. There is a separate Indoor food court, where you can find your favourite cuisines and snacks including chaat, North Indian Thaali, Dhokla, Samosa, cakes, beverages(including Chhaach), paav bhaji, chhole bhatoore, south Indian Thaali, ice-creams, Fresh fruit juice and what not. Yummm. In addition, there are separate Outdoor stalls of various vendors like Chaat, paani pur, juice, popcorn, Ice-cream, kulfi, etc.

The Shop

After the food, we checked out ‘the books and gifts store’ – a dedicated shop for selling items. It has a vast collection of consumables - candies, herbal tea, mouth freshener, squashes, daily-use products like natural face-washes, soaps and toothpastes apart from books T-shirts, and spiritual collection.

Abhishek-mandap

There is a separate sacred place where visitors can perform abhishek (the ritual bathing ) of the murti of Neelkanth Varni -  yogic form of God Swaminarayan. This ritual bathing of the murti amidst the chanting of prayers and mantras is a uniquely participatory ritual, open to all visitors.

The musical Fountain show

Mesmerising, mind-blowing and hypnotising.  You have to take a separate ticket for the show - Sahaj Anand, which starts at around 7:pm in the evening.

The Sahaj Anand Water Show is a breathtaking 24-minute presentation which brings to life a story from the Kena Upanishad.

Multi-color lasers, video projections, underwater flames, water jets and surround sound in symphony with lights produce a captivating and inspiring presentation. The most beautiful and memorable moment of the day.

That one day, I spent under the tutelage of Lord Swaminarayan was an unforgettable experience. Must visit.