Situated in Vaishali Nagar of Jaipur, Akshardham Temple is one of the most popular destinations of the pink city. Being dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Lord Narayana, Akshardham Temple is also known as Swaminarayan Temple. It is equally well-known for both its cultural aesthetics and stunning architecture.
The temple of Akshardham in Jaipur has been recently constructed, and the credit of its foundation goes to Bachsanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sansthan.There are three houses within the Akshardham temple – Hari Mandapam, Vibhuti Mandapam, and Prasadi Mandapam.
The main shrine of the temple is known as Hari Mandapam. It is here where you can find the presence of a 7-feet statue of Lord Swaminarayan carved in pure gold. It is well-studded with both silver and gold ornaments.
Vibhuti Mandapam or the second house is where you get to witness the exquisite-lit brass lotuses. Finally, you have the Prasadi Mandapam, where you will find some holy relics of Lord Swaminarayan.
Apart from those three houses, the Akshardham Temple features two small shrines featuring the idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha, and Shiva Parvati. All the walls of the temple have beautiful displays of beautiful carvings, paintings, sculptures, and mantras for motivating the visitors and onlookers.
The moment you step in the Akshardham Temple, you are filled with profound faith and positive vibration. The tranquillity of the temple enlightens every single visitor who visits here. Akshardham Temple is famous for its magnificent idols, beautiful architecture, carvings, and sculptures.
Apart from the architectural brilliance, the temple is blessed with a stunning green surrounding. It has also got a large playground and a kids section within it where you have slides, swings, etc. Finally, before leaving the Akshardham Temple, do not forget to munch on its delicious servings at its Food Hut.
History of Akshardham Temple
Since Akshardham is a modern temple it does not have much history attached to it. Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sansthan founded this temple, known by a short name “Swaminarayan”. These temples were built under the Sanstha, Swaminarayan Sampraday which was established in the early 20th century by Ramanand Swami.
The Sanstha constructed many temples in many cities of India and out of India with various idols of God Swaminarayan. 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. Akshardham temple of Jaipur is dedicated to Lord Vishnu while the other temples are dedicated to other Hindu Gods. But they all are known by the names Akshardham Temple, Swaminarayan Temple or Swaminarayan Akshardham.
The Architecture of Akshardham Temple
Although the construction is relatively recent, the temple looks like an old historical period temple. It upholds the beauty of ‘Hindu’ as a religion. The uncommon style of architecture and stunning beauty of the temple is what draws most of the tourists here. The temple depicts the surreal beauty of architecture and has gained enormous popularity among Krishna devotees.
The complex of the temple measures around 23 acres and holds a sanctum sanctorum at its centre. The entire structure has been brilliantly carved with a blend of white marble and pink sandstone. The temple has got a flight of stairs to lead you to the central hall of the temple. The Akshardham temple has pillared walls that are well-ventilated and spacious.
The temple also houses two small shrines along with it that encompass the deities 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 holy ambience of the temple and fill the visitors with positive aura and faith.
Akshardham temple stands atop a slightly raised platform set amidst a beautifully designed lush green landscape with fountains. It is a treasure of Tranquility as the temple gives a lush green view even from far which makes this place full of optimism, peace, and serenity. This greenery that surrounds the place let you dive into the serendipity of the place.
The main idol of the temple which is of Lord Narayana is well studded and decorated with ornaments of gold and silver which adds beauty to it. The complete area of Swaminarayan temple means the temple’s devotee zone, God zone, and courtyard are very neat and clean that makes the visitors feel the temple is like heaven that offers faith in God.
