Akshardham Temple Jaipur one among the popular temples in Jaipur which is also known as Swaminarayan Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Narayan or Lord Vishnu. This temple is well known for its great architecture and also its cultural heritage. This Akshardham temple is one of the nine temples which are built across some major cities of India. These temples were built by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan under the Sanstha and also Swaminarayan Sampraday which was established in the early 20th century by Ramanand Swami.
Among them only this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu the other temples are dedicated to other Hindu gods. Even though all the temples are dedicated to different Hindu gods they are called The Akshardham Temple Jaipur. The construction is also one of the main attraction. It provides a window into the Hindu culture and its development in the region. The complex also houses a magnificent temple surrounded by well-kept landscaped gardens. The people who visit this place will fall in love with the construction.
Overall one of the best places to have a great time with your family. If you are interested in exploring different architectural styles then we have you the best place. Jaipur is one of the best places to spend your time by exploring many historic places like forts, palaces, temples and also many more and This temple will come under one among them Jaipur Tour Planner.
History of Akshardham Temple –
Akshardham Temple Jaipur, the founder of Swaminarayan Sampraday, has constructed nearly 10 temples across 10 different cities. Akshardham is one amongst them. You can’t call it an ancient temple as it was built somewhere between 20th to 21st centuries.
The place of worship of this temple falls under the Nar Narayan Dev Gadi. This constitutes one of the essential seats that represent the Sampraday. Presently, the headquarters of this Sampraday is located at Ahmedabad in the form of Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
As soon as the temple construction was completed, Swaminarayan assigned a special task to his adopted sons – Raghu Veerji and Ayodhya Prasadji. This task was to draw lots for the transparent appointment of Acharyas, both for Nar Narayan and Lakshmi Narayan Dev Gadi.
The outcome of this draw was that Ayodhya Prasadji was sworn in as the first acharya for Nar Narayan while his sibling, Raghu Veerji, for the Lakshmi Narayan Dev Gadi. From that moment onwards, their disciples and followers have been worshipping them on regular intervals in their respective shrines Jaipur Tour Packages.
The architecture of Akshardham Temple –
Akshardham Temple Jaipur of Jaipur symbolizes the purity and sanctity of the Hindu’s philosophy, and the same has been portrayed through its Hindu architectural work. The complex of the temple measures around 23 acres and holds a sanctum sanctorum at its center.
The entire structure has been brilliantly carved with a blend of white marble and pink sandstone. It stands atop a slightly raised platform set amidst a beautifully designed lush green landscape with fountains Jaipur Attractions.
The temple has got a flight of stairs to lead you to the central hall of the temple. There are traditional shikaras, intricately carved stone carvings, paintings, and ornately decorated stone structures. A significant fraction of these master creativity demonstrates legends of Lord Vishnu, the developmental stages of the Hindu culture, and the importance of Vedas.
You will also learn a lot about the teachings and beliefs of Swaminarayan Sampraday. The Akshardham Temple Jaipur has pillared walls that are well-ventilated and spacious. There’s an area reserved for the visitors to rest within the premises that surround the manicured gardens.
Hari Mandapam, Vibhuti Mandapam, and Prasadi Mandapam are the three houses that constitutes the Akshardham Temple. The gold-leaf idol of Lord Swaminarayan situated within the first house – Hari Mandapam attracts the onlookers with its intricately carved silver and gold ornaments.
Second Mandapam or Vibhuti Mandapam features brass lotuses. In contrast, the third and the final one is where you can find relics of God Narayana. Akshardham Temple also features a small cafe where you can relax for sometime. Located close to it is a small playground for your children to play.
Attractions near Akshardham Temple –
Other Jaipur attractions around the Akshardham Temple Jaipur are also worthy of being visited. Here’s a list of some of the best tourist places to explore –
- Birla Planetarium – This place was once renowned for being Asia’s largest planetarium as a central landmark for the Indian celestial research. You can spend some quality time exploring this observatory as it has got a lot of things and artifacts related to space.
Distance from Akshardham Temple – 7.7 km
- Nahargarh Fort – Also known as the Tiger Fort, Nahargarh Fort is an abode of tigers. The main purpose of this fort was protecting the pink city from invaders. There’s a café inside where you can sip in your favorite cup of coffee while clicking some phenomenal pictures of the landscape beauty of Jaipur.
Distance from Akshardham Temple – 8 km
- Birla Temple – If you want to explore the hidden beauty of the Birla Temple, visit it in the night-time when it is illuminated with beautiful lights. Carved out from a unique type of marble, Birla Temple of Jaipur is indeed acknowledged as a modern architectural marvel.
Distance from Akshardham Temple – 9 km
- Moti Dungri – Moti Dungri of Jaipur constructed during the 18th century, today marks as a famous tourist destination. It is perched atop a small hill and has an exotic palace – The Moti Palace. It is known both for its intricate stone carving and beautiful latticework.
Distance from Akshardham Temple – 9.7 km
- Jaipur Zoo – Founded in the year 1977, Jaipur Zoo has two bifurcating sections – one is purely reserved for animals and the second one for birds and reptiles. There are nearly 500 diverse species of flora and fauna within the premises of this zoo Akshardham Temple Jaipur.
Distance from Akshardham Temple – 9.9 km
- Albert Hall Museum – The building of the Albert Hall Museum is an excellent architectural example boasting both paintings and carvings. Within the premises of this museum, you will also find some intricately carved works of ivory, crystal, stone, and metal Akshardham Temple Jaipur.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Akshardham Temple Jaipur is between October to February. This time is the winter season here when the temperature remains pleasant throughout. You can visit this temple at any time of the day but it would be best if you visit here early in the morning or after sunrise.
How to Reach
By Air: Jaipur is well-connected by air from Delhi, Udaipur, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The Jaipur airport is located at the distance of just 12 km from the main city.
By Rail: The city of Jaipur is well-linked by all the major cities of India. The city of Jaipur can also be covered by the Palace on Wheels train.
By Road: The city of Jaipur has a good network of roads and the city is well connected with all the major cities of India by road.