vaishnava · Delhi
Swaminarayan Akshardham Delhi
स्वामिनारायण अक्षरधाम
Presiding deity: Bhagwan Swaminarayan + BAPS lineage gurus
Established: 2005 CE by BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha)
Significance
Guinness World Record largest Hindu temple complex (100 acres, 234 sculpted pillars, 20,000+ statues). UNESCO recognised. Beyond worship, the complex includes a 14-min animated film (Neelkanth Yatra), Sahaj Anand Water Show, and Yagnapurush Kund (largest yajna kund in India). Architectural marvel built without steel — all stone construction per Vastu Shastra.
Legend
Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) reformed Hinduism in Gujarat with emphasis on non-violence, celibacy, and detachment for sadhus. BAPS lineage formalized in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj. Akshardham represents the divine abode of the eternal soul (akshar) and supreme God (purushottam). The Delhi complex was commissioned by Pramukh Swami Maharaj to bring Indian heritage and Hindu wisdom to mainstream Indian and global audiences.
How to reach
Noida-Mayur Vihar Extension, East Delhi. From New Delhi railway (12km) take Delhi Metro Blue Line to Akshardham Station. From IGI Airport (25km) take prepaid taxi or Airport Metro + Blue Line.
Where to stay
Hotels in East Delhi (Mayur Vihar, Patparganj); BAPS dharamshala on request through advance booking
Primary pujas performed here
- swaminarayan-darshan
- BAPS-arati
- narayan-puja
- guru-purnima-special
What to offer: No formal offerings inside main shrine; BAPS donates collective sankalpas; financial donations through hundi
Modern access
Tier-1 tourist destination for Hindu pilgrimage + cultural education. 2M+ annual visitors including 30%+ international. School trips, NRI cultural orientation, and religious tourism all converge here. BAPS continues international expansion with Akshardham Robbinsville (USA 2014), London (2022), and Houston (2025 planned).
Nearby tirthas
- birla-mandir-delhi
- chhatarpur-mandir-delhi
- kalkaji-mandir-delhi
- iskcon-east-of-kailash