Temples

The Akshardham Temple

The Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is spread over 30 acres on the banks of the Yamuna near Noida Mor in East Delhi. The temple’s main monument and architecture is constructed in pink sandstone and white marble that is 141 feet high, 316 feet wide and 370 feet long with 234 ornate pillars, over 20,000 sculptures and statues of deities, eleven 72-foot-high huge domes and decorative arches. It embodies thousands of years of Indian culture. It is a showcase of India’s historical architecture and spiritual tradition. A double-storied circle/parikrama of red sandstone encircles the monuments with over 155 small domes and 1,160 pillars looks like a necklace of the temple. The whole monument rises on the shoulders of 148 huge elephants with 11-feet tall Panchdhatu statue of Swaminarayan presiding over the structure.

 

This temple has gained an iconic status in the city. The temple offers the children an opportunity to learn about the nation’s ancient grandeur. Besides the amazing architecture, the temple complex offers boat rides, musical fountains and beautiful gardens for the children to have some fun.

 

Entry Fee : Entry Tickets for Akshardham Temple is FREE. (For exhibition Halls and Theatres, Adults & Kids : Rs.125 and Senior Citizens : Rs 75).

Except Monday, all days are open from 11 AM to 8 PM.

Location: On NH 24, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi, Ph: 22016688, 22026688
Metro Station: Akshardham
Photography: Not allowed

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Lotus Temple

This temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower in the Hills of Kalkaji in New Delhi. It is the last seven and Major Bahai Temples built around the world. The Lotus Temple can be seen as enormous from the distance and this Temple was opened to public in1986. The temple is surrounded with the lush green landscaped gardens. The structure of the Temple is made up of pure white marble. The architect Furiburz Sabha chose the lotus as the symbol common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam.

 

The petals of lotus temple signify the secularity of all faiths. The height of the lotus petals are 35m and are made of a special Korean concrete that was later overlaid with white marble. Around the blooming petals there are nine pools of water, which light up, in natural light. Adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate. When visited during the evenings, the whole temple glitters like a jewel. 

 

Entry Fee : Entry Tickets for Lotus Temple is FREE.  Except Monday, all days are open from 9 AM to 7 PM.

 

Location: Near Kalkaji Temple, East of Nehru Place

Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir
Photography: Permission required

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Birla Temple

Birla Temple or Mandir, also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the Delhi’s major temples  and one of the major tourist attractions. This Orissa styled Temple is located in the west of Connaught Place and was built by Industrialist G.D. Birla in 1938. The Temple is dedicated to Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) and Narayana (The preserver) and this Temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes will be allowed to enter the temple.

 

In Delhi, this temple is the most sacred Hindu temple and it combines Hindu mythology and ancient Indian architecture. The temple exhibits the Nagara style of architecture. The main spire or the shikhara is nestled above the chamber, soaring at 160 ft. The temple also has a Buddhist shrine. There is an arena that is known as the gym of Bhima, the second of Pandavas. Children can enjoy the miniature rock temples in the backyard of the temple. 

 

Entry Fee : Entry Tickets for Lotus Temple is FREE. All days open from 6 AM to 10 PM (Best to visit during Morning and Evening Aarti).

 

Location: Near Gole Market, Mandir Marg, Connaught Place

Metro Station: RK Ashram Marg
Photography: Not allowed in Prayer Hall.