About Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar
Swaminarayan Akshardham is a large temple complex in Sector 20 of Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat. It is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, revered by his followers as God, and was built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The name refers to Akshardham, the divine abode that devotees believe the soul reaches on liberation. Set amid gardens covering more than twenty acres, the complex draws families, school groups and pilgrims who come for darshan and to see its exhibitions on Indian spiritual heritage.
The complex was inspired by Yogiji Maharaj and created under the guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, spiritual leaders of the BAPS tradition, and it opened in 1992 after more than a decade of work. In 2002 the complex suffered a terrorist attack in which many worshippers and security personnel lost their lives; the temple reopened soon after and security checks remain thorough. Since then, an Abhishek Mandapam has been added where visitors can pour water over an image of Neelkanth Varni, the young yogi form of Swaminarayan.
The central temple is built from about 6,000 tonnes of pink sandstone from Rajasthan without any steel, following traditional temple-building methods. It is about 33 metres high and is richly carved with pillars, domes, balconies and sculpted figures. The inner sanctum holds a gold-leafed image of Swaminarayan about two metres tall, flanked by images of his devotees, while the floors below display relics from his life. Exhibition halls use dioramas and films to tell stories from his life and from the epics, and an evening water and light show is held in the gardens.
Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar timings & aarti
Usually open from about 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM, and usually closed on Mondays. Exhibition and show timings differ. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Around 10:00 AM (approx.) |
| Sandhya aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar
By air
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is about 20 km away.
By train
Gandhinagar Capital railway station is about 5 km away; Ahmedabad Junction is about 30 km away.
By road
Gandhinagar is well linked to Ahmedabad by highway and by city buses, cabs and auto-rickshaws.
Festivals at Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar
- Swaminarayan Jayanti and Ram NavamiMar/Apr
- JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- Diwali and AnnakutOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required; sarongs or wraps may be provided at the entrance if needed.
- Entry
- Free entry to the temple and gardens; separate tickets are needed for the exhibitions and the water show.
- Mobile phones, cameras and bags are not allowed inside; use the free deposit counter at the entrance.
- Expect a thorough security check at the gate.
- Plan two to three hours if you want to see the exhibitions as well as the temple.
- Check if the temple is closed on Mondays before planning your trip.
- Book exhibition and show tickets early on weekends and holidays.
Places to visit near Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar
- Mahatma MandirConvention centre and Gandhi memorial, about 3 km away
- Indroda Nature ParkLarge park with a dinosaur and fossil museum, about 5 km away
- Adalaj StepwellCarved 15th-century stepwell, about 12 km away
- Sabarmati Ashram, AhmedabadGandhi's former home, about 28 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Akshardham Gandhinagar timings?
It usually opens around 10:00 AM and closes around 7:30 PM, and is usually closed on Mondays. Show timings vary.
Is there an entry fee at Akshardham Gandhinagar?
Entry to the temple is free. The exhibitions and the water show have separate tickets.
Are mobile phones allowed in Akshardham Gandhinagar?
No. Phones, cameras and bags must be deposited at the counter before entering.
Who is worshipped at Akshardham?
Bhagwan Swaminarayan is the main deity, along with images of his devotees and spiritual successors.
What is the aarti time at Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar?
Morning aarti: Around 10:00 AM (approx.); Sandhya aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required; sarongs or wraps may be provided at the entrance if needed.
How to reach Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar?
By air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is about 20 km away. By train: Gandhinagar Capital railway station is about 5 km away; Ahmedabad Junction is about 30 km away. By road: Gandhinagar is well linked to Ahmedabad by highway and by city buses, cabs and auto-rickshaws.
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