Akshardham Mandir, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, IN

Location: Gandhinagar (Capital of Gujarat state, India)
Dedicated to: Lord Swaminarayan on His Birth Bicentenary (1781-1981 CE)
Inaugurated by: HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Inaugurated on: Monday, 2 November 1992 CE (during the Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj Centenary Celebrations)
Created by: The volunteers of Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. Akshardham is a unique Complex that combines art, architecture, education, research, exhibitions and devotion at one place.
Total Akshardham Complex area: 1,004,349 sq.ft (93,341 sq.m, 23 acres)
Cultural Complex area: 358,749 sq.ft (33,341 sq.m, 8.2 acres)
Cultural Garden area: 645,600 sq.ft (60,000 sq.m, 14.8 acres)

What to See in Akshardham:
Monument:
Intricately carved, the majestic Monument made of 6,000 tons of pink sandstone is awash with spiritual stillness.

Specifications:
Height : 108 ft. (32.9 m)
Length : 240 ft. (73.1 m)
Width : 131 ft. (39.8 m)
Floor area : 32,427 sq.ft (3,013.7 sq.m )
Colonnade length: 1,751 ft. (534 m) long

Hari Mandapam:
7 ft. Gold-leafed Murti of Lord Swaminarayan. The Monument exudes warmth and peace, and serves as a fountain of peace.
Floor area : 12,997 sq.ft (1,207.9 sq.m)

Vibhuti Mandapam:
Revelations of the Lord, displayed in exquisitely-lit brass lotuses. Each revelation is a deep yet practical treatise on philosophy. Floor area: 8,033 sq.ft (7 46.6 sq.m).

Prasadi Mandapam:
Display of holy relics of Lord Swaminarayan.
Floor area: 11,397 sq.ft (1,059.2 sq.m).
Visitors to the Monument are requested to remove shoes and observe silence. Photography is discouraged.

Exhibitions:
Double-walled, air-cooled halls. A large area of walk-through displays create an unforgettable experience of Indian Culture. Total Floor area: 62,023 sq.ft (5,764.4 sq.m)

Hall 1 - Sahajanand: (60 Minutes)
The life of Lord Swaminarayan is experienced through amazing settings and shows.
Floor area: 21,817 sq.ft (2,027.7 sq.m).
Attractions: Travel in time through a video show, Fiber-optics cosmos, Mini Chhapiya village, Journey through India, 3 light & sound shows.

Hall 2 - Sat-Chit-Anand: (25 minutes, one show every hour)
First ever 14-screen Multimedia Presentation - Integrovision - reveals the Vedic truths of man's search for eternal joy, through spectacular imagery.
Floor area: 9,421 sq.ft ( 875.6 sq.m ).
Attractions: 14-screen Multimedia Presentation, Tunnel of mirrors and glass mosaic, Dancing musical fountains

Hall 3 - Nityanand: (60 Minutes)
Walkthrough dioramas and fiberglass figures display the messages of Upanishads, Ramayan and Mahabharat.
Floor area: 30,785 sq.ft (2,861.1 sq.m )
Attractions: Audio-animatronics show, Palace of Hastinapur from the Mahabharat, Gurukul in nature's lap, Songs of saint-poets, Harmony of world religions.

Garden:
The Sahajanand Vun is a unique blend of contemplative garden and children's park. Floor area: 645,600 sq.ft (60,000 sq.m, 14.8 acres).

Attractions: Cultural spots, Rides and games for children, Single-piece marble sculpture of Lord Swaminarayan, Lake and waterfalls, Herbal garden

Research Center:
AARSH - Akshardham-center for Applied Research in Social Harmony. A futuristic research center with a rich library, study stations and archives. Accessibility to the library has been reserved for enlisted scholars

Facilities:
Wheelchairs:
Free wheelchairs are available on a need-based priority at the main reception counter. One assistant is expected to attend the disabled and return the wheelchair.

Other Tourist Sites:
Deer Park: On the outskirts of Gandhinagar, at Indroda village
Sarita Udyan: Ideal for picnickers. A well-developed garden in sector 9
Adalaj Stepwell: 15 km. from Gandhinagar. The best stepwell of Gujarat.

How to Reach:
Akshardham sits in the heart of one of the greenest cities of the world -Gandhinagar, which is located on National Highway 8c. Therefore, Akshardham is accessible from every direction. On your way to Jaipur or Udaipur, Dwarika or Somnath, Modhera or Mt. Abu.
by Road: Special buses and cars are provided by the tourism department, government authorities and private services. Distance by road from important locations: Ahmedabad - 25 km, Vadodara - 150 km, Jaipur - 604 km,Udaipur - 230 km, Mt. Abu - 190 km, Mumbai - 540 km, Delhi - 900 km
by Air: 23 km from national and international airports of Amdavad.
by Rail: 2 km from Gandhinagar railway station. 31 km from Amdavad railway station.

Address:
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS)
‘Akshardham’ Sector – 20 ‘J’ Road
Gandhinagar
Gujarat, INDIA - 382020

Tel: 0091-79-2326-0001 / 2326-0002
Fax: 0091-79-2326-0336

Web Address: www.akshardham.com/gujarat/


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