View Full Version : Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir Complex | New Delhi, India


Jai
July 6th, 2006, 02:26 AM
The Akshardham Delhi temple by the BAPS foundation in Delhi is her newest landmark. This temple combines several completely different and contrasting architectural styles of temple architecture in India -- Rajasthani, Orrisan, Gujarati and Jain -- into a pleasing whole.


The entire complex covers thirty acres, including the main monument encompassed in layers of halls, exhibitions, museums, schools and research institutions. The main temple itself is a monolithic structure made entirely out of stone at 125 ft high, 260 ft wide and 310 ft long, and it is only the central part of the complex. Completed in under 5 years, with 7,000 artists, architects and craftsmen working day and night, the Temple opened in 2005. It is entirely composed of marble and the red-sandstone that Delhi is famous for, and that so many of her monuments are constructed of. The Mandir is built to last 10,000 years.

-Jai

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Monument of Akshardham

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/akshardham03f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/akshardham02f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/mood06f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/akshardham04f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/mood03f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/mood11f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/mood07f.jpg


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...Below are views of some of the buildings and areas that make up the Complex...

-----------==---=---==-----------

Garden of India / Bharat Upvan

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/gardenofindia/photo/garden03f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/gardenofindia/photo/garden09f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/gardenofindia/photo/garden02f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/gardenofindia/photo/garden04f.jpg


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Musical Fountains / Yagnapurush Kund

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/musicalfountains/photo/fountain05f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/musicalfountains/photo/fountain11f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/musicalfountains/photo/fountain14f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/musicalfountains/photo/fountain04f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/musicalfountains/photo/fountain15f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/musicalfountains/photo/fountain01f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/musicalfountains/photo/fountain13f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/musicalfountains/photo/fountain14f.jpg


-----------==---=---==-----------

...Below are more views of the areas of the Akshardham Monument itself...

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Vvibhuti Mandovar
http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/mandovar10f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/mandovar02f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/mandovar04f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/mandovar08f.jpg


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Pari Krama

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/parikrama20f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/parikrama10f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/narayan01f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/parikrama07f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/parikrama08f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/parikrama09f.jpg


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Narayan Pith

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/panal05f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/panal04f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/panal07f.jpg


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Gajendra Pith

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/elephant10f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/elephant09f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/elephant08f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/elephant04f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/elephant07f.jpg


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Pillars

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/pillar09f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/pillar07f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/pillar01f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/pillar08f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/pillar11f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/pillar12f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/pillar13f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/pillar03f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/pillar04f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/pillar06f.jpg


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Murtis

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/murti01f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/murti02f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/murti04f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/murti06f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/murti07f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/murti09f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/murti12f.jpg


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Carvings

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/carving03f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/carving05f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/dom14f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/carving02f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/sahajanand03f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/sahajanand05f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/sahajanand04f.jpg


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Mandapams / Domes

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/dom05f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/dom04f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/sahajanand01f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/dom16f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/ghanshyam01f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/dom12f.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/dom18f.jpg


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Garbhagruh

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/allf.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/radhakrishnaf.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/ramsitaf.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/shivaparvatif.jpg

http://akshardham.com/photogallery/mandir/photo/lakshminarayanf.jpg



~ Fin ~

IkPirdhu
July 6th, 2006, 02:28 AM
where's the poll this deserves a ten

Jai
July 6th, 2006, 03:21 AM
Hmm, that's odd, the poll works fine for me?

harsh1802
July 6th, 2006, 03:29 AM
:eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2:


Fantastic!


:cheers:


Grt work Jai!

10/10

spyguy
July 6th, 2006, 03:52 AM
10/10

A modern wonder.

Hindustani
July 6th, 2006, 11:47 AM
10/10. majestic. crafty. Iconic. surreal, jaw dropping to a point that such architecture can be accomplished in today's machine driven day and age.

VaastuShastra
July 6th, 2006, 08:35 PM
10/10 for sure.

Luckystreak
July 6th, 2006, 10:52 PM
The craftmanship deserves a 10.

WillyWick
July 7th, 2006, 12:05 AM
10..wish i could give more....

kothur
July 7th, 2006, 05:12 AM
Great work !

harsh1802
July 7th, 2006, 05:39 AM
^^ 6.5!? :ohno:

r u..... :weird: ?

VaastuShastra
July 7th, 2006, 04:15 PM
Yeh, if its 'great work', surely it should get a great score :-\

Babji
July 9th, 2006, 06:39 PM
Oh! How wonderful!
Its like perfection in its fullest form.
Its like a modern day monument with centuries old tradition.
Its like poetry in its physical form.
Its simply marvellous!

Kudos to the artists for the creation of a life time.
Hats off to the men who made it possible.
Thanks to Jai for sharing it.

clarky
July 10th, 2006, 05:07 PM
10/10

marpa
July 10th, 2006, 09:34 PM
10/10

forvine
July 12th, 2006, 10:07 AM
9/10

harsh1802
July 18th, 2006, 06:49 AM
hmmm....wonder why there aren't many votes in yet!?

:runaway:

kashyap3
July 19th, 2006, 12:30 AM
5000 years of continuous civilization archived in this architectural marvel
beautiful craftmanship and deserves a 10

sk
July 19th, 2006, 07:13 PM
10/10
these images worth thousands of words!!

Zombile
July 20th, 2006, 11:49 PM
I'm absolutely stunned.
Probably the most beautiful architecture I've seen in my lifetime.

Jai, could you please post more pictures of Indian temples/monuments? (I'm curious now)

Why was it build? To improve the image of the firm which financed it?

I didn't this kind of craftsmanship is possible today. is it authentic, meaning this kind of temple could also have been built 1,000 years ago?

10/10 (rather 20)

spyguy
July 21st, 2006, 01:43 AM
Jai, could you please post more pictures of Indian temples/monuments? (I'm curious now)

You can find more in Rate Our Architecture, or the India section > Heritage Buildings and Monuments.

Why was it build? To improve the image of the firm which financed it?

It's a religious temple. The BAPS group is famous for these temples around the world.

is it authentic, meaning this kind of temple could also have been built 1,000 years ago?

In many ways, yes, the sculpting is done by hand and passed on from generation to generation over many years. In some ways no; I'm not sure I've seen so many different styles together before and there was some use of cranes. Also, they didn't have IMAX theatres or fancy fountains in those days :D

kashyap3
July 21st, 2006, 02:13 AM
well there are several reasons
1. The reason why any religious building is built [Church, Mosque, Temple]
2 To collect all the history from 5000 years of continuous civilization like an archive, telling the story of india's rich history
[there are several statues chronicling the past, all the way from Gautama Buddha, Ashoka to Mahamatma Gandhi]
3 I dont think its a commercial reason at all

Zombile
July 21st, 2006, 05:38 PM
OK, sry, I guess I misunderstood something.

So what exactly is the BAPS group?

I thought it wüuld be an enterprise, but it doesn't semm so if it constructs temples all over the world. :)

kashyap3
July 22nd, 2006, 01:27 AM
http://www.swaminarayan.org/
all u want to know @ this link

Joe_centennial
July 22nd, 2006, 08:39 AM
The temple is majestic, gorgeous... Actually im out of words. :) 10/10.

VaastuShastra
July 23rd, 2006, 04:34 PM
I'm absolutely stunned.
Probably the most beautiful architecture I've seen in my lifetime.

Jai, could you please post more pictures of Indian temples/monuments? (I'm curious now)

Why was it build? To improve the image of the firm which financed it?

I didn't this kind of craftsmanship is possible today. is it authentic, meaning this kind of temple could also have been built 1,000 years ago?

10/10 (rather 20)

Yeh, this is like temples that were built over a thousand years ago in India - there are other monuments located in this forum:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=327

And also, this forum:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=541

mac71
July 28th, 2006, 06:54 PM
Breathtakingly beautiful, it deserves nothing less than 10/10

Dr.VitO
July 30th, 2006, 08:11 AM
absolutely amazing...im speechless!!!! 10/10

montesky
July 31st, 2006, 01:06 PM
Marvelous!!! Absolutely great.
10/10

VaastuShastra
August 2nd, 2006, 10:33 AM
See also this medieval temple, built in a similar style:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=125826&page=1&pp=20

Dreamlıneя
August 4th, 2006, 09:58 PM
Impressive!! 10 ;)

VaastuShastra
August 7th, 2006, 11:23 AM
More stuff like it in this list:
http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=9546844

Jai
August 14th, 2006, 06:15 AM
Hi Zombile,

Sorry to reply after so long. Yes, I will surely post more photos of monuments and modern Indian architecture, whenever I get the time :)


It is indeed a temple, dedicated to world peace. It was created by the Swaminarayan Sanstha, a socio-cultural Hindu foundation.

The temple was built purely on donation money, and not only does the complex include a monestary, cultural exhibition center, social harmony research center, museum, gardens and school, it also is meant to be a revinue generating tourist attaction -- the revenue which will in turn be used to finance a whole range of social welfare and poverty alleviation programs.

The temple also employed thousands of artists, engineers and laborers, and single handedly revived several crafts of temple art design that would have been lost to the ages. The craftsmen who made this temple are now employed all over India in the restoration and constrution of new temples.


This temple is very much authentic. It is composed entirely, without steel or concrete bracing, etc., of sandstone and marble. This is not to say that modern equipment like cranes weren't used to construct it, however.

The style is very unique, as it combines several completely different and contrasting architectural styles of temple architecture in India -- Rajasthani, Orrisan, Gujarati and Jain -- into a pleasing whole. The actual sculpture is also uniquely Swaminarayan, as it is more like a three-dimentional rendition of modern Gujarati folk art, rather than the highly stylized carvings found in more traditional temples.

It should be noted that, like all Hindu temples, all the carvings, pictures and statues in the temple all tell religious stories and scripture.


Here are some more interesting photographs of the temple complex

Majestic view from one of Delhi's streets:
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/4154/image13wn7.png

The length of the complex:
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/7272/image6zi2.png


Some more breathtaking views of the temple architecture from the outside street level:
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1830/image14pl7.png

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/3218/image15ii6.png

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/3012/image16in3.png


Cheers,
Jai

VaastuShastra
August 15th, 2006, 01:46 PM
Nice :-)

SGoico
August 20th, 2006, 12:20 PM
I didn't have any knowledge of this building! What a nice and brilliant surprise. 9.5

zee
August 20th, 2006, 06:06 PM
9/10

delmaule
September 13th, 2006, 10:01 PM
10/10

gutooo
September 26th, 2006, 03:14 AM
I'm REALLY, REALLY impressed!

10 for sure! :drool:

Jai
December 4th, 2006, 09:33 AM
Some more new pics, taken from outside the temple:

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/4773/308933668ce26e91238b10fjf8.jpg

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/8906/299312614672bd6e191o10foe3.jpg
^ View from the old Swaminarayanan Mandir

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/281/25253059448cc3ef86fo10fca2.jpg

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/554/25253045570ffa263eeo10fzu7.jpg

VaastuShastra
December 13th, 2006, 01:32 PM
Nice :)

Jai
March 4th, 2007, 11:10 PM
Over 20 thousand people attended the ceremony, including the Prime Minister and President of India, along with other political, religious and cultural leaders, which was watched live by millions of people on TV

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/4260/01ab8.jpg
^ A view of the temple. Shows just how massive it is

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/9371/02ys7.jpg
^ The opening ceremony

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/7607/04fs4.jpg
^ The ceremonies featured performances by schoolchildren and young monks, including music and classical dance

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/9724/03fi9.jpg

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5986/05bp8.jpg

http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/5631/06or8.jpg

http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/7146/08fx3.jpg
^ Note how the temple can be lit in various different ways

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/8286/07gi4.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1664/09td5.jpg
^ One of the many floats that kids made explaining various aspects of Hindu religion, culture and mythology

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/56/10lu3.jpg

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/8017/000mb0.jpg
^ Another showing various Yogic positions

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/416/11gg5.jpg

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/6343/13kg8.jpg
^ The entrance gate to the temple, with the dignitaries attending the ceremony were seated

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/2658/12id9.jpg

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/519/14nc9.jpg
^ India's Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was among those who made speeches at the event

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/7254/15lj9.jpg

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/1488/16rt0.jpg

-Jai

VaastuShastra
March 4th, 2007, 11:38 PM
Amazing again :)

Sbz2ifc
March 5th, 2007, 04:15 PM
10/10

billyandmandy
March 5th, 2007, 04:25 PM
10/10 absolutely incredible

kronik
March 6th, 2007, 07:49 AM
Absolutely stunning.

Mahratta
March 9th, 2007, 03:35 PM
I love this temple! It is absolutely stunning!

Cristovăo471
March 9th, 2007, 04:26 PM
10/10,

ravenhawk
March 9th, 2007, 05:03 PM
11!!!!! such a true asian masterpiece!! how come this didn't became famous like Taj Mahal?.....and certainly in a lot better condition than Ankor Wat

kamil.bukowski
March 20th, 2007, 07:43 PM
8/10

VaastuShastra
April 5th, 2007, 04:55 AM
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f1/sumit26/akshardham9.jpg

http://www.hinduwisdom.info/images/Akshardham_temple.jpg

http://www.tcp.in/spiritual/uploaded_images/akshardham-710979.jpg

http://www.indhistory.com/img/hindu-temple-akshardham-temple.jpg

xAKxRUSx
April 5th, 2007, 06:08 AM
Breathtaking. 10

Jai
April 5th, 2007, 07:03 AM
http://www.hinduwisdom.info/images/Akshardham_temple.jpg

http://www.indhistory.com/img/hindu-temple-akshardham-temple.jpg
Hi

These two are actually the Akshardham temple in Ahmedabad, Gujarat (also a Swaminarayan temple) which was completed in 1992, not the one in Delhi. While also a huge structure, the Delhi one is almost twice as massive, and far more ornate

VaastuShastra
April 5th, 2007, 08:31 PM
Ah - I thought it looked slightly different, but just assumed it was another structure on the same site. Thanks for pointing that out :)

Kelsen
May 2nd, 2007, 08:58 PM
10/10. :eek:

arzaranh
May 9th, 2007, 09:08 PM
9.5 but on second thought i think everyone else is right - 10

MasonicStage™
May 10th, 2007, 02:00 PM
OMG...this is extremely beautiful! :cheers: :)

10/10

harsh1802
June 24th, 2007, 04:17 AM
Aye...this thread deserves more respect! :nuts:

Miso
June 26th, 2007, 02:17 AM
:wtf: This is what I call a LIVING BUILDING!!!!!! :omg: 10!!!

harsh1802
July 14th, 2007, 04:52 AM
^^ Yup.

Jai
January 5th, 2008, 11:34 PM
A couple more pics... pity they don't let cameras inside

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from Crystal Karma @ flickr
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6484/2046777102840396174aomxbx0.jpg

------==--=--==------

from Marcus Fornell @ flickr
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/1760/20885690843b9a163df0okk4.jpg

------==--=--==------

fettekatz
January 6th, 2008, 11:44 PM
10/10

LMCA1990
February 20th, 2008, 03:56 AM
10/10

Jai
March 11th, 2008, 09:47 AM
Some new, rare pics from inside the temple, from riversoflive2000 (http://flickr.com/photos/10579713@N07/) @ flickr. Must've smuggled a camera in there:

http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/9769/2300838666978fa41c17olh6.jpg

http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/7050/2300838782af0390f99aonn3.jpg

Khanrak
March 11th, 2008, 09:56 AM
The only major qualm I have with the design of this temple is that it is a replication of past architectural styles. Personally, I would prefer a more modern and updated look for a modern mandir, rather than what is essentially a 2,000 year old design.

flymordecai
March 15th, 2008, 06:14 AM
Wow. 10/10

It's amazing to me that we can still build these timeless temples in this modern age. I thought we lost that art and craftsmanship of creating temples like this. Well done!

Fundador
April 25th, 2008, 06:26 AM
beautifull 10/10

Astralis
May 13th, 2008, 12:23 PM
7/10

Marathaman
May 19th, 2008, 07:05 PM
This definitely wins award for the most audacious piece of Hindu construction in six centuries.

10/10

icarusrising
May 20th, 2008, 05:39 AM
9/10. Great craftmanship!

W!CKED
July 20th, 2008, 02:44 AM
9/10

Bikaner
September 2nd, 2008, 01:34 PM
wow .. simply breathtaking !

10/10

henry hill
October 21st, 2008, 04:55 PM
10/10 must be

tonyssa
May 22nd, 2009, 02:50 PM
10/10

Nikkodemo
October 14th, 2009, 11:41 PM
10/10

Jan Del Castillo
October 22nd, 2009, 08:01 AM
10. Excellent. Regards.

Anshul
December 11th, 2009, 07:29 PM
wow wat can i say this is absolutely awesome!! The great Indian Architechture !!beautiful

eL yOrSh
December 11th, 2009, 07:51 PM
really beautiful :applause: 9/10

Anshul
December 11th, 2009, 08:19 PM
no words. how beautiful it is. this thread must be seen by everyone on skyscrapercity!!:master::dance:

xavarreiro
December 13th, 2009, 07:40 AM
10/10

Anshul
December 16th, 2009, 03:44 PM
@ Khanrak the greatest thing about this temple complex is that it has maintained the age-old architectural style even in modern times. one must be able to acknowledge that. In this world of supertalls and malls and innovative designs of memorials, one must appreciate newer developments, but there must be buildings based on ancient/ medieval designs so that one can know more of the contemporary architecture and history in modern context.

romanito
July 27th, 2010, 03:38 AM
10/10

Anshul
September 22nd, 2010, 11:37 AM
This is one of the most beautiful spots to be visited during Commonwealth games in delhi. This is situated right behind the Commonwealth games village. In fact, it is visible in the background. A metro station is also situated near the temple. Which is known as 'akshardham' this temple is situated on the Banks of River Yamuna, which flows through Delhi. .
The view from the metro, Ah...its amazing.
A place one must never miss when in Delhi.

ikops
November 3rd, 2010, 04:56 PM
Oh my, this really gets me excited (10/10)

sidney_jec
November 4th, 2010, 05:58 PM
8/10
i like the architecture but not the feel of this place. too plastic

murlee
April 9th, 2011, 08:09 AM
bump

mossimoh
May 3rd, 2011, 10:23 PM
9/10

yudibali2008
June 25th, 2011, 04:44 PM
10/10

dnh310
June 25th, 2011, 11:56 PM
10710

Srdjan Adamovic
October 3rd, 2011, 08:21 AM
9.5/10