Akshardham Temple

In the early 2000s, over 11,000 artisans and volunteers descended upon a 100-acre site on the banks of the Yamuna in Delhi. What they would build over the next 5 years would become one of the most stunning architectural achievements of modern times — and they would do it using techniques that were 1,000 years old.

Akshardham was built as a tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830), a spiritual leader who walked over 12,000 km across India as a young boy, lived a life of complete selflessness, and inspired a movement that now has over 70,000 active volunteers worldwide. The temple embodies his core message: human values, the glory of Indian culture, and harmony among all beings.

The entire structure is made of pink Rajasthani sandstone and Italian Carrara marble — and contains no structural steel, concrete, or iron whatsoever. Every block is interlocked using traditional methods. Over 20,000 carved figures of sadhus, devotees, and deities adorn the walls. The 148-foot central dome contains no support pillars — it is self-supporting through the precision of its stone-cutting alone.

The complex contains the world's longest step well (Yagnapurush Kund), a musical fountain that tells the story of the cycle of life, a boat ride through 10,000 years of Indian history, and a film about Swaminarayan's childhood journey. The Guinness Book of World Records recognizes Akshardham as the world's largest comprehensive Hindu temple complex.

Inaugurated November 6, 2005. Built by BAPS in 5 years with 11,000 artisans. Guinness World Record holder for the largest comprehensive Hindu temple complex.

Diwali and Annakut are celebrated with stunning light shows. The musical fountain show runs nightly.

Built entirely of pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble without structural steel. 234 carved pillars, 20,000 murtis, 148-foot self-supporting dome.