Currently, all eyes are on India as it hosts the G20 Summit. The summit commenced in New Delhi on September 9th.
Today marks the second and final day of this global gathering, with delegates from several countries converging in India.
Among them is Rishi Sunak, of Indian origin, who is visiting India with his wife for the first time after becoming the Prime Minister of Britain.
A Visit to Akshardham Temple:
Before the start of the summit’s second day, Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshita Murty visited the Akshardham Temple in Delhi.
During their visit, Rishi Sunak performed rituals and received blessings. The Akshardham Temple is well-known across the country and attracts a large number of visitors each year.
If you are planning to visit this temple, here are some important things to know:
Temple’s Unique Name and Records:
The Akshardham Temple, located near Delhi’s Commonwealth Games Village, is also known as the Swaminarayan Temple.
It was inaugurated on November 6, 2005, and opened to the public on November 8, 2005. Spread over approximately 100 acres of land, this temple is considered the world’s largest Hindu temple.
Notably, the Akshardham Temple has found a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest Hindu temple.
Special Features of the Temple:
The temple’s exquisite architecture and beauty captivate everyone who visits. It is renowned for its stunning craftsmanship.
What makes this temple even more remarkable is that it was constructed without using steel, iron, or concrete. Instead, the temple is built using pink sandstone and white marble.
Built in Just Five Years:
This magnificent temple was constructed in a mere five years with the efforts of approximately 11,000 craftsmen.
The temple boasts 234 intricately carved pillars, 9 domes, and around 20,000 statues of sages, saints, deities, and more.
With its impressive dimensions of 350 feet in length, 315 feet in width, and 141 feet in height, the temple draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
Visiting Hours and Water Show:
The Akshardham Temple opens at 9:30 AM and remains open until 8:00 PM, but entry is not allowed after 6:00 PM. Admission to the temple is free.
In addition to its architectural beauty, the temple is famous for its water show, which is held daily in the evening.
However, during weekends or public holidays, multiple shows may be organized. Currently, the show begins at 7:15 PM. Tickets are required for the water show, and here are the prices:
- Adults (Ages 12+): ₹90
- Senior Citizens (Ages 60+): ₹90
- Children (Ages 4 – 11): ₹60
- Children (Ages under 4): Free
Prohibited Items in the Temple:
Before visiting the temple, it’s important to know which items are not allowed inside the temple premises. These items need to be deposited at the clock room. The list of prohibited items includes:
- Toys
- Food and beverages
- Tobacco and other addictive substances
- All types of bags and purses (shoulder or hand-carried)
- Any electronic devices (mobile phones, cameras, pen drives, hands-free devices, etc.)
