Akshardham Temple Jaipur is one of the most beautiful and popular temples in Rajasthan. It is dedicated to Lord Narayan or Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe. The temple is a masterpiece of Indian architecture, cultural heritage, and spiritual bliss. It attracts millions of tourists and devotees every year who come to admire its grandeur, worship its idols, and enjoy its gardens and fountains.
If you are planning to visit Jaipur, the pink city of India, you should not miss the opportunity to visit Akshardham Temple Jaipur. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing temple, including its history, architecture, timings, arti, and how to reach it. We will also give you some tips and suggestions on how to make the most of your visit.
Akshardham Temple Jaipur History
The name Akshardham means “the abode of the eternal” or “the divine home of God”. It is derived from two Sanskrit words: akshar meaning “imperishable” and dham meaning “home”. The temple is a tribute to Lord Narayan or Lord Vishnu, who is believed to reside in Akshardham along with his divine consort Lakshmi.
Akshardham Temple Jaipur was built by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a socio-spiritual organization that follows the teachings of Swaminarayan, a Hindu reformer and saint who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. Swaminarayan established a new sect of Hinduism that emphasizes devotion, service, morality, and non-violence.
The temple was inaugurated in 2012 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Swaminarayan and the leader of BAPS at that time. The temple is one of the nine Akshardham temples built by BAPS in different parts of India. Each temple is dedicated to a different aspect or form of Lord Vishnu.
Akshardham Temple Jaipur Architecture
Akshardham Temple Jaipur is a marvel of Indian architecture that showcases the richness and diversity of Hindu culture and heritage. The temple is built with pink sandstone and white marble that blend harmoniously with the color scheme of Jaipur. The temple covers an area of over 30 acres and has a height of 141 feet.
The temple has a majestic dome that rises above the main shrine. The dome is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology and scriptures. The dome also has a kalash or a golden spire that symbolizes the peak of spirituality.
The main shrine houses a beautiful idol of Lord Narayan or Lord Vishnu made of gold and silver. The idol is seated on a lotus throne with his four arms holding a conch, a discus, a mace, and a lotus. The idol is surrounded by four smaller idols of his other forms: Vasudev, Pradyumna, Aniruddha, and Sankarshan.
The temple also has four other shrines dedicated to other deities associated with Lord Vishnu: Lakshmi-Narayan, Radha-Krishna, Sita-Ram, and Parvati-Shiva. Each shrine has an exquisite idol made of marble or metal that depicts the divine couple in their characteristic poses and attributes.
The temple also has a hall of values or sahajanand darshan that displays life-like robotic figures and dioramas that illustrate the life and teachings of Swaminarayan. The hall also has an audio-visual show that narrates the story of Swaminarayan’s journey from his birth to his enlightenment.
The temple also has a musical fountain or sat-chit-anand water show that presents a spectacular display of water, light, sound, and music that depicts the creation of the universe according to Hindu cosmology. The show also conveys the message of harmony between nature and humanity.
The temple also has a garden or neelkanth kalyan yatra that recreates the pilgrimage of Swaminarayan across India when he was 11 years old. The garden has statues and scenes that depict his encounters with various sages, saints, kings, and common people during his travels.
Akshardham Temple Jaipur Timings and Arti
Akshardham Temple Jaipur is open to visitors from 7:30 am to 8:15 pm every day except Monday. The temple is also closed for rajbhog thal from 10:15 am to 11:15 am and for thal from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The temple does not charge any entry fee, but photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises.
Arti is a ritual of offering prayers and worship to the deity with the help of lamps, incense, flowers, and chants. Arti is performed at the temple five times a day at different intervals.
The timings and names of the arti are as follows:
Mangla Arti: 6:00 am
Shangar Arti: 7:30 am
Rajbhog Arti: 11:15 am
Sandhya Arti: 7:00 pm
Shayan Arti: 8:00 pm
Each arti has a different significance and mood. Mangla arti is the first arti of the day that wakes up the deity and welcomes him with joy and enthusiasm. Shangar arti is the second arti of the day that adorns the deity with beautiful clothes and ornaments. Rajbhog arti is the third arti of the day that offers the deity a sumptuous meal and expresses gratitude and devotion. Sandhya arti is the fourth arti of the day that bids farewell to the deity as he retires for the night. Shayan arti is the last arti of the day that puts the deity to sleep with soothing songs and lullabies.
Attending arti at Akshardham Temple Jaipur is a blissful and uplifting experience that fills one with peace and happiness. It is also a great way to witness the beauty and glory of the deity and his abode. However, one should follow some rules and etiquette while attending arti, such as:
Dress modestly and respectfully, covering your shoulders, knees, and chest.
Remove your shoes, socks, belts, hats, sunglasses, etc. before entering the temple.
Do not carry any bags, cameras, phones, or other electronic devices inside the temple.
Do not talk, laugh, or make noise during arti.
Do not touch or disturb the idols, lamps, flowers, or other items used for arti.
Do not eat, drink, or chew anything inside the temple.
Do not sit or stand in front of or behind the priests or other devotees during arti.
Do not leave or enter the temple during arti.
Do not take any prasad or offerings from the temple without permission.
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How to Reach Akshardham Temple Jaipur
Akshardham Temple Jaipur is located in Vaishali Nagar, a residential area in Jaipur. It is easily accessible by different modes of transport, such as road, rail, and air.
By Road:
Akshardham Temple Jaipur is well connected by road to other parts of Jaipur and Rajasthan. The nearest bus stand is Govind Nagar, which is about 2 km away from the temple. One can take a local bus, auto-rickshaw, taxi, or metro from there to reach the temple.
By Rail:
Akshardham Temple Jaipur is also well connected by rail to other major cities in India. The nearest railway station is Jaipur Junction, which is about 10 km away from the temple. One can take a local train, auto-rickshaw, taxi, or metro from there to reach the temple.
By Air:
Akshardham Temple Jaipur can also be reached by air from other domestic and international destinations. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is about 18 km away from the temple. One can take a flight, auto-rickshaw, taxi, or metro from there to reach the temple.
Best Time to Visit Akshardham Temple Jaipur
The best time to visit Akshardham Temple Jaipur depends on one’s preference and convenience. However, some factors that may influence one’s decision are:
Weather:
Jaipur has a hot and dry climate for most of the year. The summer season lasts from April to June and has temperatures ranging from 25°C to 45°C. The monsoon season lasts from July to September and has moderate rainfall and humidity. The winter season lasts from October to March and has temperatures ranging from 5°C to 25°C. The best time to visit Akshardham Temple Jaipur in terms of weather is during winter when it is pleasant and comfortable.
Crowd:
Akshardham Temple Jaipur attracts a large number of tourists and devotees throughout the year. However, some periods may be more crowded than others due to festivals and events. The peak seasons for visiting Akshardham Temple Jaipur are during Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, and Navratri when the temple is decorated and illuminated with lights and colors.
The off-seasons for visiting Akshardham Temple Jaipur are during summer and monsoon when the weather is hot and humid. The best time to visit Akshardham Temple Jaipur in terms of crowd is during off-seasons when it is less crowded and more peaceful.
Festivals and Events at Akshardham Jaipur
Akshardham Temple Jaipur celebrates various festivals and events throughout the year that enhance its charm and appeal. Some of the festivals and events that are celebrated at or near the temple are:
Diwali:
Diwali is the festival of lights that marks the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated in October or November every year. Akshardham Temple Jaipur celebrates Diwali with grandeur and joy. The temple is lit up with thousands of lamps, candles, and lanterns that create a magical atmosphere. The temple also hosts a special arti and a fireworks show that dazzle the visitors.
Holi:
Holi is the festival of colors that marks the arrival of spring. It is celebrated in March every year. Akshardham Temple Jaipur celebrates Holi with fun and fervor. The temple is decorated with flowers, balloons, and streamers that add to its beauty. The temple also organizes a special arti and a cultural program that entertain the visitors. The visitors also play with colors, water, and music that create a festive mood.
Janmashtami:
Janmashtami is the festival of the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, one of the forms of Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated in August or September every year. Akshardham Temple Jaipur celebrates Janmashtami with devotion and delight. The temple is adorned with paintings, sculptures, and scenes depicting the life and leelas of Lord Krishna. The temple also conducts a special arti and a bhajan session that invoke the blessings of Lord Krishna. The visitors also participate in various activities, such as swinging the cradle of Lord Krishna, breaking the pot of butter, and dancing to his tunes.
Navratri:
Navratri is the festival of nine nights that honors the nine forms of Goddess Durga, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is celebrated in September or October every year. Akshardham Temple Jaipur celebrates Navratri with zeal and zest. The temple is decorated with colorful lights, flowers, and flags that signify the power and grace of Goddess Durga. The temple also performs a special arti and a garba dance that pay homage to Goddess Durga. The visitors also join in the garba dance that expresses their joy and faith.
Akshardham Temple Jaipur is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the beauty, culture, and spirituality of Rajasthan. It is a place where one can witness the glory of Lord Narayan or Lord Vishnu, admire the marvel of Indian architecture, enjoy the serenity of nature, and celebrate the festivals of joy.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article about Akshardham Temple Jaipur. Please share your feedback or experience of visiting Akshardham Temple Jaipur in our comments section below.
