What is Akshardham in Gandhinagar?

Akshardham is a pink sandstone Swaminarayan temple complex in Sector 20, opened in 1992. It includes gardens, exhibitions and an evening light-and-sound show. It is a major spiritual and cultural landmark in Gandhinagar.

When was Akshardham Gandhinagar built?

The temple was opened in 1992. It was built by the BAPS organisation. The construction used pink sandstone and followed traditional Hindu temple architecture. The complex was designed to be a place of worship and cultural education.

Is photography allowed inside Akshardham?

Photography is allowed in the gardens but not inside the main temple or during the evening show. Check the current rules at the entrance. Mobile phones should be switched off inside the main shrine. Follow the instructions of the staff.

Is Akshardham accessible by metro?

Yes, the Ahmedabad Metro has a station at Akshardham. Check the current service frequency. The station is a short walk from the temple entrance. It is a convenient option for visitors coming from Ahmedabad or other parts of Gandhinagar.

What should I wear to Akshardham?

Dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering the temple. It is advisable to wear comfortable footwear that is easy to remove. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. The temple staff may ask you to cover up if needed.

Are there any nearby attractions to Akshardham?

Yes, Mahatma Mandir, Dandi Kutir museum, Indroda Nature Park and Adalaj stepwell are nearby. These can be combined into a full day of sightseeing. GIFT City is also about 10 km south-east. Check the current rules for access to GIFT City.

Temple guide · Sector 20

Akshardham Temple, Gandhinagar

A pink sandstone Swaminarayan temple complex in Sector 20, Akshardham features gardens, exhibitions and an evening show. It is a major spiritual and cultural landmark.

Opened: 1992
Architecture: Pink sandstone, traditional style
Main feature: Temple, gardens, exhibitions
Nearest area: Sector 20, Gandhinagar

What it is and its history

Akshardham is a Swaminarayan temple complex located in Sector 20 of Gandhinagar. It was opened in 1992 and is built of pink sandstone. The temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, and the complex includes gardens, exhibition halls and a large central shrine. The architecture follows traditional Hindu temple design, with intricate carvings and a spacious courtyard. The site is one of several Akshardham temples across India, each known for its detailed craftsmanship and spiritual atmosphere. The Gandhinagar temple is smaller than the one in Delhi but remains a significant attraction for visitors and devotees alike.

The complex is managed by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). It serves as both a place of worship and a cultural centre. The temple was built to promote the teachings of Lord Swaminarayan and to provide a peaceful environment for meditation and prayer. The pink sandstone used in construction gives the complex a warm, inviting appearance. The gardens and walkways are designed to encourage quiet reflection. The exhibition halls offer educational displays about the Swaminarayan tradition and its history. The temple is a popular destination for both pilgrims and tourists visiting Gandhinagar.

What to see

The main temple hall houses the murti of Lord Swaminarayan, along with other deities. The walls and pillars are covered with carved scenes from Hindu mythology. The gardens around the temple are well-maintained, with lawns, fountains and shaded walkways. An exhibition hall tells the story of the Swaminarayan tradition through dioramas and displays. Visitors can walk through the gardens at a leisurely pace, enjoying the calm atmosphere. The complex also has a small museum that showcases artefacts related to the temple's history. Each area of the complex is clearly signposted, making it easy to navigate.

An evening light-and-sound show is held in the complex. It narrates the life of Lord Swaminarayan and the history of the temple. Check the current schedule at the entrance. The show is popular, so arrive early for a good spot. Photography is not allowed inside the main temple or during the show. The show lasts about 45 minutes and is presented in Gujarati and English. It uses colourful lights and recorded narration to tell the story. The gardens are lit up during the show, creating a beautiful evening atmosphere. After the show, visitors can walk through the gardens before leaving.

Main shrine with carved deities
Gardens with fountains and walkways
Exhibition hall with dioramas
Evening light-and-sound show

How to get there

Akshardham is in Sector 20, about 4 km from the centre of Gandhinagar. The Ahmedabad Metro has a station at Akshardham. Check the current service frequency. By road, it is about 18 km from Ahmedabad airport. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available from the railway station and bus stand. The temple is on the main road, easy to find. The metro station is a short walk from the entrance, making it convenient for those using public transport. Buses from other parts of Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad stop nearby. Always confirm the route and timings before you travel.

If you are driving, parking is available near the complex. The temple is accessible by wheelchair. The nearest metro station is a short walk from the entrance. The roads in Sector 20 are wide and well-maintained, making cycling a good option for short distances. For those coming from Ahmedabad, the metro is the most reliable option. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available from the railway station and bus stand. The journey from the airport takes about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Plan your route in advance to avoid delays.

When to go and how long to allow

The best time to visit is from November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summer months are very hot, with temperatures often above 40 °C. The temple is open every day. The evening show runs year-round but timings change with the season. Check the current schedule at the entrance or online. Early morning visits are also popular, as the temple is quieter and the light is good for photography. Avoid visiting during the middle of the day in summer, as the heat can be intense. The gardens offer some shade, but it is still very warm.

Allow at least two to three hours for a full visit. This includes time to walk through the gardens, see the exhibitions and attend the show. If you want to spend time in prayer or meditation, add another hour. The complex is not crowded on weekdays, but weekends and festival days can be busy. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid long queues. The exhibition halls can take about 30 minutes to explore. The gardens are best enjoyed at a slow pace. If you attend the evening show, factor in an extra 45 minutes. A half-day trip is sufficient for most visitors.

Nearby sights

Akshardham is close to other attractions in Gandhinagar. Mahatma Mandir and Dandi Kutir museum are about 2 km away. The Indroda Nature Park, with its dinosaur fossil park and deer park, is a short drive. The Adalaj stepwell, a five-storey structure from 1498, is about 8 km south. The Trimandir temple is nearby. These sites can be combined into a full day of sightseeing. The sectors around Akshardham have wide roads and green belts. You can walk or cycle in the area. The Sabarmati riverfront is a few kilometres east.

GIFT City, India's first IFSC, is about 10 km south-east. It has a modern skyline and some facilities for visitors. Check the current rules for access. The area around Akshardham is well-connected by road and metro, making it easy to move between attractions. The Indroda Nature Park is a good option for families, with its dinosaur fossil park and deer park. The Adalaj stepwell is a fine example of stepwell architecture and is worth a visit. The Trimandir temple is a modern Jain temple complex. Plan your route to cover multiple sites in one day.

Mahatma Mandir and Dandi Kutir museum (2 km)
Indroda Nature Park (4 km)
Adalaj stepwell (8 km)
GIFT City (10 km)

Practical tips

Dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering the temple. Photography is allowed in the gardens but not inside the main shrine or during the show. Mobile phones should be switched off or kept on silent. Bags may be checked at the entrance. No food or drink is allowed inside the temple. The complex has clean restrooms and drinking water. There are no restaurants inside, but you can eat at nearby eateries in Sector 20. The temple is wheelchair accessible. If you visit during a festival, expect larger crowds.

The temple staff are helpful and can answer questions about the site. Carry a water bottle and a hat in summer. The gardens have little shade in some areas. It is advisable to check the temple's website or social media for any changes in timings or special events. The complex is generally safe and well-maintained. Visitors are expected to maintain silence inside the main temple. The gardens are a good place for a quiet walk. The evening show is a highlight, so plan your visit accordingly. Respect the local customs and follow the instructions of the staff.