Akshardham Temple in New Delhi

The sprawling Rs.200-crore pink sandstone cultural complex spread over 100 acres showcases the grandeur of Indian history, art, culture and values.

The Akshardham Delhi temple by the BAPS foundation in Delhi has become another Delhi landmark. These are the same people who built the Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden, UK, the Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the Swaminarayan Mandir in Chicago, Houston, and others all around the world in Africa, Asia, America and Europe.

This temple seems to be their biggest, and most intricate project yet, combining several completely different and contrasting architectural styles of temple architecture in India -- Rajasthani, Orrisan, Gujarati and Jain; as well as Mughal architecture seen in the styles and carvings and the wood buildings of the complex -- into a pleasing whole. The Akshardham Temple is composed of the red-sandstone that Delhi is famous for, and that so many of her monuments are constructed of.

Evoking the auspiciousness of Badrinath, majesty of Somnath, geometry of Modhera, mysticism of Ellora and grandeur of Angkor Wat, it has risen to stand with other great monuments of culture. Designed and sculpted entirely according to the ancient Indian Sthaapatya Shastras, it has been built to last thousands of years, profusely carved with 120 ornate pillars, 1200 delicate statues and statuettes, 40 filigreed arches, layers of Indian flora and fauna. Ancient mandirs and monuments were being carefully studied to create pure, authentic Hindu carvings through hundreds of craftsmen from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Orissa, reviving stone art.

The Gardens are meditative with creative sculptures and fountains.

Only India could create such beauty today.

Below is a photo that illustrates the kind of artwork in this temple.