Swaminarayan Akshardham, Delhi

Akshardham was built under the guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj to fulfil his guru Yogiji Maharaj's wish for a temple complex in Delhi that would showcase India's rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Built over five years by around 11,000 artisans and volunteers, it is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) and was inaugurated on 6 November 2005.

Built following traditional Sthapatya Shastra and Vastu Shastra principles, the temple is made entirely of stone, with no structural use of steel or concrete anywhere. Crafted from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, it features 234 carved pillars, 9 domes, and 20,000 sculpted figures of saints and devotees. The Garbhagruh (sanctum) houses an 11-foot gold-leafed murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. In 2007, it was certified by Guinness World Records as the World's Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple.

Beyond the main mandir, the complex houses several exhibitions, Sahajanand Darshan uses animatronics to depict scenes from Bhagwan Swaminarayan's life, and the giant-screen film 'Neelkanth Yatra' portrays his seven-year Himalayan pilgrimage undertaken as a young ascetic. The Yagnapurush Kund, one of the world's largest stepwells, hosts the evening musical fountain, the 'Sahaj Anand Water Show'.

Mobile phones, cameras, and leather items are not permitted inside the complex and must be deposited at the outside lockers. The temple is closed every Monday. Entry to the main mandir is free, while the exhibitions and water show require separate tickets.