While exploring the spiritual side of Ahmedabad the first name comes to the mind is Akshardham temple situated just 25 kilometres from Ahmedabad. One of the largest and most popular places in the state of Gujarat is the Akshardham temple which is located in one of the greenest cities in the world, Gandhinagar. This is not just a religious place but it connects to art, architecture, education, exhibition, research and not to forget devotion above all. One of the most popular tourist destinations Akshardham Temple is predecessor to Delhi’s Akshardham temple. This architectural masterpiece is created by Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. In short it is known as BAPS which is a religious organisation guided by Pramukh Swami Maharaj (Shastri Narayanswarupdas) who is the creator of Akashardham. On 2nd November in the year 1992 this grand temple was inaugurated. You can count the popularity of this place on the basis of the fact that it was attacked by two heavily armed terrorists in September 2002 as it attracted large number of tourists and devotees.The BAPS is an international organization which is involved in social, spiritual and charitable activities over the years. More than hundred and sixty humanitarian activities are performed by the BAPS all over the world and thus it is affiliated with the United Nations. This temple of Akshardham is a part of its cultural, spiritual and educational activities with a mission of promoting Indian art, culture as well as values. They have this quote,”This place is where art is ageless,Culture is borderless, andValues are timeless.”The temple houses a majestic seven feet high gold leafed idol of Lord Swaminarayan which is the centre of attraction and symbol of divinity. The complicated but beautiful carvings on stones catch your attention immediately as you look around. This magnificent divine structure built by using approximately six thousand tons of pink sandstone, stands in the centre surrounded by very well maintained lush green gardens. The dimensions of this splendid structure are as follows: height – 108 feet (33m), length – 240 feet (73m), width – 131 feet (40m). It has an arcade around it of 1715 feet (534 m) long. The garden surrounding the monument includes green lawns and children’s play area. The garden is called Sahajanand Van which has a impressive one piece marble statue of lord Swaminarayan, a herbal garden, a lake, waterfall, several rides and games for small kids, etc. Apart from these the Akshardham also houses a centre for Applied Research in Social Harmony (AARSH) which has a fully loaded library, study stations and archives in its premises. Admission to the library is restricted to enlisted scholars only. There are three different exhibition halls in the premises in order to help visitors to know more about spiritual subjects and the movements of BAPS. These halls have proper names like Sahajanand which is hall number 1, Sat-Chit- Anand that is hall number 2 and Nityanand that is hall number 3. Sound- n- light show at hall1 and a 45 minutes show based on Nachiketa from Kathopanishad using 4000 nozzles, 2000 lights, approximately100 pumps, 12 fireball throwers at hall 2 are quite impressive and crowd puller here. Akashardham temple is a must visit place in Ahmedabad.Cameras and video cameras or video phones are strictly prohibited in the premises.One can enjoy pure vegetarian food and snacks in the restaurant called Premvati refreshments located at the Sahajanand Van as outside food is not allowed.Timings:Temple is open for public from Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30 am till 7.30pm. On Mondays it is closed. One can enjoy night lightings on every Saturday and Sundays. Rides for kids are open from 12.00 noon till 8.00 pm and restaurant timings are 10.00 am to 8.00 pm every day.Address:AkshardhamIndian Cultural ComplexSector 20, ‘J’ Road,Gandhinagar – 382 020, Gujarat, IndiaRuchi Mahajan