U.S. vice president JD Vance visits Delhi's Akshardham Temple: 5 facts about this architectural wonder

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is on an official trip to India from Monday, April 21 to 24. He is accompanied by Second Lady Usha Vance and their three children, Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel. As a part of his cultural tour, Vance visited Delhi’s iconic architectural marvel the Akshardham Temple with his family.

Radhika Shukla, spokesperson for Akshardham Temple, said, "A souvenir was presented to the Vice President and his family as a token of remembrance, to preserve the memories of their visit. He deeply appreciated the intricate artwork, spiritual messages, and cultural carvings displayed at the temple. His children were equally captivated and enjoyed the experience, immersing themselves in the rich traditions and heritage of our country."

Let’s have a look at five interesting facts that make Akshardham Temple a must-visit attraction in Delhi, India.

Architectural wonder: Akshardham Temple is a true architectural marvel that is built without steel! The temple, built using pink sandstone and white marble, doesn’t contain a single piece of steel in its main structure. The design follows ancient Vedic architecture principles and showcases traditional Indian craftsmanship at its finest.

Guinness World Record Holder: Did you know that the temple holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s largest comprehensive Hindu temple? Well, you read that right! The temple complex is spread across 100 acres and features gardens, exhibitions, and a huge central monument.

Sahaj Anand Water Show: The temple organises a spectacular multimedia water show every evening, which is one of the prime attractions here. The show, combining water, lights, sound, lasers, and fire, tells a Vedic story. It’s a favorite among visitors and brings mythology to life in a magical way.

Cultural Exhibitions: The complex features three major exhibition halls:

Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of Values) – teaches morals and values through robotic displays.
Neelkanth Darshan – a massive IMAX-style film on Swaminarayan’s life.
Sanskruti Darshan – a cultural boat ride through 10,000 years of Indian history.

Built in record time: Despite its grand size, the temple was completed in just five years by over 8,000 volunteers and artisans! Unbelievable, right? It was inaugurated on 6th November 2005 and stands as a symbol of dedication and unity in India.