Akshardham temple is situated in Gandhinagar. This 32 m high, 73 m long and 39 m wide structure is built in memory of Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan Faith. This intricately carved structure is built with 6,000 tons of pink sand stone. It is costructed without using steel and cement. Akshardham is designed according to the Sthapatya Shastra, the ancient Indian architectural treatise.
The most sacred part of Akshardham is Hari Mandapam. It is on the first floor of the building. Murtis of Lord Swaminarayan and his followers are installed there.
The holy relics of Lord Swaminarayan are kept in Prasadi Mandapam. The relics are scientifically restored.
Also, the monument houses a 7 feet gold leafed idol of Lord Swaminarayan. The temple is part of a cultural complex. Exhibitions on Indian culture with light and sound, multimedia and animatronic shows are held there.
