India, July 1 -- 25 years ago today, on 2 July 2001, the foundation and plinth work for Akshardham Mandir on the eastern bank of the Yamuna was completed, and the first sculpted stone for the shrine was ceremonially laid. Four years later, the temple opened to Delhiwale and to the rest of the world. In the two decades since, it has become one of Delhi's defining landmarks. A major place of pilgrimage, it also ranks among the city's grandest architectural monuments, comparable in scale to Humayun's Tomb and Jama Masjid.

The riverside complex is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a 19th century ascetic. Made of pink sandstone and white marble, the temple features 20,000 sculpted figures, along with many more remarkable features. The new ad...