The actual sanctuary, situated at the end of the main avenue of Akshardham temple, is built in the form of a cross and surmounted by domes. The columned avant-corps is decorated with a mass of sculpted figures (over 20 000!) where the elephant takes pride of place. Following traditional Indian architectural methods, the temple has been built without using steel, and boasts a pink sandstone exterior and a white marble interior. It houses a gilded statue of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.