Unveiled recently, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey is not only an architectural marvel, but also a symbol of unity, spirituality, and cultural appreciation.
Opened to the public in October after a grand dedication ceremony, BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ has already started bustling with an impressive influx of visitors.
The largest Hindu temple in the US, it is a marvel of Hindu art, architecture, and culture that stands as a testament to the rich heritage and traditions of the Indian American community. The massive temple complex also serves as a bridge between the Indian diaspora and the diverse American populace, inviting all to explore the spiritual and cultural treasures it holds within its sacred walls.
A spokesperson for BAPS, a global organization with origins in India, confirmed to A Lotus In The Mud that they are witnessing a remarkable diversity in the visitor profile: “There is a significant representation from the Indian community, and the diversity doesn’t stop there. We have had people from various religions and nationalities, making Akshardham a melting pot of cultures.” The weekends are busier as people arrive in cars even from far-flung places and tourist buses bring seniors.
The opening of the temple was a grand 9-day affair culminating in its inauguration on October 8 by HH Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of BAPS. Ceremonies were attended by religious and spiritual leaders as well as lawmakers and dignitaries from various walks of life. In the evening spectacular fireworks illuminated the night sky, symbolizing the spirit of celebration that lit up the hearts of all those in attendance.
This is the third Akshardham from BAPS, bigger and more magnificent than the other two in Ahmedabad and New Delhi, India. It was envisioned by the previous spiritual head of BAPS, HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj to serve as a beacon of peace, inspiration, and unity for individuals from all walks of life. It is a center for religious practice, cultural expression, art and architecture, and education. The temple aims to preserve Sanatan Dharma for future generations while embracing Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s universal motto, “In the joy of others lies our own.”
Jeffrey Armstrong, founder of the Vedic Academy of Science and Arts, called the New Jersey temple the “mothership of Vedic knowledge” and the start of a new phase in the Vedic renaissance worldwide.
“This is a good model for the US and Americans to see. It’s not about being indoctrinated one way or another. It’s about learning how to work together, be yourself, connect to the universe, and understand the Divine… ” added Dr David Frawley, author, and founder of the American Institute of Vedic Studies in New Mexico.
To celebrate Interfaith Harmony Day on October 4, 20 representatives from religions including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism came together. The gathering was a testament to the core principles of Akshardham, where unity emerges from diversity, and the common threads that bind humanity together are celebrated with reverence and appreciation. Bishop Darin Moore, Chair of the Governing Board of the National Council of Churches, praised Akshardham as holy ground, lauding its architecture and the people who built it. Elder David Buckner of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints shared his temple experience, “As I looked at the spires, I started to recognize that I was looking heavenward. I was doing exactly what a temple should do. It should turn me to God. It should help me see that.”
The New Jersey temple represents a fusion of tradition and modernity, where the echoes of ancient wisdom resonate harmoniously with the vibrant energy of the present. It came to life through the dedication of thousands of volunteers from different walks of life and from across the globe, making it a unique expression of love. Over a span of 12 years, this effort meticulously embraced Hindu architectural traditions and resulted in the creation of a masterpiece built to last a thousand years.
Mandir (temple), in the Hindu tradition, is a center for learning about man, nature, and God. It is where ethics and values are reinforced. It is where people celebrate festivals and seek shelter in sad times. It is where talents in various arts, music, literature, and sculpture – are offered in the service of God.
Built on 185 acres of land, Akshardham includes design elements from ancient Indian culture including 10,000 statues and statuettes, carvings of ancient Indian musical instruments and dance forms. The unique Hindu temple design includes one main shrine, 12 sub-shrines, 9 shikhars (spire-like structures), and 9 pyramidal shikhars. It also boasts the largest elliptical dome of traditional stone architecture ever constructed.
Nearly two million cubic feet of stone was used in the construction and was sourced from different sites around the world. The Brahma Kund, a traditional Indian-style stepwell, contains water from over 300 bodies of water from around the world, including the holy rivers of India and all 50 states of the US. Sustainable practices of BAPS include a solar panel farm, a fly ash concrete mix, and the planting of over 2 million trees worldwide in the past few decades.
Akshardham in New Jersey is built by Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a volunteer-driven spiritual organization committed to fostering individual growth through Hindu values of faith, service, and harmony. Under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS nurtures Indian traditions in over 100 North American and 3,500 communities worldwide.
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham is in Robbinsville, NJ, 11 miles south east of Princeton. The temple is open to all daily from 9 am to 7.30 pm. It is closed on Tuesdays. Ph: (609) 918-1212, info.akshardham@usa.baps.org, usa.akshardham.org
