Grand Inauguration of World’s Largest Hindu Temple in New Jersey
On October 8, history will be made as the world’s largest Hindu temple constructed outside India in the modern era is set to be inaugurated in New Jersey. The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, located in Robbinsville Township, has been a monumental labour of love, crafted over 12 years with the dedication of more than 12,500 volunteers from across the United States. This architectural marvel, steeped in ancient Hindu traditions, showcases not only the splendour of Hindu culture but also a commitment to universal values.
A Monumental Endeavor
12,500 Volunteers, 12 Years
The Akshardham temple, affectionately known as Akshardham, stands as a testament to human determination and devotion. Constructed over a span of 12 years from 2011 to 2023, this colossal temple was brought to life by a dedicated army of over 12,500 volunteers from various corners of the United States.
An Impressive Monument
Akshardham is a colossal structure, measuring 255 ft x 345 ft x 191 ft and spanning an impressive 183 acres. It stands as a beacon of ancient Hindu culture and boasts a breathtaking design that incorporates 10,000 statues and statuettes, carvings of Indian musical instruments, and dance forms.
Second Largest Temple
While not quite surpassing the grandeur of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, the Akshardham temple in New Jersey is a close second and is recognized as one of the largest Hindu temples globally.
A Vision for Universal Values
Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s Vision
The inspiration behind Akshardham stems from the vision of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, a spiritual leader who envisioned a place in the Western hemisphere that transcends boundaries, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. This vision has manifested in the form of Akshardham.
Spirit of Inclusivity
Aksharvatsaldas Swami from BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha emphasizes that Akshardham is not just a Hindu temple; it is a place for people from all over the world to embrace universal values rooted in Hindu traditions.
Architectural Marvels
Traditional Hindu Temple Architecture
Akshardham is a masterpiece of traditional Hindu temple architecture. It features one main shrine, 12 sub-shrines, nine shikhars (spire-like structures), and nine pyramidal shikhars. Most notably, it houses the world’s largest elliptical dome made of traditional stone architecture, designed to last for a millennium.
Sustainable Building Materials
The construction of Akshardham involved nearly two million cubic feet of stone sourced from various parts of the world. These stones, including limestone, pink sandstone, marble, and granite, were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand extreme temperatures.
Sustainable Practices
Akshardham incorporates sustainable practices, such as a solar panel farm, the use of fly ash concrete mix, and the planting of over two million trees worldwide in recent decades. Notably, the Brahma Kund, a traditional Indian stepwell on the premises, contains water from over 300 bodies of water worldwide, promoting unity and sustainability.
The Power of Voluntarism
Millions of Volunteer Hours
The construction of Akshardham has been a collective effort, with millions of volunteer hours dedicated to bringing this vision to life. Volunteers range from 18-year-olds to those over 60, representing diverse professions and backgrounds.
Selfless Service
Volunteers have selflessly contributed their time, with some taking leaves from their jobs for months to rent condos near the construction site. Their dedication and commitment to building the temple have been instrumental in this extraordinary endeavour.
The impending inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey marks a momentous occasion for both Hindu culture and universal values. This grand temple, a symbol of devotion and unity, has been brought to life through the collective efforts of thousands of volunteers and the visionary ideals of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. As it opens its doors to visitors, Akshardham stands as a testament to the enduring power of human determination and the timeless beauty of Hindu traditions.
