Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
New Jersey is set to inaugurate the world's largest Hindu temple of modern-era outside India, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, on October 8. The temple has been built in over 12 years by more than 12,500 volunteers from across the United States
The temple spans a sprawling 183 acres and measures an impressive 255 feet in length, 345 feet in width, and 191 feet in height. It has already become a popular destination for thousands of Hindus and individuals from various faiths across the nation
The Akshardham Temple in New Jersey will host over 10,000 statues and statuettes intricately designed in accordance with ancient Hindu scriptures and culture. It is being considered as a remarkable showcase of Hindu artistry and architecture in the United States
While the inauguration is scheduled for October 8, the temple will officially open its doors to visitors on October 18, under the guidance of Mahant Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj, also known as Swami Keshavjivandasji, is the present guru and President of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
The temple's creation was inspired by the vision of spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who envisioned a place for people of all backgrounds, not limited to Hindus or Indians, to come and learn universal values rooted in Hindu tradition
The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is now the world's second largest Hindu temple, following Cambodia's ancient Angkor Wat Temple, built in 12th-century, which is also a UNESCO heritage site. It is also the largest Hindu temple outside India in the modern-era
The temple has been meticulously designed to reflect ancient Hindu culture, featuring statues, carvings of Indian instruments, and dance forms. It includes a main shrine, 12 sub-shrines, nine shikhars (towers), and nine pyramidal shikhars
The construction incorporates four types of stone - limestone, pink sandstone, marble, and granite - sourced from various countries to ensure resilience against extreme weather conditions
Sustainability practices include a solar panel farm, the use of fly ash concrete, and a commitment to planting over two million trees worldwide. These efforts align with Hindu values of environmental stewardship
Thousands of volunteers, spanning all age groups, including students, professionals, and more, dedicated countless hours over the 12-year period to construct this magnificent temple, a testament to the significance of voluntarism in Hindu tradition