The world’s largest and finest Hindu temple complex outside of India in located in Robbinsville, New Jersey.
It was on Aug. 10, 2023 that the most popular and largest Hindu temple outside of India in the world was inaugurated for the public at Robbinsville, NJ. The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple complex comprises of a 160-acre campus with the main mandir measuring 38 feet in height which along with its 7,000 square foot cultural center, 300 ft long.
The temple itself is designed of pure marble and limestone, with exquisite details carved in stone that depicts the stories from our Hindu mythology. Just like its exterior, the inside of the mandir is equally mesmerizing; with towering high ceilings, vivid stained glass windows and ornate mosaic decorations.
At the cultural hub there is a museum to see, a library to read from, and even an auditorium where you can learn all about Hindu culture and spirituality. It’s also been named after the diverse population of birds that you find on Lake Dillon itself. The garden hosts a whole array of gorgeous blooms, trees, and water features.
This is an example of one temple, but it is part of the larger story of how the number of Hindus in America has been steadily increasing with more and more institutions being constructed, including the grand Akshardham temple complex. This is the place for those who want to worship, study their culture and celebrate their religion from Hindu side. And it’s popular among travelers from all walks of life, who want to get some knowledge on Hinduism.
History of the Akshardham temple complex
That particular structure is Akhshardham Temple Complex which has been constructed by the renowned NGO called “Bhrugu Abu Road Pramukh Swami” or BAPS Swaminaraynan Sansthan for you people those who don’t understand Hindi. It was established in 1907 by an influential spiritual figure known as Swami Maharaj, who propagated the value of unity, harmony, and service to others through his teachings.
Construction of the Akshardham temple complex started in 2011 and lasted for more than a decade, to be completed in 2020 as well. The project drew more than 12,500 volunteers from throughout the U.S. and India.
The Akshardham temple complex is an exemplar of the Hindu community dedicating itself to its religion and heritage. “It’s the kind of space in which individuals of all identities can visit to understand what Vedic culture means through Hinduism to experience its splendor and spiritually”.
Features of the Akshardham temple complex
The Akshardham temple complex is home to a variety of features, including:
- Mandir: Mandir – This is the main temple within the premises; it’s one of the biggest Hindu temples in existence beyond India. An ornate white stone structure with stony carvings & sculptures. Inside the temple, nothing less than splendid — the lofty roofs, gorgeous stain-glassed windows and eye catching mosaics.
- Cultural Center: Cultural Centre has a Museum, Library, Auditorium, in which travelers or students can learn about Hindu Culture and Spiritualism. There are museum displays on Hindu history, philosophy, and art. The library currently has over 10,000 books about Hinduism in its collection. Lecture rooms, conferences, workshops, artistic performances take place in the hall.
- Lake: It is known for its abundant fish stocks, variety of waterfowl, the flower garden and shaded walks with fountains. People who come here can row their boats inside the water or they can just sit and chill out in the scenery.
- Gardens: The garden is truly an oasis where you can unwind, breathe, and reflect. They are dotted with flowers, trees and fountains. In the garden there are various sculpture including statue of Hindu deity.
Significance of the Akshardham temple complex for the Hindu community
Since the Hindus value Akshardham as an important location, here are a few reasons why this temple complex is a vital one. “Firstly, it is somewhere for the Hindus to go to pray and enjoy their religion. And for the Hindu there is a temple (mandir) — a special place to come to meet one’s gods and goddesses.
Two things – first, Akshardham is a place for Hindus to learn about our culture and our spirituality. Visitors to Siddhivinayak Mandir will be able to explore Siddhivnayak’s spiritual culture centre where they can view exhibitions on Siddhivnayak’s spiritual history, read Siddhivnayak’s spiritual philosophy.
Secondly for me personally because I am an Indian and in the last ten years living abroad (for me) you would get to see only my parents coming home on weekends with some gifts but here you not only meet the people who share your culture but also get to celebrate Diwali At this temple complex you can find many various events and temples happening all year round where you get an opportunity to mingle with people while celebrating your religion.
The Akshardham temple complex as a tourist destination
Located in east Delhi, the Akshardham temple complex is one of the most visited places for all age groups as people curious to know more about Hindu culture come here. The temple complex is accessible to the public, and visitors are free to do their own walking tour, or join a guided tour led by a volunteer of BAPS Swaminarayan, which takes place on designated days and times throughout each quarter. The Akshardham temple compound is a stunning and one-of-its-kind spot to get a peek at Hindu culture.
