The Majestic BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham: An Architectural Marvel in New Jersey
The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey is set to become the largest temple in the United States and potentially the second-largest in the world. It took 12 years to construct with the help of 12,500 volunteers and showcases over 10,000 statues and carvings representing ancient Indian culture1. The temple, located in Robbinsville Township, will officially open on October 8 and boasts unique features such as a traditional Indian stepwell and a large elliptical dome made of traditional stone architecture.
What is the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey?
The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey is the largest temple in the United States and potentially the second-largest globally. It is located 90 miles south of Times Square and boasts over 10,000 statues and carvings representing ancient Indian culture. The temple, which took nearly 12 years to construct with the help of 12,500 volunteers, is set to officially open on October 8.
The United States is eagerly awaiting the inauguration of its largest temple next month. The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, nestled 90 miles south of Times Square in New Jersey, is set to be officially inaugurated on October 8.
The Making of the Temple
An impressive labor of love, the temple, seated on a sprawling 183-acre site, took nearly 12 years to reach completion. The construction process was an immense collaborative effort that brought together over 12,500 dedicated volunteers from various corners of the US. The volunteers worked tirelessly, contributing their skills and time to bring this grand vision to life.
Comparisons to Global Landmarks
The massive temple, located in Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, could potentially be the second-largest temple globally, following only the Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat spans a vast 500 acres. To put this in context, the Akshardham temple in Delhi, an architectural spectacle in its own right, stretches over 100 acres.
Architectural Design and Symbolism
The Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in the US reflects ancient Indian culture in its architectural grandeur. Visitors will find over 10,000 statues and carvings that represent various facets of Indian heritage, including depictions of musical instruments and dance forms.
The Structure of the Temple
The temple complex houses a main shrine, surrounded by 12 sub-shrines. The temple’s skyline is adorned with nine shikhars (spire-like structures), and nine pyramidal shikhars, enhancing its imposing presence. The temple also boasts the largest elliptical dome of traditional stone architecture, a testament to the craftsmanship involved in its construction.
Materials Used in Construction
The temple’s construction utilized nearly two million cubic feet of stone, including limestone, granite, pink sandstone, and marble. These materials were sourced globally, with contributions from India, Turkey, Greece, Italy, and China, making the temple a confluence of international resources3.
Unique Features
A standout feature of the temple is the traditional Indian stepwell, known as the ‘Brahma Kund.’ This stepwell contains water sourced from over 300 water bodies worldwide, symbolizing a global confluence of spiritual harmony and unity2.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple will open its doors to visitors starting October 18, offering an extraordinary experience of spirituality and architectural brilliance.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey is a large temple that took 12 years to build with the help of 12,500 volunteers. It is set to open on October 8 and is the largest temple in the United States and potentially the second-largest in the world. The temple showcases over 10,000 statues and carvings representing ancient Indian culture. It has unique features such as a traditional Indian stepwell and a large elliptical dome made of traditional stone architecture.