Akshardham in New Jersey: A Majestic Blend of Hindu Spirituality and Architectural Brilliance

12 years in the making, this spiritual sanctuary stands as a symbol of love and devotion of 12,500 volunteers.

It was a moment of jubilation, a moment that transcended borders, cultures, and continents. BAPS, a global spiritual and humanitarian organization, celebrated the grand opening of the Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, in a spectacular event that left hearts brimming with joy and gratitude. Hundreds of thousands of individuals from across the globe witnessed this historic celebration, which marked not only the unveiling of a magnificent Hindu mandir but also a gift to the world – the largest Hindu mandir in the United States.

On October 8, 2023, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, was inaugurated by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS. This monumental occasion for Hindu Americans was marked by the presence of volunteers, dignitaries, and well-wishers, all coming together under a shared spirit of reverence and community spirit.

The event was the third and final murti pratishta of the central murti (sacred image) of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the Akshardham Mahamandir. In his blessings after the rituals, Mahant Swami Maharaj said, “May all souls who come here experience param shanti (eternal bliss) and param anand (eternal happiness) in their lives.” He continued, “I pray that through this [Swaminarayan] Akshardham, may the values within the principles of the Akshar Purushottam philosophy, which are rooted in the Vedas, be understood and celebrated; may the values and glory of Sanatan Dharma proudly continue.”

Envisioned by the esteemed spiritual leader His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Akshardham serves 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.

BAPS initiated the creation of Swaminarayan Akshardham in 2011. At its essence, Akshardham is a revered Hindu place of worship that honors Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) and Hindu deities across its 13 inner sanctums.

Drawing from traditional mandir architecture described in ancient Hindu scriptures, Akshardham was created to stand for over a millennium. With stones from Italy, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, India, and other countries, it was intricately hand-carved by master artisans in India and assembled in Robbinsville, New Jersey, by over 12,500 volunteers from North America and around the world. Akshardham is truly a global endeavor. It is destined to be a guardian of universal values of faith, unity, and selfless service for generations.

“I felt the sense of community from the second I stepped into this space today. I strive to make clothing that empowers women and the next generation. Today, I met so many women [who] gave me a new understanding of what strength and power really means. They’re here to make a difference, to inspire generations to come through the work that they’ve done to preserve our culture, so that it lives on. That is truly the ultimate form of strength and power,” said Megha Rao, founder and designer at holiCHIC by Megha, at an event celebrating women’s contributions.

“[BAPS] has become part of our community, and we are honored that you thought to choose our community and had the vision to turn this piece of land into something that is truly unbelievable and one of the wonders of the world,” said Robbinsville Mayor David Fried at the Community Day celebration that brought together over 38 elected officials of which 16 were mayors from across the nation.

Volunteers from diverse age groups and professions, including students, entrepreneurs, and career professionals, united to create this spiritual haven. Beyond safeguarding their cultural heritage, Akshardham symbolizes the diversity and vibrancy of the Indian American community in the United States. Their selfless contributions, offered as acts of devotion, highlight the essence of unity and mutual respect shared among them all.

“The samp (unity) between the volunteers is incredible. The ability to come from so many different walks of lives and so many places and all come together and contribute to something that’s bigger than themselves… To accomplish something great, you need to be devoted to something outside of yourself. This [Akshardham] will have a greater impact than [winning] the NBA Championship,” said Aaron Gordon, NBA Champion with the Denver Nuggets, during his visit to Akshardham in September.

With a deep commitment to service, BAPS launched several community programs in anticipation of the grand opening of Akshardham. Among these were the Days of Giving campaign and an extensive 10-week marathon blood drive. The Days of Giving initiative successfully gathered over 12,000 donations, encompassing school supplies, hygiene essentials, and food items to address the pressing needs of the local community. Meanwhile, the marathon blood drive, recognized as one of the longest-running drives in New Jersey, was a response to the nationwide blood shortage, amassing enough donations to potentially save over 10,000 lives. These efforts resonate with Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s guiding principle, “In the joy of others lies our own,” and align with Akshardham’s central aim: to inspire selfless service for the greater good of the community.

The “Festival of Inspirations,” a three-month-long celebration leading up to the opening of the Swaminarayan Akshardham, commemorated Hinduism’s legacy of inspiring thoughts, values, and culture. As part of the festival, a series of Vedic Mahayagna, a traditional Hindu prayer ceremony, was performed by devotees and well-wishers to offer heartfelt prayers for peace and harmony with oneself and the world. Events leading up to the grand opening ceremony featured a variety of programs celebrating diverse communities throughout the nation, honoring women for their contributions, and highlighting Hindu principles of unity, non-violence, and interfaith harmony.

“Through harmony, unity, and inclusivity, you all have accomplished a remarkable feat under the guidance of your spiritual gurus. I am positive that great people like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi would appreciate the beautiful art and architecture of this Akshardham. More importantly, they will cherish the principles of peace for all, harmony and love upon which the structure stands,” expressed Ndileka Mandela, the eldest grandchild of Nelson Mandela at the Women’s Youth event.

“As I looked through this magnificent structure, the words that popped into my head were words from the Vayikra from Leviticus: love your neighbor as yourself. We are on this planet together and need to work together to make the world a better place. There’s more that unites us than divides us,” said Rabbi Jay M. Kornsgold, Senior Rabbi at Beth El Synagogue, at the Interfaith Harmony Day, where religious leaders from different faiths engaged in an open dialogue.

Akshardham, the largest Hindu mandir in the western hemisphere, houses a unique feature at its foundation. Messages from Hindu scriptures and esteemed thought leaders, including Abraham Lincoln, Confucius, Buddha, Mirabai, Martin Luther King Jr., and others, adorn the Mahamandir’s Wisdom Plinth, reflecting the universal teachings and inclusivity at the heart of Hinduism.

In a reflective address days before the opening, Mahant Swami Maharaj emphasized, “While the physical structure of Akshardham is complete, our task now is to internalize the values it represents.”

Beyond being a sacred space for Hindu Americans to deepen their faith, Akshardham invites the broader community to experience Hindu and Indian culture and traditions. For enthusiasts of culture and architecture, it will serve as a hub of knowledge and learning.

Looking ahead, Akshardham will also feature a museum with interactive exhibits explaining not only Hinduism’s history, core teachings, and universal values but also the remarkable journey of how Akshardham was created.

About BAPS

BAPS is a volunteer-driven spiritual organization committed to fostering individual growth through Hindu values of faith, service, and harmony. It enriches society with the devoted efforts of tens of thousands of volunteers from diverse professional and social backgrounds, contributing millions of volunteer hours annually. Under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS nurtures Indian traditions in over 100 North American and 3,500 communities worldwide. Through these communities, it champions holistic personal growth, promotes social progress, and encourages diversity by embracing all.