BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham: America's Grandest Hindu Mandir, 12 Years In The Making, A New Cultural Treasure

BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sanstha) has officially announced that the grand opening ceremony of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ, is scheduled for October 8, 2023. This architectural marvel, a fusion of art, spirituality, and culture, represents an enduring testament to human dedication and devotion, designed to stand for a millennium. Over the course of 12 years, more than 12,500 committed volunteers from around the world painstakingly crafted Akshardham. Dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, this site houses the tallest and largest Hindu mandir (temple) in the United States, and it serves as a spiritual and cultural beacon welcoming visitors from all walks of life, irrespective of their faith or background.

Covering an expansive 185 acres, the Akshardham campus integrates and encapsulates thousands of years of rich Hindu culture. It is adorned with 10,000 sacred images, showcases intricate carvings of 151 Indian musical instruments, and brings to life 108 traditional Indian dance forms. The temple complex also features water collected from over 300 holy Indian rivers, as well as water from each of the 50 states in the U.S. The architectural marvel serves as a testament to the devotion and craftsmanship of the thousands of volunteers who dedicated their time and skills to its creation. Beyond serving as a place of worship, the mandir will function as a hub for cultural, educational, and community activities, promoting unity, peace, and spirituality.

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Kanu Patel, CEO of BAPS, expressed excitement about the Akshardham's long-awaited opening, characterizing it as a labor of love and selfless service. It embodies the vision of spiritual leaders His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. Patel extended an open invitation to everyone to join in celebrating this remarkable landmark's opening and to experience the serenity and beauty of the mandir.

Leading up to the grand opening ceremony, a series of programs and performances will showcase India's rich cultural heritage, emphasizing the Hindu principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or "The world is one family." Guests from across the country and around the world will participate in these celebrations. Akshardham will welcome visitors of all faiths and backgrounds, offering a space for meditation, reflection, and spiritual enrichment.

Robbinsville Mayor David Fried acknowledged the significance of Akshardham's opening for the community, expressing gratitude for BAPS' ongoing contributions to the town. BAPS has been an essential community partner, collaborating on initiatives such as Days of Giving and a recent Blood Donation Drive that saved over 10,000 lives. Robbinsville eagerly anticipates the positive impact that Akshardham will bring to the community and looks forward to fostering cultural enrichment and diversity through its strong partnership with BAPS.

The inaugural festivities commenced on September 30, culminating in a grand dedication ceremony on October 8, 2023. The dedication ceremony promises to be a once-in-a-millennium cultural program, showcasing the essence of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. The temple will open its doors to visitors from October 18th onwards.

For additional information about the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, please visit https://usa.akshardham.org/. This monumental project stands as a beacon of culture, spirituality, and unity, celebrating the rich heritage of Hinduism and inviting all to partake in its beauty and serenity.