Dubbed the world's largest hand-carved Hindu temple built outside of India in modern times, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple is gearing up for its grand inauguration on October 8 in Robbinsville Township of New Jersey.
Situated approximately 60 miles south of New York's Times Square, the temple is a testament to the dedication of over 12,500 volunteers across the United States, who reportedly worked tirelessly for 12 years, from 2011 to 2023, to bring this monumental project to fruition.
In terms of size, this temple is reportedly second to Cambodia's Angkor Wat. The Angkor Wat Temple Complex, with roots dating back to the 12th century, holds the title of the world's largest Hindu temple, sprawling across a vast 500-acre area and enjoying the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The temple's design is a tribute to ancient Hindu scriptures, featuring intricate design elements that pay homage to India's rich cultural heritage. It reportedly houses 10,000 statues and figurines and meticulously crafted carvings depicting Indian musical instruments and dance forms.
This magnificent Akshardham Temple is renowned for its colossal dimensions, spanning 255 feet in length, 345 feet in width, and towering to a height of 191 feet, all spread across a sprawling 183-acre expanse. It attracts a steady stream of visitors, including Hindus and people of various faiths from all corners of the country, who gather in anticipation of its official inauguration.
The construction of the Mahamandir began in 2015. Spread across a vast 185-acre expanse in Robbinsville, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham has been brought to life through the dedication and expertise of over 12,500 volunteers across North America.
The sacred structure was meticulously crafted by a team of devoted BAPS swamis and dedicated volunteers, with European stones sourced from various regions and transported to India for intricate craftsmanship. Once the stone pieces were ready, they were transported to the United States, where a diverse group of volunteers, guided by skilled artisans from India, came together to craft the temple.
Currently, at the temple's location in New Jersey, the ground level and primary mandir are undergoing their finishing touches, with construction progressing steadily toward its imminent completion.
(With inputs from PTI)