A Monument of Faith and Artistry: BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Inaugurated in New Jersey
In the heart of New Jersey, a monumental achievement in faith, artistry, and architecture stands tall, transcending borders and uniting communities. The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, inaugurated in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj, is the largest Hindu temple outside India, and it has captured the hearts and spirits of people worldwide. This grand event, commencing on September 30, was a nine-day celebration, culminating in the opening of a spiritual and architectural masterpiece that sprawls over a vast 185-acre landscape.
At the inauguration ceremony, Mahant Swami Maharaj conducted the ‘Pran Prathistha’ ritual at the temple, surrounded by traditional ceremonies and rituals. This spiritual journey has been a labor of devotion, uniting thousands of volunteers dedicated to its construction. One of the notable highlights is the largest elliptical stone dome ever constructed, showcasing the grandeur of this magnificent temple.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham is not merely a temple; it’s a testament to human dedication and craftsmanship. Approximately 12,500 volunteers, men, women, and children, set aside their daily lives to dedicate themselves to this project. The temple is a global endeavor, with 1.9 million cubic feet of stone sourced from 29 different sites worldwide, including granite from India, sandstone from Rajasthan, teakwood from Myanmar, marble from Greece, Turkey, and Italy, and limestone from Bulgaria and Turkey. These elements represent the unity of diverse cultures and regions in pursuing a common spiritual goal.
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham is part of a legacy that transcends borders and faiths. Akshardham complexes have become landmarks of Hindu art, architecture, and culture, welcoming people of all backgrounds and beliefs. The one in New Jersey marks the third such cultural complex worldwide. The journey began in Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat, India, in 1992, followed by the grand Akshardham in New Delhi in 2005. These architectural marvels stand as symbols of unity and spiritual enlightenment.
The grandeur of the Akshardham temple has garnered international attention. Ambassadors and representatives from the United Nations, led by India’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, visited the temple before the dedication ceremony. Renowned actor Akshay Kumar also admired the temple’s inauguration, describing it as a source of pride and brilliance.
The construction of the Akshardham temple is a testament to human perseverance and dedication. The temple’s architectural marvels are a product of intricate planning and hard work. Crafted from four distinct varieties of marble sourced from Italy and limestone from Bulgaria, these precious materials embarked on a remarkable journey, covering over 8,000 miles from their origins to India and, ultimately, to New Jersey. They were meticulously assembled here, creating a monumental Hindu temple that stands as a testament to human craftsmanship.
The creation of this architectural masterpiece involved approximately 4.7 million hours of labor by artisans and volunteers. Around two million cubic feet of stone was meticulously hand-carved to bring this majestic temple to life. As if that weren’t enough, the temple walls are adorned with carvings of historical figures, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln, offering a blend of cultures and historical influences that showcase the richness of human heritage.
The Akshardham temple’s construction involved a remarkable display of unity and devotion. Over 12,500 volunteers from around the world came together, breaking from their daily routines to contribute their time and effort to this project. It was a testament to the power of collective dedication and the pursuit of a shared spiritual dream.
The temple, measuring 255 ft x 345 ft x 191 ft, spans over 183 acres. Notably, it is designed according to ancient Hindu scriptures, incorporating elements from ancient Indian culture. The temple houses 10,000 statues, figurines, and carvings of Indian musical instruments and dance forms, creating a rich tapestry of art and culture.
Akshardham stands as a symbol of cultural richness and spiritual legacy. It ranks among the largest Hindu temples globally. It is second in size only to the iconic Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The temple’s unique design features one main shrine, 12 sub-shrines, nine shikhars (spire-like structures), and nine pyramidal shikhars. Furthermore, it boasts the largest elliptical dome of traditional stone architecture ever constructed, designed to endure for a millennium.
The Brahma Kund, a traditional Indian stepwell, is a remarkable temple feature. It contains over 300 bodies of water from around the world, including the holy rivers of India and all 50 states of the US, symbolizing the unifying power of water and spirituality.
This temple marks the third Akshardham, or “abode of the divine,” created by the organization, with the first two in Gandhinagar and New Delhi. BAPS, which will soon celebrate its 50th year in North America, oversees more than 1,200 temples and 3,850 centers worldwide, highlighting the enduring impact of its spiritual and cultural mission.
While the Akshardham temple in New Jersey is an extraordinary achievement in itself, the legacy of Akshardham extends beyond its architectural marvel. It is a testament to human unity, devotion, and the enduring power of faith, transcending boundaries and cultures. This temple, as the largest Hindu temple outside India in the modern era, is a source of inspiration and spiritual solace for countless individuals, and it will be open to the public starting October 18.
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