ROBBINSVILLE, NEW JERSEY, September 25, 2023 (Religion News): After 12 years of planning and construction, the largest Hindu temple outside of India will open to the public this October. The BAPS Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, will be the third Akshardham, or abode of the Divine, after the temples in Gujarat and New Delhi — the latter of which is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world. Attempting to combine ancient scriptural codes and New Jersey zoning laws, the Akshardham, which encompasses a Maha Mandir, a traditional temple, welcome center, museum and event space, sits on a vast 183-acre plot of land. Over 12,500 volunteers came from all over North America and the world, from different cultural backgrounds, languages and even expressions of faith, to help construct the Maha Mandir out of white sandstone, limestone, marble and granite that was intricately carved by temple artisans in India. Nine shikharas, or spires, sit on top of the four characteristic domes of the mandir — each one themed with a different aspect of the Hindu scriptures, like Vedic astrology.

Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, commonly known by its acronym BAPS, is a tradition under Hinduism that follows the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, who is said to be present on earth through six spiritual leaders — the current of whom is Mahant Swami Maharaj. Aiming to give visitors a taste of Indian celebrations and artistry, thousands of diyas, or lights, fill the walls of The Welcome Center, which connects to the vegetarian Shayona Cafe. The smell of incense and the sound of Sanskrit chanting fills the area around the Brahm Kund pond, a tribute to the holy bodies of water that flow through India, but with an American twist — waters from the rivers that touch all 50 states brought to New Jersey by volunteers themselves.

More at source.
https://religionnews.com/2023/09/25/the-largest-hindu-temple-on-american-soil-will-soon-open-its-doors/

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