Akshardham in New Jersey is a Hindu mandir (temple) complex located in Robbinsville Township, Mercer County, New Jersey, United States. It is the world’s second-largest Hindu temple and the largest outside of Asia. The temple is built in the Nagaradi style using 68,000 cubic feet of Italian Carrara marble. It took over 10,000 volunteers from around the world over 10 years to complete the temple’s construction.
The temple complex is spread over 183 acres and includes a number of gardens, fountains, and sculptures. The main attraction is the temple itself, which is a seven-story structure with a 100-foot-tall dome. The temple is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting Hindu mythology and culture.
Akshardham is a popular tourist destination and is open to visitors of all faiths. It is a place to learn about Hindu culture and spirituality, and to experience the beauty and artistry of traditional Indian architecture.
Here are some of the highlights of Akshardham in New Jersey:
- The main temple, which is a seven-story structure with a 100-foot-tall dome.
- The Akshardham Gardens, which are home to a variety of flowers, trees, and fountains.
- The Akshardham Museum, which tells the story of Hinduism and Hindu culture.
- The Akshardham Theater, which shows a multimedia presentation about the life of Swaminarayan.
Akshardham is a must-see for anyone interested in Hindu culture or architecture. It is a beautiful and inspiring place that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Inauguration
The largest Hindu temple in the US – BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham – was inaugurated in Robbinsville, New Jersey on Sunday, 8th October.
Photo Gallery – Temple View
Photo Gallery
Architecture
The architecture of Akshardham in New Jersey is a blend of traditional Hindu and modern elements. The temple is built in the Nagaradi style, which is one of the most popular styles of Hindu architecture. The Nagaradi style is characterized by its tall shikhars (spires), intricate carvings, and use of marble and sandstone.
Akshardham is made entirely of hand-carved Italian Carrara marble, Indian pink stone, and limestone. The marble was obtained from quarries in Europe and shipped to Rajasthan, India, where hundreds of artisans carved the stones. After the finished pieces of stone were assembled in workshops, engineers sequentially numbered the pieces and shipped them to Robbinsville, New Jersey.
The main temple is a seven-story structure with a 100-foot-tall dome. The dome is the largest elliptical dome of traditional stone architecture ever constructed. The temple is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting Hindu mythology and culture.
Some of the key architectural features of Akshardham include:
- The main temple, which is a seven-story structure with a 100-foot-tall dome.
- The nine shikhars (spires) that surround the main temple.
- The nine pyramidal shikhars that are located on the roof of the main temple.
- The Akshardham Gardens, which are home to a variety of flowers, trees, and fountains.
- The Akshardham Museum, which tells the story of Hinduism and Hindu culture.
- The Akshardham Theater, which shows a multimedia presentation about the life of Swaminarayan.
Akshardham is a beautiful and inspiring example of Hindu architecture. It is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans who built it. The temple is also a symbol of the Hindu community’s commitment to their faith and culture.
Contact details
Location: Robbinsville, Mercer County, New Jersey, U.S.