New Jersey, USA is hosting the world’s largest ultramodern- period Hindu temple that’s constructed outside of India, as reported by PTI. This temple, known as BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, is set to become a symbol of Hindu culture and architectural excellence in the West.
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham New Jersey welcomes the world’s largest Hindu Temple outside India (akshardham / instagram).
image source -nbc news
Then are 10 facts you need to know about the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham before visiting
- Architectural Grandeur – The construction of Akshardham has been made possible by over 12,500 volunteers from across the United States, approximately more than 12 times, from 2011 to 2023, to bring it to life. The temple spans an emotional 255 feet in length, 345 feet in range, and 191 feet in height, covering an extensive 183 acres.
- Inauguration – The inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, guided by BAPS spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj, is scheduled for October 8, with doors opening to callers on October 18.
- A spiritual beacon in the West – In anticipation of its induction, the temple has already started attracting thousands of Hindu addicts and individuals from colorful faiths and beliefs.
- Geographical Significance – A Spiritual Oasis – This monumental temple is positioned roughly 60 long miles( 90 kilometers) South of Times Square in New York or around 180 long miles( 289 kilometers) North of Washington, DC, in the United States.
- A Symphony of Art and Devotion – The Akshardham’s design is deeply embedded in ancient Hindu Holy Writ and features rudiments from India’s rich artistic heritage, including a remarkable collection of over 10,000 statues, complex carving of Indian musical instruments, and colorful cotillion forms.
- Second to Angkor Wat – Among ultramodern- period Hindu tabernacles, Akshardham is conceivably the second largest temple only after Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat, according to PTI.
- Innovative Design Elements – The temple’s distinctive design incorporates a central main shrine, 12 sub-shrines, nine shikhar’s ( towering spire- like structures), and nine pyramidal shikhars.
- Largest Dome – Akshardham boasts the largest elliptical dome in traditional stone construction, designed to repel the test of time for a thousand times.
- Brahma Kund – Within its area, you will find the Brahma Kund, a traditional Indian stepwell filled with water sourced from more than 300 bodies of water worldwide, including the sacred rivers of India and all 50 states of the US.
- A Cross-Continental Collaboration – The construction of Akshardham has been a collaborative effort, with volunteers from across the United States receiving guidance from professed crafters in India.
