BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham: THE SECOND LARGEST HINDU TEMPLE IN THE WORLD

The 49 foot statue Bhagwan Swaminarayan overlooking the Nikanth Plaza.

The photographs of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey do not do the temple justice. The experience of visiting the second largest hindu mandir (temple) in the world begins when driving in.

The 49 foot statue Bhagwan Swaminarayan is the first of many impressive features about the temple. The statue, which overlooks the Nikanth Plaza, welcomes all visitors with a youthful yet stoic pose.

A beautiful, three dimensional map, depicting Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s spiritual journey throughout India.

Behind the Plaza, lies the Brahm Kund, a traditional stepped pond in traditional Indian style. The water which flows through the fountains and statues comes from India’s 108 holy rivers as well as from all 50 states, which invites the visitor to reflect and begin a journey of inner enlightenment.

The Brahm Kund, featuring statues honoring the precious waters of the world.

The Welcome Center is just as impressive as the temple itself, featuring incredibly detailed religious symbols embossed and carved in relief on the walls, arches, and alcoves. Various yogis are also depicted throughout the welcome center as well.

The Welcome Center is a stunning piece of art itself.

The centerpiece of the whole experience is the Akshardham Mahamandir, the shrine itself. A celebration of Hindu art and architecture, the exterior structure, made of Bulagarian and Turkish limestone, features unbelievably detailed carvings of poets, sages, philosophers, and many other symbols of Hindu heritage and culture.

The Akshardham Mahamandir in it’s full glory.

A closer view of the incredible detail on the exterior.

The most impressive part of the temple was the interior of the shrine itself: carvings, statues, and reliefs all designed out of pure white marble immerse the visitor in a world of Hindu spirituality and enlightenment. Over 10,000 statues and statuettes adorn the interior in a spectacular feat of architecture and design. Out of respect for the shrine, photography, videography, and shoes are not allowed in the interior.

Hopefully you can visit this incredible place: it’s an unforgettable experience only 1 hour away from NYC!