BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham USA: cost, photos, tickets, reviews, nearby attraction ,net worth
 |
| BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham USA |
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham USA : The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey is an architectural and spiritual wonder. Built and operated by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, this Hindu mandir complex showcases exquisite hand-carved designs, soaring pillars, and intricate stonework that reflect ancient Indian architecture and spirituality.
With over 3,000 tons of hand-carved Italian Carrara marble, Turkish limestone, and Indian pink sandstone, Akshardham USA is a testament to traditional Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra principles. It took over 1,000 artisans and volunteers five years to construct the mandir using ancient techniques and no structural steel.
Exploring the Grounds
The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham complex spreads across 162 acres and consists of several structures and gardens:
Mandovar - This main temple features carved pillars, arches, ceilings, and over 200 murtis (statues) of Hindu deities. The central shrine holds the murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
Exhibitions - Three large theaters showcase the life of Swaminarayan through animatronic dioramas, video, light, and sound effects.
Gardens - Meditation and yoga gardens, a musical fountain, and the Geeta Mandir garden with granite murtis decorated with scenes from the Bhagavad Gita.
Food Court- Premvati, a vegetarian food court serving authentic Indian delicacies and snacks operated by volunteers.
A Spiritual Heaven
Akshardham USA provides a peaceful atmosphere for quiet contemplation and learning about Hindu culture. Visitors can attend rituals, prayers, and ceremonies held by sadhus (monks) and volunteers clad in traditional attire.
The mandir aims to be a place for instilling values of nonviolence, prayer, morality, and service to others. Through its architecture, services, and spiritual aura, Akshardham USA strives to bring inner peace to all who visit.
Admiring the Architecture
The architecture of Akshardham USA is inspired by ancient Hindu mandirs and monuments across India. Key features include:
Intricately Carved Pillars
The mandovar or main temple features carved sandstone pillars depicting floral patterns, dancing figures, musicians, and Hindu deities. No two pillars are identical.
Soaring Tower Turrets
Seven large tower turrets called shikharas rise above the mandovar in a pyramidal shape. The central shikhara dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan stands at 151 ft tall.
Ornate Arches
Intricately carved arches containing floral and geometric patterns frame entryways and windows. Larger arches with hanging bells adorn the central shrine.
Detailed Ceilings
Ceilings showcase elaborate carvings of lotus designs, dancers, musicians, and scenes from Hindu texts using a traditional corbelled technique.
Sandstone Elephants
Massive sandstone elephants weighing several tons flank the walkway to the main mandir. Their presence represents strength, wisdom, and good fortune.
History of Akshardham
The first Akshardham mandir was built in Gujarat, India in 1992 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the former spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. Due to its immense popularity, devotees asked to have Akshardham mandirs built in other parts of the world.
Akshardham USA was constructed in Robbinsville, New Jersey from 2003-2007 under the direction of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the efforts of over 1,000 artisans. Carved stones were shipped from India and assembled on-site using ancient building methods.
The mandir was inaugurated in a Vedic ceremony on August 22, 2014. Akshardham USA shares the name and purpose of spreading Hindu wisdom with its namesake in Delhi, but each has unique architectural elements.
Visiting BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham USA
Akshardham USA is open Tuesday through Sunday year-round. It welcomes people of all faiths to appreciate its beauty and find inner tranquility.
Hours of Operation
Tuesday - Sunday: 9:30am - 6:30pm
- Closed Mondays
Location
100 N Montessori Pkwy, Robbinsville, NJ 08691
Conveniently located off Exit 7A on the New Jersey Turnpike. Complimentary parking is available.
Tickets
- General Admission: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and ages 11-17. Free for children under 11.
- Exhibition Combo Ticket: $25 for adults, $15 for seniors and ages 11-17. Includes general admission plus all three exhibitions.
Purchase tickets on-site or online. Special rates available for groups, students, seniors, and the military.
Guided Tours
Free guided walking tours provided regularly in English and Hindi plus other languages upon request.
Dress Code
Modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required. Scarves can be borrowed on-site if needed. Bare feet not permitted.
Onsite Services
- Wheelchair, stroller, and wheelchair assistance
- Child strollers
- First aid
- Lost and found
- Gift shop with books, clothing, crafts, and jewelry
Nearby Attractions
Plan a visit to Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Premium Outlets, or Grounds for Sculpture when exploring the area.
Finding Inner Peace at Akshardham
Stepping into the Akshardham complex transports visitors into a serene world showcasing India's ancient architecture, values, and spirituality. Marvel at the stunning hand carvings, soak in the peaceful vibes, and get immersed in Hindu philosophy. The mandir stands as a timeless creation meant to uplift human consciousness and bring us closer to understanding God and ourselves.
The Philosophy and Teachings of BAPS
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha operates Akshardham USA to share the teachings of Lord Swaminarayan and inspire people to practice dharma, bhakti, and service. Some key aspects include:
Dharma
Living rightly and morally through good thoughts, words, and actions that align with one's duties. Practicing patience, forgiveness, honesty, and compassion.
Bhakti
Loving devotion to God through prayer, chanting, meditation, and seeing God in all beings. Detaching from materialism and focusing on spiritual progress.
Service
Performing seva or volunteer service without expectation of reward. Serving fellow human beings as service to God.
Nonviolence
Committing to nonviolence in thought, word, and deed. Respecting the life of all creatures and the environment. Promoting peace.
Detachment
Letting go of ego, anger, greed, lust, pride and other vices that bind one to this material world. Realizing God is the true source of happiness.
More on the Architecture and Construction
Building Akshardham USA required immense effort, careful planning, and artistic mastery. Here are some additional architectural facts:
- The main mandovar shrine combines sandstone, marble, limestone, and wood.
- Intricate details carved to a depth of 1-2 inches. Granite murtis carved 6-9 inches deep.
- Over 300,000 cubic feet of hand-carved stonework.
- Support-free construction using load-bearing cantilevered and corbelled techniques.
- Crafted onsite without any reinforced concrete or structural steel.
- Weighs around 15,000 tons with foundation extending 20 feet underground.
- Designed to withstand earthquake, wind, and other natural forces.
The ornate carvings and monolithic construction required thousands of skilled artisans and over a million volunteer hours to complete this masterpiece mandir showcasing ancient building methods.
Awards and Recognition
Akshardham USA has received praise for its stunning architecture, craftsmanship, and spiritual atmosphere:
- Guinness World Record for the world's largest Hindu temple.
- The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design presented the American Architecture Award.
- Special Congressional recognition from the US House of Representatives.
- Proclamations from governors of Texas, Georgia, and New Jersey.
It stands as an international cultural site and a place of multi-generational worship for followers of Lord Swaminarayan. The mandir shares the timeless values of Hindu dharma with the world.
Final Thoughts
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham USA is a must-see destination for those wanting to experience India's ancient mandir architecture, Hindu philosophy, and a peaceful spiritual vibe. The intricacy of the hand-carved stonework, soaring towers, and aura of reverence are sure to leave a lasting impression. Plan a visit to nourish your mind, body and soul.
0 Comments