Akshardham Hindu Temple
The world’s largest Hindu temple constructed outside India during the modern era is set to be inaugurated in New Jersey on October 8. This monumental temple, drawing thousands of visitors daily ahead of its formal opening, rivals the popularity of Akshardham and boasts impressive dimensions, spanning over 183 acres and measuring 255 ft x 345 ft x 191 ft.
Designed in accordance with ancient Hindu scriptures. It incorporates design elements from Indian culture, featuring 10,000 statues, intricate carvings of musical instruments, and dance forms.
A Vision of Universal Values
The temple’s creation was guided by the vision of Pramukh Swami Maharaj from BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, who aspired to establish a place in the Western hemisphere where people of all backgrounds could gather to learn universal values rooted in Hindu tradition.
Sneak peek at US's largest hand-carved Hindu temple; to be inaugurated on October 8
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This temple, known as Akshardham, adheres to traditional Hindu temple architecture, encompassing one main shrine, 12 subshrines, nine shikhars (spire-like structures), and nine pyramidal shikhars. It also houses the largest elliptical dome of traditional stone architecture ever constructed, built to endure for a millennium.
Stone Selection and Sustainability
Akshardham’s construction involved the selection of four types of stone—limestone, pink sandstone, marble, and granite—chosen for their resilience in extreme climates. Nearly two million cubic feet of stone were sourced from around the world, including India and all 50 US states.
Check Out: Tata Projects to Construct Micron's Semiconductor Facility in Sanand, IndiaThe temple’s sustainability practices encompass a solar panel farm, the use of fly ash concrete mix, and the planting of over two million trees worldwide over the past few decades. The construction engaged volunteers from across the US, guided by skilled artisans from India, with millions of volunteer hours dedicated to its creation.
Landmark of Hindu Culture at Akshardham
Akshardham is poised to become a symbol of Hindu culture and architecture in the Western hemisphere. Its formal inauguration is scheduled for October 8 under the guidance of BAPS spiritual head Mahant Swami Maharaj, with doors opening to visitors on October 18. The construction process, heavily reliant on volunteerism, aligns with Hindu tradition, where Seva (service) in building a temple is considered highly meritorious. Volunteers from various walks of life, including those who took leaves from their jobs, have committed months to contribute to this significant endeavor.
The upcoming inauguration of Akshardham represents an extraordinary achievement in architectural and cultural preservation. Beyond its impressive dimensions, the temple embodies a spirit of volunteerism. It also includes universal values that transcend borders, welcoming people from diverse backgrounds to partake in its grandeur.
