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'''BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham''' in [[Robbinsville, New Jersey|Robbinsville]], [[New Jersey]], is a {{convert|183|acre|ha|adj=on}} [[Hindu]] [[mandir]] (temple) complex that encompasses the Akshardham mandir, a traditional temple, a welcome center, museum, and event space.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |date=2023-09-29 |title=The largest Hindu temple on American soil will soon open its doors |language=en-US |work=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2023/09/29/hindu-temple-robbinsville-nj/ |access-date=2023-11-03 |issn=0190-8286}} </ref> Following the opening of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in 2014,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-08-23 |title=A Look At The New, Massive Hindu Temple Gracing New Jersey |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/new-jersey-baps-hindu-temple_n_5668901 |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}</ref> the Akshardham mandir was inaugurated on October 8, 2023 as the world’s 2nd largest [[Hindu temple]].<ref name=":4">{{cite web |title=Akshardham Temple, billed to be second-largest in world, inaugurated in US |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/diaspora/akshardham-temple-billed-to-be-second-largest-in-world-inaugurated-in-us-552365 |website=Tribune India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Largest Hindu Temple Outside India Inaugurated In New Jersey |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/akshardham-us-largest-hindu-temple-built-by-12-500-volunteers-opens-in-new-jersey-4463069 |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> The temple stands {{convert|191|ft|m}} high and is situated {{convert|99|km|mi|order=flip}} south of [[New York City]].<ref name=":4" />
The '''BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham''' is a Hindu mandir (temple) built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in [[Robbinsville, New Jersey|Robbinsville]], [[New Jersey]]. It is the largest Hindu mandir in the United States and the largest Hindu mandir in the world, rising 213 feet above ground.<ref name=":9" /> The {{convert|183|acre|ha|adj=on}} Akshardham campus contains the main Akshardham mandir, a smaller traditional temple, Nilkanth Plaza, a welcome center, a vegetarian cafe, the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute, a museum, and an event center.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |date=2023-09-29 |title=The largest Hindu temple on American soil will soon open its doors |language=en-US |work=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2023/09/29/hindu-temple-robbinsville-nj/ |access-date=2023-11-03 |issn=0190-8286}} </ref> The Akshardham mandir is dedicated to [[Swaminarayan]].<ref name=":18" />

On October 8, 2023, Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of BAPS, performed the consecration ceremony and formally inaugurateed the mandir.<ref name=":4">{{cite web |title=Akshardham Temple, billed to be second-largest in world, inaugurated in US |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/diaspora/akshardham-temple-billed-to-be-second-largest-in-world-inaugurated-in-us-552365 |website=Tribune India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=General |first=Ryan |date=2023-10-09 |title=Largest modern Hindu temple outside India opens in US |url=https://nextshark.com/largest-hindu-temple-outside-india-opens |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=NextShark |language=en}}</ref> This is one of three Akshardham mandirs constructed by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the other two are in New Dehli, Dehli, India, and Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. <ref>{{Cite web |title=PM Modi, Rishi Sunak extend wishes for Akshardham temple inauguration in USA |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pm-modi-rishi-sunak-extend-wishes-for-akshardham-temple-inauguration-in-us-2443555-2023-10-03 |access-date=2024-02-08 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nimje |first=Sonika Nitin |title=Swaminarayan Akshardham: All details on largest Hindu temple outside India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/swaminarayan-akshardham-all-details-on-largest-hindu-temple-outside-india-123101000669_1.html |website=Business Standard}}</ref>


== BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir ==
== BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir ==
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=== Deities ===
=== Deities ===
The mandir has 13 shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=2023-09-25 |title=BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, A Massive Temple In New Jersey To Be Inaugurated In October |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/social-relevance/baps-swaminarayan-akshardham-new-jersey-inauguration-october-615936.html |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=IndiaTimes |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Choubey |first=Neha |date=2023-09-26 |title=New Jersey's Akshardham: World's Second-Largest Hindu Temple Set to Open Its Doors on October 8 |url=https://www.nativeplanet.com/news/new-jerseys-akshardham-worlds-second-largest-hindu-temple-set-to-open-its-doors-on-october-8-009523.html}}</ref> The central shrine is dedicated to [[Swaminarayan]] and [[Gunatitanand Swami]]. The other 12 shrines include the sacred images of Hindu deities like [[Radha Krishna|Radha-Krishna]], [[Venkateswara|Venkateshwara]]-[[Padmavathi|Padmavati]], [[Sita]]-[[Rama]], [[Lakshmana|Lakshman]], [[Hanuman]], [[Shiva]]-[[Parvati]], [[Ganesha]], and [[Kartikeya]], as well as Swaminarayan's spiritual successors.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 2023 |title=Special Supplement {{!}} BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham |url= |work=The South Asian Times |pages=28-48 |volume=16 |issue=24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-11 |title=BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, a Hindu Temple in New Jersey, Celebrates its Grand Opening as the World Looks On |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/baps-swaminarayan-akshardham-hindu-temple-173900459.html |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}}</ref>
The mandir has 13 shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=2023-09-25 |title=BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, A Massive Temple In New Jersey To Be Inaugurated In October |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/social-relevance/baps-swaminarayan-akshardham-new-jersey-inauguration-october-615936.html |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=IndiaTimes |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Choubey |first=Neha |date=2023-09-26 |title=New Jersey's Akshardham: World's Second-Largest Hindu Temple Set to Open Its Doors on October 8 |url=https://www.nativeplanet.com/news/new-jerseys-akshardham-worlds-second-largest-hindu-temple-set-to-open-its-doors-on-october-8-009523.html}}</ref> The central shrine is dedicated to [[Swaminarayan]] and [[Gunatitanand Swami]]. The other 12 shrines include the sacred images of Hindu deities like [[Radha Krishna|Radha-Krishna]], [[Venkateswara|Venkateshwara]]-[[Padmavathi|Padmavati]], [[Sita]]-[[Rama]], [[Lakshmana|Lakshman]], [[Hanuman]], [[Shiva]]-[[Parvati]], [[Ganesha]], and [[Kartikeya]], as well as Swaminarayan's spiritual successors.<ref name=":18">{{Cite news |date=October 2023 |title=Special Supplement {{!}} BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham |url= |work=The South Asian Times |pages=28-48 |volume=16 |issue=24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-11 |title=BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, a Hindu Temple in New Jersey, Celebrates its Grand Opening as the World Looks On |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/baps-swaminarayan-akshardham-hindu-temple-173900459.html |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Akshardham mandir ===
=== Akshardham mandir ===
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The Akshardham campus was inspired by BAPS' fifth spiritual leader, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, in 1971.<ref name=":6" /> His vision was to create a place of worship in North America for followers that could also enable visitors of different backgrounds to experience Hindu spirituality, architecture, and peace.<ref name=":16" /> The land was in Robbinsville, New Jersey was purchased in 2008 and the Akshardham mandir construction began in 2015.<ref name=":12" /> The first marble pillar installation ceremony took place on September 4, 2017, in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj, the sixth spiritual leader of BAPS.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.newsindiatimes.com/baps-temple-holds-installation-of-1st-pillar-mandapam-and-visarjan-in-new-jersey |title=BAPS Temple holds installation of 1st pillar, Mandapam, and Visarjan in New Jersey - News India Times |date=2017-09-12 |work=News India Times |access-date=2017-11-07 |language=en-US |archive-date=2019-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221050006/http://www.newsindiatimes.com/baps-temple-holds-installation-of-1st-pillar-mandapam-and-visarjan-in-new-jersey/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Akshardham campus was inspired by BAPS' fifth spiritual leader, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, in 1971.<ref name=":6" /> His vision was to create a place of worship in North America for followers that could also enable visitors of different backgrounds to experience Hindu spirituality, architecture, and peace.<ref name=":16" /> The land was in Robbinsville, New Jersey was purchased in 2008 and the Akshardham mandir construction began in 2015.<ref name=":12" /> The first marble pillar installation ceremony took place on September 4, 2017, in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj, the sixth spiritual leader of BAPS.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.newsindiatimes.com/baps-temple-holds-installation-of-1st-pillar-mandapam-and-visarjan-in-new-jersey |title=BAPS Temple holds installation of 1st pillar, Mandapam, and Visarjan in New Jersey - News India Times |date=2017-09-12 |work=News India Times |access-date=2017-11-07 |language=en-US |archive-date=2019-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221050006/http://www.newsindiatimes.com/baps-temple-holds-installation-of-1st-pillar-mandapam-and-visarjan-in-new-jersey/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


Between 2011 and 2023, over 12,500 people volunteered to build the mandir.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-25 |title=New Jersey Akshardham, world's largest modern Hindu temple outside India, set to open on October 8: 10 things to know |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/us-canada-news/new-jersey-akshardham-worlds-largest-modern-hindu-temple-outside-india-set-to-open-on-october-8-10-things-to-know/articleshow/103913063.cms |access-date=2023-11-07 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-08 |title=Largest Hindu temple outside India opens in New Jersey: 10 point update |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/largest-hindu-temple-outside-india-opens-in-new-jersey-10-point-update-101696735172265.html |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Volunteers carved and installed about {{convert|2000000|ft3|m3}} of stone, equating to about 4.7 million hours of work.<ref name=":10" />
About 75% of the Akshardham campus is designed, constructed, managed, and maintained by swamis and volutneers.<ref name=":12" /> Between 2011 and 2023, over 12,500 people volunteered to build the mandir.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-25 |title=New Jersey Akshardham, world's largest modern Hindu temple outside India, set to open on October 8: 10 things to know |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/us-canada-news/new-jersey-akshardham-worlds-largest-modern-hindu-temple-outside-india-set-to-open-on-october-8-10-things-to-know/articleshow/103913063.cms |access-date=2023-11-07 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-08 |title=Largest Hindu temple outside India opens in New Jersey: 10 point update |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/largest-hindu-temple-outside-india-opens-in-new-jersey-10-point-update-101696735172265.html |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> Volunteers carved and installed about {{convert|2000000|ft3|m3}} of stone, equating to about 4.7 million hours of work.<ref name=":10" /> The volunteers came from various backgrounds which included students, business executives, physicians, and architects.<ref name=":16" /> Volunteers who didn't have prior stone mandir construction experience received training on mandir architecture and construction by experts.<ref name=":12" />


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In May 2021, a lawsuit was filed against BAPS by several volunteer artisans from India<ref name=":6" /> who were involved in the construction alleging that the temple administrators violated labor laws.<ref name="nytimesA" /> In relation to this, the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]], [[United States Department of Labor|Department of Labor]], and [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Department of Homeland Security]] visited the site on "court-authorized law enforcement activity."<ref name="nytimesA">{{Cite news |last=Correal |first=Annie |date=2021-05-11 |title=Hindu Sect Is Accused of Using Forced Labor to Build N.J. Temple |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/11/nyregion/nj-hindu-temple-india-baps.html |access-date=2021-05-12 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2021-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512002709/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/11/nyregion/nj-hindu-temple-india-baps.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CNNA">{{cite news |last1=Simko-Bednarski |first1=Evan |title=Lawsuit claims New Jersey Hindu temple was built on forced labor |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/12/us/new-jersey-baps-hindu-temple-suit/index.html |access-date=15 May 2021 |work=[[CNN]]|date=11 May 2021 |archive-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513131944/https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/12/us/new-jersey-baps-hindu-temple-suit/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The lawsuit alleges that over 200 Indian men, mostly of the [[Dalit]] caste, were brought from India to the US and were subject to [[wage theft]], [[forced labor]], and [[human trafficking]].<ref name="NBC-labor">{{Cite news |last=Silva |first=Daniella |date=May 11, 2021 |title=Hindu temple in New Jersey accused of 'shocking violations' in forced-labor lawsuit |work=[[NBC News]] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hindu-temple-new-jersey-accused-shocking-violations-forced-labor-lawsuit-n1267041 |access-date=May 27, 2021 |archive-date=May 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528184143/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hindu-temple-new-jersey-accused-shocking-violations-forced-labor-lawsuit-n1267041 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nytimesA" />
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=== Inauguration ceremony ===
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To celebrate the completion of the Akshardham, BAPS hosted a three-month-long inaugural celebration called, "Festival of Inspirations."<ref>{{Cite web |title=BAPS Festival of Inspirations to Culminate in the Grand Inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham {{!}} Indo American News |url=https://www.indoamerican-news.com/baps-festival-of-inspirations-to-culminate-in-the-grand-inauguration-of-the-baps-swaminarayan-akshardham/ |access-date=2023-11-07}}</ref> On October 8, 2023, Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the "Pran-Prathistha ceremony"<ref>{{Cite web |last=PTI |title=Largest Hindu temple in the US inaugurated in New Jersey |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/world/largest-hindu-temple-in-the-us-inaugurated-in-new-jersey-2718945 |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> and formally inaugurated the mandir.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-25 |title=The largest Hindu temple in US - BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham at Robbinsville, all set to be inaugurated |url=https://theindianeye.com/2023/09/25/the-largest-hindu-temple-in-us-baps-swaminarayan-akshardham-at-robbinsville-all-set-to-be-inaugurated/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=The Indian EYE |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Excelsior |first=Daily |date=2023-10-12 |title=Akshardham Temple, billed to be second-largest in world, inaugurated in US {{!}} DailyExcelsior |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/akshardham-temple-billed-to-be-second-largest-in-world-inaugurated-in-us/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |language=en-US}}</ref> The inauguration was joined by Delaware Governor [[John Carney (Delaware politician)|John Carney]] and Congressman [[Steny Hoyer]].<ref name=":11" />

=== Controversy ===

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In May 2021, a lawsuit was filed against BAPS by several volunteer artisans from India<ref name=":6" /> who were involved in the construction alleging that the temple administrators violated labor laws.<ref name="nytimesA" /> In relation to this, the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]], [[United States Department of Labor|Department of Labor]], and [[United States Department of Homeland Security|Department of Homeland Security]] visited the site on "court-authorized law enforcement activity."<ref name="nytimesA">{{Cite news |last=Correal |first=Annie |date=2021-05-11 |title=Hindu Sect Is Accused of Using Forced Labor to Build N.J. Temple |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/11/nyregion/nj-hindu-temple-india-baps.html |access-date=2021-05-12 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2021-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512002709/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/11/nyregion/nj-hindu-temple-india-baps.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CNNA">{{cite news |last1=Simko-Bednarski |first1=Evan |title=Lawsuit claims New Jersey Hindu temple was built on forced labor |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/12/us/new-jersey-baps-hindu-temple-suit/index.html |access-date=15 May 2021 |work=[[CNN]]|date=11 May 2021 |archive-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513131944/https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/12/us/new-jersey-baps-hindu-temple-suit/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The lawsuit alleges that over 200 Indian men, mostly of the [[Dalit]] caste, were brought from India to the US and were subject to [[wage theft]], [[forced labor]], and [[human trafficking]].<ref name="NBC-labor">{{Cite news |last=Silva |first=Daniella |date=May 11, 2021 |title=Hindu temple in New Jersey accused of 'shocking violations' in forced-labor lawsuit |work=[[NBC News]] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hindu-temple-new-jersey-accused-shocking-violations-forced-labor-lawsuit-n1267041 |access-date=May 27, 2021 |archive-date=May 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528184143/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hindu-temple-new-jersey-accused-shocking-violations-forced-labor-lawsuit-n1267041 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nytimesA"/>


BAPS Spokespersons rejected the allegations as false stating that the artisans had come to the US as religious volunteers to offer seva, or religious service, as part of their devotion.<ref name=":13" /> They further stated that federal, state, and local government agencies had been regularly inspecting and approving the various mandir projects where artisans in this program have volunteered over the last 20 years.<ref name=":13" />
BAPS Spokespersons rejected the allegations as false stating that the artisans had come to the US as religious volunteers to offer seva, or religious service, as part of their devotion.<ref name=":13" /> They further stated that federal, state, and local government agencies had been regularly inspecting and approving the various mandir projects where artisans in this program have volunteered over the last 20 years.<ref name=":13" />


As of July 2023, 12 of the plaintiffs have withdrawn from the lawsuit,<ref name=":14">{{Cite news |last=Bailey |first=Sarah Pulliam |date=2023-10-21 |title=A $96 Million Hindu Temple Opens Amid Accusations of Forced Labor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/21/nyregion/nj-hindu-temple.html |access-date=2024-01-30 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> stating that they were coerced into making false charges against BAPS by a US based lawyer named Swati Sawant with threats of imprisonment, promises of US citizenship and large sums of money for them and their families.<ref>{{cite news |title=DOZENS OF ARTISANS DECIDE TO WITHDRAW FROM CASE AGAINST HINDU MANDIR IN AMERICA |url=https://sanjhisoch.com/dozens-of-artisans-decide-to-withdraw-from-case-against-hindu-mandir-in-america/ |date=14 July 2023 |quote=Some of them gathered the courage to leave the FBI’s custody and return home, even though Swati Sawant insisted for them to stay and repeated her offer of American citizenship and money for them.Advocate Sawant also called their families in India to make them force the artisans to stay in the US. But by this time the artisans had realised the truth and contacted lawyer Aaditya SB Soni for his help |access-date=20 July 2023 |archive-date=20 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720071943/https://sanjhisoch.com/dozens-of-artisans-decide-to-withdraw-from-case-against-hindu-mandir-in-america/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":13">{{cite news |title=A Dozen Artisans Withdraw From Case against BAPS |url=https://indiawest.com/a-dozen-artisans-withdraw-from-case-against-baps/ |access-date=2023-07-20 |archive-date=2023-07-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720060432/https://indiawest.com/a-dozen-artisans-withdraw-from-case-against-baps/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=No Violation of Artisans Rights at Robbinsville Akshardham Temple in New Jersey, Charges False: Laborer's Body |url=https://english.jagran.com/india/no-violation-of-artisans-rights-at-robbinsville-akshardham-temple-in-new-jersey-charges-false-labourer-body-psg-10088084 |access-date=2023-07-20 |archive-date=2023-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718190714/https://english.jagran.com/india/no-violation-of-artisans-rights-at-robbinsville-akshardham-temple-in-new-jersey-charges-false-labourer-body-psg-10088084 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":15">{{cite news |title=Charges against Robbinsville Akshardham temple false |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/charges-against-robbinsville-akshardham-temple-false/articleshow/101793020.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-07-20 |archive-date=2023-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718071428/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/charges-against-robbinsville-akshardham-temple-false/articleshow/101793020.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> They stated that they have been offering service at BAPS temples in the US and India for many years and had "never experienced any pressure, any casteism or discrimination".<ref name=":15" /> The lawsuit is on hold pending an investigation<ref name=":6" /> and according to some news analysts, raises complicated questions about ability of US labor laws to account for the religious concept of selfless volunteerism.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":6" />
As of July 2023, 12 of the plaintiffs have withdrawn from the lawsuit,<ref name=":14">{{Cite news |last=Bailey |first=Sarah Pulliam |date=2023-10-21 |title=A $96 Million Hindu Temple Opens Amid Accusations of Forced Labor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/21/nyregion/nj-hindu-temple.html |access-date=2024-01-30 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> stating that they were coerced into making false charges against BAPS by a US based lawyer named Swati Sawant with threats of imprisonment, promises of US citizenship and large sums of money for them and their families.<ref>{{cite news |title=DOZENS OF ARTISANS DECIDE TO WITHDRAW FROM CASE AGAINST HINDU MANDIR IN AMERICA |url=https://sanjhisoch.com/dozens-of-artisans-decide-to-withdraw-from-case-against-hindu-mandir-in-america/ |date=14 July 2023 |quote=Some of them gathered the courage to leave the FBI’s custody and return home, even though Swati Sawant insisted for them to stay and repeated her offer of American citizenship and money for them.Advocate Sawant also called their families in India to make them force the artisans to stay in the US. But by this time the artisans had realised the truth and contacted lawyer Aaditya SB Soni for his help |access-date=20 July 2023 |archive-date=20 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720071943/https://sanjhisoch.com/dozens-of-artisans-decide-to-withdraw-from-case-against-hindu-mandir-in-america/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":13">{{cite news |title=A Dozen Artisans Withdraw From Case against BAPS |url=https://indiawest.com/a-dozen-artisans-withdraw-from-case-against-baps/ |access-date=2023-07-20 |archive-date=2023-07-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720060432/https://indiawest.com/a-dozen-artisans-withdraw-from-case-against-baps/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=No Violation of Artisans Rights at Robbinsville Akshardham Temple in New Jersey, Charges False: Laborer's Body |url=https://english.jagran.com/india/no-violation-of-artisans-rights-at-robbinsville-akshardham-temple-in-new-jersey-charges-false-labourer-body-psg-10088084 |access-date=2023-07-20 |archive-date=2023-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718190714/https://english.jagran.com/india/no-violation-of-artisans-rights-at-robbinsville-akshardham-temple-in-new-jersey-charges-false-labourer-body-psg-10088084 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":15">{{cite news |title=Charges against Robbinsville Akshardham temple false |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/charges-against-robbinsville-akshardham-temple-false/articleshow/101793020.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-07-20 |archive-date=2023-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718071428/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/charges-against-robbinsville-akshardham-temple-false/articleshow/101793020.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> They stated that they have been offering service at BAPS temples in the US and India for many years and had "never experienced any pressure, any casteism or discrimination".<ref name=":15" /> The lawsuit is on hold pending an investigation<ref name=":6" /> and according to some news analysts, raises complicated questions about ability of US labor laws to account for the religious concept of selfless volunteerism.<ref name=":14" /><ref name=":6" />

⚫
=== Inauguration ceremony ===
⚫
To celebrate the completion of the Akshardham, BAPS hosted a three-month-long inaugural celebration called, "Festival of Inspirations."<ref>{{Cite web |title=BAPS Festival of Inspirations to Culminate in the Grand Inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham {{!}} Indo American News |url=https://www.indoamerican-news.com/baps-festival-of-inspirations-to-culminate-in-the-grand-inauguration-of-the-baps-swaminarayan-akshardham/ |access-date=2023-11-07}}</ref> On October 8, 2023, Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the "Pran-Prathistha ceremony"<ref>{{Cite web |last=PTI |title=Largest Hindu temple in the US inaugurated in New Jersey |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/world/largest-hindu-temple-in-the-us-inaugurated-in-new-jersey-2718945 |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> and formally inaugurated the mandir.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-25 |title=The largest Hindu temple in US - BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham at Robbinsville, all set to be inaugurated |url=https://theindianeye.com/2023/09/25/the-largest-hindu-temple-in-us-baps-swaminarayan-akshardham-at-robbinsville-all-set-to-be-inaugurated/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=The Indian EYE |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Excelsior |first=Daily |date=2023-10-12 |title=Akshardham Temple, billed to be second-largest in world, inaugurated in US {{!}} DailyExcelsior |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/akshardham-temple-billed-to-be-second-largest-in-world-inaugurated-in-us/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |language=en-US}}</ref> The inauguration was joined by Delaware Governor [[John Carney (Delaware politician)|John Carney]] and Congressman [[Steny Hoyer]].<ref name=":11" />


== Charitable initiatives ==
== Charitable initiatives ==

Revision as of 20:18, 8 February 2024

Swaminarayan Akshardham
File:'Tapomurti Shri Nilkanth Varni'.jpg
Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DeitySwaminarayan,
Radha Krishna,
Rama-Sita,
Shiva-Parvati
Location
LocationRobbinsville, Mercer County, New Jersey, U.S.
Geographic coordinates40°15′15″N 74°34′40″W / 40.25417°N 74.57778°W / 40.25417; -74.57778
Architecture
Type
Creator
InscriptionsSpiritual-Cultural Complex
Website
usa.akshardham.org

The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham is a Hindu mandir (temple) built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in Robbinsville, New Jersey. It is the largest Hindu mandir in the United States and the largest Hindu mandir in the world, rising 213 feet above ground.[1] The 183-acre (74 ha) Akshardham campus contains the main Akshardham mandir, a smaller traditional temple, Nilkanth Plaza, a welcome center, a vegetarian cafe, the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute, a museum, and an event center.[2] The Akshardham mandir is dedicated to Swaminarayan.[3]

On October 8, 2023, Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of BAPS, performed the consecration ceremony and formally inaugurateed the mandir.[4][5] This is one of three Akshardham mandirs constructed by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the other two are in New Dehli, Dehli, India, and Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. [6][7]

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville in Central New Jersey is a Hindu place of worship built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and consecrated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, led by Mahant Swami Maharaj, is a denomination of the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism. The mandir is built of hand-carved Italian Carrara marble, Indian pink stone and limestone. The mandir was constructed according to guidelines outlined in ancient Vedas, or Hindu scriptures. The mandir is open daily to visitors and for worship (darshan). In addition to the mandir, the complex includes a congregation hall.[8]

Mandir and daily rituals

The mandir is a shikarbaddha mandir, built according to principles laid out in the Shilpa Shastras, Hindu texts prescribing standards of sacred architecture.[9] Within the mandir, murtis, the sacred images of the deities, have been consecrated. The central shrine holds the murtis of Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami, together worshipped as Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj. Similarly, different shrines hold other murtis, including Radha and Krishna; Shiva and Parvati; Sita and Ram; Hanuman; Ganapati; and the lineage of BAPS gurus who are Swaminarayan's spiritual successors.[10]

According to Hindu beliefs, once the divine has been invoked in a murti, it becomes an embodiment of the Divine.[11] Accordingly, Swaminarayan swamis, or monks, offer devotional worship to the deities throughout the day. Before dawn, they awaken the deities by singing prabhatiya (morning hymns). The deities are then bathed and offered food and garments depending on the time of the day and season.[12] Food that has been offered to the deities is considered sanctified and distributed to the devotees as prasadam.[12] Aarti, a ritual where devotees sing the glory of God while a lighted wick is circulated before the murtis, is performed five times a day and named mangala aarti, shanagar aarti, rajabhoga aarti, sandhya aarti and shayana aarti, respectively. Finally, swamis adorn the murtis with night garments and ask the deities to retire for the night.[12]

Construction

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey was first proposed and envisioned by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1997 as a part of Swaminarayan Akshardham in North America.[13] The mandir's construction commenced in 2010. The mandir was built in the Nagaradi style using 68,000 cubic feet (1,900 m3) of Italian Carrara marble. The marble obtained from quarries in Europe was 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. Upon their arrival, the pieces were organized using the numbering system to facilitate the mandir's construction.[13]

A decorative mandap, or enclosure, was built around the mandir to shield it from harsh weather and facilitate its year-round use. The structure is 87 feet (27 m) wide, 133 feet (41 m) long, and 42 feet (13 m) high.[14] The entrance to the mandap, called the Mayur Dwar, contains carvings depicting peacocks, elephants, and celebrated Hindu devotees of past eras.

The mandir was constructed primarily through the efforts of artisans and volunteers who provided an estimated 4.7 million human hours.[13] Volunteers engaged in various tasks during the construction process, including design and engineering, carving coordination & stone shipping, site preparation, lighting and electrical wiring, polishing, cleaning the assembled marble, tent-building, meal preparation, and offering medical services.[14]

Opening

The mandir was officially opened to the public on August 10, 2014, after the murtis were consecrated in the presence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and senior swamis of BAPS.[15] A number of dignitaries were present during the opening ceremony, including New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer, Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick, New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone, New Jersey Attorney General John Jay Hoffman, and Indian Consul General Dnyaneshwar Mulay.[15] The opening was part of a three-day celebration and featured a grand yagna in which participants prayed for world peace and a women's cultural program focused on interfaith harmony.[16] Over 20,000 visitors participated in the various events.[14] An expansive Shayona Cafe opened in June 2022, serving gourmet South Indian and North Indian cuisine.

Akshardham mandir

The Akshardham mandir is the largest Hindu mandir in the United States and has been described as the second-largest Hindu mandir in the world.[4][17]

Deities

The mandir has 13 shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities.[18][1] The central shrine is dedicated to Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami. The other 12 shrines include the sacred images of Hindu deities like Radha-Krishna, Venkateshwara-Padmavati, Sita-Rama, Lakshman, Hanuman, Shiva-Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, as well as Swaminarayan's spiritual successors.[3][19]

Akshardham mandir

The Akshardham mandir was built according to the ancient Hindu scriptures.[18][1] The mandir is 191 ft (58 m) in height, 255 ft (78 m) in length, and 345 ft (105 m) in width. The central shikhar is 213 ft (65 m) above ground.[1] It was constructed from different stones including marble from Greece, Turkey, and Italy; pink sandstone from Rajasthan; granite from India; and limestone from Bulgaria and Turkey.[18][20] During its construction, the BAPS also incorporated sustainable practices by utilizing a fly ash concrete mix, planting over two million trees worldwide, and building a six acre solar farm that supplies electricity to the Akshardham campus.[21]

The outer foundational base plinth of the mandir is made of a 13-tiered structure of limestone, called the jagati.[21] It is also known at the wisdom plinth because it illustrates messages from ancient Indian scriptures, scholars, and other world luminaries.[22][23] Above the foundational base plinth is the main outer wall of the mandir, called the mandovar.[21] The mandovar includes carvings of poets, philosophers, and sages.[21] The Akshardham has nine shikars and nine samarans atop of the mandir.[2][21]

The Akshardham mandir has the largest constructed elliptical dome of a traditional stone mandir.[1] Major domes within the mandir include the Parabrahma Mandapam, dedicated to Swaminarayan; Aksharbrahma Mandapam, to honor Swaminarayan's first spiritual successor Gunatitanand Swami; Mukta Mandapam, to honor followers of the faith that excelled on the spiritual path; and Aishwarya Mandapam, to honor various divinities in Hinduism.[21] It also houses more than 10,000 statues, statuettes, and carved motifs of Indian music and dance forms.[18][1][24] Carvings of all 108 Bharatanatyam poses, an ancient Hindu dance form, are depicted throughout the mandir for the first time in one structure.[2]

The entrance to the Akshardham complex begins with the Nilkanth Plaza which has a 49 ft (15 m) tall sacred image, or murti, of Nilkanth Varni, the name of Swaminarayan during his teenage years as a yogi on a seven year pilgrimage around India.[2][25] The height commemorates Swaminarayan's 49 years on Earth.[2] The plaza includes a map of Nilkanth Varni's pilgrimage route throughout India as well as 14 plaques that convey messages and values that he shared during his journey.[26]

The campus has a traditional Indian stepwell, called the Brahma Kund, which contains sanctified water from over 300 sources[27] including 108 holy rivers in India and rivers that flow across the United States.[25]

BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute

On June 18, 2022, the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute was inaugrated by Mahamahopadhyaya Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami, author of the Sanskrit commentarial and philosphical texts, the Swaminarayan Bhashyam and the Swaminarayan Siddhanta Sudda, in the presence of representatives from over 50 Hindu mandirs and organizations. Bhadreshdas Swami delivered the inaugural speech which encouraged youths to explore the Hindu philosophy and the arts, and spoke to Mahant Swami Maharaj's messages of global harmony, public service, and educational excellence.[28][29]

History

The Akshardham campus was inspired by BAPS' fifth spiritual leader, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, in 1971.[2] His vision was to create a place of worship in North America for followers that could also enable visitors of different backgrounds to experience Hindu spirituality, architecture, and peace.[22] The land was in Robbinsville, New Jersey was purchased in 2008 and the Akshardham mandir construction began in 2015.[21] The first marble pillar installation ceremony took place on September 4, 2017, in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj, the sixth spiritual leader of BAPS.[30]

About 75% of the Akshardham campus is designed, constructed, managed, and maintained by swamis and volutneers.[21] Between 2011 and 2023, over 12,500 people volunteered to build the mandir.[17][31][32] Volunteers carved and installed about 2,000,000 cubic feet (57,000 m3) of stone, equating to about 4.7 million hours of work.[24] The volunteers came from various backgrounds which included students, business executives, physicians, and architects.[22] Volunteers who didn't have prior stone mandir construction experience received training on mandir architecture and construction by experts.[21]

In May 2021, a lawsuit was filed against BAPS by several volunteer artisans from India[2] who were involved in the construction alleging that the temple administrators violated labor laws.[33] In relation to this, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Labor, and Department of Homeland Security visited the site on "court-authorized law enforcement activity."[33][34] The lawsuit alleges that over 200 Indian men, mostly of the Dalit caste, were brought from India to the US and were subject to wage theft, forced labor, and human trafficking.[35][33]

BAPS Spokespersons rejected the allegations as false stating that the artisans had come to the US as religious volunteers to offer seva, or religious service, as part of their devotion.[36] They further stated that federal, state, and local government agencies had been regularly inspecting and approving the various mandir projects where artisans in this program have volunteered over the last 20 years.[36]

As of July 2023, 12 of the plaintiffs have withdrawn from the lawsuit,[37] stating that they were coerced into making false charges against BAPS by a US based lawyer named Swati Sawant with threats of imprisonment, promises of US citizenship and large sums of money for them and their families.[38][36][39][40] They stated that they have been offering service at BAPS temples in the US and India for many years and had "never experienced any pressure, any casteism or discrimination".[40] The lawsuit is on hold pending an investigation[2] and according to some news analysts, raises complicated questions about ability of US labor laws to account for the religious concept of selfless volunteerism.[37][2]

Inauguration ceremony

To celebrate the completion of the Akshardham, BAPS hosted a three-month-long inaugural celebration called, "Festival of Inspirations."[41] On October 8, 2023, Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the "Pran-Prathistha ceremony"[42] and formally inaugurated the mandir.[43][44] The inauguration was joined by Delaware Governor John Carney and Congressman Steny Hoyer.[44]

Charitable initiatives

Since 2012, BAPS Charities has hosted charitable events at the Robbinsville mandir, such as health fairs and seminars led by volunteer medical professionals. Donations collected from annual walk-a-thons have supported humanitarian causes, like planting 300,000 trees to support the Nature Conservancy's initiative to plant 1 billion trees by 2025.[45][46]

During the COVID-19 global pandemic, BAPS Charities has provided relief and assistance worldwide.[47][48][49] On March 29, 2020, all six BAPS shikharbaddha mandirs in North America broadcast a special mahapuja performed by the swamis to pray on behalf of all those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 12,000 families in North America participated.[50][51]

Within one month of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 5,500 N95 face masks were donated to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton and New Brunswick, Capital Health Hospitals, Penn Medicine at Princeton Medical Center and Robbinsville Township and other medical organizations throughout New Jersey.[52] Over 4,000 hot meals were served to first responders in New York and New Jersey, including Robbinsville Township Police Department and Fire Department and Saint Francis Medical Center.[53] BAPS Charities delivered care packages to seniors in New Jersey.[54] A food drive was also organized to collect non-perishable food items for the Robbinsville Township Food Pantry and NJ Rise.[55]

On April 30, 2021, BAPS Charities hosted a vaccination drive in conjunction with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at the mandir.[56] US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy praised BAPS Charities for hosting vaccination clinics at mandirs which increased accessibility for the elderly.[57][58]

  • Mandir exterior
    Mandir exterior
  • Mandir exterior
    Mandir exterior
  • Mandir interior
    Mandir interior
  • Mandir carving
    Mandir carving
  • Mandir carved grill
    Mandir carved grill
  • Mandir carving
    Mandir carving
  • Mandir carving
    Mandir carving
  • Mandir carving
    Mandir carving
  • Mandir exterior
    Mandir exterior
  • Mandir carving - Swaminarayan
    Mandir carving - Swaminarayan
  • Mandir carving
    Mandir carving
  • Mandir carving
    Mandir carving
  • Mandir carving
    Mandir carving
  • Mandir interior dome
    Mandir interior dome
  • Mandir interior dome
    Mandir interior dome
  • Mandir interior dome
    Mandir interior dome
  • Mandir interior
    Mandir interior
  • Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami
    Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami
  • Pramukh Swami Maharaj
    Pramukh Swami Maharaj

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Choubey, Neha (2023-09-26). "New Jersey's Akshardham: World's Second-Largest Hindu Temple Set to Open Its Doors on October 8".
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "The largest Hindu temple on American soil will soon open its doors". Washington Post. 2023-09-29. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-11-03.
  3. ^ a b "Special Supplement | BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham". The South Asian Times. Vol. 16, no. 24. October 2023. pp. 28–48.
  4. ^ a b "Akshardham Temple, billed to be second-largest in world, inaugurated in US". Tribune India.
  5. ^ General, Ryan (2023-10-09). "Largest modern Hindu temple outside India opens in US". NextShark. Retrieved 2024-02-08.
  6. ^ "PM Modi, Rishi Sunak extend wishes for Akshardham temple inauguration in USA". India Today. Retrieved 2024-02-08.
  7. ^ Nimje, Sonika Nitin. "Swaminarayan Akshardham: All details on largest Hindu temple outside India". Business Standard.
  8. ^ Mangalnidhidas, Sadhu (2019). Sacred architecture and experience: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville, New Jersey. Swaminarayan Aksharpith. ISBN 978-19-4746-101-7.
  9. ^ Das, Mukundcharan (2005). Hindu Rites and Rituals. Aksharpith. p. 7. ISBN 81-7526-356-3.
  10. ^ Kim, Hanna (2001). "Being Swaminarayan: The Ontology and Significance of Belief in the Construction of a Gujarati Diaspora". Columbia University Press. 347–349.
  11. ^ Nagendra, Kumar Singh (2000). Encyclopaedia of Hinduism. ISBN 8174881689.
  12. ^ a b c Brady Williams, Raymond (2001). An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism. Cambridge Press. ISBN 978-0521654227.
  13. ^ a b c Project, Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami Head of Akshardham. "Making of historic BAPS Robbinsville Mandir - Person of year". www.thesouthasiantimes.info. Archived from the original on 2018-07-16. Retrieved 2016-08-02.
  14. ^ a b c Academy, Himalayan (January 2015). "Temples: Fully Enclosed Ornate Marble Temple Opens in New Jersey - Magazine Web Edition > January/February/March 2015 - Publications - Hinduism Today Magazine". www.hinduismtoday.com. Archived from the original on 2021-07-25. Retrieved 2016-08-02.
  15. ^ a b Blumberg, Antonia (2014-08-23). "A Look At The New, Massive Hindu Temple Gracing New Jersey". HuffPost. Archived from the original on 2016-06-19. Retrieved 2016-08-02.
  16. ^ "Mandir Mahotsav 2014, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir". BAPS. Archived from the original on 2019-08-15. Retrieved 2019-08-15.
  17. ^ a b "Modi, Sunak extend greetings for Akshardham Temple inauguration in New Jersey". Hindustan Times. 2023-10-03. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
  18. ^ a b c d "BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, A Massive Temple In New Jersey To Be Inaugurated In October". IndiaTimes. 2023-09-25. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
  19. ^ "BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, a Hindu Temple in New Jersey, Celebrates its Grand Opening as the World Looks On". Yahoo Finance. 2023-10-11. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  20. ^ PTI. "World's largest Hindu temple outside India in modern era to be inaugurated in October". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
  21. ^ a b c d e f g h i Trivedi, Yogi (September 2023). If stones could sing... Swaminarayan Aksharpith. ISBN 978-1-947461-25-3.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  22. ^ a b c Mosaic, Vashti Harris | For (2023-10-06). "Largest Hindu temple in the U.S. is set to draw hundreds of visitors to New Jersey". nj. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
  23. ^ PTI. "World's largest Hindu temple outside India in modern era to be inaugurated in October". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-01-29.
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