09 OCT,2023
Adhya Moona
Photo: AP
The largest Hindu temple outside Asia opened up on October 8, Sunday, in the small town of Robbinsville, New Jersey, US.
Photo: AP
The Akshardham Temple, a tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a 19th-century spiritual leader, is akin to the one in New Delhi.
Photo: AP
It took 12 years (2011-2023), and 12,500 volunteers to finish the construction of the temple.
Photo: AP
The inauguration for the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham took place on October 8, with doors opening to visitors from October 18.
Photo: AP
Spread across 183 acres, this temple has been meticulously designed based on ancient Hindu scriptures.
Photo: AP
It has intricate design elements from Indian art & architecture. It has 10,000 statues, complex carvings of Indian musical instruments & various dance forms.
Photo: INSTAGRAM/AKSHARDHAMUSA
The temple incorporates a central main shrine, 12 sub-shrines, nine shikhars (towering spire-like structures), and nine pyramidal shikhars.
Photo: AP
The temple construction used four types of stones, including limestone, pink sandstone, marble, and granite.
Photo: AP
Within its premises, you'll find the Brahma Kund, a traditional Indian stepwell filled with water.
Photo: INSTAGRAM/AKSHARDHAMUSA
The water in Brahma kund is sourced from more than 300 bodies of water worldwide, including the sacred rivers of India and all 50 states of the US.