Unveiling the Splendor of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham – A Hidden Gem in New Jersey

Look to this day, for it is life, the very breath of life.
In its brief course lie all the realities of your existence;
the bliss of growth, the glory of action, the splendor of beauty.
For yesterday is only a dream, and tomorrow is but a vision.
But today, well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day.

Ancient Sanskrit

There are so many magnificent places to visit in this incredible world. We had hoped to see India one day, but that seemed many years away. However, during our week in New Jersey, we discovered the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, a Hindu Temple in Robbinsville, NJ. It was conveniently located near the family we were visiting, yet they had never heard of it. Perhaps, we thought, we could capture a tiny bit of India right here, close to home. With no expectations in mind, the experience that followed became even more remarkable.

In the quiet rural area of NJ, on a massive 183-acre site, the world’s second-largest Hindu Mandir (Temple) finds its home. Our visit proved to be a breathtaking and surreal experience. At first, you might question if you’ve been transported to India. As soon as you lay eyes on the Grand Centerpiece, towering 213 feet above the ground, it becomes hard to believe you’re still in the United States—and even harder to imagine you’re in New Jersey. How did we not know about this? Over the next two hours, we encountered one jaw-dropping moment after another. Join us as we explore the magnificent BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Akshardham in the humble town of Robbinsville, New Jersey.

A Bit About Hinduism

Hinduism is considered the oldest religion on Earth. In Hindu culture, a Mandir is significant as it is the shrine where Hindus pray. In Sanskrit, the classic language of India and Hinduism, a Mandir means a place where the mind becomes still and experiences inner peace. The Hindu population around the world as of 2020 is about 1.2 billion, making it the world’s third-largest religion after Christianity and Islam. Of this, nearly 1.1 billion Hindus live in India out of an overall 1.4 billion.

A Hindu views the entire universe as God’s and everything in it as God. Hindus believe that each person is intrinsically divine and that the purpose of life is to seek and realize the divinity within all of us. The Hindu belief is non-exclusive and accepts all other faiths and religious paths.

As with any religion or belief system, Hinduism has aspects that can be controversial. In the current situation in India, it has become a political movement aiming to promote Hindu identity and values, often at the expense of religious minorities and marginalized groups. While Hinduism is considered the oldest religion on Earth, it has also been a source of tension and conflict within the country. We acknowledge this complexity, but our focus here is not on those aspects. Instead, we celebrate the Mandir as an impressive architectural feat—a testament to the creativity and dedication of the human spirit, where faith inspires extraordinary artistry.

The Building of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey, was first proposed and envisioned by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1997, the president of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a significant branch of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, a Hindu denomination. He is the fifth spiritual leader in the line of Pramukhs. His vision was to create a place of worship in North America for followers to allow visitors of different backgrounds and faiths to experience Hindu spirituality, architecture, and peace. Eight of these sites are in the United States and Canada, though this location is the grandest.

Construction of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, NJ, began in early 2010. The artisans followed guidelines outlined in ancient Vedas, or Hindu scriptures, to ensure accuracy and authenticity. They used hand-carved Italian Carrara marble, Indian pink stone, and limestone to build the Mandir. Specifically, 68,000 cubic feet of Italian marble went into constructing the 12,000 sq. ft. Mandir, which is only the third Mandir of its kind. In particular, hundreds of artisans meticulously hand-carved the marble in India and assembled all the pieces to ensure a perfect fit. Once completed, the workers disassembled, numbered, and shipped the pieces to America, where they carefully reassembled them.

Additionally, artisans and volunteers spent a mind-boggling 4.7 million person-hours completing the Mandir. The intricate details, symmetry, and overall design blend ancient tradition with modern technology. Moreover, workers built a decorative enclosure around the Mandir to protect it from harsh weather and ensure its year-round use. To top it off, the entrance to the mandap, called the Mayur Dwar, features carvings of peacocks, elephants, and celebrated Hindu devotees from past eras.

Opening Day

The Mandir officially opened to the public on August 10, 2014, after Pramukh Swami Maharaj and senior swamis of BAPS consecrated the murtis. Several dignitaries, including New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, attended the opening ceremony. This event was part of a three-day celebration during which participants prayed for world peace and participated in a women’s cultural program focused on interfaith harmony. The Mandir serves as a testament to the incredible dedication and craftsmanship that went into its creation.

Where is BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Address: 112 N. Main Street Robbinsville, NJ 08561
Phone: 609-918-1212
Email: info.akshardham@usa.baps.org

This link will give you an aerial view of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham campus. It also includes diagrams and a guide to its key features.

How to get there

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham is close to Interstate 95, the main north/south highway in New Jersey. If you own a sprinter camper van, this location becomes even more convenient, allowing for comfortable stops along the way. It is 25 minutes from Princeton, 45 minutes from Newark Airport, and 50 minutes from Philadelphia.

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What to see during your visit

Please note: Any content in quotations below is from the official website of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham

1. Nilkanth Plaza

A place of warmth and hospitality: “In Hindu traditions, hosts view the art of welcoming guests as a sacred practice that transcends hospitality. As ancient sacred texts proclaim, “Atithi devo bhava”—a host must see the divine in every guest. Within the hallways of warmth and inclusivity, people from diverse communities, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or cultural heritage, receive a warm welcome and discover the essence of Hinduism and Swaminarayan Akshardham.”

Security inspects your bags as you enter. The line moves quickly. Upon entering, a deity welcomes you. The decorative woodwork is gorgeous.

The welcome center features several theaters where you can watch an introductory 10-minute video. While it’s not mandatory, it is worth watching. With multiple theaters running consecutively, you only need to wait a couple of minutes at most.

2. Brahm Kund: A traditional stepped pond.

The pond is next to the Plaza before entering the Welcome Center. “The pond is filled with water from India’s 108 holy rivers and those flowing through the fifty states in the U.S. Here, they pay homage to a life-giving elixir and honor the precious waters of our planet. Just as our civilization reveres rivers for their ability to cleanse and nourish, this step-well invites you to pause, reflect, and embark on a journey of self-discovery.”

There are various spots to admire the area’s intricate carvings and water features. The peacefulness here starts your journey in the right state of mind.

3. Welcome Center

A place of warmth and hospitality. “In Hindu traditions, the art of welcoming guests transcends hospitality; it is considered a sacred practice. As ancient sacred texts proclaim, “Atithi devo bhava”—a host must see the divine in every guest. Within the hallways of warmth and inclusivity, people from diverse communities, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or cultural heritage, are welcomed and introduced to the essence of Hinduism and Swaminarayan Akshardham.”

This is where security will inspect your bags. The line moves quickly. When you first enter, you are welcomed by a deity. The decorative woodwork is gorgeous.

The welcome center has several theaters where you can watch an introductory 10-minute video. It is not mandated, but it is worth watching. With several theaters running one after the other, there is just a couple of minutes wait at any time.

4. Traditional Hindu Mandir

A space of serenity awaits. Once you leave the Welcome Center, the smaller traditional Mandir will be your first stop. It is stunning and truly a must-see. “The Mandir, a place of Hindu worship, holds the essence of tranquility, where the mind finds stillness, and the soul discovers inner peace. In this Mandir, meticulously carved from stone, worshippers gather to seek blessings from the sacred images, the murtis.”

In addition, within this smaller Mandir, we observed much more personal prayer from Hindus. There is also an area where you can pour holy water over a deity, and all are welcome to do so. While the main Mandir will undoubtedly draw you in, be sure to take the time to explore the courtyard and reflect. Don’t miss the intricate artistry, particularly in the covered walkway. Although many people focus on capturing images of the grand centerpiece, make sure to take the time to wander beyond it and appreciate the beauty in the surrounding areas. The intricacy of the marble work is truly remarkable.

5. Reflecting Pools and Courtyard

Though the main Mandir will draw you in, take the time to explore the courtyard and reflect. You should not miss the detailed artistry, especially in the covered walkway. While many people focus on capturing images of the grand centerpiece, make sure to wander beyond it and appreciate the beauty in the surrounding areas.

6. Akshardham Mahamandir: THE GRAND CENTERPIECE

“At the center point of the campus stands the Akshardham Mahamandir. Regardless of one’s beliefs and background, Akshardham will inspire all to connect with each other and with the Divine. HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, envisioned a majestic spiritual campus in the United States that would consolidate thousands of years of inspiring Hindu art, architecture, and culture.”

This breathtaking masterpiece is almost surreal. In those first moments, you feel like you are on the other side of the world, not the USA. It honestly crosses your mind as if it was some illusion. After passing the reflecting pools and courtyard, enter on the left. You must remove your shoes, and appropriately dressed is required (see below for details). Additionally, no photos are allowed except in a designated side area of the Mandir. The intricacy of the marble work is remarkable.

7. Shayona Cafe

A Fusion of Indian Flavors. Shayona Café is where you can enjoy an ensemble of vegetarian Indian and Western cuisines. “Here, culinary artistry melds with spiritual principles, creating a menu that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also resonates with the core ideas of non-violence. Each dish is made with mindfulness, aiming to nurture the mind, body, and soul. Before serving, food is offered to the Divine, transforming it into prasād, or blessed food. Shayona Café provides an opportunity to experience a fusion of flavors, appreciate diverse dishes, and nourish your palate and soul.”

It was a busy place, and we did not have time to try the food—next visit.

8. Indian Speciality Grocery Store

This is across from the Cafe and has lots of fresh products. It was very popular, with long lines. The spices were plentiful. Many of the pastries are made fresh daily. We purchased a few items, and they were excellent.

9. Hindu Learning Center Coming Soon

*Though it is open to all, please do not forget that it is a place of worship and prayer. Be respectful of those there for that purpose. Be a considerate and kind guest.*

Know before you go

Visiting Hours

The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham campus in Robbinsville, NJ, is open to all visitors. Entry is free, and the visit should take about two hours.

**As of 2024, you must be registered to visit on weekends and holidays. The tickets are still free, but you must go online to reserve a time. You are allowed up to 10 tickets. The process was quick and easy, and we completed it the day before with no issues. We visited in June on a Sunday, and the lines were minimal, and it was not too crowded. They did check that you had reservations, but we did notice people getting registered onsite. ** Go to this link to register.

It is open every day from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. except Tuesday, when the entire campus is closed. There is lots of free parking. Weekends get very busy, so plan extra time to park and visit the campus.

Important Visitor Information

There is a strict dress code when entering either Mandir. Specifically, for the upper body, you must cover the shoulders, back, chest, and upper arms. Legwear must be at below the knee. Visitors not having the appropriate dress code are given to wear sarongs provided at the Mandir at no charge. You must also remove your shoes to enter the mandirs.

Security at the entrance of the Welcome Center will check bags. Be prepared by following their guidelines:

• No sharp, dangerous objects.
• No inflammable objects.
• No large bags.
• No smoking, including e-cigarettes.
• No food or drinks.

Photography

We strongly suggest bringing a camera, but photography is prohibited inside the Mandirs. This is a holy place, and they take that rule seriously. In the more prominent mandir, they make you put away your phones. As you can see in our photos, there is still a lot of photography to be done.

Accessibility

All facilities and areas of the complex are wheelchair accessible. Additionally, wheelchairs can be provided, subject to availability. Parking spaces for physically challenged drivers are conveniently located in the parking lot closest to and directly opposite the Mandir entrance.

Moreover, within the complex, volunteers are available if any assistance is required. They will be happy to help and guide you. If you or your group need special assistance, please inform us in advance by emailing tours.akshardham@usa.baps.org or calling (609) 918-1212 and asking for the booking office.

Furthermore, you can request a campus tour if you wish to organize a group visit with 10 or more people. To ensure availability, please submit your request at least 15 days before your planned arrival.

Architectural tours

During our visit, we came across a sign that advertised architectural tours offered several days a week. The sign provided valuable details, which you can also find in the images we took during our visit. However, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm, as the days and times for the tours may change depending on the schedule or other factors. By calling in advance, you can ensure you don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn more about the intricate architectural wonders of the Mandir and the overall site. It’s definitely worth considering if you want to gain deeper insight into the artistry and craftsmanship behind this magnificent place.

Are you traveling overseas soon? Check out our blog post on the Top 25 Tips for Successful Travel Abroad.

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham App

They even have an app!! Download the app before you arrive to help plan your visit to BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham.

TIPS to enhance your visit

1. Though there was a significant presence of Indians during our time there, the population was a mix of people from all nationalities, races, and ethnicities. In fact, everyone was welcome, and everyone we engaged with was kind and friendly.
2. An enormous group of volunteers is working here, and they are a wealth of information. While in the Akshardham Mahamandi, we had a lovely conversation with one of the volunteers, who shared some of the story behind this holy site.
3. Although the site is still under construction, seeing their progress will be worth a return visit. The two Mandirs are complete, but much groundwork remains.
4. Initially, we attempted to visit on a Sunday just after the noon hour. However, the traffic getting into the parking lot was backed up by at least a mile. As a result, we decided to visit the nearby Garden of Sculptures and return later in the afternoon. By then, there was less traffic, and we could park closer to the front.
5. We visited during the golden hour, which was truly magical. The main Mandir, set against the dusky skies, only added to its majestic presence. As we left, the site was illuminated, creating an even more enchanting atmosphere.

Check out our Collection of Wanderers Compass Travel Videos.

Where to stay when visiting BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ

The area near the campus has several hotels, inns, and motels to choose from. Hamilton, Robbinsville, Windsor, Cranbury, Hightstown, and Princeton are the closest towns. Philadelphia is around 45 minutes away. We suggest putting BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham or one of those towns in the two options below. You should be able to find reasonably priced accommodations and even higher-end ones if you wish.

It is important to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.

While in the Area

There is lots to do in this area of NJ. Check out the Grounds for Sculpture, Princeton University, Cranbury’s historic downtown, and Six Flags Great Adventure, to name a few options.

Final Thoughts

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Akshardham was an exceptional experience. The grandeur of the architecture alone will leave you in awe—it’s a masterpiece not to be missed. The pictures don’t even begin to do it justice, and that’s just the exterior. You can’t fully imagine what the inside of these Mandirs is like. The marble artistry is beyond comprehension, simply perfect in every way. Having traveled to over 50 countries and seen some incredible places, we can confidently say this is one of the most beautiful architectural wonders we’ve encountered. It may just be time to plan a trip to India.

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham captures thousands of years of inspiration, core values, magnificent architecture, and culture. One of the most moving aspects of our visit was the tranquility inside the Mandir; the serenity surrounding you is genuine. It’s still hard to wrap our heads around the experience—we were in Jersey, not India. If you have the chance to visit BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, NJ, you will undoubtedly be glad you did..

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