The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, a Hindu place of worship and landmark of Hindu art, architecture and culture open to all people, is celebrating its dedication and opening this week in Robbinsville, New Jersey. Volunteers from all over the globe, including from Greenwood, have traveled to the mandir to serve in celebration.
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Ornate arches, towering spires, and meticulously sculpted architectural details stand as profound expressions that speak about the divine.
Every time Neha Patel, a volunteer at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Greenwood, walks past the Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey, she feels a sense of spiritual power. The grandeur of this mandir, or Hindu place of worship, resonates with the universal values of peace, harmony, and the quest to become a better human being.
The mandir is not just a place of worship, but also a sanctuary that embraces those who seek solace in its serenity.
“When I walk onto the campus, I feel this serene and peaceful environment that calms my mind. It envelops me from the hustle and bustle of my daily activities,” she said.
In the heart of New Jersey, the newly erected BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham stands as a majestic tribute to artistry and devotion. The inauguration of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham has been a cause of great celebration among the Hindu community and its supporters.
Beyond simply a place of worship, Akshardham has become a symbol of service and dedication. More than 12,500 volunteers, including about 100 from the mandir in Greenwood, have offered their service.
During the Festival of Inspirations, they have collected thousands of school supplies, non-perishable food items, and personal hygiene products for those in need, and organized a substantial blood drive, potentially saving thousands of lives.
Patel, moved by the experience at Akshardham, has been actively involved in guiding tours and attending to visitors.
“More than what we’ve done, it’s the impact it’s had on us,” she said. The act of service at Akshardham has not only served the community, but has also profoundly impacted the volunteers, fostering a spirit of selflessness and character development.
The roots of this service-driven ethos trace back to Greenwood’s BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, an establishment part of a worldwide network of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha — a spiritual, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity and selfless service.
In Greenwood, the group focuses on community service as well as worship. In recognition of the grand opening of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, their efforts intensified.
“For us, and for everyone in America, (Akshardham) is a landmark of Hindu art, architecture and culture, because while it’s rooted in India’s rich cultural heritage, it also serves as a spiritual sanctuary where one can find tranquility and be inspired on the campus,” Patel said.
Akshardham is located in Robbinsville, New Jersey. It loosely translates to “the living abode of the divine,” showcasing its significance as a spiritual sanctuary. Not only is it the largest Hindu mandir in the United States, it also gracefully connects India’s rich heritage with contemporary America. Akshardham represents an iconic representation of unity, culture, and service — a testament to the commitment and dedication of its volunteers.
“When Akshardham was being built, and the structure was being built, it was built to last over 1,000 years — to be able to serve and inspire this harmony for generations to come,” Patel said.
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardhams serve as spiritual and community hubs, open to visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. Akshardham in New Jersey marks the third such cultural complex globally, joining the one in Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat, India, in 1992, and the Akshardham in New Delhi in 2005.
Leaders from around the world, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rishi Sunak, prime minister of the United Kingdom, have offered well-wishes.
“(Mandirs) are not only centers of devotion but also serve as platforms for giving expression to art, architectural excellence, literature, and knowledge. Such profound cultural principles have been guiding humanity for generations…The inaugural celebrations of Akshardham Mahamandir showcases Indian architectural excellence and our glorious ancient culture and ethos…,” Modi wrote in a letter for inaugural ceremonies in Robbinsville.
The dedication celebrations for the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham commenced on Sept. 30, marking a historic milestone. The festivities were inspired and attended by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the sixth and present spiritual guru of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
The Akshardham experience has left an indelible mark on Patel and her fellow volunteers. It has energized and focused their commitment to service, which they now intend to channel back into their community in central Indiana.
“Akshardham is really a testament to global collaboration,” she said, expressing her desire to integrate the invaluable lessons of humility and giving back into her community.
