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Unveiling of the Most Expansive Hindu Temple Outside India in New Jersey

by Gabriel Martinez
8 comments
Hindu temple in New Jersey

Should the stones possess the ability to communicate, Yogi Trivedi posits that the marble and limestone embellishing the intricate spires, columns, and archways of the remarkable Hindu temple in central New Jersey would offer hymns of devotion to the divine.

According to Trivedi, an expert in Hindu studies at Columbia University, the narratives conveyed by these carved stones echo themes of seva (altruistic service) and bhakti (spiritual devotion), which are fundamental principles of the Swaminarayan tradition, a denomination of Hinduism.

Approximately 4.7 million cumulative work hours by craftsmen and volunteers were required to intricately carve around 2 million cubic feet of stone. This stone, comprising four types of Italian marble and Bulgarian limestone, was first transported to India before making an 8,000-mile journey to New Jersey.

These pieces were then meticulously assembled, similar to an enormous jigsaw puzzle, culminating in what is now proclaimed as the largest Hindu temple outside India in contemporary times. The temple resides on a 126-acre piece of land and is scheduled for public opening next Monday.

In comparison, the world’s most extensive temple complex is Ankgor Wat, situated in Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia. Built in the 12th century and dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu by King Suryavarman II, it now functions as both a Hindu and Buddhist temple and holds a position among 1,199 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Robbinsville temple is among several erected by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a global religious and civic organization within the Swaminarayan tradition.

“Devotion and service serve as the underlying keystones in the construction of a temple of such grandeur in central New Jersey,” states Trivedi, who not only studies but also practices the Swaminarayan faith.

This establishment will be the third Akshardham or “sanctuary of the divine” that the organization has constructed, following similar structures in New Delhi and Gujarat, where BAPS has its headquarters. Celebrating its 50th year in North America next year, the sect oversees more than 1,200 temples and 3,850 centers globally.

The New Jersey Akshardham, which has been approximately 12 years in planning and construction, faced scrutiny due to a 2021 civil lawsuit alleging forced labor and subpar working conditions. Trivedi stated that twelve out of nineteen plaintiffs have withdrawn their claims, and the case is currently under investigation, an investigation with which BAPS is fully collaborating.

The lawsuit brought up issues related to the caste system, and it continues to spark debate among activists concerned with caste-based discrimination and labor rights. Trivedi emphasized that the community took these allegations seriously, as their spiritual teachings have always focused on social equality and seeing the divine in all human beings.

According to Trivedi, the building of the temple brought about community service and volunteerism, which serve to refine individuals, comparable to how a sculptor’s chisel shapes a block of stone.

“This goes beyond merely contributing to the community or creating elaborate structures; it’s about individual betterment,” Trivedi added.

Women, for the first time, were involved in the temple’s actual construction under artisan supervision. As the temple prepares to open, families from across the nation have been visiting the complex. Devotees have been seen offering their respects to monks in saffron robes and engaging in various forms of worship.

“All are welcome here, irrespective of their religious or community affiliations,” noted one of the attendees, “and everyone will experience peace.”

Trivedi concluded by stating that the temple is more than just a Hindu worship space. “It signifies universal values found in every religious text and upheld by revered thinkers and leaders across epochs. The aim is to communicate these universal values in a manner relatable to all visitors.”

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Reported by Bharath, from Los Angeles.

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The coverage of major religious events is supported by AP’s partnership with The Conversation US, with financial backing from the Lilly Endowment Inc. AP holds sole accountability for this content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hindu temple in New Jersey

What is the significance of the new Hindu temple in New Jersey?

The new Hindu temple in central New Jersey is considered the largest of its kind outside India in the modern era. It is significant both in its architectural grandeur and as a spiritual hub, embodying the core principles of seva (selfless service) and bhakti (devotion) from the Swaminarayan tradition of Hinduism.

Who is responsible for building this temple?

The temple was built by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a global religious and civic organization within the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism.

How long did it take to build the temple?

The construction and planning of the New Jersey Akshardham have been in the works for approximately 12 years. It required a combined total of about 4.7 million hours of work by artisans and volunteers.

What materials were used in the construction?

Four types of Italian marble and Bulgarian limestone were used in the construction. These were first transported to India for carving and then shipped 8,000 miles to New Jersey.

Were there any controversies associated with the temple?

Yes, the temple faced scrutiny and criticism due to a 2019 civil lawsuit alleging forced labor, meager wages, and grim working conditions. However, twelve of the nineteen plaintiffs have since retracted their allegations, and the case is currently under investigation.

What is the temple’s connection to other similar religious sites?

This will be the third Akshardham or “sanctuary of the divine” that BAPS has constructed. The organization has built similar complexes in New Delhi and Gujarat, India. The sect oversees more than 1,200 temples and 3,850 centers around the world.

Who is Yogi Trivedi and what is his role?

Yogi Trivedi is a scholar of Hinduism at Columbia University. He has provided insights into the temple’s spiritual significance, its underlying principles of seva and bhakti, and how these have guided its construction.

What are the universal values that the temple aims to represent?

According to Yogi Trivedi, the temple is more than just a Hindu place of worship. It aims to express universal values of devotion and service, values that are not limited to any single religious or cultural tradition.

Is the temple open to people from all religions and communities?

Yes, the temple is open to all, irrespective of their religious or community affiliations. Visitors have noted that the temple is a place where everyone will experience peace.

What makes this temple unique in terms of community participation?

This might be the first Hindu temple where women were actively involved in the construction process under artisan supervision. The project also witnessed significant volunteerism from people who took time off from their regular jobs and schooling to contribute.

More about Hindu temple in New Jersey

  • Swaminarayan Tradition: An Introduction
  • Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Official Website
  • Hinduism: Core Beliefs and Practices
  • Akshardham Temples Worldwide
  • New Jersey Hindu Temple Lawsuit: Full Coverage
  • Yogi Trivedi: Scholarly Contributions and Publications
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites List
  • Hindu-Buddhist Temples: A Comparative Study
  • The Concept of Seva in Hinduism
  • Spiritual Significance of Temple Architecture in Hinduism

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8 comments

LisaMartin October 7, 2023 - 5:32 pm

yogi Trivedi sounds like a knowledgeable guy, would love to hear more from him on this. Its not everyday you see scholars getting so involved in practical projects.

Reply
DavidJones October 7, 2023 - 6:44 pm

I’m intrigued by the controversy surrounding the temple, the forced labor allegations. I hope that gets resolved soon, kind of casts a shadow on the whole thing.

Reply
SaraWilliams October 7, 2023 - 9:15 pm

The women participating in construction is a big deal. Breaking barriers and changing the narrative, thats what I’m talking about!

Reply
JohnSmith October 8, 2023 - 1:26 am

Incredible work on the temple, really. It’s not just an architectural marvel but a place of deep spiritual significance. Kudos to everyone involved!

Reply
AlexThompson October 8, 2023 - 2:25 am

The amount of volunteerism in this project is just awe-inspiring. Imagine taking time off work to build something for future generations. Respect.

Reply
EmilyParker October 8, 2023 - 4:09 am

Wow 12 years to build this masterpiece. thats some dedication! Cant wait to visit and feel the peace everyone’s talking about.

Reply
MikeBrown October 8, 2023 - 5:26 am

Its more than just a religious site, as the article points out. Universal values are so important in times like these, so great to see that being highlighted.

Reply
NinaGarcia October 8, 2023 - 6:01 am

Good to know about the lawsuit being on hold, hope justice is served, whatever the outcome may be. But its kinda sad that such a spiritual place had to face this issue.

Reply

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