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BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham : Largest Hindu Temple Outside India

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New Jersey’s Grand Temple Spectacle : Akshardham Rises!

In a dazzling display of devotion and architectural wizardry, New Jersey is about to unveil its very own slice of ancient India. Brace yourselves, for the world’s largest Hindu temple outside India is ready to take the stage, and it’s not holding back!

The Akshardham Saga: An Epic in Stone

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham – a name that’s as colossal as the temple itself. Nestled about 60 miles south of the bustling Times Square and approximately 180 miles north of the political power hub, Washington D.C., this grandiose marvel is causing quite the stir. A colossal undertaking that started its journey in 2011, it’s finally stepping into the limelight this October 8th.

Builders of Dreams: Volunteers United

Now, you might be thinking, “How do you build a piece of India in the heart of New Jersey?” Well, you call in the troops – in this case, over 12,500 enthusiastic volunteers from across the United States. Picture this: a sea of dedicated souls, working tirelessly for over 12 years! That’s some serious commitment.

Dimensions that Mesmerize

And the numbers just keep getting bigger. The Akshardham stands tall, measuring 255 ft x 345 ft x 191 ft, sprawled majestically over a jaw-dropping 183 acres of land. You’d need a map and a pair of comfortable shoes to explore this behemoth.

Ancient Meets Modern

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. This temple is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to the rich tapestry of Indian culture. You’ll find over 10,000 statues and statuettes, intricate carvings of Indian musical instruments, and even dance forms etched into its walls. It’s like the entire history of India decided to have a grand reunion.

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The Almost-Most-Enormous Temple

Almost but not quite! Akshardham is the runner-up in the “World’s Biggest Hindu Temple” race, just after Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. We say ‘almost’ because, let’s be real, Angkor Wat is practically a city in itself. But hey, being second to Angkor Wat is like being second to Mount Everest in the ‘Tallest Mountain’ category – you’re still a winner.

Fast Facts: Akshardham Unveiled

1) The Temple that Love Built: Over 12,500 volunteers spent 12 years bringing this dream to life.

2) A Cultural Masterpiece: It’s a blend of ancient Hindu scriptures and Indian culture, complete with 10,000 statues, Indian music motifs, and dance forms.

3) Built to Last: The temple’s designed to stand the test of time. Like, seriously, it’s supposed to last a thousand years. Your move, Stonehenge.

4) Stone from Everywhere: Limestone from Bulgaria and Turkey, marble from Greece, Turkey, and Italy, granite from India and China, and sandstone from, you guessed it, India. It’s like a United Nations of Stones!

5) A Sacred Well-travelled Pool: The temple boasts a ‘Brahma Kund,’ a traditional Indian stepwell, filled with water from 300 water bodies worldwide, including the holy rivers of India and all 50 US states. Talk about a global water party!

6) The Grand Reveal: While the temple’s official inauguration is scheduled for October 8th, it’ll open its doors to visitors on October 18th. But hold your horses; there’s a little curtain call going on between September 30 and October 17 for some private events.

So there you have it ! New Jersey’s about to get a taste of India like never before. The Akshardham isn’t just a temple; it’s a story of devotion, community, and the irresistible pull of history. Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making, right in the heart of the Garden State!

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