Introduction

Try to search for Robbinsville on Google, and you will probably find one search result related to BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Robbinsville. Meanwhile, if you repeat the same search on YouTube, the maximum possibility is that you will find videos referring to the BAPS Akshardham Robinsville. 

You might be amazed by the result for the first time, but the reason behind it is quite interesting and glorious. The BAPS Akshardham Robbinsville in New Jersey is America’s largest Hindu Temple that has become a new identity of Robbinsville city. However, if you want to learn more about BAPS Akshardham Temple, when it was built, how it turned to Robinsville’s new identity, etc., keep reading the article till the last line. 

About Robbinsville Township

Robbinsville, located in between Philadelphia and New York, is a charming city. However, it is a small and quiet place, it gained significant attention due to the construction of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Robbinsville. Once a lesser-known township, Robbinsville has now found itself on the global map as a prominent spiritual and cultural destination for Hindus and admirers of architectural marvels worldwide. 

Impact Of BAPS Akshardham Temple On Robbinsville City

Since the inauguration of the BAPS Akshardham Robbinsville, the city’s economy surged to a new height. It boosted tourism and related businesses significantly, leading to the emergence of high-class Hotels, restaurants, and other services dramatically. The township emerged as a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus, devotees, and enthusiasts. Hence, attracting thousands of visitors and tourists towards the city.

The Emergence Of America’s Largest Hindu Temple 

The construction of America’s largest Hindu temple began in 2011 and continued for the next 12 years. For over a decade, 12500 volunteers crafted the temple meticulously, dedicatedly, selflessly, and finally it resulted into a stunning masterpiece of traditional Hindu architecture. It was inaugurated on October 8, 2023, and opened for the public. The temple, spread over an area of 655,591 m², with its inauguration, became the second largest Hindu temple in the world after Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia, being the first. 

BAPS Akshardham Robbinsville: A Rare Blend Of Marvelous Architecture, Intricate Design, And Culture

BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) is the prominent organization behind the construction of Akshardham Temple in Robbinsville. The BAPS is widely recognized for its contribution in securing global harmony, fostering Sanatan Values, and strengthening Hindu faiths. 

BAPS Akshardham Robbinsville is one among the three of BAPS’ Akshardham Temple Network. Apart from Robbinsville’s Akshardham, the other two Akshardham Temples are Akshardham Temple New Delhi & Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar.  

Read also: Top 5 Hindu Temples In The USA

The Akshardham Temple in Robbinsville emerged as the main attraction of the city because of its marvelous architecture, stunning designs, and societal contributions: 

The Temple’s Layout

The Layout of Akshardham Temple, Robbinsville consists of one main shrine, 12 sub-shrines, 9 Shikhars, 9 Pyramidal Shikhars, an elliptical dome, 4 Mandapams, and a water body called Brahma Kund. The temple is built of pink sandstones, marbles, granites, and limestones sourced from India, and other parts of the world.

The four domes are named as Parabrahma, Aksharbrahma, Mukta, and Aishwarya Mandapam featuring Swaminarayan Garbhgriha, Gunatitanand Swami, liberated souls, and Prominent Hindu Personalities, respectively. 

In front of the temple, there are two ponds consisting of four statues. These statues represent the four Vedas, which are the most prominent sacred books in Hinduism. The Vedas are told to be a collection of verses told by Lord Brahma (Creator of the Universe) himself. 

Marvellous Architecture

The Akshardham Temple is praised for its marvelous architecture, intricate design, and carving style. When you look around the temple, you will feel it – unbelievable!. This is because each part and corner seems to be carved meticulously with perfection. The structure is built using pink sandstone from Rajasthan, India, carved with exquisite detail and assembled with precision, reflecting the rich heritage of Hindu craftsmanship. Therefore, the temple is an architectural masterpiece of ancient Indian Temple-building technique. 

Hindu Deities

The BAPS Akshardham Robbinsville features many Hindu deities along with the main deity Swaminarayan and Gunatitanand Swami. The other deities housed in the temple include Lord Krishna, Radha Rani, Lord Venkateshwara, Goddess Padmavati, Goddess Sita-Lord Ram, Lord Lakshman, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva-goddess Parvati, and Lord Kartikeya. 

How To Reach BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Robbinsville?

New Jersey has a list of domestic and international airports to take you to Robbinsville city, when coming from outside the US. In addition to that, if you are travelling within the US the other transport options available to you are – Train, Suburban Transit, Private Taxi or Bus. 

Reach Robbinsville By Air

Whether you are coming internationally or domestically by air, Trenton–Robbinsville Airport in Robbinsville can serve you the best to reach BAPS Akshardham Temple easily. The temple is situated at a distance of 5 – 6 miles from the airport, and may take about 10 – 15 minutes to reach the temple from the airport. 

Reach Robbinsville By Train

Within the US, if you wish to reach BAPS Akshardham Temple by train, Princeton Junction is the nearest railway station to take. Take the Northeast Corridor (NEC) Rail Line either from New York Penn Station or Newark Penn Station to Princeton Junction. From there, the temple is at a distance of about 9 miles, which can be covered in 20 minutes easily from a cab or private taxi. 

Reach Robbinsville By Road

When travelling to Robbinsville by road, there are various options available for it in the USA. You can take a Suburban Transit, Bus, Private Ca,b or Taxi from an airport in New York or Newark, and reach directly to BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Robbinsville.  

Airports To Reach Robbinsville

Robbinsville, being a small township, does not have international airports. But, the neighbouring cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Newark, etc. have well-connected airports. Therefore, when trying to reach Robbinsville through air, take into consideration the following airports:

International Airports

• John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York
• Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey
• Atlantic City International Airport, New Jersey
• Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia
• LaGuardia Airport, New York

Domestic Airports

• Trenton–Robbinsville Airport
• Princeton Airport Northeast 
• Central Jersey Airport
• South Jersey Regional Airport
• Robert J. Miller Air Park

When To Visit BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Robbinsville?

The best time to visit BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Robbinsville depends on the following factors – your suitability, weather comfort, transport availability, Temple’s schedule, etc. 

The weather conditions in Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) are favourable for outdoor activities in Robbinsville. In these times, the average temperature of the city lies between 5 °C and 25 °C. Hence, can offer you a pleasant experience of visiting the temple. 

Meanwhile, if you choose Hindu festive timing such as Diwali, Janmashtmi, etc., it could also lead to a mesmerizing experience of your visit. 

Key Points To Know When Going To Visit BAPS Akshardham Robbinsville

When going to visit BAPS Akshardham Robbinsville, learn the following key things beforehand to avoid confusion and hustle later:

• Because the Akshardham Temple is a sacred place and not a tourist destination, there is a strict dress code for visitors that applies to all irrespective of their religion, race, origin, etc. Therefore, you must obey the dress code guidelines issued by the temple authority. 
• The temple advises following dress code to maintain the sacredness in the temple’s atmosphere –  No sleeveless or low-cut tops, No shorts, skirts, or dresses above knee length, No clothing that reveals the shoulders, chest, back, or knees, No clothing containing offensive language or imagery.
• The Temple prohibits the following acts inside the temple: Footwear, commercial photography or videography, outside food or drinks, Pets, Smoking, Weapons, Alcohol or Drugs, large bags, Drone flying, etc. 
• Apart from these, you are requested to have the following etiquettes inside the temple – Keep your mobile phone silent, hold hands of minors, engage in respectful conduct, etc. 
• The temple is open on all days except Tuesday between 9 am and 7:30 pm. So keep these timings in mind when planning to visit the temple. 

Conclusion

BAPS Akshardham Robbinsville is a testament of devotion, artistry, craftsmanship, and architectural excellency. Attracting a huge number of visitors, devotees and cultural enthusiasts from around the world, the temple redefined the Robbinsville Identity as the place where peace, interfaith harmony, cultural tranquility, unity and spirituality foster profusely. Its presence in the United States signifies the global reach of Hindu culture, global acceptance of Hindu Values and its ability to establish world harmony. 

FAQs