# @nextshark on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CyBiNPBMlza
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/9111240-nextshark-instagram
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- **Posted:** 2023-10-05T16:33:44.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** NextShark (@nextshark) — https://gondola.cc/nextshark

## Caption

The largest hand-carved Hindu temple outside of India is set for its grand inauguration in New Jersey this month.

After 12 years of meticulous planning and construction, the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Akshardham temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, is set to welcome visitors when it is officially inaugurated on Oct. 8.

BAPS, a Hindu denomination within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, was established in 1905 by Yagnapurushdas (Shastriji Maharaj). The community follows the conviction that Swaminarayan remains present on earth through a lineage of gurus, starting with Gunatitanand Swami. The BAPS community, which has already established 100 temples across the U.S., is set to mark 50 years of history in North America in 2024.

The Akshardham complex houses a Maha Mandir, a traditional temple, a welcome center, a museum, and event spaces. The intricate design, crafted from white sandstone, limestone, marble and granite, were all meticulously carved by temple artisans in India. Nine shikharas (spires) adorn the temple, each symbolizing different aspects of Hindu scriptures, including Vedic astrology. Notably, it is the first structure to showcase all 108 poses of Bharatanatyam, a classical Hindu dance form.

At the entrance of the Akshardham through the Nilkanth Plaza, is a 49-foot statue of Nilkanth Varni, representing his 49 years on Earth. Inside, the temple complex is adorn with thousands of diyas (lights), Sanskrit chanting and a Brahm Kund pond, featuring waters from rivers that touch all 50 U.S. states.

In 2021, the temple’s construction garnered significant attention due to a lawsuit alleging forced labor within the BAPS organization. The lawsuit was reportedly withdrawn but the case remains under investigation, according to a BAPS representative. Despite controversies and challenges, the temple is considered by the community as a symbol of unity, humility, compassion and harmony, embodying the core values of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

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#news #Hindutemple #temple #hindu #BAPS #newjersey #Robbinsville #Akshardhamtemple

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hindu, robbinsville, news, temple, newjersey, akshardhamtemple, hindutemple, baps

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