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BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, the largest Hindu temple in the U.S., is preparing to open its doors in Robbinsville, New Jersey, spanning an expansive 183 acres. The globally significant ‘Pran-Pratishtha‘ ceremony for Ram Lalla is scheduled to be live-streamed, allowing devotees worldwide to witness this historic event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to address devotees during the inauguration, adding a momentous touch to the occasion. The temple, officially inaugurated on October 8, will be open to the general public on the 18th, marking a monumental milestone for Indian Americans and Hindu Americans.
The construction of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham began in 2011, with 12,500 volunteers from around the world contributing to its creation. However, the project faced controversy a decade later when a group of immigrant laborers filed a lawsuit against the global organization Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), alleging shocking conditions, including forced labor, grueling work hours, inhospitable living conditions, and caste discrimination.
Despite the allegations, BAPS maintains a distinction between employment and religious volunteer service, known as seva. The temple is a culmination of the artisans’ voluntary efforts, with the organization supporting their needs, including travel, lodging, food, medical care, and communication with their families. The lawsuit, which highlighted caste discrimination, is currently on hold, and BAPS assures that the temple will welcome people of all creeds and castes.
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham stands as a testament to the American Dream, according to Yogi Trivedi, a temple volunteer and a scholar of religion at Columbia University. The sacred geography of India and beyond is encapsulated in this one place in New Jersey, making it an anticipated pilgrimage site for Hindus worldwide. The temple represents a fusion of cultures, with materials sourced globally, and it is expected to be a space where people of diverse backgrounds can come together in community.
The construction of the temple faced challenges, including concerns from local residents about its height. However, BAPS worked collaboratively with the community to address these concerns and create a new hybrid community. The temple, constructed with non-traditional Bulgarian limestone to withstand New Jersey’s winters, features stone from around the world, including Greece, Italy, and India. A traditional Indian stepwell inside the temple contains water from 300 bodies in India and all 50 U.S. states.
While the temple’s construction has sparked controversy and raised questions about the line between religious service and potential work exploitation, it aims to be a symbol of inclusivity and cultural amalgamation. The temple, with its diverse design and community engagement, signifies a unique blend of modern Jersey and ancient India.
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