BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham USA

We visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, and it was an amazing experience. The place is absolutely beautiful — the marble architecture and detailed carvings are stunning. The entire temple feels peaceful and very well-organized.

Just a heads-up for first-time visitors: you do need to reserve a time slot online before coming
Also, because you must take off your shoes when entering the temple, dress modestly — no sleeveless tops or shorts.

One thing that really surprised me: even though everything is marble, the floor is warm, including the steps and railings — such a thoughtful design! It makes walking barefoot much more comfortable and adds to the uniqueness of the experience.

The staff and volunteers were very friendly and welcoming, and parking was easy. You don’t need to be Hindu to enjoy and appreciate this place — I’d definitely recommend a visit if you're anywhere near New Jersey.

An architectural marvel in the heart of New Jersey. A place like never seen and experienced before. It has it all at this divine place. Peace, Bliss, Art and craftmanahip above and beyond. Volunteers who are there to serve people from all walks of life, taking time to explain the significance of this place. The Vegetarian cafeteria there, is for everyone to relax and have the most delicious food served with love and hospitality. I could just go on sharing the blessed experience.

A must visit place for everyone!

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham USA is a major Hindu temple and cultural complex in the United States, built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). It’s one of the largest Hindu mandirs in the Western Hemisphere and a significant spiritual, cultural, and architectural landmark

🛕 About the Temple
• This expansive temple complex was constructed between 2011 and 2023, involving thousands of volunteers and artisans over more than a decade. 
• It spans approximately 183 acres and is widely regarded as the largest Hindu temple in the U.S. and among the largest outside India. 
• The architecture follows traditional Hindu design principles, featuring a central Mahamandir (main shrine) with 12 sub-shrines, nine shikhars (spire-like structures), and an elliptical dome crafted from millions of cubic feet of stone brought from around the world (including marble, sandstone, limestone, and granite). 
• The complex includes intricate carvings of deities, dancers, musicians, and scenes from Indian culture, with many thousands of individual sculptures. 
• A notable feature is the Brahma Kund, a traditional stepwell containing water gathered from hundreds of bodies of water worldwide. 

📅 Visiting Information
• Hours: Typically open 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM daily except Tuesdays when the complex is closed. 
• Entry: Free but advance timed reservations are recommended on weekends, holidays, and festival days. 
• Visitors from all backgrounds are welcome, and the site offers spiritual, cultural, and educational experiences, including exhibitions and landscaped grounds. 

🧘 Significance
• The temple is dedicated to Swaminarayan and reflects the values of devotion and seva (selfless service) central to the BAPS Swaminarayan tradition. 
• Beyond its religious role, it serves as a cultural hub celebrating Indian art, heritage, and spirituality. 

What a beautiful temple and an amazing experience. I was awed by the stunning architecture and incredible detail of their carvings. Went the day after Thanksgiving with 4pm reservations, stayed almost 4 hours and attended the 7pm night time arti prayer. It was simply enchanting and humbling to get a glimpse of another culture and be allowed to participate regardless of your beliefs. The acoustics inside were magical with the the chanting and singing. I'm neither religious nor spiritual but felt the emotional pull of the whole experience.

There are a few theaters inside that explain the history and how the temple was built. There is a cafeteria and food are reasonably priced. Family friendly too. There's even a nursing pod. Everything is well kept and very clean.

Can't believe this exists in NJ! Highly recommend going towards late afternoon into the sunset hours and attend the night time prayer!

Visiting this temple was an absolutely beautiful experience. The moment you arrive, the architecture takes your breath away — intricately hand-carved marble and stone, glowing white in the sunlight. It’s one of the largest Hindu temples outside of India, and every detail reflects devotion and artistry.
The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful. You can feel a sense of calm and spirituality as soon as you step inside. The volunteers are warm, respectful, and always willing to explain the meaning behind the rituals and sculptures. What I especially loved is that the temple welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs — it’s not only a place of worship but also of learning and cultural exchange.

During festivals like Diwali or Dhanteras, the temple comes alive with lights, music, and color. Watching the ceremonies, hearing the chants, and joining in the prayers is truly a moving experience.

The entire complex is spotless, beautifully maintained, and surrounded by serene gardens. There’s also a small gift shop with traditional items and a vegetarian restaurant that serves delicious, authentic Indian food.

Tip: Dress modestly (shoulders and legs covered), and if possible, visit around sunset when the temple lights up — it looks absolutely magical.