Join us for an Architecture Tour of the new Hindu Temple Akshardham in Robbinsville NJ on 27 June, 5-7pm. 

5-6pm: Tour
6-7pm: Light refreshments

Course Description

Architecture Tour of the new Hindu Temple Akshardham in Robbinsville NJ.  The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham captures thousands of years of inspiring thoughts, values, architecture, and culture. The breathtaking campus includes a Welcome Center, Museum-under construction , Café, 2 Outdoor Plazas, Brahm Kund (a large, stepped pond), a traditional Hindu Mandir, and the Akshardham Mahamandir (the grand centerpiece). Regardless of one’s beliefs and background, Akshardham will inspire all to connect with the divine and each other and discover the cultural architectural masterpiece. The majestic spiritual campus consolidates thousands of years of inspiring Hindu art, architecture and culture. The tour will be guided by Pinakin Pathak who was responsible for a section of the stonework on the project, and docents who guide daily architecture tours of this remarkable campus. Pinakin Pathak, Bhavin Patel and 1000’s of volunteers were part of the team that coordinated the design and stonework on the project, lecture hall seats 2,000 people and over 6,000 people can occupy the entire campus at once.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discover the organizational requirements for Hindu temples and the programmatic needs of a large-scale religious campuses.
2. Learn about the masonry and stone techniques used in the project. The traditional Hindu Mandir, made from Carrara, thassos and other marble, and European limestone, is entirely gravity supported with no wood or steel bolts, pegs, or other supports, except for the marble itself.
3. The unique campus was built in phases over a period of years. Discover how the structure was built and the goals for each of the individual components. Explore how the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham campus addresses environmental concerns, from plantings to energy and water conservation, and how these issues are central to the goals of the organization to educate, protect, and nurture the environment - from initially seeking permission from the earth to build upon it, to finally thanking it when complete and begging forgiveness for any injury incurred in the process. Every stage of a mandir’s construction indicates a tender, caring, and respectful relationship with nature.
4. Gain an understanding of the cultural and social challenges of building this campus in Central New Jersey. Uncover spiritual significance of a Mandir as a place to find peace, introspection and inspiration. See how the campus illustrates the height at which the integration of art and architecture can elevate the form of a structure to create a place of spirituality and where worship and traditions come together.

 1 LU|HSW

Visitor Information

At the request of the Temple, please follow this guidelines: 

Please note that a strict dress code operates within the complex. Specifically, tops must cover the shoulders, back, chest, navel, and upper arms. Leg-wear must be at least below knee-length. Visitors not having appropriate dress code would be requested to wear wraps provided at the Mandir.

Please remove all footwear before entering any of the Mandir buildings. Shoe racks are provided within the complex.

Photography & Videography is strictly prohibited inside all buildings. Videos and photos – for personal use only – may be taken from ground level outside the Mandir and Haveli only. Commercial use or publication of images of the site is strictly prohibited. Tripods are not permitted on the campus. Please see reception desk for further information.

No food or drinks are allowed inside the Mandir premises. Please discard chewing gum in the trash cans before entering.

Please switch all mobile phones to silent prior to entering the premises. Mobile phones with cameras must not be used to take photo or video inside the Mandir.

Please refrain from touching the delicate carvings. To maintain the spiritual atmosphere observe silence inside the Mandir.