On July 8, 2023, members from BAPS USA celebrated the arrival of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS, to the Akshardham campus in Robbinsville, New Jersey. The celebration of his arrival also coincided with the commencement of the ‘Festival of Inspirations,’ a series of programs and ceremonies highlighting the themes that Akshardham will embody, such as harmony, inclusivity, and service to society.
The festival will share universal messages and inspiring stories of tolerance, forgiveness, and compassion for all. As part of the programs, a traditional Hindu prayer ceremony (Vedic yagna) will be performed to offer heartfelt prayers for peace, both personal and global. Due to limited space, these programs will be for registered guests only.
When completed, Akshardham will be one of the landmarks of Hindu architecture and culture in the United States. The centerpiece of the campus will be a stone mandir built according to an ancient tradition that is at least a thousand years old. In addition, the Welcome Center’s unique wood carvings illuminated by a thousand lamps, the stepwell’s tranquil waters, the meditative energy of the Nilkanth Plaza, the tantalizing tastes of Shayona Café, and the architectural beauty of the Akshardham will all together reflect the universal values that celebrate the equality and dignity of all life.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the late spiritual leader of BAPS, had a simple but enduring vision for Akshardham: that everyone may feel peace and a sense of inspiration upon entering Akshardham. The ongoing construction of the Akshardham aims to fulfill this vision. We are also grateful to the Robbinsville community for their continued support of the Akshardham campus, which we hope will inspire many generations to come.