A huge Hindu temple, the second largest in the world, has been built outside of India. This is something no one had ever thought of before.
Yes, it’s in New Jersey, USA, and it will be inaugurated on October 8th. The largest Hindu temple before this was Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
The newly built temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and was constructed by more than 12,500 volunteers. Let’s explore the unique features of this temple.
Many Sculptures and Statues
This temple has been designed according to ancient Hindu scriptures. It houses over 10,000 sculptures and statues.
The design incorporates elements of Indian culture, including Indian musical instruments and dance forms.
Architecture of Akshardham Temple
Akshardham follows traditional Hindu temple architecture. The unique design of this Hindu temple includes a central temple, 12 subsidiary temples, nine spires, and nine decorative domes. There’s even an egg-shaped dome as part of Akshardham’s architecture.
Built to Last for a Thousand Years
The temple is constructed in such a way that it is expected to last for a thousand years. Each stone used in the temple has a story.
Four types of stones, including limestone, pink sandstone, marble, and granite, were chosen for their ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Stones from Around the World
The construction of the temple involved the use of two million cubic feet of stone, sourced from various places worldwide.
Limestone came from Bulgaria and Turkey, marble from Greece, Turkey, and Italy, granite from India and China, and bluestone and various decorative stones from Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Contributions from a Diverse Group
Many volunteers from the United States were involved in the construction of the temple.
Volunteers ranged from 18 to over 60 years old and included students, CEOs, doctors, engineers, and architects.
The Brahmakund with a Touch of India
Within the temple’s Brahmakund, there is an Indian stepwell, which combines the holy waters of India’s sacred rivers with waters from over 300 water bodies representing all 50 US states and global water bodies.