A team of about 5,000 people are working to finish a new Hindu temple in Robbinsville.
The temple, called BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, will reportedly spread over 162 acres and be ready in 2017 with an estimated cost of over $150 million.
Mandir Mahotsav, a series of celebrations and ceremonies to inaugurate this hand-carved temple, also known as Akshardham Mahamandir, is set for Aug. 10. Sadguru Pujya Mahant Swami, Sadguru Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami and Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami plan to preside over the ceremonies.
About 2,000 artisans are working in Rajasthan, India, crafting various parts of the temple, which will be assembled by master craftsmen in Robbinsville. Besides marble from Rajasthan, craftsmen are also using Italian marble.
Plans for the temple’s four-story main building include a youth activity center, an exhibition on India’s culture and history, and ornate pillars and panels depicting images from Hindu dogma.
The temple will serve as a gathering place for Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, a socio-spiritual Hindu organization.
The temple is set to host aarti twice daily. Assemblies of children, adolescents, youth and women; Satsang Sabha; and Gujarati classes are scheduled for Sundays.
