Washington, Thousands of people visit the Akshardham temple in the United States daily and to make your visit to the largest Hindu temple in the Western Hemisphere more pleasant and personalized, its management has introduced a registration system.
Located in the small township of Robbinsville in New Jersey and built by an army of more than 12,500 volunteers from across the United States over more than 12 years, from 2011 to 2023, the temple was inaugurated last October by its spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current guru and president of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).
Thousands of people visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple daily, which is "arguably the second largest Hindu temple after Angkor Wat in Cambodia."
"Over the last seven and eight months, since it opened, thousands of people have come here... We want to make sure that they have a good (experience), that they don't have to wait in lines and that everything is handled correctly in terms of crowds, so (in) May we started the registration process,” Chaitanyamurtidas Swami, BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, said in an interview.
Designed according to ancient Hindu scriptures, the Akshardham, which measures 255 feet x 345 feet x 191 feet and spread over 183 acres, includes design elements of ancient Indian culture, including 10,000 statues and figurines, carvings of Indian musical instruments and shapes of dance.
“Of course, the Indian public knows this and also comes to pray. They come during the Aarti and the different ceremonies that happen... A lot of people come and learn about our culture, our origins, our spirituality and what this means to the world. So I think that is the biggest success story,” said Chaitanyamurtidas Swami.
Under the new system, visitors must book a free slot to enter Akshardham on weekends, national holidays and select Hindu festivals.
“The reservation system is part of our commitment to providing the best possible experience to all our guests. By streamlining entry procedures and efficiently managing the flow of visitors, we aim to reduce wait times, minimize crowding and create an enjoyable experience for everyone,” the temple says on its website.
According to the temple's website, visitors will need to book a spot online before their visit to BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham.
The spiritual leader of BAPS estimated that more than 50 percent of the people who come to the temple daily are no longer Indians but American citizens of various origins.
"Everyone appreciates something like this in America," he said.
Located in the small township of Robbinsville in New Jersey and built by an army of more than 12,500 volunteers from across the United States over more than 12 years, from 2011 to 2023, the temple was inaugurated last October by its spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current guru and president of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).
Thousands of people visit the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple daily, which is "arguably the second largest Hindu temple after Angkor Wat in Cambodia."
"Over the last seven and eight months, since it opened, thousands of people have come here... We want to make sure that they have a good (experience), that they don't have to wait in lines and that everything is handled correctly in terms of crowds, so (in) May we started the registration process,” Chaitanyamurtidas Swami, BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, said in an interview.
Designed according to ancient Hindu scriptures, the Akshardham, which measures 255 feet x 345 feet x 191 feet and spread over 183 acres, includes design elements of ancient Indian culture, including 10,000 statues and figurines, carvings of Indian musical instruments and shapes of dance.
“Of course, the Indian public knows this and also comes to pray. They come during the Aarti and the different ceremonies that happen... A lot of people come and learn about our culture, our origins, our spirituality and what this means to the world. So I think that is the biggest success story,” said Chaitanyamurtidas Swami.
Under the new system, visitors must book a free slot to enter Akshardham on weekends, national holidays and select Hindu festivals.
“The reservation system is part of our commitment to providing the best possible experience to all our guests. By streamlining entry procedures and efficiently managing the flow of visitors, we aim to reduce wait times, minimize crowding and create an enjoyable experience for everyone,” the temple says on its website.
According to the temple's website, visitors will need to book a spot online before their visit to BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham.
The spiritual leader of BAPS estimated that more than 50 percent of the people who come to the temple daily are no longer Indians but American citizens of various origins.
"Everyone appreciates something like this in America," he said.
