{Field Trip} BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham Hindu Temple

After the holidays we took a drive to visit the majestic BAPS Akshardham Hindu Temple  - a landmark of Hindu architecture and culture.  It was built  by over 12, 500 volunteers and took about 12 years to complete.  It is the largest Hindu temple in the US.

We needed to get out of the house, the kids were gone and we had a free day. 

It was raining but it actually didn't dampen our trip.  It was only about a 45 minute drive from our house but it felt like we were transported to another country.

As you enter the campus you are greeted by a 49 foot image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan portrayed as a young yogi.

[from the website]

Known as Nilkanth Varni during his teenage years, he was the founder of the Swaminarayan Hindu tradition. His calm and undisturbed pose, engaged in deep yogic prayer, symbolizes spiritual focus and discipline, echoing his journey, where he fostered compassion, empathy, and service in the hearts of all. The legacy of his reforms in the late 18th century that addressed the oppression of women, young children, and marginalized castes stands the test of time.

I think the rain kept some people away but it was a pretty mild day and not raining too hard.  

Admission is free and you only need timed reservation tickets on weekends and holidays.

The grounds are truly stunning.

You enter through the main entrance and then out into this courtyard where you see the grand centerpiece.

At the centerpoint of the campus stands the Akshardham Mahamandir. Regardless of one's beliefs and background, Akshardham will inspire all to connect with each other and with the Divine. HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, envisioned a majestic spiritual campus in the United States that would consolidate thousands of years of inspiring Hindu art, architecture and culture.

So much to see and appreciate.

My favorite sculpture was the elephant family.

I loved the message it portrayed.

"Where there is harmony, we are never alone on our journeys, whether spiritual or worldly, and together, we can achieve remarkable feats."

The impressive ceilings in the entry.  If you walk through the temple, you must leave your shoes in a cubby and no photography is allowed.  It was so peaceful, reverent and beautiful.

There's also a cafe that serves delicious food -- all vegetarian too!

Mr. Click's first dosa. He liked it! I hadn't had a dosa since my epic trip to India. and missed them.

I want to return on a sunny day to spend more time outside.

It was such a fun and educational field trip!

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