Tag: Hindu culture

International

Robbinsville Akshardham: The Largest Hindu Temple Outside India Opens in New Jersey

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Robbinsville, New Jersey | 2023 – The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville has officially become the largest Hindu temple outside India, marking a monumental achievement in architectural splendor, spiritual dedication, and community effort.

Spread across a vast 183-acre campus, the temple was constructed over 15 years with the help of over 12,500 global volunteers and an extraordinary 4.7 million hours of selfless service. The structure is built using hand-carved Italian marble and Bulgarian limestone, integrating more than 10,000 intricately sculpted statues, arches, columns, and motifs — each reflecting ancient Hindu scriptures and traditions.

The project was inspired by the visionary leadership of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and brought to life under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. It reflects the ideals of unity, peace, service, and spiritual enlightenment.

More than just a religious structure, the Robbinsville Akshardham serves as a living bridge between Indian heritage and American values — welcoming people of all faiths, ages, and backgrounds to explore India’s spiritual richness.

The temple also embodies the global mission of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha), which operates over 100 centers in North America and 3,500+ worldwide. The organization continues to spread Indian culture through spiritual teachings, humanitarian services, and youth engagement.

Whether visited for worship, architectural admiration, or cultural curiosity, the Robbinsville Akshardham stands as a beacon of timeless devotion and modern inclusivity, showcasing the enduring strength of community, craftsmanship, and faith.

Human Interest

Vat Poornima: A Sacred Celebration of Marital Devotion and Spiritual Strength

allycaralgoa

Vat Poornima, also known as Vat Savitri Poornima, is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated with deep spiritual and cultural significance. Primarily observed in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and parts of North India, the festival takes place on the full moon (Poornima) of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (May–June).

This festival is a heartfelt tribute to Savitri, the legendary wife from the Mahabharata who showcased unshakable devotion and strength by bringing her husband Satyavan back from the jaws of death through prayer and determination. Her story is a powerful symbol of love, sacrifice, and the strength of a devoted woman

On this day, married women fast and perform rituals under the sacred banyan tree (Vat Vriksha), which represents long life and stability. They tie threads around the tree’s trunk, pray for their husband’s health and longevity, and read or listen to the Savitri-Satyavan story.

Key customs include:

  • Fasting from sunrise to moonrise for their husbands’ well-being.
  • Tying threads around the Vat tree symbolizing the bond of marriage.
  • Offering soaked gram, fruits, and sweets as part of the puja.
  • Wearing traditional attire, especially in shades of red, yellow, or green, representing prosperity and marital bliss.

Vat Poornima is more than a ritual—it’s a celebration of faith, resilience, and the deep-rooted cultural values that honor the sacredness of marriage. It emphasizes the role of prayer, perseverance, and love in nurturing relationships. The banyan tree’s long life and expansive roots reflect the desired qualities of a strong marital bond.

While rooted in tradition, Vat Poornima continues to inspire modern generations. For many women, it serves as a moment to pause and reflect on relationships, express gratitude, and connect with ancestral values in an increasingly fast-paced world.