International

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


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Robbinsville, New Jersey | 2023 โ€“ 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 โ€” 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 โ€” welcoming people of all faiths, ages, and backgrounds to explore Indiaโ€™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.

#faith

AAP President Amit Palekar Offers Puja at Newly Built Ganesh Temple in St. Cruz


Amit Palekar, President of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), recently performed puja at the newly built Shree Vishwaraj Ganesh Mandir in St. Cruz, Goa. The AAP leader was accompanied by his family as they offered prayers at the temple.


After the puja, Palekar took to Twitter to express his gratitude for the divine experience. In his tweet, he wrote, “Feeling truly blessed to have had the opportunity to perform puja with my family at the newly built Ganesh Temple, Shree Vishwaraj Ganesh Mandir, in St. Cruz. May Lord Ganesha bless everyone with wisdom, prosperity, and happiness. Grateful for this divine experience!”


The Shree Vishwaraj Ganesh Mandir is a newly built temple in St. Cruz, Goa, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple has become a symbol of faith and community for the locals, who gather there to offer prayers and seek blessings.


As the President of the AAP in Goa, Amit Palekar has been actively involved in various community service initiatives. His recent visit to the Shree Vishwaraj Ganesh Mandir is a testament to his commitment to serving the community and promoting faith and spirituality.

#TravelwithAllycaral ๐Ÿ‘’

Epic Pilgrimage: Deepraj Raikar and Amey Naik’s 4600 km Journey to Mahakumbh


In a testament to their adventurous spirits and devotion, Deepraj Raikar and Amey Naik embarked on an extraordinary journey from Goa to Prayagraj on their trusty Himalayan bikes. Their epic 4600 km pilgrimage took them to some of India’s most revered sites, blending adventure with spirituality.

The duo set off from Goa, eager to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures that India has to offer. Their first major stop was Kashi, a city steeped in history and spirituality. As they rode through the bustling streets, they were struck by the city’s vibrant energy and the warmth of its people.

From Kashi, Deepraj and Amey headed to Delhi, where they marveled at the city’s iconic landmarks and sampled its delicious cuisine. Next, they rode to Ujjain Mahakal, one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism. The duo was deeply moved by the temple’s spiritual aura and the devotion of the pilgrims.


After weeks of riding, Deepraj and Amey finally arrived at their destination: Prayagraj, the site of the Mahakumbh. The sheer scale and grandeur of the event left them awestruck. As they immersed themselves in the festivities, they felt a deep sense of connection to the millions of pilgrims gathered there.

Reflections on the Journey
As they reflected on their epic journey, Deepraj and Amey realized that it had been a transformative experience. They had faced numerous challenges along the way, but their determination and faith had carried them through. The duo returned home with unforgettable memories and a renewed sense of purpose.

#AllycaralFeature ๐Ÿ‘’

Pallavi Dempo’s Spiritual Sojourn at Maha Kumbh


Pallavi Dempo, wife of Shrinivas Dempo, Chairman of the Goa-based Dempo Group of Companies and BJP candidate from South Goa for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, recently embarked on a spiritual journey to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.

In a heartfelt tweet, Pallavi shared her exhilarating experience of taking a dip in the sacred waters of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. She described the spiritual energy at the world’s largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims as “to be experienced to be believed.”

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 144 years, is a grand spiritual gathering that attracts millions of devotees and spiritual seekers from around the globe. This sacred event is a celebration of spirituality, faith, and community, offering a unique opportunity for pilgrims to cleanse their souls and connect with the divine.

Pallavi’s experience at the Maha Kumbh highlights the significance of this sacred event in Indian culture and spirituality. Her tweet has resonated with many, inspiring others to embark on their own spiritual journeys.

As Pallavi’s husband, Shrinivas Dempo, prepares for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, Pallavi’s spiritual sojourn serves as a reminder of the importance of staying grounded and connected to one’s roots.

The Dempo family has always been committed to preserving and promoting Indian culture and traditions. Pallavi’s visit to the Maha Kumbh is a testament to this commitment and serves as an inspiration to others to explore and connect with their spiritual heritage.