BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham USA — Attraction in Robbinsville Township

It is WILD to me how something as breathtaking and gargantuan as this somehow managed to fly under the radar in New Jersey, but here we are. Over the last year or so, I'd heard snippets about how the largest Hindu temple in the Western Hemisphere was located in this very random area off of the Turnpike, but I had no idea what that actually entailed. After seeing some amazing pictures, I decided a trip over there was needed, so on a sweltering Thursday I convinced the Millennial Chum and the Millennial Chum's sister to wander over for some recon.

It really has to be seen to be believed, and even my accompanying pictures don't do it justice (also, we weren't permitted to use our phones inside the temple, so some of the wildest stuff went unphotographed). These buildings are so intricate, with so many designs and depictions throughout - lot of ducks, which was not on my bingo card. We were visibly stunned to learn that this basically just took a decade to create - it looks like it would have taken much longer than that. It's literally mouth-dropping, and once you're actually within the campus parameters (I think that's the right term), it's hard to believe you're still in NJ, where we pump our fists not our gas.

Even to get to the visitors parking area is dramatic. There's a security gate at the entrance, but you don't have to pay anything and they don't actually check you for anything like weapons - the Millennial Chum just informed the guy we were visiting, they nodded and let us go through. It seemed completely unnecessary but maybe it makes everyone involved feel a little more exclusive, a little more important? No idea. And unclear what you would have to say or do to not gain entrance.

As responsible adventurers, we'd taken the time to look over the temple's website, specifically their dress code. The best way to describe it from a female perspective is probably chaste; nothing exposing the knees/above, and nothing sleeveless, which on a day hovering in the low 90s was not ideal. To be fair though, it seemed like the dress code was more for the interior temple shizzle, which was very much air conditioned. We did see one woman outside near the entrance who was wearing a sleeveless outfit and not holding anything that could be worn over it; I don't think it's a coincidence we never saw her again that day (you'd think that might be a job for the fake security area, right?).

Everyone we interacted with was very professional and pleasant. Multiple people offered unsolicited assistance for any questions (and honestly, I was so beyond ignorant in this subject area that I didn't have a knowledge base to even ask stupid questions). Full disclosure - which I probably should have mentioned right off the bat - our crew is not Indian/Hindu and we were most assuredly in the minority here. This is very clearly a pilgrimage/destination for that demographic (along with Tesla owners - a TON of Teslas in the parking lot. Are Indians just really into Teslas? No idea.), but I never felt like we were treated differently or looked at strangely, etc. They seemed to be very welcoming to all.

I was also blown away by the prices. Absolutely I would have assumed this was an opportunity to purchase some overpriced souvenirs or food, but everything was super reasonable. I got a giant lunch with multiple items in their cafe and paid roughly $20, which is what I would have spent for a candy bar at the Bronx Zoo. I'm also now the proud owner of a new Hindu temple coffee mug, which was $12 - perfectly acceptable in my view. Inflation? What inflation?

Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area - you are literally never going to see anything else like that unless you decide to wander over to Nepal in the...

Our family visit to BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, USA on March 31, 2025, was an enriching experience ! Here’s a detailed review based on our personal experience enjoyed at this magnificent temple. Since March 31, 2025, fell on a Monday, we didn’t need to reserve a time slot for entry, as reservations are only required on weekends, national holidays, and select Hindu festivals. We checked the temple’s website (usa.akshardham.org) beforehand and noted the hours: 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with the campus closed on Tuesdays. Knowing it was a weekday, we anticipated a quieter visit, which was perfect for our family to explore at a leisurely pace.

A Spiritual and Architectural Marvel From the moment you arrived, the intricate carvings and grand architecture of Akshardham likely left us in awe. The temple, built with pink sandstone and white marble, showcases traditional Indian craftsmanship and is a true testament The serene gardens and peaceful ambience added to the spiritual experience, making it a perfect place for reflection and family bonding.

Warm Hospitality The welcoming atmosphere and helpful volunteers ensured a smooth visit. Cultural and Educational Experience* Akshardham is not just a place of worshi, it’s a cultural hub that promotes spirituality, humanity and service. The intricate sculptures and murals inside the temple beautifully narrate Hindu mythology and philosophy.

Dress Code and Visitor Guidelines The temple maintains a strict dress code to uphold modesty and respect for its sacred grounds. Visitors are required to wear clothing that covers shoulders, chest, back, and knees, ensuring a respectful environment. If your family followed these guidelines, it would have helped in maintaining the temple’s tranquil atmosphere.

Accessibility and Facilities For families with elderly members or young children, the temple offers wheelchair accessibility and courtesy wheelchairs, ensuring a comfortable walk around. The ample parking space and organized entry system made the experience hassle-free. Dning at Shayona Café By noon, we were ready for lunch at the Shayona Café. The vegetarian menu featured authentic Indian delicacies, from flavorful curries to fresh naan and dosas. The kids loved the mango lassi and the assortment of sweets at the Shayona Snacks & Sweets Shop, particularly the jalebi, which was crispy and perfectly sweet. The café’s setting, modeled after the Ajanta and Ellora caves, added a cultural flair to the dining experience. Prices were reasonable, and the food was a highlight, offering a taste of India that satisfied both adults and kids. Since no outside food or drinks are allowed on campus, we appreciated the quality and variety here. Final Thoughts Our visit to Akshardham, Robbinsville was likely a memorable blend of spirituality, culture, and family bonding. Whether it was admiring the breathtaking architecture, participating in cultural activities, or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, the dining experience was truly enriching. The temple was incredibly family-friendly. The staff’s warmth and the self-guided tour screens made it accessible for kids, keeping them engaged without feeling overwhelmed. The free admission was a pleasant surprise, as noted in reviews. The dress code was easy to follow, and the wraps provided for visitors ensured everyone could comply comfortably. The campus was clean and well-maintained, with clear signage and ample...

I had a pleasant experience at BAPS.

I didn't want to visit at first, just because I didn't see the purpose of it all. For context: at the time I attended, I had a limited amount of days in New Jersey before I moved away to another state. Therefore, I was trying to use my time to go to my most desired places, and BAPS was not on my list. Additionally, it is a Hindu temple, and I do not practice Hinduism nor have a big passion for religion. The only reason I came was because it was my mother who learned about the place, and insisted we go together. After my visit here, I have to say that I'm very grateful to have listened to my mother.

Even if you are someone who does not follow the religion, it would be worth your time to walk around BAPS and gain a better understanding of what Hinduism is about, and why it matters so dearly to people. The temple possesses the history of the religion, with notable figures that helped make the temple into what it is today.

You can visit for free, but you have to reserve a spot on their website to be let into the full grounds. I chose to go on a Sunday at 11am, but I arrived at 10:30am, yet they let me in anyway. All of the employees were very nice, and the campus was spotless. After you pass a security check, you're free to roam about as you please. I recommend starting with their video orientation which will be directly in front of you after going through security.

You can participate in Hindu worship with other guests, which involves removing your shoes and not using your phone. I don't suggest this if you are uncomfortable with potentially with closely with strangers, or you have young ones that are not trusted to keep quiet for a long time.

The Grand Centerpiece is the star of the campus with its delicately crafted limestone and marble figures. It is stressed to NOT touch these figures, but I caught a family blatantly going against that. It felt very disrespectful, especially because they were touching every single piece they came across- I was surprised an employee didn't stop them. Even so, the walk admiring these figures was so ethereal, and thought-provoking. My mother even got emotional at the sight. I was in awe of the level of effort it took to create these pieces by hand.

This place has a lot of things to observe, and I know I didn't get to all of them, but some I noticed was a theater that talked about the history of the temple's construction, a gift shop, and a dining hall with lots of Indian food. I could see someone who's very passionate about Hinduism stay here for an entire day.

What I learned when I visited BAPS was that not everything has to connect to someone I like to do. Once in a while, it's important to try something completely out of bounds from my interests, because that's how one finds compassion for people different than them. When it comes to BAPS, I gained a lot more knowledge about the history of Hinduism, and understood how it positively affected people's lives. Most importantly, I got to see many visitors in their element; they were openly praying and speaking in their language without any threat of discrimination.

In the times we live in, it's sad to have that be something I enjoyed the most, because it should be normalized. I'm happy that people who follow this religion have a place of comfort to...