The United States is eagerly awaiting the opening of its largest Hindu temple, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, in New Jersey on October 8. The temple, spanning 183 acres, has been a labor of love for over 12,500 volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to its construction. Designed in accordance with ancient Indian culture, it boasts magnificent architecture, with intricate carvings and statues of Indian musical instruments and dance forms. The centerpiece of the temple is the main shrine, accompanied by 12 sub-shrines, nine shikhars, and nine pyramidal shikhars. Additionally, it features the largest elliptical dome made of traditional stone, highlighting the temple’s grandeur and uniqueness. Another notable attraction is the Brahma Kund, a traditional Indian stepwell that houses water from over 300 bodies of water from around the world. This temple is a testament to the devotion and dedication of its volunteers and serves as a landmark of Hindu culture and architecture in the Western hemisphere. The inaugural ceremony will be conducted by Mahant Swami Maharaj, and visitors will be welcomed starting from October 18. While it may not be the largest Hindu temple in the world, being second only to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham stands as an exemplary representation of Hindu heritage and is expected to last for generations to come.