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New Jersey Akshardham, the world’s largest modern Hindu temple outside India, is set to open on Sunday. Globally, the temple in New Jersey marks the third such cultural complex.Ahead of the inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Rishi Sunak have extended greetings. It is located about 90 km south of Times Square, New York. In over 12 years (from 2011 to 2023), it has been built by an army of more than 12,500 volunteers from across the USA.In 1992, the first Akshardham was constructed in Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat state. It was followed by Akshardham in New Delhi (in 2005), the national capital of India.BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) Akshardhams are landmarks of Hindu art, architecture, and culture. They serve as spiritual and community hubs. The temples are open to people of all faiths and backgrounds.
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From left, Pritesh Patel, Avani Patel and their children, 11-year-old Prapti Patel and 15-year-old Nischay Patel, look up in awe at the ornate ceiling of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. (AP Photo)
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A woman admires the intricate architecture of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. (AP Photo)
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Worshippers practice a routine for the grand dedication ceremony of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. (AP Photo)
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A hand-carved image of Saraswati, goddess of learning and wisdom, playing an instrument called the veena, is shown at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. (AP Photo)
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The sun sets at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. (AP Photo)
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A man at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham checks his phone inside the garland-like path, or parikrama, which serves as an ornate covered walkway to the largest Hindu temple outside India in the modern era. (AP Photo)
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Monks in saffron robes walk in front of the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. (AP Photo)
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An ornate dome at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham.. (AP Photo)
