Photography
Related: About this forumMy visit to the second-largest Hindu temple on the planet--in New Jersey!
Last edited Thu Aug 22, 2024, 12:15 PM - Edit history (1)
I visited the Swaminarayan Akshardham, a Hindu temple (mandir) in Robbinsville, New Jersey, yesterday (Wednesday, Aug. 21.) The mandir is the largest in the U.S., the second largest in the world (#1 is Ankgor Wat in Cambodia), and a religious tourist destination for Hindus from around the world. Photography is forbidden in the main temple building, but I was able to find plenty of subjects in the areas where photography is permitted.
The mandir is dedicated to the religious leader Swaminarayan (1781-1830), also known as Sahajanand Swami, who was a yogi and ascetic believed by followers to be a manifestation of Krishna. The tall golden statue (49 feet tall) represents Nikanth Varni, Swaminarayans name during his teenage years as a yogi.
Visitor center teakwood interior
Ceiling mandala
Found in the gift shop
nocoincidences
(2,324 posts)The whole complex is beautiful. What a joy it must have felt to be there!
Thank you for sharing!
Mousetoescamper
(5,290 posts)You're welcome!
Think. Again.
(18,329 posts)Added to my bucket list.
Mousetoescamper
(5,290 posts)The interior, where photography is forbidden, is breathtaking.
Diamond_Dog
(34,905 posts)Whod a thought this was in New Jersey??
Fabulous photos! So much to see. You could probably spend the whole day there and not see everything
Mousetoescamper
(5,290 posts)Thanks!
Drum
(9,799 posts)Mousetoescamper
(5,290 posts)sanatanadharma
(4,074 posts)Look (especially) at the picture of the Krishna-Govinda murti (statue) with the flute.
The unseen devotion of the unseen artist(s) is seen in the delightful details of colored devotion.
The work, the actions (karmas) of so many have resulted in this place, where those with their hearts similarly so colored can be at home.
Mousetoescamper
(5,290 posts)HAB911
(9,363 posts)the white building, do you know what that is made of? If it wasn't here I would assume carved stone.
Mousetoescamper
(5,290 posts)lark
(24,223 posts)Mousetoescamper
(5,290 posts)Judi Lynn
(162,441 posts)and still you can't cover it at all in one viewing. I have to do it all over again. It is enormous.
Someone mentioned the choices and use of colors. That is another world, as well, as there is a depth there which is impossible to not try to witness.
Absolutely overwhelming. There was real love and devotion poured into each aspect there, nothing wasted, and everything entirely needed. 🐁
Mousetoescamper
(5,290 posts)I'm a big fan of your posts. While composing the introductory paragraphs, I thought, Judi Lynn could write something that would better complement these photos. Thanks for your providing many hours of fascinating reads and interesting photo essays to view.
CaliforniaPeggy
(152,229 posts)The details, the colors, the visions brought forth for us to see! Extraordinary works.
Mousetoescamper
(5,290 posts)FuzzyRabbit
(2,087 posts)I had no idea. Thanks for posting these photos.