In Windsor, NJ (Robbinsville), "BAPS" refers to the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, a massive Hindu temple and cultural complex that is the largest of its kind in the U.S., featuring intricate marble carvings, a welcome center, a museum, and a vegetarian cafe. It is a place of worship and a cultural landmark, open to visitors who must adhere to a dress code of modesty and respect, and reserve entry on weekends and holidays.
What BAPS is:
A Hindu Temple: BAPS stands for Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, a socio-spiritual Hindu organization. The complex is a traditional Hindu temple, or mandir.
A Cultural Landmark: The campus includes a welcome center, museum, and event spaces, offering visitors a way to experience Hindu art, culture, and architecture.
A Site of Worship: It serves as a place of worship for followers of the Swaminarayan faith.
What to know about visiting:
Location:
The complex is located in Robbinsville, New Jersey, just east of Trenton, not far from Windsor.
Visitor Reservations:
Visitors must reserve a free, timed entry slot for weekends, national holidays, and certain Hindu festivals.
Dress Code:
A modest dress code is enforced, meaning visitors cannot wear sleeveless tops, shorts, or clothing with offensive imagery.
Campus Access:
The campus is generally open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., except for Tuesdays when it is closed.
Key Features:
Architecture:
The temple is known for its stunning, hand-carved marble exterior and intricate designs.
Scale:
It is one of the largest Hindu temples in the world, built over 12 years by thousands of volunteers.
Amenities:
The complex features gardens, fountains, a vegetarian cafe, and a research institute.
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