BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Akshardham Robbinsville

Geotechnical surveys mapped glacial till and high groundwater; contractors installed wick drains, surcharge mounds, and deep piles before casting foundation mats, ensuring long-term settlement control for the marble superstructure ([2][5]).

Restoration planning focuses on preventive care: annual marble cleaning, joint inspection, lightning system testing, and updates to exhibits; no major restoration has been required since the 2023 inauguration, but contingency protocols and spare carved elements are catalogued onsite ([3][5]).

BAPS Volunteers & Donors

Construction unfolded over 12 years beginning in 2011: crews poured deep foundation mats and pile caps across the former sod farm, set reinforced concrete cores, and erected custom steel trusses that support the 134-foot-wide mandapam ([1][2]). More than 2 million cubic feet of Italian marble and Bulgarian limestone were carved by 4,000 artisans in Rajasthan and Gujarat, numbered, and shipped to New Jersey where teams of shilpis and volunteers assembled 10,000 sculptural components using stainless dowels, lime mortar, and titanium clips that allow thermal movement without cracking ([1][2][3]). The main mandir rests on a ventilated plinth isolated from the structural frame to keep the carved envelope free from vibration; copper kalasams, glass fiber reinforced concrete domes, and gold-leafed sculptural bands were installed only after concealed sprinklers, lightning protection, and lighting arrays passed commissioning ([3][5]). Structural engineers integrated concrete shear walls, post-tensioned slabs, and steel moment frames to meet New Jersey wind and seismic codes while preserving open worship halls. Surrounding exhibition buildings employ precast panels and steel frames linked by seismic joints so expansion does not stress the marble superstructure. Reflection pools and step plazas use granite coping, waterproof membranes, and recirculating filtration loops to manage stormwater and ritual fountains ([1][4]).

8 items

Reinforced concrete mats and piles anchor steel frames that carry the marble-clad mandir; shear walls hidden within stair cores and exhibition wings resist lateral forces, while isolation joints decouple the carved envelope from vibration and thermal expansion ([2][3][5]). Stainless-steel anchoring systems with titanium clips secure stone blocks while permitting micro-movement, and the ventilated plinth keeps humidity in check. Mechanical systems rely on high-efficiency chillers, displacement air distribution, and heat-recovery ventilation to condition large volumes without drafts. Dry-pipe sprinklers guard the mandir ceilings, and redundant electrical feeders plus onsite gensets ensure continuous operation of climate control, lighting, and security networks. Reflection pools double as fire-water reserves, with concealed pumping stations integrated beneath granite plazas ([3][5]).

40.222800, -74.608300

{"notes":"Accessible shuttles, ramps, elevators, tactile guides, seating, and volunteer assistance support barrier-free visits across the mandir and exhibits ([1][4])","restrooms":"Accessible restrooms and family suites located in visitor center, mandir basement, and exhibition halls ([1])","wheelchair_accessible":"Yes; loaner wheelchairs, quiet rooms, hearing assistance, and visual guides available on request ([1][4])"}

10 items

Plan for early morning slots before 11:00 AM to experience calm darshan and cool light across the marble; evenings after 6:30 PM showcase illuminated carvings and fountain shows with manageable queues midweek ([1][4][5]).

9 items

Modest attire covering shoulders and knees; remove shoes before entering mandir; no photography inside sanctums; vegetarian campus with no alcohol, tobacco, or gum; security screening and timed entry required ([1]).

3

Yes

Yes

75

complete

2025-11-09T03:24:53.307959+00:00

2025-11-09T03:24:53.307959+00:00