Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey. ALL PHOTOS: Courtesy BAPS
The Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, on a trip to the US, visited BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Patel is visiting the United States in connection with the Vibrant Gujarat initiative, marking the first visit by a Chief Minister of Gujarat to the United States in nearly 30 years. Delegates and community leaders from across the United States gathered to welcome the Chief Minister and mark the occasion, the BAPS press release said.
Akshardham with community leaders and guests.
During his visit, he expressed deep appreciation for Akshardham’s inspiring presentation of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, its commitment to community service, and the extraordinary dedication of its volunteers.
Chief Minister Patel was warmly welcomed and garlanded by Priests Brahmaviharidas Swami and Nilkanthsevadas Swami. He was accompanied by a delegation of senior Gujarat government officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department; Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister; and Vikrant Pandey, Secretary to the Chief Minister.
Familiar with BAPS and its deep roots in Gujarat, the Chief Minister reflected on how Akshardham carries India’s timeless values of service, spirituality, and excellence to communities around the world. He emphasized the importance of preserving cultural values in the Indian diaspora and expressed his appreciation for the way Akshardham nurtures and celebrates India’s cultural heritage in the United States.
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Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey.
Patel was given a special tour of the Akshardham Museum, currently under construction. It will be one of the first Hindu American museums dedicated to showcasing India’s rich heritage and culture, when finished. The museum will feature 12 architectural replicas, 40 multimedia shows, 85 immersive dioramas, and 200 lifelike statues.
He said the Museum’s emphasis on universal ideals of faith, harmony, compassion, family values, and selfless service, mirrored the principles that guide Gujarat’s progress and strengthen India’s cultural identity.
“It was a privilege to have Gujarat’s Honorable Chief Minister, Bhupendrabhai Patel, visit BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville today,” Brahmaviharidas Swami is quoted saying in the press release. “Not only was he overwhelmed and fascinated by the beautiful carvings and the sheer size and scale of the Mandir, but he was deeply touched by its serene and spiritual environment. While touring the museum, the Chief Minister remarked, ‘You brought India’s ancient culture back to life.”
Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey during the visit of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
The Chief Minister interacted with the volunteers who serve throughout Akshardham saying, “From my heart, I thank all the BAPS volunteers for their contributions to the construction of Akshardham, which will inspire many generations to come,” he said, adding, “Everyone who comes here from across the world will find peace, wherever he or she is from.”
He noted that while his visit focused on Vibrant Gujarat, India’s culture is vibrant at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. More than a place of worship, he observed, Akshardham is a celebration of culture, art, spirituality, and enduring values.
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham at Robbinsville, NJ, aims to bridge India’s heritage with modern America. “It embodies the visionary guidance of BAPS’ spiritual leaders Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj,” the press release said. Created by 12,500 volunteers.