Escape the ordinary with a weekend trip or day outing that transports you to another world — right in the heart of New Jersey. Just a short drive to Robbinsville reveals the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the largest traditional Hindu temple in the United States and a stunning cultural landmark.
Built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), the temple is part of a global organization that follows the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a Hindu spiritual leader from the 19th century. This particular Mandir has been opening in stages since 2014 and continues to grow, both physically and in the number of people who visit. It’s not what you expect to see driving through central New Jersey, which makes it all the more interesting.
HinduBAPS-36 by 123 Chroma Pixels licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
As you enjoy a peaceful stroll through the expansive campus gardens of the Mandir and observe the beautiful architecture, take some much-needed time to reflect. The temple was made using more than 13,000 pieces of Italian marble and Indian pink sandstone. These were hand-carved by skilled artisans in India, then shipped to the U.S. to be assembled on-site — like a life-sized puzzle.
When you walk through the temple, take your time to notice the fine details carved into each column and arch. No two areas feel the same, and everything you see was done by hand. From the 49-foot bronze sculpture of Bhagwan Swaminarayam to the traditional Indian stepped pond, there’s so much to explore.
Getting there is pretty straightforward. The temple is a few minutes off Exit 7A from the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95). If you’re coming from Newark, expect around an hour trip in the car. From Philadelphia, it’s about 45 minutes. There’s plenty of on-site parking. If you’re taking public transportation, the closest NJ Transit stop is Hamilton Station. From there, you can grab a cab or ride-share to reach the Mandir.
HinduBAPS-34 by 123 Chroma Pixels licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Once you arrive, start your visit at the Welcome Center. You’ll get a brief overview of what the Mandir stands for and how it was built. Staff and volunteers are happy to answer questions, and there’s a short video that offers helpful background. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with Hinduism — they make the experience accessible and informative. Guided tours are available at no cost, and they’re a great way to understand what you’re seeing, especially if it’s your first time visiting a Hindu temple.
As you walk through the main prayer hall, you’ll notice the quiet atmosphere. Even if you’re not religious, it’s easy to appreciate the sense of focus and care in the space. You’re welcome to sit, take in the surroundings, or even attend an aarti — a short daily ceremony with chanting and offerings. Photography is limited to certain areas, so check the posted signs before snapping any pictures.
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There’s also a vegetarian café nearby (currently open only on weekends) where you can grab a bite to eat, and a gift shop that sells books, souvenirs, and items connected to the BAPS faith tradition. The temple holds public events throughout the year — especially during days like Diwali — and those can be a good time to visit if you want to see more activity or reconnect with a past visit.
This isn’t the kind of day trip non-Hindus usually have on their radar — but maybe it should be. Whether you’re curious about architecture, interested in world religions, or simply looking to try something new, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir offers a quiet, thoughtful change of pace from your everyday routine.
Have you ever visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in New Jersey? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
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