For posts on all structures such as temples, churches and building I have come across, go here.
Prologue: A series that showcases the large statues, beautiful temples and churches I visit in my travels or I accidentally come across while taking an off-beaten path. And sometimes yes, I would include buildings and palaces too.
With a group of friends we went to the Swaminarayan Temple in New Jersey. It is built with the sculpture and architecture from the original one that started in Gujarat, India. We began with Nilkanth Plaza where a 49-foot image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan stands, portrayed as a youthful yogi. Known as Nilkanth Varni during his teenage years, he was the founder of the Swaminarayan Hindu tradition. It truly is an experience to be there.
We also see his journey thru India before settling into Gujarat. His journey showcases Fearlessness, Simplicity, Discovery, Faith and Spirituality. From the murti we see the temple with its glorious architecture done in marble, limestone, granite, and sandstone. The grounds are surrounded by representation of rivers such as River Sarayu; gorgeous statues depicting the river deities in the Stepped Pond; beautiful elephants decked up; Murals along the way; and the entrance to the main temple.
Galavant Reflections 