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Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel visited BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, on August 22, 2026, and expressed “deep appreciation” for its presentation of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, commitment to community service and dedicated volunteers.
Already familiar with BAPS and its deep roots in Gujarat, Patel reflected on how Akshardham carries India’s timeless values of “service, spirituality, and excellence” to communities worldwide. He emphasized the importance of preserving cultural values among the Indian diaspora and praised the way Akshardham “nurtures and celebrates” India’s cultural heritage in the United States, according to BAPS.
Patel also received a special tour of the Akshardham Museum, which is under construction and is expected to become one of the first Hindu American museums dedicated to showcasing India’s heritage and culture. The museum will feature 12 architectural replicas, 40 multimedia shows, 85 immersive dioramas and 200 lifelike statues.
The chief minister described the museum as a “landmark” that will give visitors of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to connect with the universal ideals of “faith, harmony, compassion, family values, and selfless service.”
He said these enduring principles continue to guide Gujarat’s progress and strengthen India’s cultural identity while remaining relevant to people and cultures around the world.
Upon his arrival, Patel was welcomed and garlanded by Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami and Pujya 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.
“It was a privilege to have Gujarat’s Honorable Chief Minister, Bhupendrabhai Patel, visit BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville today,” said Pujya Brahmaviharidas Swami, a senior member of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. “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.’”
According to BAPS, a highlight of the visit was Patel’s interaction with volunteers who serve throughout Akshardham. He commended their “discipline, humility, hospitality, and spirit of seva (selfless service),” recognizing how their collective contributions create a welcoming and meaningful experience for visitors from around the world.
“From my heart, I thank all the BAPS volunteers for their contributions to the construction of Akshardham, which will inspire many generations to come,” Patel said. “Everyone who comes here from across the world will find peace, wherever he or she is from.”
Patel is visiting the United States in connection with the Vibrant Gujarat initiative. His trip marks the first visit to the United States by a Gujarat chief minister in nearly 30 years.
Reflecting on his experience, Patel said that although his visit was 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.”
Speaking with South Asian Herald, Brahmaviharidas Swami described BAPS as a social-spiritual organization grounded in spirituality and service.
“The BAPS Sanstha is basically a social-spiritual organization where our foundation is spirituality,” he said. “The BAPS Sanstha has always focused on spirituality as a means of serving society. Our mandirs are more than just places of worship. They are places where the entirety of life is nourished.”
He said the mandir imparts the spiritual values of selflessness, fearlessness, deep faith and devotion.
Brahmaviharidas Swami said BAPS conducts 160 types of humanitarian activities through its volunteers, including educational, environmental and health programs; moral development and addiction-prevention initiatives; animal welfare; and disaster relief during floods, famines, tsunamis and earthquakes.
He said BAPS focuses on developing humanity through service, placing the organization at the forefront of seva. Service, he added, is an integral part of every BAPS temple.
Discussing Patel’s visit, Brahmaviharidas Swami said the chief minister was “overwhelmed and fascinated” by the intricate carvings and the size and scale of the mandir. He added that Patel was deeply touched by its serene and spiritual environment and believed visitors from around the world would find peace there, regardless of their backgrounds.
Delegates and community leaders from across the United States gathered to welcome Patel and mark the occasion. The visit also highlighted BAPS’ role in preserving and sharing India’s spiritual and cultural heritage worldwide.
Through its mandirs, educational programs, humanitarian relief initiatives, healthcare services, environmental awareness campaigns, youth development efforts and cultural activities, BAPS has contributed to communities in Gujarat, across India and around the world.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel with BAPS swamis during his visit to BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey.
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