A Journey Through Serenity and Splendor: My Visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey

Today, I had the extraordinary opportunity to visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey. As the largest temple in the state, this architectural masterpiece, which cost an impressive $96 million to build, encompasses 180 acres of serene landscape and is adorned with 10,000 statues and soaring spires reaching 200 feet into the sky.

The entrance of the temple is marked by a magnificent 49-foot gold statue of Nilkanth Varni, the child-yogi form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Balanced on one leg in a yogic posture, this striking figure was just the beginning of an awe-inspiring experience that unfolded before me. As I ventured towards the first temple, smaller yet no less majestic than the main structure, I was captivated by the extraordinary craftsmanship of the smoothest rock I've ever seen, sourced from Italy. The stone and marble, mined in Italy, hand-carved in India, and assembled on-site, symbolize a remarkable feat of international collaboration and artistry. Welcomed warmly by one of the temple's guides, I felt an immediate sense of belonging. Encouraged to remove my shoes, I experienced the temple barefoot, feeling the warmth of the heated stone floors—a comforting embrace from Mother Earth. This connection was not just physical; it was spiritual, allowing me to absorb the tranquil energy emanating from the sacred ground.

The interiors of the temple were a visual symphony. What appeared to be paintings from afar turned out to be intricate assemblages of hundreds of stones, meticulously blended together. The color palette of soft grays and buttery hues of off-white brought a celestial aura to the atmosphere. The walls, devoid of any drywall or stucco, were exclusively adorned with pure marble columns. These columns weren't just structural elements; they were storytellers, with carvings that depicted tales of life, nature, and love.

Every element of the temple, from the grandiose to the minute, resonated with a deep sense of devotion and craftsmanship. It was evident that this was not just a place of worship, but a monument to the heights humanity can reach through faith, community, and art.

As I left the temple, my heart was full, and my mind was at peace. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville is more than just a building; it is a testament to the power of spirituality and the beauty of human creativity. This visit wasn't just an excursion; it was an enlightening journey that touched my soul and left me with memories that I will cherish forever.

About Last Night With The Sounds Of…FLAMENCO

As a child immersed in the world of cinema, black and white films with subtitles held a special place in my heart. Among them, a Spanish film set in a bustling restaurant in Madrid introduced me to the captivating art of Flamenco dancing. The power and allure of this unique style, coupled with the intoxicating music, left an indelible mark on my soul.

Fast forward to the present day, and I found myself at The Galeria, a vibrant venue in Westfield NJ, where New Bojaira graced the stage with their musical prowess. The echoes of that long-ago film stirred something within me, prompting a deep desire to delve further into the world of Flamenco and the music that accompanies it.

Meeting the band in between sets, I was struck by their warmth and openness. Inspired by their performance and driven by a passion for photography, I offered to capture their essence through my lens. With their gracious acceptance, I embarked on a journey to translate the magic of their music into visual form.

Recalling the iconic red dress from those childhood films, I knew exactly the aesthetic I wanted to evoke. Setting the lights and adjusting the aperture to my preferred style, the photoshoot commenced. As each frame captured the energy and emotion of the band's performance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment.

Their response to the images was beyond anything I could have hoped for. "Just look at the magazine quality of his work and admire his amazing talent," they remarked. In that moment, I knew I had succeeded in capturing the essence of their artistry.

To New Bojaira, I extend my deepest gratitude for their talent, choreographed routines, and generous hospitality. Their words of thanks, spoken from the bottom of their hearts, serve as a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire. In this journey of music, dance, and photography, I have discovered a newfound appreciation for the Flamenco experience—an experience that continues to resonate within me long after the final note has faded.