Workers carved the largest modern Hindu temple in the west. Now, some have incurable lung disease

Workers allege abuse, visa fraud and medical neglect during the New Jersey temple’s construction – and say two died from lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust

In the center of the suburban town of Robbinsville, New Jersey, sits the largest modern Hindu mandir outside India.

What visitors from around the world see is a breathtaking display of craftsmanship – hand-carved stone from Rajasthan assembled across a sprawling 185-acre complex. The temple has gone viral on social media for its intricate designs, which took millions of hours to complete. Baps Swaminarayan Akshardham, the religious organization behind the site, has built similar temples across the globe. But some workers say these monumental structures came at a high cost.

Why This Matters

The construction of the largest modern Hindu temple in the West has raised concerns about worker safety and labor practices. Two workers have allegedly died from incurable lung disease, sparking allegations of medical neglect and abuse. This story highlights the human cost behind large-scale infrastructure projects.

In Week 14 2026, UK Politics accounted for 108 related article(s), with Other setting the broader headline context. Coverage of UK Politics decreased by 88 article(s) versus the prior week, but remained material in the weekly agenda.

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Context

The controversy surrounding the New Jersey temple's construction has garnered attention from media outlets, with some outlets focusing on the religious significance of the site and others highlighting the workers' allegations of abuse and neglect. The story has sparked a broader discussion about labor practices and worker safety in the construction industry. The Guardian's coverage of the issue has shed light on the complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects and the need for greater accountability.