.jpg){kind=link}
MY EUROPE TRAVEL TIPS
Follow me on TikTok Follow me on Instagram ENGLISH MALAYALAM Subscribe the YouTube channel ENGLISH MALAYALAM If you appreciate
BAPS SHRI SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR- LARGEST HINDU TEMPLE OUTSIDE INDIA-LONDON-UK
(Image credit-Evka W, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Common)
CHECK OUT OTHER LONDON ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO
HISTORY
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a Hindu temple in Neasden, London also commonly known as the Neasden Temple. Only traditional methods and materials are used for its construction which was inaugurated in 1995.It is the Britain’s first authentic Hindu temple. It was also Europe’s first traditional Hindu stone temple. It was the largest Hindu mandir built outside of India at the time of its completion.
It cost around £12 million to build this beautiful structure. It is made of 2,828 tonnes of Bulgarian limestone and 2,000 tonnes of Italian marble. The Italian marble used for the interior of the mandir carved by traditional Indian craftsmen and then shipped to London for assembly.
This Mandir is a traditional place of Hindu worship. The Mandir is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, all year round. Entrance is free. This temple worships the Bhagwan Swaminarayan (the ancient practice of the Hindu faith).
(Image credit- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London by Robin Webster, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Facilities
- Bays for disabled drivers are available.
- wheelchairs are available.
- Guided Tours available. Personal Guide: Volunteer guides may be available during the day for groups of 9 or less. Please enquire at the Information Desk on arrival if a guide is available. For large groups pre-booking is necessary. Fill in our online booking form.
- There is vegetarian food available from the Restaurant & Shop. Check out the website.
- Cloak room is available
- 500 car parking spaces
- OPENING HOURS
9.00am to 12.15pm
4.00pm to 6.00pm
Getting there:
- ADDRESS
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Pramukh Swami Road
Neasden
London NW10 8HW, UK
- BY UNDERGROUND
Wembley Park Station – Metropolitan Line, Jubilee Line
Stonebridge Park Station – Bakerloo Line, London Overground
Harlesden Station – Bakerloo Line, London Overground
Neasden Station – Jubilee Line
- BY BUS
Buses stopping on Brentfield Road outside the Mandir:
224: Wembley Stadium Station to Mitchell Way
206: The Paddocks to Kilburn Park Station
Buses stopping in the local area:
112: Ealing Broadway Station to Brent Cross Shopping Centre
611: Stonebridge Park Station to East Finchley Cemetery
232: Mitchell Way to Turnpike Lane Station
18: Sudbury and Harrow Road Station to Euston Station
TIPS
Visitor Guidelines- check out on the website.
Photography or filming inside the buildings is strictly prohibited
- Prebooking table is available in the restaurant.
THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT MISS
GARDEN
You can enjoy your full view of the temple from the courtyard and do not hesitate to take a selfie. This view and the atmosphere will make you feel you are in ancient era. You can walk around and enjoy the award-winning garden at the front of the beautiful stone temple which is more very beautiful in spring and summer.
HAVELI (THE WOODEN BUILDING ADJACENT TO THE STONE TEMPLE)
(Image credit- Chris Whippet / Neasden Hindu Temple)
You can enter the temple through the haveli which has a large prayer hall, classrooms, gymnasium, crèche, and other facilities. For a personal guide check at the Information Desk. Do not miss the view of the carved wooden balcony, columns and struts of the portico as you climb the steps. Take your time to enjoy the carvings around the courtyards and the traditional Indian designs on the colourful carpet.
MAHA-MANDAP (GREAT HALL)
Maha-Mandap is heart of this temple which is on the upper floor where you can see the carvings of the marble columns, arches, ceilings and the dome. Check out the SHRINE’S OPENING TIMES to see the sacred images in their graceful adornments. This temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (Swaminarayan was a yogi and ascetic believed to be a manifestation of Lord Krishna). Under the dome which is surrounded by beauty and serenity is an ideal location for a few moments meditation, prayer or reflection.
ARTI CEREMONY
Image credit- Arian Zwegers, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
It is an ancient Hindu tradition in which offering made by waving lighted wicks before the sacred images with musical prayer. It is performed daily in the late-morning at 11.45am which normally last 10 minute. It will be a wonderful experience to the visitors.
ABHISHEK
This 15-minute-long ritual is pouring water over the sacred image of a deity (Shri Nilkanth Varni, in this case, is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu and an incarnation of Bhagwan Swaminarayan). Chanting of Vedic verses will be done at the same time. (Vedas are a large body of religious texts in Sanskrit language originating in ancient India).
(Image credit- Rrbdgm, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
EXHIBITION- ‘UNDERSTANDING HINDUISM’
It is a wonderful opportunity for both children and adults to understand the origin, beliefs and values of Hinduism. It is in the lower floor of the Mandir just opposite the Abhishek Mandap spread over 3,000 square feet.
SOUVENIR SHOP
The Souvenir Shop can be found in the Haveli where you can find wide selection of books, postcards, CDs, DVDs, herbal products, and gifts for all ages, tastes and budgets.
RESTAURANT
There is traditional vegetarian Indian restaurant at the far end of the car park opposite the Mandir where you can experience some authentic tastes of India. Visit the RESTAURANT’S WEBSITE for more details or call 020 8965 3365.
Related Posts
MY TRIP ITINERARIES – IN PDF
Check out my all travel itineraries in PDF. Download and save them in your travel folder. Use this as pocket