On Tuesday, 10 March, Year 4 enjoyed another fantastic trip to the Hindu BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, North London. This is one of the finest Hindu temples in the UK, famous for its stunning architecture. Built from 5,000 tonnes of Italian and Indian marble, it’s a spectacular structure that rivals the biggest temples in India. Opened in 1995 and funded entirely by donations from local worshippers, it was the first traditional Hindu temple built outside India in modern times. The temple was created to provide a peaceful place for reflection, beauty, and spiritual comfort, promoting noble thoughts and understanding of Hindu life.
We entered through the haveli, a cultural centre with a teak and oak facade and courtyard. After leaving our shoes, we watched a short film about the temple’s history and its role today, followed by a Q&A session. Next, we explored the Understanding Hinduism exhibition, which covers the origins and beliefs of Hinduism through visuals, paintings, and traditional crafts. It was a great opportunity for the girls to learn more about Hindu values and culture.
We then ascended the intricately carved white marble staircase to the Mandir. Inside, the calm and peaceful atmosphere allowed us to reflect. We learned that the carvings were made in India and shipped to the UK to be assembled like a giant 3D puzzle.
We had the privilege of participating in arti, a special prayer involving Hindu priests waving lighted wicks in front of the sacred images, accompanied by music and prayer. It was a joyful yet tranquil moment, shared with worshippers clapping along to the music.
The story of the Neasden Mandir seems like a tale from scripture, demonstrating the triumph of the human spirit. It’s inspiring that ordinary Londoners volunteered and raised the funds, land, and skills to create such a magnificent temple. When Swamiji first shared his vision in 1972, he said, “The stones will inspire divinity in people,” and we certainly felt inspired.
The girls shared their thoughts: Olivia felt relaxed, Yui found it beautiful, Ciara enjoyed learning about Hinduism and comparing cultures, Isabelle said she learned a lot, and Abi was mesmerised by the many sights. Everyone agreed it was a wonderful day.
Finally, we want to thank the volunteers at the Shri Swaminarayan Temple for their warm and helpful hospitality.
Written by Angela George, PRS Subject Lead
