Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, known more commonly as Neasden Temple, is a Hindu temple in the Neasden suburb of London. The magnificent marble structure is the largest of its kind outside of India, and attracts a half a million pilgrims and visitors every year.

History

During a visit to London in 1970, Yogiji Maharaj expressed his dream that a huge temple be built in the city. Twenty-five years later, in 1995, Pramukh Swami Maharaj had fulfilled the dream of his guru with the dedication of Neasden Temple.

Land in Neasden was acquired for the temple in 1990, and construction on the temple began shortly thereafter — far away from London. In 1992, shipments of Bulgarian limestone and Italian marble left their respective countries for India, where intricate depictions of deities and other Hindu themes were carved into the stones.

Every one of the 26,300 individually carved pieces that make up the temple were carved in India and shipped over to London. The pieces were then fitted together in just three years, between 1992 and 1995.

The first carved stone was laid in London in September 1993, and the temple was completed by August 1995. The new temple was formally dedicated and opened to the public on August 20, 1995.

What to See

Made of 5,000 tons of Carrera marble and fine Bulgarian limestone, Neasden Temple was built after the design of traditional Indian temples.

The vast temple covers 1.5 acres and can accommodate up to 5,000 people in its assembly hall. The temple also includes a permanent exhibition on India and Hinduism.

The temple soars to a height of 70 feet and is topped by seven pinnacles and five domes.