Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple), London
Neasden Temple: a bit of India in London. Photo
Colin Gregory Palmer.
Another view of Neasden Temple. Photo
Colin Gregory Palmer.
Pinnacles atop Neasden Temple. Photo
Colin Gregory Palmer.
Splendid woodcarving. Photo
Colin Gregory Palmer.
The Pillars of Divinity. Photo © Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
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.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Shri Swaminarayan Mandir; Neasden Temple; Hindu Temple |
| Type of site: | Hindu temple |
| Dates: | 1992-95 |
| Location: | NW London |
| Address: | 105/115 Brentfield Road, Neasden, NW10 8JP |
| Phone: | 020 8965 2651 |
| Hours: | Daily 9-12:30 & 3:30-6 |
| Service: | Daily 11:45am |
| Cost: | Free |
| Rules: | Remove shoes; no shorts or skirts above the knee |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Neasden Temple. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our London Map or get our free Google Earth download.
