In this article, I present the Mandir of London, also known as the Neasden Temple, a Hindu temple on the outskirts of the capital.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of the Mandir temple
- What you can see and do on your visit
- How to reach Mandir easily
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, visit tips
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Mandir, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Mandir: article summary
Mandir, a masterly Hindu temple that bears witness to London's cultural diversity
London is a city where the world's cultures as evidenced by the street food stalls of the Camden Marketthe famous Brick Lane also known as Banglatownand the diversity of the people you will meet on your journey. visit London.
One of the best-known monuments is the superb Temple MandirYou'll be able to visit it when you leave London for a few hours. A marvel of art and architecture, not to be missed!
Presentation of the Mandir temple Â
The Mandir temple is called temple Neasden (the name of the neighbourhood in which it is located) or Shri Swaminarayan Mandirin reference to the Hindu master BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, who conceived the idea for its construction. It was built between 1992 and 1995, the year of its opening.
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It is the second largest Hindu temple in the world. outside India (after that of Tividale), and for a long time was No. 1. This is the site of many Hindu celebrations stemming from the cult of Bhagwan SwaminarayanIt offers visitors a genuine journey to India.
More than 2,000 tonnes of Bulgarian limestone and over 2,000 tonnes of marble from Italy and India were used in its construction. not a trace of steelThis is because iron disrupts meditation activities in Hindu beliefs. Other notable records for the Mandir include 4,500 tonnes of concrete which was poured in 24 hours to create the slab on which it rests: the largest quantity ever used in one go in the UK!
Whether for the mystical atmosphere that emanates from the Mandir temple, to attend a ceremony, to taste good Indian food and to offer you a voyage within the voyage, I invite you to make a small excursion on the side of the Mandir temple. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir you won't be disappointed!
Facts and figures about this temple  Â
- Every year, more than 500,000 visitors go there every year
- Visit 26,300 stones of which it is composed are all uniquely patterned
- It's a huge complexto familiarize ourselves with Indian culture and to enable those who do not have the means or the opportunity to travel to India to celebrate certain events to do so close to London.
What can you see and do in Mandir?
Even if Mandir isn't the first thing you look out for when you visit London, it's still a must. an exceptional place a must-see. More zen than Buckingham Palaceless distraught than Piccadilly CircusIt's a space full of surprises, as I explain below.
The Mandir temple
This is Mandir's main attraction. It is a place of worship which testifies to the richness of Indian art, with admirable architecture both inside and out.
Access is via white steps leading up to the temple, easily recognizable with its traditional towers. The structure is magnificent, with a facade adorned with statues of divinities and a a wealth of details engraved in marble. Then enter, for a breathtaking discovery.
The interior of the Mandir is made of wood and marble and you won't know where to turn, so refined is everything. You'll feel the spirituality emanating from the place, and the visit will leave a lasting impression. It's an ideal compromise for those who dream of visiting India but haven't yet been able to do so.
The Understanding Hinduism exhibition
In addition to being a major place of worship for Hindu culture, Mandir offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in traditions and origins Hindu movements, through a permanent exhibition called Understanding Hinduism.
In this space of 278 m2Here, you'll come across explanatory panels, works of art celebrating Hinduism, handicrafts and a variety of play materials to help you better understand the roots of this religion.
Shayona, a restaurant serving traditional Indian cuisine
One of London's strengths is the diversity of its gastronomy. You'll find excellent restaurants and there's no shortage of good Indian restaurants. If you'd like to explore some of its facets, you can have lunch at the Shayona from Mandirupstairs.
The facility offers vegetarian cuisinewithout onion or garlic, based on the Yogi diet called Saatvic. A treat, with dishes to suit all tastes!
Haveni cultural center
For further exploration of the temple and Hindu culture, don't miss the Haveni cultural space. It contains an impressive libraryAll in a building made entirely of wood.
How do I reach Mandir easily?
The Mandir can be found at the following address, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 105-119 Brentfield route, Neasden, London NW10 8LD.
It's about 15 kilometers from central London, in the north-west. For easy access, just take :
- The bus, with lines 18, 112, 224, 206, 232 and 611
- By metroto Neasden station (Jubilee lines), then walk about 15 minutes
- You will find cabs on site
Mandir: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's what you need to know before visiting the Mandir temple, for the perfect visit to the heart of Hindu culture.
Rates and booking
It is no need to reserve your visit to the Mandir temple.
The entrance is free of charge for the temple; you'll be asked to pay a small fee of £2.00 to see the permanent exhibition on Hinduism.
Opening hours
The temple is open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Please note that during Hindu calendar celebrations, timetables may be subject to change.
You can easily spend 2 hours there.
Practical information
Inside, volunteers can accompany you and provide you with explanations of your surroundings.
However, there are rules to respect. No photos inside (you'll be asked to leave your bag in the locker). And dress appropriately, with shoulders covered and no clothes too short or too bare.
What to see and do in the area?
Although Mandir is a little out of the way, you can choose between two interesting activities in the area:
- A visit to the emblematic Wembley Stadiumthe temple of the English national soccer team. For fans of the round ball, it's a must.
- Continue east towards the Hampstead districtdiscover its parks and buildings, in the heights of the capital
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