BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London — Attraction in London

JAY SHREE SWAMINARAYAN TO ALL BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir The Mandir was cited in Guinness World Records 2000. The best gift to The London and Whole World popularly known as the Neasden Temple.UK’s 🇬🇧 best place for worship🛐.Best Hindu temple in UK with micro carving.With beautiful GUJARATI HAVELI based on old houses of Gujarat. VISIT OPENING TIME:- WEEK MORNING:- 09:00 TO 12:00 EVENING:- 04:00 TO 6:00 FOOD:- Restaurant (Shayona) food place you can enjoy tasty vegetarian Indian/Gujarati (Satvik food). PHOTOGRAPHY:- Inside not allowed NOTE: Make sure when you (women) are visiting temple please wear thick tights not sheer one.No bare shoulders or anything above the knee. VEHICLE PARKING:- Free limited parking for around 40-50 cars,across the road. SHOPPING:- Gift shop inside the temple RESTROOM 🚻:- Men's restrooms and shoe areas are to the immediate left and women's are to the right. This is an incredible Mandir and well worth a visit for a number of reasons:- The architecture and murthis of each diety in Mandir spellbounds me how this structure was created in the midst of U.K recession of 1990's. Truly, it is the labor of love for all the devotees who had made this creation possible through their selfless service to please bappa (Guru). 26,300 carved stone pieces 3,000 tonnes of Bulgarian limestone 1,500 skilled artisans in India (and thousands of volunteers across the UK) 1,200 tonnes of Italian Carrara marble 900 tonnes of Indian Ambaji marble 193 sthambhas (columns) 55 different ceiling designs 32 gavakshas (windows) 7 shikhars (spires) 6 ghummats (domes) 4 jharukhas (balconies) 2.5 years to hand-carve and assemble ONE inspirer: His Holiness Pramukh Swami maharaj.

“Biggest Hindu Temple outside India: The Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden, London, UK, is the largest Hindu temple outside India. It was built by Pramukh Swami, a 92-year-old Indian sadhu (holy man), and is made of 2,828 tonnes of Bulgarian limestone and 2,000 tonnes of Italian marble, which was first shipped to India to be carved by a team of 1,526 sculptors. The temple cost £12 million to build.”

"This is a built temple, with the dedication of Hari devotees. Even the stones of this temple will give satsang." - His Holiness Pramukhswami Maharaj.

(Original) "આ બન્યું મંદિર છે, હરિ ભક્તોના સમર્પણથી. આ મંદિરના પથ્થર પણ સત્સંગ કરાવશે." - પરમ પૂજ્ય પ્રમુખસ્વામી મહારાજ.

The atmosphere is tranquil complemented by an amazing volunteer work force.Interiors and exteriors are very well maintained, there's areas for men and women to store your shoes once you are inside.Shoes have to be removed so wear socks. sadly it is on an end of London so commute by Train or Bus is further outside of central London. You are allowed to take photos outside, the view is beautiful and there is lots of flowers. Inside photo not allowed. When u go inside there are rooms that are used for praying purposes. In these rooms there are gorgeous carvings and really calming quiet music is playing at the background. The staff is willing to help you around with everything and you have an option to ask for a guided tour. There is no entrance fee and you dont have to pay anything for the lockers. There is donation boxes for people who wants to make a donation. So much to see - the Abhishek (water pouring ritual, £5 per person) and £2 to visit the museum. Worth doing as it really explains the history of Hinduism. I used to visit at the days of festivals so much enjoyment. The Hinduism museum inside is a great addition as well and you learn so much about the religion and rich culture. The exhibition told the story of the Hindus and the history of the Mandir. It is laid out in a corridor that had the story written on the wall, it was very educational, and I’d recommend purchasing a ticket to enter. Life changing experience This Mandir showing and learning values of Hinduism and Indian culture 🕉️... You can Comment and like and hope my...

My Divine Experience at the Temple

Visiting the temple was a deeply enriching and soul-soothing experience — one that left a lasting impression on my mind and spirit. Nestled away from the chaos of daily life, the temple stood as a beacon of peace, devotion, and timeless beauty. From the moment I stepped onto the temple grounds, I could feel a shift — a gentle pull inward, toward stillness and contemplation.

The entrance itself set the tone. Lined with flowering trees and the gentle sound of rustling leaves, it felt like nature was part of the sanctity. Devotees moved slowly and respectfully, most lost in their own quiet prayers. The soft chimes of temple bells and the faint scent of incense in the air created an atmosphere that was both grounding and uplifting.

As I entered the inner sanctum, the aura of divinity was undeniable. The deity — ornately adorned with fresh flowers and sacred symbols — exuded a presence that was serene yet powerful. The priests conducted rituals with calm precision, their chants echoing through the stone halls, reverberating like a spiritual embrace. Time seemed to pause here. The coolness of the temple stone beneath my feet, the rhythmic ringing of the aarti bell, and the glow of flickering lamps all came together to form an environment that transcended the material world.

What stood out most was the silence — not the absence of sound, but a kind of living stillness that invited reflection. It allowed me to disconnect from the noise of modern life and reconnect with something purer and more ancient. Sitting cross-legged on the floor after the darshan, I closed my eyes and meditated for a while. It felt effortless. The calmness seeped into me, releasing tension I didn’t even realize I carried.

Outside the temple, I wandered through the gardens, watched devotees light lamps by the sacred pond, and took in the simplicity of life around the holy space. Everything moved at a slower pace here, and every detail — from the way the sun filtered through temple arches to the quiet smiles of fellow visitors — contributed to a sense of holistic tranquility.

Leaving the temple, I felt renewed — not just spiritually, but emotionally. It was as if the burdens of life had momentarily lifted, replaced by clarity, peace, and gratitude. This visit was not just a religious journey, but a deeply personal one. The temple didn’t just offer a place of worship — it offered a space for inner healing and profound calm.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this temple to anyone seeking more than just a visual or touristic experience. Come here if you seek solace. Come if you seek connection. But most of all, come if you want to be reminded of the gentle power of silence, devotion, and...

Absolutely stunning – peaceful, welcoming, and breathtakingly beautiful!

I visited the temple in July and was completely blown away. Even though the weather wasn’t great, the moment the sun peeked through, my jaw literally dropped. The temple is incredibly well-maintained, with beautiful flowers and greenery – truly a hidden gem in London.

Inside, it’s just as breathtaking. The architecture, the peaceful atmosphere, the details – it’s a place that really leaves an impression. I was welcomed very kindly at the entrance, asked to remove my shoes, and given a flyer explaining where to go. Everyone was respectful and friendly, and I felt completely comfortable even as a non-religious visitor.

There’s a small exhibition about Hinduism, which is optional but very informative. It runs on a small donation, so it’s a good idea to bring some coins if you’re interested. There’s also a small gift shop.

One thing to keep in mind – for both women and men – is to dress modestly out of respect. Try to avoid sleeveless tops and opt for clothing that covers your legs. London is usually on the cooler side anyway, but it’s worth mentioning for warmer days.

Also, note that the main gate is closed, so you’ll need to walk a little to the side entrance. You will see it and someone is always there to guide you. Before entering, you leave your bag across the street (free of charge), and then go through a quick security check – super straightforward.

Photography isn’t allowed inside the temple, but staff were happy to answer questions and made me feel very welcome. Overall, this was one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I’ve visited in London. I can’t recommend it enough – whether you’re spiritual or just curious, it’s an experience worth having.

10/10 – would absolutely...