Shree Ghanapathy Temple, Wimbledon — Attraction in London

Parking is available for a few vehicles and it is hard to get a parking space during special days or festival time.

The colourful annual Chariot Festival at Wimbledon's Hindu Temple takes place 3 rd of August 2025

There will be music and a colourful scene as the chariots make their way from the Temple at 10am and onto the circular procession route along Birkbeck Road, Queens Road and Haydons Road. It will return to the Temple at 12 noon.

The festival has been organised by the Temple, in conjunction with the police, Merton Borough Council and the South Park Estate Residents' Association, and there will be representatives from all organisations at the event.

Shree Ghanapathy Temple, Wimbledon: A Spiritual and Cultural Hub The Shree Ghanapathy Temple in Wimbledon stands as a significant and welcoming center for the Hindu community in London and beyond. Established in 1981, it has evolved into a vibrant hub for worship, cultural exchange, and community engagement. Architecture and Ambiance: The temple's striking architecture draws inspiration from traditional South Indian designs, featuring intricate carvings and colorful decorations that create a visually captivating atmosphere. Upon entering, visitors are often struck by the warm and serene ambiance that pervades the space, enhancing their spiritual experience. The main sanctum is thoughtfully designed to provide devotees with clear views of the deities, ensuring comfort during worship. Spiritual Experience & Offerings: Dedicated primarily to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and god of beginnings, the temple also houses shrines for other significant deities such as Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, Lord Murugan, and the Navagrahas. The temple prides itself on its regular poojas (prayers) and abishekham (bathing rituals), which are observed with deep reverence and provide an authentic spiritual experience. Free prasadam (blessed food) is often provided, further enhancing the sense of community and devotion. Community and Education: Beyond its role as a place of worship, Shree Ghanapathy Temple is a thriving cultural and educational center. It actively fosters community engagement through various events, language classes, yoga sessions, and cultural programs. The temple is particularly committed to educating the younger generation about Hinduism, offering classes on spiritual education, Sanskrit prayers, and devotional hymns. It also welcomes school visits, providing an invaluable opportunity for children of all backgrounds to learn about Hindu traditions and practices. Service and Dedication: The temple is well-known for its dedicated volunteers and priests who are well-versed in Hindu rituals and always available to offer guidance and support. Their commitment ensures the smooth running of the temple and contributes to the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The facilities are noted for their cleanliness and environmental consciousness, with well-kept restrooms and a focus on providing a comfortable experience for all visitors. Areas for Consideration: While overwhelmingly positive, some reviews mention that parking options can be limited, especially during peak times. Additionally, as with many community-focused organizations, there's always room to explore further environmentally friendly practices, such as the wider use of reusable cutlery. Overall Impression: Shree Ghanapathy Temple is more than just a place of worship; it's a dynamic community institution that beautifully blends traditional Hindu values with a forward-looking approach. Its stunning architecture, authentic spiritual offerings, strong community focus, and dedicated staff make it a truly enriching destination for devotees and curious visitors alike. Whether seeking solace, wishing to participate in religious ceremonies, or simply exploring the rich traditions of Hinduism, Shree Ghanapathy Temple offers a peaceful, warm, and deeply...

To whoever responded to my review ( you decided to stay unknown, as you are in the wrong, so keep hiding, I would be ashamed as well)

I indeed wasn't present at the time of the visit, so as headteacher, who's response you included in your reply, so absolutely pointless and illogical move. My child and other 4 kids, who were not picked, so felt sad, were and I talk&listen to kids (in many ways they are more trustworthy then adults, as have zero agenda, not like your response to my complaint ;) The word "costume" (feel free to Google) definition in English vocabulary stands for "noun: a set of clothes in a style typical of a particular country or historical period" and is in no way or form an offensive term, so its ironic to see how you get easily offendedby 1 word, but kids/their parents, who were not allowed to put on "traditional clothing "aren't allowed to feel upset by choices of your colleague, who is indeed was in charge of issuing clothes, teacher was only picking kids order, but to end the dressing up was a call by your tour woman in spite more clothes in plastic container. Would be great if you fact check before issuing statements, but you have made no outreach to us on here, instead you went to headteacher to complain about my review. Interesting choice, which lacks integrity and basic human decency. Its a shame you have chosen such path, as someone who "works in faith to promote balance, cultural understanding and positivity in the world". Oh irony! Any future attempts of pressure via school (refusal to accept future tours from this particular school) will be addresses with relevant authorities and intimidation case filed with Metropolitan police. Religious organisations aren't exempt from UK laws, so we would hope you wont engage in discrimination of particular school due to 1 parent honest negative feedback. In the meantime, we have taken screenshot of response and will consult with relevant parties whether your outreach to school as form of intimidation/pressure on parent to remove negative review can be addresses in legal/administrative way.

VK

Dear Shree Ghanapathy Temple in Wimbledon

Today, Wednesday 4th of December 2024, our child with her class visited your Shree Ghanapathy Temple in Wimbledon as her school trip.

During this visit your guide/tour lady( pictured below) in the end of the tour allowed 9 kids to put on costumes for final picture of the visit, but for whatever reason, maybe her bad mood, she didn’t allow the remaining 5 children to dress up in costumes in spite having more of them in the plastic container. Needless to say kids were upset, as this was really unfair and evil thing to do to 8-9 yrs old children.

It’s very disappointing to see such mistreatment of children in a place of worship. They were so excited about this trip so to end on such sour note was a...

My wife and I were shocked to receive passive aggressive response by this temple on New Year day 1st of January 2025. No respect for UK national holidays. As a Muslim men myself and my wife is Christian were could not ever imagine such treatment of kids in place of worship, and absolutely stanned by lack of accountability or even hint of remorse by this Temple's management and sarcastic response. My wife response as follows: "To whoever responded to my review ( you decided to stay unknown, as you are in the wrong, so keep hiding, I would be ashamed as well)

I indeed wasn't present at the time of the visit, so as headteacher, who's response you included in your reply, so absolutely pointless and illogical move. My child and other 4 kids, who were not picked, so felt sad, were and I talk&listen to kids (in many ways they are more trustworthy then adults, as have zero agenda, not like your response to my complaint ;) The word "costume" (feel free to Google) definition in English vocabulary stands for "noun: a set of clothes in a style typical of a particular country or historical period" and is in no way or form an offensive term, so its ironic to see how you get easily offended by 1 word, but kids/their parents, who were not allowed to put on "traditional clothing "aren't allowed to feel upset by choices of your colleague, who is indeed was in charge of issuing clothes, teacher was only picking kids order, but to end the dressing up was a call by your tour woman in spite more clothes in plastic container. Would be great if you fact check before issuing statements, but you have made no outreach to us on here, instead you went to headteacher to complain about my review. Interesting choice, which lacks integrity and basic human decency. Its a shame you have chosen such path, as someone who "works in faith to promote balance, cultural understanding and positivity in the world". Oh irony! Any future attempts of pressure via school (refusal to accept future tours from this particular school) will be addresses with relevant authorities and intimidation case filed with Metropolitan police. Religious organisations aren't exempt from UK laws, so we would hope you wont engage in discrimination of particular school due to 1 parent honest negative feedback. In the meantime, we have taken screenshot of response and will consult with relevant parties whether your outreach to school as form of intimidation/pressure on parent to remove negative review can be addresses in...