London, Hidden Gem | Neasden Temple

🏰 Nestled in the northwest of London is the Indian Neasden Temple, known as Neasden Temple. I’d heard of its existence for a while, and I was recently blown away and impressed upon visiting, and it’s free! 🕌 The temple’s exterior is grand and solemn, while the interior is exquisitely carved and well-furnished. Since photography inside is not allowed (Note: The images of the Buddha in this post are from the official website, and the actual site is even more breathtaking), this hidden gem is somewhat underappreciated. The temple’s construction used 5,000 tons of Italian Carrara marble, Indian Ambaji marble, and the finest Bulgarian limestone. These carvings were first handcrafted by artisans in India and then assembled in London. 🐘 📿️ The exterior and various corners of the temple are adorned with traditional Hindu symbols representing auspiciousness, peace, and devotion. The architecture is art, and art is architecture; they complement each other. ❗️ Highlight: There’s a chance you might visit when the intricately carved wooden doors are closed (I visited at 2 pm, and this was the case). Don’t just rush through; behind the doors, there are multiple statues of the Buddha that will take your breath away when they open. 🙏 The exquisitely carved statues covering the walls, the whispering scriptures, and the devout worshippers all immerse you in a place where you can leave behind distractions and focus on inner richness. 📖 Apart from the main hall, there is an “Understanding Hinduism” exhibition on the ground floor of the temple, which tells the story of the temple’s construction and the origins and beliefs of Hinduism through 3D models, paintings, and traditional crafts. The exhibition is charged, at 2 pounds 💰. 🚄 Transportation: Take the Jubilee Line on the London Underground to Neasden and then walk for about 20 minutes. ⏰ Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 am - 6 pm, with an estimated visit time of about 2 hours. There are occasional worship activities. 👔 Dress Code: Shoulders and navel must be covered for tops, and knees must be covered for bottoms. 🚫 Note: Photography or video recording is allowed outside, but not inside. Do not touch the statues of the Buddha inside. No beverages allowed inside. Shoes must be removed to enter the temple, with shoe racks provided. Follow the signage for guidance. #London #Europe #LondonLife #Travel #Buddhism #MyDailyLife #NoteInspiration #HiddenGems