BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, also known as the Neasden Temple, is a Hindu temple in Neasden in suburban north London that was constructed using traditional methods leading many to dub it Britain’s first authentic Hindu temple and Europe’s first traditional Hindu stone temple. At the time of construction, it was the world’s largest Hindu temple outside India.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, also known as the Neasden Temple, is a Hindu temple in Neasden in suburban north London that was constructed using traditional methods leading many to dub it Britain’s first authentic Hindu temple and Europe’s first traditional Hindu stone temple. At the time of construction, it was the world’s largest Hindu temple outside India.
What to see at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
The temple complex consists of the Hindu temple (the mandir), made from hand-carved marble and limestone; the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Haveli cultural centre, designed in the traditional Gujarati haveli architectural style with ornate carved wooden features and a visitor centre with the Understanding Hinduism exhibition.
The Understanding Hinduism exhibition includes a short film about the mandir as well as displays about Hinduism.
Guided tours of the complex are available.
Visiting BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is in Neasden in north London and can be difficult to visit by public transport. It is a 20-minute walk from either Neasden tube station or Stonebridge Park (tube and overground) station, although buses 206 and 224 stop right outside.
The easiest way to get here by public transport is to take a tube to Harlesden, which is the stop before Stonebridge Park (on the Bakerloo line) and then catch bus 224 to the temple.
If you’re renting a car to explore the countryside, it is worth stopping by for a look on the way in or out of London. It is just off the North Circular Road, only 4km (2½ miles) southwest of the junction with the M1 motorway.
The mandir is a place of worship with a dress code that stipulates that your upper arms must be covered and shorts and skirts must be below knee length. It is customary to remove your shoes when you enter the mandir.
There is free entry to the mandir although an admission charge applies to the Understanding Hindu exhibition. Free entry to the exhibition is available with the London Pass.
Free entry to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir with the London Pass
The London Pass gives you free entry to the Understanding Hindu exhibition at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir plus entry to over 80 other attractions in and around London.
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