BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London
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BAPS Shri
Swaminarayan Mandir, London is the first traditional Hindu Mandir in Europe.
2,820 tonnes of Bulgarian limestone and 2,000 tonnes of Italian
Carrara marble were shipped to India, carved by over 1,500 craftsmen
and reshipped to London. In all, 26,300 carved pieces were assembled
like a giant jigsaw puzzle in less than 3 years. It is a miracle
of modern times worked
by over a thousand volunteers.
It is a masterpiece of exotic design and workmanship that rises
above London's skyline. Replete with luminescent white pinnacles
and glittering marble pillars, it stands as a beacon for Hindus,
both young and old throughout the world.
Since its opening in August 1995, the Mandir has attracted over
5 million visitors and 8,600 school and group visits. They come to experience
living Hinduism and the peace and tranquility that the sacred
Mandir and murtis provide. Together with the Mandir, the 'Understanding
Hinduism' exhibition treats visitors to a concise, yet comprehensive
study of the Hindu religion. It is an ideal place to learn about
the glorious culture of India and the values of Hindu Dharma.
The
Mandir also has a number of activities for both the young and
old. The Sports Hall is a major focus for youngsters with a badminton
club, keep fit classes, self-defence and yoga. Football, table
tennis and cricket are some of the sports played. An Annual
Sponsored Walk is also held. The
Haveli prayer hall is totally pillarless spanning 2,500 sq. metres
and satsang (spiritual discourses) for people of all age groups
is catered for. Medical help is provided to the community through
health screening and medical seminars. Similar activities also
take place in other centres across the UK.
Festivals are celebrated on a grand scale at the Mandir. Swaminarayan
Jayanti, Ramnavmi, Janmashtami, Shivratri, Holi and Ganesh Chaturthi
are all celebrated in a traditional manner. Diwali and Annakut
are the grandest festivals of all, attracting thousands of people
for darshan.
The Mandir has also achieved international recognition with two
entries in Guinness World
Records; the first entry is for the largest traditionally built Hindu stone Mandir
in the Western hemisphere and the second for the largest Annakut
offering with 1,247 vegetarian items offered to the sacred deities.
The Mandir has also been described as the 8th wonder of the world by
Reader's Digest and has earned a place in their book, the 70 Wonders
of the 20th Century. The Mandir has been seen all around the world
through over 70 newspapers
and magazines,
as well as 30 television
and radio stations.
The Mandir has also attracted various international leaders including;
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH
The Prince of Wales, The late Princess Diana, The late King
Birendra of Nepal, The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr George Carey,
Tony Blair, John Major and many more.
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Marble quarried in Carrara, Italy
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