His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales visited Europe’s first traditional Hindu Mandir – BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden, London on Wednesday 28 February 1996.

He was received at the ceremonial gates of the Mandir by His Excellency The High Commissioner for India, Dr. L. M. Singhvi and the Worshipful Mayor of Brent.

Hundreds of children from The Swaminarayan School had gathered to greet The Prince of Wales, welcoming him by waving the Union Jack and India flags on a very cold night. He was presented with a rose bouquet by 10-year-old Jalpa Patel.

The Prince of Wales was then welcomed by Atmaswarup Swami, head of the Mandir, in the traditional Hindu manner by applying a chandlo (red vermillion mark) to his forehead and tying a nada chhadhi (red thread) on his right wrist. The Royal party ascended the steps and were greeted by youngsters performing the peacock dance. The Prince of Wales placed flower petals by the sacred image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan as a gesture of respect and then participated in the Arti ceremony.

Having viewed the magnificent architecture of the Mandir, His Royal Highness moved to the ground floor and was guided through the exhibition, ‘Understanding Hinduism’. The Royal party then visited the Haveli and viewed the beautiful wooden architecture. The Prince of Wales took time to meet some of the thousands of volunteers who had given their time to build the Mandir, including children who had collected aluminium cans for recycling.

His Royal Highness entered the main prayer hall and after the recitation of Vedic mantras and speeches from Dr. L. M. Singhvi and Atmaswarup Swami, His Royal Highness said, “It really is an enormous pleasure and a privilege to be with you all this evening… I can only tell you that the corner of my heart has a very special part that is Indian… I realise that having met so many volunteers who have put so much of their lives into this great project, in creating this very remarkable and special Mandir – inspired as it is by Pramukh Swami Maharaj – with all its breathtaking craftsmanship and its attention to detail… I am sure no one who comes here will leave without having observed something of the calmness and spirit of the Hindu religion; I certainly have and I can tell you I feel a great deal better for it.”