7 Incredible Temples Of London
London, the capital city of England, is a melting pot of cultures and religions. One of the religions that have had a significant impact on the city is Hinduism. With London’s growing Hindu population, it is no surprise that there are many Hindu temples in the city. These temples are not only places of worship but also cultural centers that provide a sense of community to the Hindu diaspora in London. In this article, we will explore some of the most amazing Hindu temples in London.
BAPS Sri Swaminarayana Mandir:
BAPS Sri Swaminarayan Mandir, also known as Neasden Temple, is a Hindu temple in the Brent district of London. It was opened in 1995 and is the first traditional Hindu temple built in Europe. The temple was built by Bochasanvasi Sri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a Hindu religious and social organization, and is dedicated to Swaminarayan, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The architecture of the temple is inspired by traditional Indian style and its construction includes over 5,000 tons of Italian Carrara marble, 2,000 tons of Bulgarian limestone and 3,000 tons of Indian pink sandstone. The exterior of the temple is adorned with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses and animals, while the interior is equally stunning with ornate designs and carvings. The central dome of the temple is a magnificent masterpiece of craftsmanship and is supported by 27 pillars, each of which represents a Hindu deity.
BAPS Sri Swaminarayan Mandir is famous for its architectural beauty as well as social and cultural activities. The temple hosts a wide variety of programs and activities including religious ceremonies, cultural programs, and educational classes. The temple also houses a cultural center, a prayer hall, a library, and a restaurant serving vegetarian food.
ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple;
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has a significant presence in London, with several temples in the city. The ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple is located in the heart of Soho and is one of the most famous Hindu temples in the city. This temple was built in 1969 by His Grace A.C., a disciple of Lord Krishna. Founded by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
The temple is dedicated to Krishna and his consort Radha and is known for its beautiful deities decked out in colorful clothes and jewelry. The interior of the temple is decorated with ornate designs, murals, and sculptures depicting the life and teachings of Lord Krishna. The temple also has a gift shop selling devotional items and a restaurant serving vegetarian food.
Apart from its religious activities, ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple is also known for its outreach programs including food distribution, book distribution, and reading sessions. The temple conducts regular programs and events including kirtans, bhajans, and festivals like Janmashtami and Holi.
7 Incredible Temples Of London
Sri Swaminarayan Temple Willesden;
Sri Swaminarayan Temple also known as Willesden Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Willesden, London. It was established in 1975 and is a place of worship for followers of the Swaminarayan tradition, a branch of Hinduism founded by Swami Narayan.
The architecture of the temple is inspired by the traditional Indian style with intricate carvings and ornate designs depicting various Hindu deities and motifs. The temple complex includes a prayer hall, a library, and a community hall that hosts various programs and activities.
Apart from religious and cultural activities, Sri Swaminarayan Temple Willesden is also known for its social activities. The temple is involved in many charitable activities including food distribution, blood donation drives, and disaster relief activities.
Hindu Temple of Greater London:
The Hindu Temple of Greater London, also known as the Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir, is located in Wembley and was established in 2010. It is a place of worship for followers of the Sanatan Dharma, which is one of the oldest religions in the world.
The temple’s architecture is a blend of traditional Indian and contemporary styles and features intricate carvings, murals, and sculptures that depict various Hindu deities and themes. The temple’s main sanctum houses idols of Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati, while the complex also includes a prayer hall, a community center, and a restaurant that serves vegetarian food.
Apart from its religious activities, the Hindu Temple of Greater London is also known for its cultural and social events. The temple hosts a variety of festivals, including Diwali, Holi, and Navratri, as well as cultural programs and educational classes.
Sri Lankan Buddhist Vihara:
The Sri Lankan Buddhist Vihara is located in Wimbledon and is the only Buddhist temple in London that represents the Theravada tradition. The temple was established in 1926 and is a place of worship for Sri Lankan Buddhists living in London.
The temple’s architecture is inspired by traditional Sri Lankan styles, with intricate carvings, murals, and sculptures that depict various Buddhist deities and themes. The temple’s main sanctum houses a statue of Lord Buddha, while the complex also includes a meditation hall, a library, and a cultural center.
Apart from its religious activities, the Sri Lankan Buddhist Vihara is also known for its social and cultural events. The temple hosts a variety of festivals, including Vesak, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. The temple also offers meditation classes and spiritual retreats.
7 Incredible Temples Of London
London Sri Murugan Temple:
The London Sri Murugan Temple is located in Manor Park and is dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is considered to be the Tamil God of War. The temple was established in 1983 and is a place of worship for Tamils living in London.
The temple’s architecture is inspired by traditional South Indian styles, with intricate carvings, murals, and sculptures that depict various Hindu deities and themes. The temple’s main sanctum houses a statue of Lord Murugan, while the complex also includes a prayer hall, a community center, and a restaurant that serves South Indian cuisine.
Apart from its religious activities, the London Sri Murugan Temple is also known for its cultural events. The temple hosts a variety of festivals, including Thai Pongal, which celebrates the harvest season, and Panguni Uthiram, which celebrates the marriage of Lord Murugan.
Shri Swaminarayan Temple Golders Green;
The Shri Swaminarayan Temple Golders Green is located in Golders Green and is a place of worship for followers of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. The temple was established in 1982 and is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan.
The temple’s architecture is inspired by traditional Indian styles, with intricate carvings, murals, and sculptures that depict various Hindu deities and themes. The temple’s main sanctum houses a statue of Lord Swaminarayan, while the complex also includes a prayer hall, a community center, and a restaurant that serves vegetarian food.
Apart from its religious activities, the Shri Swaminarayan Temple Golders Green is also known for its social and cultural events. The temple hosts a variety of festivals, including Janmashtami, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, and Diwali, which celebrates the victory of good over evil. The temple also offers educational and cultural classes for children and adults.
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