INDIA is something of a bucket list destination for lots of people in the UK – but they might not have to travel to Asia to get a taste of the country.
A building, described online as “unforgettable” can be found in Greater London that looks as though it would be more at home in Agra than in the capital of England.
That’s according to London blogger Scarlett, writing for Diary of a Londoness, after she paid a visit to Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, or the Neasden Hindu Temple.
Some people believe it’s the largest Hindu temple outside of India, while others have said it’s one of London’s seven man-made wonders.
Scarlett compared it to the Taj Mahal, saying: “This divine temple, which you would expect to see in Agra, actually resides in north west London.
“It’s a masterpiece in Indian craftsmanship and it shimmers in that Taj-Mahalesque way.”
It’s no surprise that it looks like it’s from India, seeing as that’s where it was built originally.
Around 1500 sculptors spent three years carving more than 26,000 individual pieces, which were then shipped to London for its construction.
The temple is Europe’s first and was funded entirely by the Hindu community. It’s constructed using traditional Hindu architectural methods, so has no steel in it at all.
Secret London described it as “incredibly ornate” and it’s no surprise with intricate carvings adorning the building outside and in.
They wrote: “As impressive as it might be from afar, head closer (and then inside!) to check out the mandir in more detail.
“The incredible carvings that make up the building itself are truly marvellous.”
Although it is a Hindu place of worship, people of all faiths and backgrounds are allowed to visit, and can do for free, with both guided tours and audio tours available.
Meanwhile, the lower floor of the Mandir is dedicated to a permanent exhibition titled ‘Understanding Hinduism’.
It teaches visitors about the values and wisdom of the faith through 3D models, paintings and traditional artworks.
Anyone who does visit has to abide by the dress code within the temple, which includes removing shoes at the entrance, where there are storage lockers available.
Tops must cover shoulders, chests, navels and upper arms, while leg-wear must be at least below knee-length. No photography or filming is allowed inside, but is fine outside the building.
There’s also an Indian vegetarian restaurant as part of the temple that serves traditional food to visitors, providing them with an even more authentic experience.
Visit London showed the temple off to their social media followers in a video on their Tiktok (@visitlondon).
They wrote: “The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, commonly known as the Neasden Temple, is a beautiful, traditional Hindu temple in Neasden, north-west London.
“Standing 70 feet high, the Temple embodies traditional Hindu design and was hand-carved in India before being assembled in London.
“While it is a place of worship, the Temple is open to everyone, all year round.”
One person who visited described is as an “Unforgettable place to visit” on Google Reviews, adding: “It’s a very different kind of experience, I can’t write in words. I must recommend you visit at least once.”
Another added: “What a stunning place, absolutely beautiful!
“The architecture, beautifully styled and sculptured. The garden, so looked after, gardeners consistently working.
“This place is just out of this world, feels like you’re in a different location entirely.”
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