Exploring a Hindu Temple
Hi, my name is Sophie Strombom. I am heading into my junior year at KU as a Psychology Major. I have traveled abroad quite a few times, but never to the United Kingdom. I wanted to come on this trip to build a better understanding of culture, especially in a country that many assume is so similar to the U.S.
Today we visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden. This was the first traditional Hindu temple erected in Europe, opened in 1995. The sheer size and detail involved in creating this temple was fascinating. It is made of 5,000 tons of Bulgarian limestone as well as marble from Italy and India, all of which was hand carved and put together in a mere 2 ½ years. Upon entrance, we were in the Grand Haveli Foyer which consisted of intricately carved flowers, structures, etc.. throughout its wood interior. We then walked in the Haveli Prayer Hall, which can hold more than 2,500 people at one time. This prayer hall was really helpful to visualize just how large the congregation in attendance is and how important the construction of this temple is for the Hindi people in the area. As we continued, we entered the Inner Sanctum, which, in my opinion, was breathtaking. This sanctum houses 7 shrines of the Deities surrounded by carved marble pillars that lead your eyes up into the tall ceilings, all of which are carefully carved with gods and other religious depictions.
My favorite part of the day was seeing the construction of a new sculpture in the entrance. This sculpture is made entirely of gold from India and is a depiction of His Holiness Pramukk Swami Maharaj. His vision, inspiration, and tireless efforts are what contributed to this Mandir being built. This statue has not yet been announced, so it was such a cool experience to be able to see it firsthand before its completion.
Visiting the temple as a whole was really beneficial for developing my understanding of the importance of mindfulness and tranquility as it’s rooted in Hindi faith. We were able to experience just a small portion of their values but nevertheless grew our understanding of their practices and traditions.
Today we visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden. This was the first traditional Hindu temple erected in Europe, opened in 1995. The sheer size and detail involved in creating this temple was fascinating. It is made of 5,000 tons of Bulgarian limestone as well as marble from Italy and India, all of which was hand carved and put together in a mere 2 ½ years. Upon entrance, we were in the Grand Haveli Foyer which consisted of intricately carved flowers, structures, etc.. throughout its wood interior. We then walked in the Haveli Prayer Hall, which can hold more than 2,500 people at one time. This prayer hall was really helpful to visualize just how large the congregation in attendance is and how important the construction of this temple is for the Hindi people in the area. As we continued, we entered the Inner Sanctum, which, in my opinion, was breathtaking. This sanctum houses 7 shrines of the Deities surrounded by carved marble pillars that lead your eyes up into the tall ceilings, all of which are carefully carved with gods and other religious depictions.
My favorite part of the day was seeing the construction of a new sculpture in the entrance. This sculpture is made entirely of gold from India and is a depiction of His Holiness Pramukk Swami Maharaj. His vision, inspiration, and tireless efforts are what contributed to this Mandir being built. This statue has not yet been announced, so it was such a cool experience to be able to see it firsthand before its completion.
Visiting the temple as a whole was really beneficial for developing my understanding of the importance of mindfulness and tranquility as it’s rooted in Hindi faith. We were able to experience just a small portion of their values but nevertheless grew our understanding of their practices and traditions.
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| The BAPS Shri Swaminarayam Mandir |
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| A front view before entering the Grand Haveli Foyer. |
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| Our group in front of the temple |
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