In 1950, with the blessings of His Holiness Shastriji Maharaj, Mahendrabhai Patel, Purushottambhai Patel and a few other devotees gathered for Satsang in London. Shortly afterwards, in 1953, they were joined by Dahyabhai Meghani who arrived in London with the blessings of Yogiji Maharaj. Thereafter, Yogiji Maharaj visited London with a mandal of swamis in 1970 when a small church in Islington was purchased and transformed into a mandir. During his stay in London, he declared that the number of devotees would increase, and gave his blessings that in the future a large, grand shikharbaddha mandir would be built.
On 20 August 1995, his vision took the form of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London – standing elegantly as a symbol, a source, and a citadel of Hindu faith and culture. It became the first traditional Hindu mandir of its kind in the western hemisphere and a crowning glory of a history filled with determination and dedication. Its inauguration marked the culmination of an epic journey of effort and divine blessings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Affectionately known as ‘London Mandir’ and ‘Neasden Temple’, this mandir has served as a place of devotion and learning, an internationally acclaimed architectural marvel, and a sanctuary of peace, harmony and community service over the past 25 years. Countless worshippers and visitors from all walks of life and from various corners of the world have walked through its gates, inspired by its spiritual beauty and captivated by the divine presence of its inspirer and creator – Pramukh Swami Maharaj – that remains effervescent inside the Mandir today.
Serving the local community is an integral part of the Hindu ethos. The Mandir therefore not only serves as a place of worship but also as a centre for community and outreach activities. It is a place where worshippers as well as members of the local community work together to serve society. The Mandir offers a diverse range of activities for people of all ages. These include:
• Weekly assemblies tailored for various age groups
• Conventions promoting family values, anti-addiction, social cohesion, and interfaith harmony
• Parenting seminars to raise awareness about topics such as substance abuse, bullying, social media, mental health, etc.
• Education seminars and youth activities to guide, assist, support and positively inspire children and young adults
• Language, art, music, cooking and yoga classes
• Folk dances, musical performances and celebration of festivals
• Sports events and tournaments
• Health awareness programmes to promote a healthy lifestyle
• Annual 10k Challenges to help raise much needed funds for national charities, such as the British Heart Foundation, NSPCC, Age Concern, Diabetes UK, Barnardos to name a few.
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of this momentous occasion, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has inspired a series of devotional events for everyone to enjoy and share. The festivities will include special programmes for women, children as well as a tribute to life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
A key feature of these celebrations is a global online Vishwa Shanti Mahapuja – a unique online Vedic ceremony for family harmony and world peace, which will be held on Sunday 22 August. The mahapuja will be conducted from the shrines at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, by the resident swamis and will be webcast live at neasdentemple.org.
The mahapuja will also provide an opportunity for thousands across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world to pray for those affected by the global Covid-19 pandemic.
The anniversary celebrations will conclude on 23 August with a musical tribute and a grand finale programme in the evening. This unique, global experience will explore the history and creation of the Mandir, the lasting impact upon countless lives and the generation of noble citizens that serve society with dedication through the inspiration that the Mandir has fostered.
Over the 25 years, the Mandir has attracted and welcomed people of all ages because there is something for everyone to enjoy, learn and experience. Its profound impact on youths during their informative years is a striking example of its noble service to society. Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspired youths to lead morally and spiritually uplifting lives. The Mandir is a focal point of this inspiration, drawing this impressionable group of people to plan and execute large-scale programmes and projects for the greater good of society and the world.
During these unprecedented times, the energy, enthusiasm and dedication of youths has enabled the Mandir to continue meeting the spiritual needs of the community through innovative online methods. Youths are also at the heart of the 25th anniversary celebrations, energised to work together with unity to bring the wonderful memories and messages of the Mandir to the homes of tens of thousands who will become part of this historic journey.
