BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, popularly known as Neasden Temple was featured recently on ITV, in a special documentary called “All Around Britain”, which takes viewers on a tour around Britain for the best stories with uplifting tales of human endeavour, stunning landscapes and local history.
In episode 4 of this new series, presenters Ranvir Singh and Alex Beresford were welcomed into the breath-taking Neasden Temple in London, one of the UK’s most popular attractions and world-famous landmark, honoured with various awards and accolades, since it was opened on 20th August 1995.
In the 2002 edition of the Guinness Book World records, Neasden Temple had the distinction of being mentioned three times, and the spiritual Guru of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the inspirer of the temple, hailed as the master builder of the largest traditional Hindu temple outside India. Even the prestigious Readers Digest publication mentioned the temple as “one of the wonders of the 20th Century”.
So, it was no wonder that both Ranvir and Alex were greeted with the Indian tradition of ‘NAMASTE’ – a salutation of respect and reverence, by Nisha and Tarun – both dedicated volunteers of the temple. Removing their shoes as per the old adage “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”, they all ascended to the main marble staircase, made from the creamy white Bulgarian limestone.
Stepping inside the main temple, both were simply mesmerised with the splendid art and architecture, and seeing sanctuary of Italian Carrara marble, covered with a froth of beautiful carvings.
Furthermore, both Ranvir and Alex were literally flabbergasted, when Tarun explained how over 5000 tonnes of stone was hand carved by more than 1,500 skilled artisans in India, into 26,300 pieces, which were coded, packed and sent on a final 6,300 miles long journey to London. Here each piece was assembled like a giant 3-dimensional jigsaw puzzle, by thousands of volunteers, all within a record 2.5 years!! And as per the ancient Hindu scriptures (Shilpa shastra), not a single piece of metal or steel was used!
Following on, both were invited to take part performing the ‘Arti’ (ceremony of light), waving lighted wicks before the sacred images, and receiving blessings from the Gods.
Straight after this, Ranvir descended to the lower floor of the mandir, to perform ‘Abhishek’ – the ancient Hindu practice of pouring water over the sacred image of Lord Swaminarayan, whilst offering personal prayers.
They were invited, along with their television crew, inside the modern gym – built to promote good health and fitness, because the founder Pramukh Swami Maharaj, was a strong believer that “healthier minds must be supported by a healthier body!”
Towards the end, Alex joined Yogvivek Swami, a British born doctor, and head Sadhu of the temple, to sincerely thank him, the board of trustees and volunteers, for giving them all the warmth and hospitality. Yogvivek Swami decided to become a monk to serve God and focus on humanitarian activities. Today, as the head of Neasden temple, he addresses many contemporary issues and is able to inspire society through his knowledge of Vedic scriptures, ancient philosophy and world religions.
Moreover, appreciating all the community service performed by the temple, including the recent programme mobilising more than 1,100 volunteers and 19 resident Swamis, helping and preparing daily food, for the elderly and vulnerable, in response to the coronavirus pandemic call from the present BAPS spiritual leader – Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Finally, though both Ranvir and Alex came as visitors, they left as family members, as per the Hindu Sanskrit phrase ‘vasudhaiva kutumbakam’ (the whole world is one big family). And after enjoying the lovely vegetarian meal prepared by the resident Swamis, both left the temple very happy and spiritually fulfilled – resonating with the life mantra of the founder/ inspirer Pramukh Swami Maharaj: “In the joy of others, lies our own”
