BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir London

The Basics

Built by the Hindu community, the temple was completed in 1995, making it Europe’s first traditional stone Hindu temple. It is dedicated to reverence, adoration, and gratitude and consists of a mandir (the focal point of the complex and place of worship), the “Understanding Hinduism” permanent exhibition, and the richly carved Gujarati Haveli, a cultural center made of Burmese teak wood. Entrance to the temple is included with the London Pass.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a must-visit for those with an interest in architecture and London’s diverse culture.

• The temple is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds.

• A strict dress code is enforced, so dress respectfully in clothing that covers the shoulders, chest, navel, upper arms, and knees.

• It is customary to remove footwear upon entering any part of the complex.

• The complex is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The nearest Underground station is Wembley Stadium (on the Metropolitan and Jubilee Lines); from there you can take the No. 206 bus to the temple. Alternatively, you can take the Bakerloo tube line or London Overground to Stonebridge Station and then walk 15 minutes.

When to Get There

The temple is open from 9am to 6pm daily. It is the setting for daily ceremonies, weekly assemblies, and year-round festivals, which make for particularly colorful times to visit. Check the website for up-to-date information on dates and times.

The Challenging Construction

The construction of the temple posed two major challenges: It had to be built in accordance with the steel-free Vastu Shastras, India’s ancient architectural texts, all while respecting Britain’s strict building code in order to withstand harsh weather. Three thousand tons of Bulgarian limestone and 1,200 tons of Italian Carrara marble were shipped to India to be carved and coded by professionals, and were returned to North London two years later.

Ways to explore

Visitors of all faiths are welcome at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir to see the impressive architecture, experience Hindu worship ceremonies, and learn about the Hindu faith from volunteers and at the temple’s Understanding Hinduism exhibition.

The temple is divided into two sections: the Shilpashastra-based stone Mandir temple, which is used for worship, and the Haveli wooden cultural center, featuring intricately carved wooden details. Visitors enter via the Haveli and pick up a free audio guide, join a tour, or explore the Haveli and the Mandir independently. If you want to experience any of the ceremonies, contact the temple directly to find out the times. Entry is free, although there is a small fee for the exhibition.

Accessibility

Wheelchair users can enter via a ramp to the left of the wooden portico after arriving through the main gate. Most facilities and the exhibition are on the ground floor, but there is also a lift to the upper floor sanctum. There are accessible restrooms, designated parking bays for visitors with disabilities, and loan wheelchairs available.

Age limits

None, but anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to pack

A small, palm-sized wallet or bag—all other bags must be left in the baggage cabin in the car park.

What to wear

Tops must cover your shoulders, chest, navel, and upper arms. Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be of a length that hangs below the knee. Wear socks as you remove your shoes inside.

Not allowed

Animals (guide dogs will be looked after by volunteers, and visitors will be provided with a personal chaperone), cameras, photography, chewing gum, phones (switch them off or leave on silent), most bags and luggage, outside food and drink, smoking anywhere in the complex (including car parks)

Amenities

Baggage cabin, free on-site parking, restrooms with baby-changing facilities, shoe rack

Address

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is on Pramukh Swami Road in Neasden, near Wembley in northwest London. It’s within the Transport for London (TFL) zone three.

Driving

You need to pay the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) fee, if applicable for your vehicle. Charges aside, the temple is easy to reach by car via the M4, M40, and A40 highways. Follow the brown signs for Neasden Temple once you are on the A406 North Circular, and leave your car in the free on-site car park.

Public transportation

Take the tube to Stonebridge Park station via the Bakerloo line or the Lioness overground line. From here, it’s a 15-minute walk to the temple.

Best times to visit

The temple is open to visitors from early morning until early evening. Different ceremonies take place throughout the day—a schedule is posted on its website. Many visitors like to catch the popular arti service (a ritual of lighting wicks before the deities), which typically takes place at 11:45am daily.

Best days to visit

The temple is open every day. While it rarely feels busy with visitors, the weekdays may be quieter.

Best months to visit

You can visit the site year-round, but it’s busier during the UK school vacations. Diwali (late October) is particularly special here, with free family activities and worship.

Special events

You can visit the temple as part of London’s Open House Festival in September, an annual event that celebrates the city’s architecture and interesting buildings. Diwali celebrations take place on October 31 with worship during the day, and a huge fireworks display at night.