King Charles III and Queen Camilla marked a significant milestone on Wednesday by visiting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, known as Neasden Temple, in London to commemorate its 30th anniversary. The royal couple participated in traditional Hindu rituals, including prayers and spiritual offerings, at Europe's first authentic stone temple, which opened in August 1995. Upon arrival, the 76-year-old monarch was honored with the nadachadi ceremony, where Head Priest Sadhu Yogvivekdas Swami tied a sacred thread symbolizing peace and friendship. The royals removed their shoes in reverence before being adorned with pearl-tied flower garlands, embarking on a guided tour of the intricately designed complex that stands as a beacon of Hindu architecture and devotion in the United Kingdom.
During the visit, an 11-year-old schoolboy named Dev Patel performed a poignant petals tribute to the sacred image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the temple's principal deity, prompting King Charles to join his hands in a namaskar gesture of respect. The King observed the abhishek ceremony of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj, conducted by the Patel family from south-east London, and extended a belated Happy Diwali to the congregation. In his welcome address, Sadhu Yogvivekdas praised the temple as a vital part of Britain's religious and cultural fabric, emphasizing its role as a center for devotion, learning, and service over the past three decades. He attributed this legacy to the guidance of spiritual leader His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, whose values of compassion, respect, and harmony align with the lifelong public service of the royal family.
The priest recounted King Charles' longstanding support for the temple, referencing previous visits in 1996, 2007, and 2009 when he was Prince of Wales, with the 2009 occasion including Camilla, then Duchess of Cornwall. A video message from Mahant Swami Maharaj in India conveyed prayers for the royals' health and well-being. In the main assembly hall, schoolchildren recited the 'Shanti Path' Vedic prayer for global peace. Accompanied by Jitu Patel, Chair of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha UK, the King and Queen admired the 10-metre-high central dome, renowned for its detailed carvings executed without structural steel, adhering to classical Vedic principles.
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The tour extended to the Haveli foyer, where the royals examined a model of a forthcoming BAPS Mandir in Paris, poised to become France's inaugural traditional Hindu temple upon its opening next year. Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami, alongside project lead Sanjay Kara and architects, discussed the project's ambitious scope. Community representatives from temple-supported initiatives, such as the Felix Project and Women of the World (WoW), engaged briefly with the royals, highlighting social impact efforts. Constructed with hand-carved marble and limestone from India, assembled by volunteers, the Neasden Temple exemplifies Indian craftsmanship and selfless service.
Beyond its architectural splendor, the mandir serves as an educational and cultural hub, welcoming school groups, dignitaries, and international visitors to explore Hindu principles of peace and harmony. The Haveli facilitates prayer, gatherings, and celebrations, while charitable programs like the annual BAPS Charity Challenge fund education and community support. Initiatives in food redistribution and youth service embody sewa, promoting dignified societal contributions and reinforcing the temple's enduring influence on multicultural Britain.
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