Visit to Neasden Hindu Temple

On Sat 8 Sep 2012, about forty Rotarians and friends travelled by coach to Neasden, north west London, to visit the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple. We were honoured to be joined on the trip by District 1090 Governor, Judith Diment PHF. On a day of perfect weather, the white Bulgarian limestone clad temple looked magnificent.

A guide gave an informative talk about the Hindu faith and we were shown a video about the building of the Mandir, which opened in 1995, having been built, largely by volunteers, within three years.

We were able to move to the Mandir itself to witness and take part in one of the regular short services. We walked bare foot, women separated  from the men, sitting in silence on the white marble floor. Carved teak doors opened to reveal the several priests who led the symbolic service of the eternal flame in the presence of the colourful deities.

The intricate carved decoration of the pure white Italian Carerra marble was amazing.

After the service we completed our exploration of the Mandir, before travelling to Wembley Road, Ealing (a centre for Indian and Hindu shops and restaurants) for a splendid vegetarian buffet lunch, much enjoyed by all.

The trip had been organised by Llyn Robins and his International Committee, along with Dr Nergis Godbole, a retired Paediatrician from Swindon, who regularly visits the Mandir.