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BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
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BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

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See all things to do
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
4.5
641
#41 of 2,578 things to do in London
Religious Sites
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9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – popularly known as the Neasden Temple – is a masterpiece of traditional Hindu design and exquisite Indian workmanship in the heart of north-west London. It is dedicated to the worship of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the millennia-old traditions of the Hindu faith. Using 5,000 tonnes of Bulgarian limestone and Italian and Indian marble, it was hand-carved in India before being assembled in London in just 2½ years. Since its opening in 1995, this renowned place of worship has attracted close to half a million visitors annually. Come and marvel at the intricate carvings, experience a traditional Hindu prayer ceremony, or learn about the world’s oldest living faith. Enjoy hours of beauty, peace and discovery all year round.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
641 reviews
Excellent
474
Very good
133
Average
19
Poor
12
Terrible
4
David O
8 contributions
A definite five star experience
Mar 2022
Neasden mandir welcomes all visitors. We were a mixed group, some of us being familiar with Hinduism, some no ideas, others with a Hindu upbringing.

There are some ground rules to entering the Mandir, which were explained in a very friendly manner by door security. Large bags must be checked in. No photography inside and a face covering was required (COVID). I didn't have a face mask with me but was kindly provided one free of charge.

You should really book tours but kindly (that word again!) the Duty Manager found us a member of the community that took us round for a total of about one hour.

Like many of these types of places, there may be little rules and traditions along the way e.g. men and women worshipping separately, no large bags inside, no photos. If you cannot respect another culture's customs, traditions and sensibilities stay at home. Otherwise, if you are genuinely interested in seeing, learning and experiencing something different, you will have an excellent visit.
Written March 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AmbridgeGirl
London, UK563 contributions
Amazing temple.
Aug 2022 • Friends
Have always wanted to visit this temple in Neasden. Finally made it and was not disappointed. The temple is in itself a feast for the eyes. Life size figures and you cannot believe your eyes when you drive down the road. There is a free car park and large bags can be left in a locker. The inside is just as magnificent although photos are not allowed. The staff there are wonderful and help you get the most out of your visit. Shoes have to be remove so wear socks. No bare shoulders or anything above the knee. So much to see - the abishek (water pouring ritual), paid £2 to visit the museum. Worth doing as it really explains the history of Hinduism. We also attended one of the daily ceremony which was lovely. After looking around we went to the restaurant but decided not to have a big meal so bought delicious snacks and ate them in the cafe area. We then finished off our trip by buying some delicious goodies from the shop. Truly a wonderful visit. Highly recommend.
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
davidkilborn
Nadi, Fiji4 contributions
Well worth visiting.
Oct 2021 • Couples
I hardly ever write reviews but the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Madir well deserves a review on account of it’s beauty and welcoming staff.

Local devotees Nitesh and Rashmika very kindly explained to me and my wife some of the details and meanings of the temple and Hindu religion that was greatly appreciated. Despite having travelled extensively in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, having talked to Nitesh, my understanding and appreciation was greatly improved - thank you Nitesh.

The temple itself we travelled about an hour to see and were not disappointed by.. The stone carvings, particularly of the main ceiling are very fine.

There is no entrance fee but a contribution seemed highly deserving. We went mid October 2021 when Covid restrictions were starting to be relaxed to allow some internal access. We would like to return when it is fully open.

We finished our visit with a meal in the neighbouring Shayona restaurant that was good.
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nusrat
2 contributions
Temple Devotees were fabulous!
May 2022 • Friends
Saw the temple on social media and decided to visit. Walked from Wembley Park station (about 25 mins) and walked down a local residential road towards the temple. From afar you can see the higher delicacies of the temple as you walk towards it. Once you do get to see it upfront, it is incredibly stunning and every detail is immaculate. We were unsure of how to get in (we’re not of the Hindu faith and this was not a local temple) so we felt a little awkward on making the first move. Luckily we saw Rashika and her lovely husband (both devotees at the temple) who gave us a lovely introduction to the history of the temple, it’s meaning and purpose and an understanding of what we would be going to see when we go in. It was a lovely conversation and incredibly welcoming. Made us feel very comfortable. The deities were not on show as they were “sleeping” because we arrived a little later in the day. If we came in the morning, we could have seen the morning ritual. We saw the insides of the temple instead which was still stunning regardless. Very well managed area. High-security (almost airport like) and you can’t take in your own water or a large bag. There is a small building opposite to leave your belongings and the temple staff take care of it accordingly. Was a very smooth process getting in however. Shoes off, of course when you do go inside. There is a dedicated shoes rack for both men and women. There is a gift and souvenir shop as well which is nice if you’d like to buy items handcrafted from India itself.
Written May 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ismael
Baku, Azerbaijan393 contributions
Hidden gem in London
Feb 2020 • Family
Quite unusual to expect such seightseeing in London. But it is worth visiting, very beautiful induist temple with rich decoration, elaborated exterior and interior details. Unbelievable tgat all carvings in stone and wood were made just in 2.5 years in India as per ancient traditions. Access is free. There is big free parking nearby at the shop and restaurant Shayona, usually it is too occupied, you can use parking by the school nearby. There are toilets inside. You will need to take your shoes off. There is a small exhibition inside for 2 pounds per adult about induism, recommend to visit as well.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cameron B
Howden, UK96 contributions
Such a welcome
Aug 2022
What can I say, I am not a religious believer in any shape or form, but this place was amongst the calmest places I have ever visited. All staff (is that the correct phrase, I hope so), from front of site security and throughout the team were so friendly and welcoming, I can honestly say I have never felt so welcome, anywhere, in over 50 years of my life. Other places of worship should take a lesson from this temple. I never felt pushed upon once, everyone simply wanted to explain and help us feel at ease. If you can spare anything from 15 minutes or more of your life then visit here, you will not be disappointed, simply stunning, A credit to all involved. Thank You
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Extraordinary1298888
2 contributions
Breathtakingly Stunning Mandir
Aug 2022 • Family
We were recommended this location as a place to visit and were blown away by the beauty of the mandir. Bharti was our guide and she was very welcoming and knowledgeable. She shared snippets of the history, facts and teachings of the religion. We were amazed at the intricate wood and marble carvings, especially on the marble dome within the Mandir. Later on, we were very honoured to have the opportunity to take part in the Abhishek ceremony. After, we met Nitesh and Rashmika who took time to explain the wisdom behind the teachings. It was a memorable day for all of us.
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
alice s
1 contribution
Touching and spiritual experience
Aug 2022
I have been here multiple times, and every time feels more like home! Yet the last weekend I had the chance of meeting Rashmika and her husband who guided me through the spaces, and the experience was even more touching. If you are interested in the architecture/story of the temple, you will find passionate people to guide you around; if you are looking for a spiritual experience, I would recommend asking for Rashmika as her kindness is absolutely amazing. Thanks for making this space so special!
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mylondonmatt
London, UK66 contributions
Poor experience for visitors on this occasion
Sep 2019
The staff attitude at my most recent visit really crossed the line into the unacceptable. On a score of one to ten, I would give the team a minus 8.
1. When you eventually arrive at the temple (very poorly connected by public transport), they send you away, across the road, to go through high security. Similar to an airport, but rather less friendly here, with very poor levels of english spoken by the staff . You leave all your stuff.
2. Then once you arrive inside the temple they ask for money to enter their museum! So, if you left your wallet with your belongings... what a poor welcome!
3. Arriving mid morning, half of the shrine/statues are closed/ not visible. (Why let visitors in at all?)
4. We sat down to meditate in what seemed to be a prayer room (carpeted). But we're informed that this was not acceptable, "because advance permission had not been obtained".
5. In the boookshop seemed to be very few books in english language of basic Hindu teachings: I couldnt find a sngle one about Krishna for example. Perhaps He no longer visits.
All in all, the attitude of the staff seemed to be "We have control over this building. We don't care about you visitors in the slightest way".
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BAPSUKInfoCentre
Thank you for sharing your feedback on TripAdvisor. We’re very sorry to hear about your experience. It is our goal to make sure every visitor receives the best possible service. Your experience was an unusual and unfortunate occurrence and we will strive to do better. Please accept our most sincere apologies. The Temple is operated on a daily basis with the on-going help of dedicated volunteers. We try to embed the responsibility for security across our entire volunteer team whilst maintaining the serenity and sanctity of the Temple. We will review your experience and look to improve how we can better communicate this to our visitors. Entrance to the Temple has always been free, with a nominal £2 charge for the exhibition. This information along with the timings of when to view the sacred deities is available on our website. However, we understand that it can be frustrating to discover this upon arrival on the day of your visit. We will review how we could have done a better job in communicating this information and would like to apologise if this was unclear. We do our best to train each of our volunteers on how to properly handle our visitors’ queries and requests, and following an internal review of this incident, shall be updating our teams at the entrance gate, in the reception foyer, and our guides. In the meantime, we would like to welcome you back for a scheduled visit with one of our most dedicated and experienced guides to enjoy a more complete experience of the Temple, with detailed explanations on the history and what it means for the local community. It would be our pleasure to arrange this for you. Please contact our administrative team on info@londonmandir.baps.org so that we can organise a time and date of your convenience. We thank you again for bringing this issue to our attention. We are always looking for ways to better our service, and your feedback is an invaluable part of that process.
Written January 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ExpatSB
13 contributions
Fantastic experience
Jan 2020
An amazing way to escape the hustle and bustle of London - it is such a lovely place to visit without any cost. Extremely peaceful and breathtakingly beautiful. The Hinduism museum inside (small charge) is a great addition as well and you learn so much about the religion and rich culture.

The shop and restaurant across the street is great too, must visit. Overall, great way to spend a couple of hours when you are visiting London.
Written September 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London

Frequently Asked Questions about BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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