Images
1st shrine - Harikrishna Maharaj and Radha Krishna Dev,
2rd shrine - Dham, Dhami, Mukta (Central)
3rd shrine - Ghanshyam Maharaj
4th shrine - Shiv Parvati
5th shrine - Ram Sita

Murti Pratishtha Ceremony
7 July 1991 - Foundation stone for Shikharbaddha Mandir laid by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
20 August 1995 - Murti Pratishtha by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
At 9.38 a.m. on 20 August 1995 Pujya Swami Bapa entered the sanctum sanctorum to begin the final rituals and prayers that would consecrate the images. He himself performed the basic rituals on the images of Lord Swaminarayan, Gunatitanand Swami and Gopalanand Swami in the central sanctum. He asked Pujya Mahant Swami to do similar with Harikrishna Maharaj and Radha Krishna on the left and Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami to do likewise with Ghanshyam Mahaaj on the right. In the outer sanctums, he asked other senior sadhus to perform the rituals for the images of Shiva-Parvati, Ram-Sita, Hanumanji and Ganesh, and the marble images of the Swaminarayan guru hierarchy placed behind the main sanctum. After the arti, Swamishri came before the images in the outer sanctum and also performed their worship.

Significance
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is the first ever traditional Hindu mandir of stone to be constructed in Europe. Carved and created entirely according to ancient Hindu Shilpashastras. 2,828 tons of lime stones from Bulgaria and 2000 tons of Carrara marble from Italy which was shipped to India where over 1,500 sculptors chipped away for 2 years. Within a record time of 3 years all the massive pieces were re-shipped like a giant jigsaw to be assembled in London. Never, before in modern times, has a Mandir and Cultural Center of this magnificence, grandeur and complexity been undertaken and completed outside India! In addition it features the first comprehensive exhibition on Hinduism. Even the Haveli architecture of the adjoining Cultural Center is a revival of wooden craftsmanship. Not in the last 100 years has such a huge Haveli been created in the world, not even in India! And despite such strict traditionalism, all the modern needs and regulations have been amply met. Shri Swaminaryan Mandir in Neasden, inspired by Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj, will be the first ever mandir with naturally-lit glass lightwells, under floor heating, lifts for the disabled, fire exits, concealed lighting, with also a reception hall, youth sports hall and creche facilities in the Center .

Daily Schedule

Explanation

Mandir - Place of Worship.
Murti - Sacred images of God and Saints.
Darshan - Seeing the Deity with reverence.
Aarti - Waving of lit lamps before the Deity.

Weekly Assemblies

Mandir Facts

Stones

• Bulgarian Limestone (Cream Colored): 990 cu.m; 2828 tons.
• White Italian & Indian Marble: 700 cu.m; 2000 tons
• Granite: 13 cu.m; 127 tons

Foundations

• 194 concrete piles upto 33 ft.deep.
• 6 feet deep raft foundation. Total of 22,600 sq.ft.
• UK’s largest concrete pour in a single day
• 4500 tons of concrete, 225 truck loads!

Features

Traditional

• 7 Shikhars (Pinnacles).
• 6 Ghummats (Domes).
• 193 Sthambhas (Pillars-163 Carved, 30 Plain).
• 32 Gavakshas (Windows)
• 4 Zarukhas (Balconies).
• 500 Different designs.
• 30 marble-step main staircase.
• A total of 26,300 stone pieces.

Modern

• The only layered segmental dome in the UK, and perhaps Europe, that does not use steel or lead.
• Two fire escape staircases.
• Under dome lightwells for natural light.
• Under floor heating for the marble floor.
• 2 lifts for the old and disabled.
• Concealed lighting and audio system.
• Weather-protected entrance.
• Interactive exhibition on the ground floor.

Work Force

• 1526 Craftsmen at peak.
• 100 full-time volunteers.
• Over 1000 part-time volunteers.

Haveli Facts

Dimensions
Total Area : 2.35 acres
Prayer Hall : 22,596 sq.ft.
Sports Hall : 8,435 sq.ft.
Kitchen : 4,519 sq.ft.
Reception Hall : 2,259 sq.ft.
Conference Hall : 2,256 sq.ft.
Entrances & Foyer : 6,025 sq.ft.
Offices : 8,823 sq.ft.
Stores : 37,921 sq.ft.
Library : 1,500 sq.ft.
Cloakrooms : 3,210 sq.ft.
Total built-up area : 102,018 sq.ft.

Features
Facade : 250 ft. long x 35 ft. high with 40 carved Burmese Teak pillars.
Foyer : 34 full and 18 half carved Burmese Teak pillars
Court Yard : 132 ft. long x 56 ft. wide with 25 carved Burmese Teak pillars.
Structurally supported by English Oak wood frame.

Work Force

• 169 Craftsmen at peak.

Eco-Friendly

• Use of natural light wherever possible; through lightwells.
• Use of energy efficient lighting system.
• Use of heat-save pumps to conserve heat.
• Use of products made by CFC-free manufacturing methods.
• Planting of 2,300 English Oak saplings in Devon to compensate for the 226 English Oak trees used in construction.
• Use of Burmese Teak from managed firms to ensure their preservation.

The Exhibition: ‘Understanding Hinduism’

Located on the ground floor is a concise, illuminating Exhibition on Hinduism. It elaborates on the glorious, colorful Hindu Heritage tracing its origins, from ancient times, to its role I today’s contemporary society.

Opening Times
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (7 days a week)

Entrance fee

Adults: £2.00
Children (6-16)/Students/Senior Citizens: £1.50
Price includes: Entrance to the Exhibition , Video presentation and Exhibition Guidebook.
Payment to be made on the day of your visit by Cash, Cheque (Payable to CFI Ltd.) or Credit card.
Donation cheques payable to: The Swaminarayan Hindu Mission.

Shayona Restaurant & Shayona Catering-Group Meals
Meals including snacks, drinks etc., can be purchased from Shayona Restaurant which is within the vicinity of the Mandir grounds. Pre-packed food from home or school will not be permitted to be consumed in Shayona restaurant facilities.
Group meals are available and should be booked at least 3 days prior to your visit date.
You should directly book with Shayona Catering whose telephone and fax numbers are given below.
Closed for renovation until further notice.

Shayona Catering
Tel: 020 8900 0314 (Mon-Fri. 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.)
Fax: 020 8900 2058 (contact Mr. D.C. Patel)

Guidelines
Dress Code
No shorts or skirts shorter than knee length

Shoes
All visitors MUST remove their shoes when they enter the Mandir or any part of the Haveli Complex. (Shoe racks provided within the Complex)

Photographs and films
Can only be taken from ground level outside the Mandir and Haveli for personal use only. For any other purposes, permission must be saught.

Food and drink
No food or drinks are allowed on the premises. Please discard any chewing gum prior to entering the complex.

Restaurant
Caters vegetarian foods, Indian snack and beverages.

Parking
There is ample parking for cars. Coach passengers are requested to alight and board opposite the Complex Restaurant.

Security
All bags and cameras should be left at the Security Office after entering the mandir. Remember to collect your items when you leave.

Conduct
Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere within the mandir premises. Please refrain from touching the delicate carvings. To maintain the spiritual atmosphere, please observe silence inside the Mandir. Please take extra care while walking on the Mandir marble floor.

Group and School Visits
For group visit ring 0208 965 2651 Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. only. Guide provided. (Minimum 20 people to a group).
The management reserves the right to cancel or alter any visit or close the exhibition without prior notice. Every effort will be made to avoid any inconvenience.