Shree Swaminarayan Temple

Shree Swaminaryan Temple, Willesden

From its humble origins stemming from a handful of people searching for a place of worship in a new country, Shree Swaminaryan Temple Willesden has become one of the largest Hindu Temples in Europe.  Over the years it has become an inspiration to the thousands who have come and continue to come there, keeping the faith, culture, music and Gurjurati language alive.

St George's Presbyterian Church

After using halls in different parts of London, and with a growing community, devotees began searching for a central, permanent place of worship under the guidance of the Head Priest of Shree Swaminarayan 


Temple in India.  In 1975, they found and acquired the  disused, former St George's Presbyterian Church on Willesden Lane.  The Church was renovated and officially opened to the public on 11th October, with the head of the Swaminaryan faith, His Holiness Acharya 1008 Shree Tejendraprasadji Maharaj personally installing the murtis (idols) and giving his blessings to the Temple. 

The Temple not only served the religious needs of the community, but through the founding of the Gujurati School in 1977, nurtured the Gujurati language for childen and adults.



Over the following ten years, the congregation of devotees increased 'through the blessings of the Holy Saints'.  A second building was acquired, but in 1986 a proposal was put forward to demolish the existing buildings and establish in their place a single three storey Temple complex that would combine traditional Hindu architecture with British design.  The complex would comprise a large prayer hall, a social and community hall and teaching and learning spaces.   The proposal was accepted the ceremonial foundation stone was laid on 12th October 1986 in the presence of holy saints from Shree Swaminaryan Temple in India and the Mayor of Brent. The reconstruction was managed by Vascroft Contractors, with devotees  coming together at weekends, in the evenings and early mornings to help build the new Temple.  


 

Craftsmen from India working inside the Temple

On Friday 29th July 1988, the new Shree Swaminaryan Temple, the first purpose-built Hindu Temple in Europe was officially opened by the head of the Temple in India.  He installed a marble murti, the first of its kind outside India, of the beloved Ghanshyam Maharaj and this important occasion was marked with nine days of festivities and celebrations.

The new Temple

In July, 2013 - the Temple celebrated its 25th anniversary with nine days of festivities and celebrations.

Devotees and public waiting for the procession

Looking back over 25 years of history: anniversary booklet.