King Charles III and Queen Camilla made a memorable visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, widely known as Neasden Temple, in London.

About Neasden Temple
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, commonly known as the Neasden Temple, is a masterpiece of traditional Hindu architecture located in Neasden, northwest London. It is a spiritual and cultural hub for the Hindu community and a popular attraction for visitors of all faiths. 

Key Facts and History
Europe's First Traditional Hindu Temple: Opened on August 20, 1995, it was the first traditional, hand-carved stone Hindu temple in Europe.

• Construction: The temple was constructed entirely using traditional ancient techniques and materials. Over 3,000 tonnes of Bulgarian limestone and 2,000 tonnes of Italian Carrara marble were shipped to India, where over 1,500 skilled artisans carved the pieces by hand. These carved pieces were then shipped to London and assembled like a massive jigsaw puzzle.
• No Steel Used: The structure uses no steel and its construction followed the principles of Shilpa Shastra, ancient Hindu architectural texts.
• Founding: The temple was built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a socio-spiritual Hindu organisation, under the guidance of its spiritual leader, Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
• Cost: The entire project was funded through donations from the Hindu community and the construction was primarily carried out by volunteers. 

Architecture and Design
The temple complex consists of two main buildings: 

• The Mandir: The main place of worship, built from stone, featuring stunning intricate carvings of deities, historical figures, and floral motifs. It is a serene space for prayer and reflection.
• The Haveli: A traditional-style wooden building made from Burmese teak that serves as a community and cultural centre, welcoming area, and place for events. 

Community and Activities
The Neasden Temple plays a significant role in the local community: 

• Worship and Festivals: It is a vibrant centre for daily worship (puja and arti) and major Hindu festivals, most notably Diwali and the Hindu New Year, which feature elaborate celebrations and food offerings (Annakut).
• Charity and Volunteering: The temple is involved in extensive charitable activities, including blood donation drives, health fairs, and food distribution initiatives in partnership with various London charities.
• Education: It hosts the "Understanding Hinduism" exhibition, which provides insights into the principles, history, and practice of the Hindu faith. 

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