[Harrow online] Harrow’s Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple

The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple in Harrow. The term “Swaminarayan Mandir” is derived from two Sanskrit words, “Swami” meaning master or lord and “Narayan” meaning supreme God or Vishnu, and describes a Hindu temple where attendants worship the God, Vishnu.

The temple was initially located on Vaughan Road, West Harrow in 1976 but due to the growing Hindu population of Harrow, it was moved to its current location on Westfield Lane in Kenton. The temple is a large and impressive building, catering to Harrow’s residents, 25.3% of whom are Hindu.

In addition to daily prayers, the temple serves as a community hub, offering Hinduism and Gujarati classes, a children’s nursery, a day center for senior citizens, and a library and meditation areas. More recently, the temple has added yoga classes and a holistic center.

Throughout the year, the temple holds a number of events for its members, often to celebrate key dates in the Hindu calendar such as festivals. In 2006, the temple celebrated its 10th anniversary in Harrow with a grand event that included a parade of sacred bronze idols from the temple on floats along the streets of Harrow.

The temple also conducts charitable works, including regular charity walks for a range of charities. In 2008, the temple’s youth wing raised £50,000 for the Welldon Activity Group and St Luke’s Hospice.

Source: Conversation with Bing                                                                                                                           Community Spotlight: Harrow’s Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple. https://harrowonline.org/2024/02/16/community-spotlight-harrows-shri-swaminarayan-mandir-temple/.