Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Oct 30: Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir — popularly known as Neasden Temple — on Wednesday to commemorate its 30th anniversary celebrations, marking a moment of faith, unity, and cultural pride for the UK’s Hindu community.

The royal couple, warmly welcomed with traditional rituals, observed prayers and spiritual offerings at Europe’s first traditional Hindu stone temple, which was inaugurated in 1995. The 76-year-old monarch was greeted by Head Priest Sadhu Yogvivekdas Swami with the sacred nadachadi ceremony, symbolising bonds of peace and friendship.

Removing their shoes at the temple entrance, Their Majesties were garlanded with floral malas adorned with pearls before beginning their tour of the intricately carved temple complex.

During the ceremony, 11-year-old Dev Patel performed a petals tribute to the sacred image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan as the King folded his hands in namaskar. The monarch also took part in the abhishek ritual of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj and extended a “belated Happy Diwali” greeting to the devotees.

“This Mandir is the home of God. Over the past 30 years, it has become an integral part of our nation’s cultural and spiritual fabric,” said Sadhu Yogvivekdas Swami in his address. He praised the temple’s role in promoting values of compassion, humility, and service — values also reflected in the royal couple’s life of public duty.

Sadhu Yogvivekdas recalled the “genuine friendship” King Charles had shown towards the temple community through his past visits in 1996, 2007, and 2009, when he was accompanied by Queen Camilla, then Duchess of Cornwall.

In a video message from India, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj sent blessings and prayers for the King and Queen’s health, while children performed a Vedic peace chant, Shanti Path, for global harmony.

Guided by Jitu Patel, Chair of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha UK, the royals admired the temple’s 10-metre-high dome, known for its intricate stone carvings. They also viewed a scale model of the upcoming BAPS Mandir in Paris — set to become France’s first traditional Hindu temple next year.

Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, joined project leaders to discuss the temple’s cultural significance and the growing presence of Hindu architecture in Europe.

The Neasden Temple, constructed entirely without steel using ancient Vedic design principles, stands as a symbol of devotion, craftsmanship, and community service. Each piece of marble and limestone was hand-carved by artisans in India before being assembled in London with the support of thousands of volunteers.

Beyond its architectural grandeur, the temple continues to serve as a hub for education, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian work. Its charitable initiatives — including the annual BAPS Charity Challenge and community outreach programmes — embody the spirit of sewa (selfless service), uplifting lives through compassion and dignity.