October 30, 2025

Get ready for a royal visit full of color and culture! On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla stepped into the sacred world of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, known lovingly as the Neasden Temple, in London. The occasion? The grand 30th anniversary celebration of this beautiful Hindu temple. The 76-year-old King received a warm welcome with the traditional nadachadi ceremony — a sacred thread tying ritual that means peace and friendship — performed by Head Priest Sadhu Yogvivekdas Swami. Both King Charles and Queen Camilla showed deep respect by removing their shoes as they entered and were beautifully garlanded with flowers fastened with pearls. Dev Patel, an 11-year-old schoolboy, performed a touching petal tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the temple's main deity, while the King folded his hands in a namaskar gesture. The King expressed his thanks and wished everyone a “belated Happy Diwali” as he watched the sacred abhishek ceremony of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj, the youthful form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, performed by the Patel family from south-east London. The moment was filled with spirituality and history. Sadhu Yogvivekdas said warmly, “This Mandir is the home of God. Over these last 30 years, it has become an integral part of the religious, cultural landscape of our great nation; admired not only for its partnership, but for what it embodies – a living centre of devotion, learning and service.” He praised the guiding hand of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj and the shared values of compassion, humility, and integrity honored by the royals themselves. The temple has a special place in King Charles’s heart. The priest recalled his earlier visits as Prince of Wales in 1996, 2007, and 2009, when Camilla also joined him. In a heartfelt video from India, Mahant Swami Maharaj sent prayers for the royal couple’s health and well-being. Inside the temple’s main hall, schoolchildren beautifully performed the 'Shanti Path,' a Vedic prayer for world peace. The King and Queen marveled at the temple’s grand 10-metre-high central dome, famed for its delicate carvings. The royal couple also admired a scale model of a new BAPS temple being built in Paris, which will become France’s first traditional Hindu temple. Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and project lead Sanjay Kara were there to discuss the importance of this new landmark. This Neasden Temple is not just a temple—it’s a masterpiece of Indian craftsmanship. Made without any steel and carved from marble and limestone by skilled artisans in India, the pieces were shipped to London and assembled by thousands of volunteers. But the temple’s heart beats beyond its stones. It is a center for learning, culture, and charity. It welcomes visitors worldwide to explore Hindu values and global harmony. Its charitable efforts, like the BAPS Charity Challenge, support education and community projects, focusing on 'sewa' – selfless service that uplifts lives with dignity. King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s visit was a vivid celebration of faith, friendship, and the vibrant spirit of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a shining jewel in London’s cultural crown.

Read More at Thehindu →

Tags: King charles iii, Queen camilla, Baps shri swaminarayan mandir, Neasden temple, Hindu temple, London,