BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Reviews Summary

Architecture & Design

Pros:

• "Beautiful architecture and awesome sculpting work on white marble and red stone."
• "Not only the architecture is amazingly stunning and everything is so beautiful, but it also has a lot of meaning and history inside."
• "The craftsmanship on the wood and marble are outstanding."
• "The architectural marvel of the temple is awe-inspiring, offering a serene and spiritually uplifting atmosphere."
• "The architecture is amazing and very detailed on the outside and the inside."
• "The entire building was built and carved by hand, all the stone was shipped from India!"
• "It's really a proud feeling to see such a vast Hindu temple in London, that adorns intricate carvings and amazing architecture."

Cons:

• "A few of us came to the same conclusion that although the marble is nice, it's impractical on stairs where it was quite slippery."
• "Other than the architecture this place is very commercialised and was very disappointed with my visit won't be visiting again."
• "Although the temple is big, public viewing area is quite small."
• "The gates are shut most of the time, need a slot on their website to book a visit, not many available."

Staff & Volunteers

Pros:

• "The staff inside is really nice and kind."
• "Friendly and professional crew, security deserve tips 👍, all facilities available."
• "The volunteers are also really talkative, and warm."
• "The volunteers were kind as well as efficient!"
• "The temple's dedicated volunteers and staff exemplify the principles of service and hospitality."
• "The staff is friendly and answers all your queries and explains about the temple."
• "The staff is so kind and helpful."

Cons:

• "Very poor customer service."
• "Visited this temple with my friend yesterday. What greets you is a gift shop, a disappointment. Money making."
• "Very bad experience. Seems stricter than Buckingham Palace."
• "Shocking.. exceptionally rude staff, even the pundit horrible."
• "Most of the volunteers (or staff whoever they are) make you feel unwanted in that place."
• "Very rude staff. Misleading information provided to customers."
• "This is not first time I went to BAPS swaminarayan temple I went first almost 15 years back when I was a student and felt the same but ignored it as thought it must be one off but no it's highly racist almost like a 'CULT'."

Spiritual Experience

Pros:

• "The sacred atmosphere is enhanced by the soul-stirring chants and devotional music that fills the air."
• "The beautifully adorned prayer halls exude a spiritual aura, inviting devotees to immerse themselves in prayer and contemplation."
• "The most important thing is spiritual aspect that caters to you."
• "The atmosphere is very tranquil. Highly recommend you to go and visit the temple."
• "I love the atmosphere and the silence which gives you the feeling of God's presence."
• "The peaceful atmosphere inside allowed for deep reflection and spiritual connection."
• "The place is beautiful and it's like heaven. It's pure bliss."

Cons:

• "You just go inside follow the arrows and within a 10min walk you're out again without having learned anything."
• "This is not really the best example of a temple... it just seems like a business rather than a place of worship."
• "It’s supposed to be a divine and spiritual experience but it was more of tourist attraction visit."
• "There’s no divinely feeling with this temple except for its white walls for public to take pictures."

Accessibility & Facilities

Pros:

• "Free Parking across the Mandir."
• "Plenty of free parking provided by temple."
• "There are lots of parking spaces in the temple premise."
• "There is space for keeping shoes safely. Also there is storage room for backpacks & other baggages."
• "They have a free parking area, baggage room and a vegetarian restaurant."
• "There is a free car park and a good restaurant as well."
• "They have every facilities washrooms, food areas, and it's nearest Railway and bus stops as well."

Cons:

• "Access to the BAPS from Neasden station but it's a 20 minute walk along the highway so be prepared as it's not very pleasant."
• "Parking can be an issue on an event or festival day."
• "Sadly it is on an end of London so commute by train is further outside of central London."
• "The toilets inside the temple need freshening up with ventilation & to get rid of lingering odours."