Neasden Temple

Can you believe it took me twenty years to visit Neasden Temple? Twenty! I’ve lived in the UK for almost two decades, and somehow, I’d never made it there. Shame on me.

But with Mum visiting, I finally had the perfect excuse — and oh my goodness, what an experience it was.

Nestled quietly in the heart of London, Neasden Temple (or BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir) is one of those places that takes your breath away before you even step inside. The intricate carvings, the stillness, the sheer beauty — it’s impossible not to feel something stir within you.

And then… the moment I walked through the doors, everything just stopped. The noise, the rush, the endless to-do lists — gone. It was as if peace had found me.

I’d only ever felt that same sense of divinity and calm once before — years ago, in fact — standing at the entrance to the Vatican in Rome.

It was as if the universe was smiling down on me, on us.

Watching Oliver embrace the traditions with such curiosity and respect — shoes off, head bowed, completely present — made my heart so full.

And having Mum beside me, her eyes wide with wonder, made it even more special. It felt like one of those moments where generations collide — love, culture, spirituality — all coming together in perfect harmony.

And can we talk about the temple food for a second? Oh my word. You absolutely cannot leave without trying it (and the Indian sweets!!). It’s wholesome, comforting, and tastes like it’s been made with divine love (and maybe a little extra divine touch).

Walking out of Neasden Temple that afternoon, I felt strangely emotional. Somehow, I think I visited at exactly the right time — and with the two people who made it mean even more.

It may have taken me twenty years to get there… but I’m definitely not waiting another twenty to go back.