The temples follow Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism), and in common with other temples called Sanatan which is the true (original) name of the religion that was later referred to as 'Hindu'.[2][3]
Wembley temple
Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir
श्री सनातन हिंदू मंदिर
A side view of the Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir in Wembley, London
It was opened in the Summer of 2010, took 14 years to build, and is made entirely of imported Indian limestone. It was constructed according to the scriptures of the Hindu holy texts, and so contains no steel supports.[4] Its site has an area of 2.4 acres (9,700 m2).[5]
Many of the temple's component pieces were hand carved in the town of Sola, in the Indian state of Gujarat - before being flown to Britain and assembled. There were 41 marble statues of deities made in India especially for the mandir. The interior is elaborately decorated with carvings on the pillars and walls, as well as the numerous shrines with painted figures of Hindu deities. Some famous spiritual leaders and forms of Gods from other religions are featured in the carvings, including one of Mother Teresa and the Sikh Guru Nanak. At its highest point, the temple is 66 ft (20m) tall.[6]
The charity which runs the temples was founded by Vaishnav Hindus in London and one of its objects is "Advance the Hindu religion in accordance with the teaching of Shri Vallabh" (Vallabha Acharya), the founder of the Pushtimarg sect. However, the temples are intended to be ecumenical. The Charity was founded by Late Shri Balmukund P Parikh & Shri Ramanbhai Patel of the six gham patidar community with the blessings of Krishna Shankar Shashriji (Dadaji).[1]
