Img carved pillars

In Front of Carved Pillars

You can take a few moments to look at and learn about the exquisitely carved pillars around you. 

Hindus believe in one supreme God who manifests on earth in various forms during different eras. The 12 pillars around the centre of the sanctum are dedicated to the various incarnations or avatars of God. 

The pillar at the front right, for example, depicts various episodes from the life of Shri Rama, as told in the Ramayana. 

Along the base of the pillar are gandharvas. These are celestial beings endowed with special talents in art, music and literature.

And around the top is a rare depiction of the dancing Ganesh following in the steps of his father Shiva, the Cosmic Dancer. 

In Hindu artwork, the gods are often depicted with multiple hands to reflect their divine powers. Symbolic gestures typify the characteristics of various gods. 

To give you an idea of the work involved in carving these detailed pillars, it took 4 craftsmen, each working full-time on each side of the pillar, around 60 days to complete one pillar. In total there are 193 pillars supporting the Mandir. 

Take your time to see the other pillars and enjoy their delicate carvings, before we move on to learning about the central dome above. 

When you are ready, please press next.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Neasden, London
  1. Information Desk
  2. Haveli Atrium
  3. Assembly Hall
  4. Portraits of Gurus
  5. Blue Carpet
  6. Photo Display 1
  7. Photo Display 2
  8. Abhishek Mandap
  9. Upper Sanctum
  10. In Front of Carved Pillars
  11. Central Dome
  12. Devotion
  13. Bhagwan Swaminarayan
  14. Gunatitanand Swami
  15. Gopalanand Swami
  16. Ghanshyam Maharaj
  17. Sukh Shayya
  18. Guru Parampara
  19. Harikrishna Maharaj & Radha-Krishna
  20. Bhagatji Maharaj
  21. Shastriji Maharaj
  22. Yogiji Maharaj
  23. Pramukh Swami Maharaj
  24. Shiva-Parvati
  25. Hanuman
  26. Ganesh
  27. Sita-Rama
  28. Ceiling
  29. Doors
  30. Porch
  31. Exhibition
  32. Messages From His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj