SVNUK Temple Booklet 2017

Shri vallabh nidhi uk
Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir
P O Box 700, Ealing Road, Alperton, Wembley HA0 4TA Tel: 020 8903 7737 Fax: 020 8903 7750
Registered Charity No. 277833 Website: www.SVNUK.org Email: info@svnuk.org

Shri vallabh nidhi uk
Founder President & Chief Patron
Late H. H. Shri Krishna Shankar Shastriji “Dadaji”
Chief Patrons
H.H. Satyamitrananad Giriji Maharaj
P.P. Goswami 108 Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshree
P.P. Shree Ram Bapa
Board of Governors
Narendra Thakrar – Executive Chairman
Gorande Bhatt – Hon Secretary General
Mahendra Patel – Hon Treasurer
Ajay Jobanputra – Governor
Ashit Roy Thakkar – Governor
Pradip Dhamecha – Governor
Rasikaben Patel – Governor
Subahu Patel – Governor
Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir Wembley
Ealing Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA0 4TA
Tel: +44 208 903 7737
Fax: +44 208 903 7750
Opening Times: 7:45am to 8:00pm
Aarti: 8:00am and 7:00pm
Raj Bhog: 12:00noon to 1:00pm
Shrinathji Sanatan Hindu Mandir Leytonstone
159-161 Whipps Cross Road, Leytonstone,
London E11 1NP
Tel: +44 208 989 7539 +44 208 989 2034
Opening Times:
Ram Mandir timings: Open: 7:00am to 8:30am,
4:00pm to 8:00pm. Mandir closes: 1:00pm to 4pm
Aarti: 8:10am, 7:15pm Raj Bhog aarti: 12:00 noon
Shrinathji Temple timings Open: 7:00am to 8:30am,
10:00am to 11:00am, 5:00pm – 5:30pm, 6:00pm – 6:30
pm, 7:30pm – 8pm
Aarti: Mangla aarti at 8:00am, Shayan Aarti at 8:00pm.
Aarti at 12:30pm except for weekends and festival days.
Aarti at 1:00pm – Mandir closes after aarti at 1:00pm to
open at 5:00pm.

Date
May 2010
30th October 2010
May 2011
Major events since Wembley Temple Opening in May 2010
4th September 2011
31st May to
3rd June 2012
May 2012
7th June 2012
Event Description
Wembley Sanatan Hindu Temple Opening
Brent Council Diwali - SVNUK Hosted Traditional Indian dance and exhibition of Rangoli artwork
Shrimad Bhagwad Katha recited by Devi Chitralekhaji and Saraswati Yagna
Charity Walk in aid of Wembley Temple
New Shiv Temple Inauguration - Kameshwar Mahadev Pran Pratishtha
Shrimad Bhagwad Katha recited by Param Pujya Bhagwat Rushiji and Saraswati Yagna
Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, visited Sanatan Hindu Temple in Leytonstone
May 2013
10th Sept 2013
13th Oct 2013
May 2014
4th August 2014
15th October 2014
May 2015
May 2016
May 2017
Shri Charitramrut Katha recited by Shree Indirabetiji Mahodayashri and Shree Vrajkumarji
Mahodayshri
SVNUK hosted a seminar with Food Standards Agency for allergies in the UK
Medical Camp and TB testing
Devi Bhagwat Katha
World War Century Event. SVNUK participated in a ‘light out’ event to celebrate a day of
ceremonies marking 100 years since Britain entered World War One
SVNUK celebrated Diwali at House of Commons. The reception was attended by prominent
community leaders, religious leaders. A colourful Annakut was organised by SVNUK
Geeta Vachanamrut and Chappan Bhog Manorath
Saraswati Yagna
Saraswati Yagna, Sunder Kand, Hanuman Chalisa and Ram dhun

Interesting & Amazing Facts
Why do we worship the Tulsi Plant Hindu religion has bestowed ‘Tulsi’, with the status of
mother. Also known as ‘Sacred or Holy Basil’, Tulsi, has been recognized as a religious and
spiritual devout in many parts of the world. The vedic sages knew the benefits of Tulsi and that is
why they personified it as a Goddess and gave a clear message to the entire community that it
needs to be taken care of by the people, literate or illiterate. Tulsi has great medicinal properties. It
is a remarkable antibiotic. Taking Tulsi everyday in tea or otherwise increases immunity and helps
prevent diseases, stabilises the drinker’s health condition, balances his or her body system and
most important of all, prolongs his or her life. Keeping a Tulsi plant at home prevents insects and
mosquitoes from entering the house. It is said that snakes do not dare to go near a Tulsi plant.
Maybe that is why ancient people would grow lots of Tulsi near their houses.
Why do we worship Idols Hinduism propagates idol worship more than any other
religion. Researchers say that this was initiated for the purpose of increasing concentration
during prayers. According to psychiatrists, a man will shape his thoughts as per what
he sees. If you have 3 different objects in front of you, your thinking will change according
to the object you are viewing. Similarly, in ancient India, idol worship was established so
that when people view idols it is easy for them to concentrate to gain spiritual energy and
meditate without mental diversion
Why should we visit a Temple? Temples are located strategically at a place where the
positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of
north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as
“*Garbhagriha*” or *Moolasthanam*. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves
are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic
scripts, buried beneath the main Idol. What are they really? The copper plate absorbs earth’s
magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple
and walking clockwise around the main idol receives the beamed magnetic waves, and his
body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this
positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.

Interesting & Amazing Facts
Joining Both Palms together to Greet - Namaskar In Hindu culture, people greet each other
by joining their palms – termed as “Namaskar.” The general reason behind this tradition is that
greeting by joining both the palms means respect. However, scientifically speaking, joining both
hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers together which are devoted to the pressure points of
eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points which helps us
remember that person for a long time. And, no germs since we don’t make any physical contact!
Why do Indian Women wear Toe Rings Wearing toe rings is not just the significance of married
women but there is science behind it. Normally toe rings are worn on the second toe. A particular nerve
from the second toe connects the uterus and passes to heart. Wearing toe ring on this finger
strengthens the uterus. It will keep it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it and menstrual cycle will
be regularized. As silver is a good conductor, it also absorbs polar energies from the earth and passes
it to the body.
Applying Tilak/ KumKum on the Forehead On the forehead, between the two eyebrows, is a
spot that is considered as a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. The Tilak is
believed to prevent the loss of “energy”, the red ‘kumkum’ between the eyebrows is said to retain
energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. While applying KumKum
the points on the mid-brow region and Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed. This also facilitates
the blood supply to the face muscles.
Why We Start with Spice & End with Sweet Our ancestors have stressed on the fact
that our meals should be started off with something spicy, and sweet dishes should be taken
towards the end. The significance of this eating practice is that while spicy things activate the
digestive juices and acids and ensure that the digestion process goes on smoothly and efficiently,
sweets or carbohydrates pulls down the digestive process. Hence, sweets were always
recommended to be taken as a last item.

Why you should not sleep with Your Head towards North Myth is that it invites ghosts or
death, but science says that it is because human body has its own magnetic field (also known as
heart’s magnetic field, because of the flow of blood) and Earth is a giant magnet. When we sleep
with our head towards north, our body’s magnetic field becomes completely asymmetrical to the
Earth’s magnetic field. That causes problems related to blood pressure, and our heart needs to
work harder in order to overcome this asymmetry of magnetic fields. Apart from this another reason
is that our body has a significant amount of iron in our blood. When we sleep in this position, iron
from the whole body starts to congregate in brain. This can cause headache, Alzheimer’s disease,
Cognitive Decline, Parkinson disease and brain degeneration.
Surya Namaskar - an important Yoga based ritual Hindus have a
tradition of paying respect to the Sun God (Surya) early in the morning by
a water offering ritual. It was mainly because looking at sun rays through
water or directly at that time of the day is good for eyes, and also by waking
up to follow this routine we become prone to a morning lifestyle, and
mornings are proven to be the most effective part of the day.
Why do we Fast The underlying principle behind fasting is to be found in Ayurveda. This
ancient Indian medical system sees the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of
toxic materials in the digestive system. Regular cleansing of toxic materials keeps one healthy.
By fasting, the digestive organs get rest and all body mechanisms are cleansed and corrected.
A complete fast is good for heath, and the occasional intake of warm lemon juice during the
period of fasting prevents the flatulence.
Since the human body, as explained by Ayurveda, is composed of 80% liquid and 20% solid,
like the earth, the gravitational force of the moon affects the fluid contents of the body. It causes
emotional imbalances in the body, making some people tense, irritable and violent. Fasting acts
as antidote, for it lowers the acid content in the body which helps people to retain their sanity.
Research suggests there are major health benefits to caloric restriction like reduced risks of
cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, immune disorders etc.

SVNUK Community Hall - Gokaldham Centre

SVNUK Community Hall - Gokaldham Centre
Our Community Hall, named Gokaldham Centre, was opened in November 2016. The building has been fully refurbished
from the old temple which was housed in there and has its own private entrance and washroom / changing room facilities.
The Gokaldham Centre is available for hire for hosting functions like a wedding, engagement, sanjee, chandalo matli,
birthday party, bhajans, kathas, baby shower, etc. We are also able to host small business meetings, conferences and
seminars, with all the facilities available as detailed below:
Main Hall - capacity 450 people theatre style seating or 300 people dining style seating
Sound System and wall screen display facilities available for hire for events
Portable Stage system, with 2m by 1m blocks, can be set up as required
Fire Alarm & CCTV facility outside and inside the Centre for added safety
Our Caretaker will be on site throughout the event
Separate Dining Hall with access from Main Hall - capacity 150 people with standard buffet dinner setting
Commercial kitchen with full facilities for vegetarian cooking / heating and serving food directly into the Dining Hall
Air Conditioning, Ventilation Systems and Chandelier/ Down lights plus adjustable Mood Lighting is available
Tables and Banqueting chairs provided as part of the hire packages
Car parking for up to 70 cars can be reserved for the Centre for private hire
Hall upstairs for small parties, weddings or business meetings - capacity 75 people with theatre style setting
Conference Room upstairs for small business meetings - capacity 20 people
Full Wi-Fi and Audio / Visual Presentation facilities can be set up as required
Conference style rectangular tables and banqueting chairs for various layouts as required.
Minimum hire period is 3 to 5 hours dependent on event and set up requirement. We can provide a customised
package solution for your hire to include setup, parking and use of the various halls / rooms as you require. We do
not allow any alcohol or non-vegetarian food on site. Smoking is not permitted on the Temple grounds.

Sanatan Hindu Rituals & Traditions
Why do Hindus light a lamp?
In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar of the Lord. In some houses it is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day
– at dawn and dusk – and in a few it is maintained continuously. All auspicious functions commence with the lighting of the
lamp, which is often maintained right through the occasion.
Light symbolizes knowledge. Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also knowledge is a lasting inner
wealth by which all outer achievement can be accomplished. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the
greatest of all forms of wealth.
Why not light a bulb or tube light? That too would remove darkness. But the traditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance.
The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our vaasanas or negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual
knowledge, the vaasanas get slowly exhausted and the ego too finally perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns upwards.
Similarly we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals.
Why do Hindus do Namaste?
Indians greet each other with namaste. The two palms are placed together in front of the chest and the head bows whilst
saying the word “Namaste”. This greeting is for all - people younger than us, of our own age, those older than friends, even
strangers and us.
Namaste could be just a casual or formal greeting, a cultural convention or an act of worship. However there is much more to it
than meets the eye. In Sanskrit namah + te = namaste. It means - I bow to you - my greetings, salutations or prostration to
you. Namaha can also be literally interpreted as "na ma" (not mine).
The real meeting between people is the meeting of their minds. When we greet another, we do so with namaste, which means,
"may our minds meet," indicated by the folded palms placed before the chest. The bowing down of the head is a gracious form
of extending friendship in love and humility.
The spiritual meaning is even deeper. The life force, the divinity, the Self or the Lord in me is the same in all. Recognising this
oneness with the meeting of the palms, we salute with head bowed the Divinity in the person we meet. That is why sometimes,
we close our eyes as we do namaste to a revered person or the Lord – as if to look within. The gesture is often accompanied
by words like "Ram Ram", "Jai Shri Krishna", "Namo Narayana", "Jai Siya Ram", "Om Shanti" etc - indicating the recognition of
this divinity.
Why do Hindus do pradakshina (circumambulate)?
We cannot draw a circle without a centre point. The Lord is the centre, source and essence of our lives. Recognising Him as
the focal point in our lives, we go about doing our daily chores. This is the significance of pradakshina.

Why do Hindus blow the conch (sea shell)?
When the conch is blown, the primordial sound of Om emanates. Om is an auspicious sound that was chanted by the Lord
before creating the world. It represents the world and the Truth behind it. It represents dharma or righteousness that is one of
the four goals (purushaarthas) of life. The sound of the conch is thus also the victory call of good over evil.
Another well-known purpose of blowing the conch and the instruments, known traditionally to produce auspicious sounds is to
drown or mask negative comments or noises that may disturb or upset the atmosphere or the minds of worshippers. Ancient
India lived in her villages. Each village was presided over by a primary temple and several small ones. During the aarti performed
after all-important poojas and on sacred occasions, the conch used to be blown. Since villages were generally small,
the sound of the conch would be heard all over the village. People who could not make it to the temple were reminded to stop
whatever they were doing, at least for a few seconds, and mentally bow to the Lord. The conch sound served to briefly elevate
people's minds to a prayerful attitude even in the middle of their busy daily routine.
Why do Hindus say Shaanti thrice?
Shaanti, meaning "peace", is a natural state of being. Disturbances are created either by others or us.
To invoke peace, Hindus chant prayers. By chanting prayers, troubles end and peace is experienced internally, irrespective of
the external disturbances. All such prayers end by chanting shaanti thrice. It is believed that trivaram satyam - that which is
said thrice comes true. For emphasizing a point we repeat a thing thrice. In the court of law also, one who takes the witness
stands says, "I shall speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth". Shaanti is chanted aloud the first time,
addressing the unseen forces. It is chanted softer the second time, directed to our immediate surroundings and those around,
and softest the last time as it is addressed to oneself.
Why do Hindus offer a coconut?
A coconut is offered on occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of a new vehicle, house etc. It is offered in the sacrificial fire
whilst performing yagna. The coconut is broken and placed before the Lord. It is later distributed as prasaad ( a holy gift).
The marks on the coconut make it look like the head of a human being.
The coconut is broken, symbolising the breaking of the ego. The juice within, representing the inner tendencies, is offered
along with the white kernel - the mind, to the Lord. The coconut also symbolises selfless service. Every part of the tree - the
trunk, leaves, fruit, coir etc. is used in innumerable ways like thatches, mats, tasty dishes, oil, soap etc. It takes in even salty
water from the earth and converts it into sweet nutritive water that is especially beneficial to sick people. It is used in the
preparation of many ayurvedic medicines and in other alternative medicinal systems.

Wembley Temple - Construction & Architecture
The architecture of the Shri Sanatan Hindu Temple in Wembley has impressed thousands with its dazzling decorative
complexity since its completion in 2010. Its intricately-carved bright sand-coloured walls and domes are established as an
unmistakable landmark on the Ealing Road. Construction of the Shri Sanatan Mandir, like all Hindu Temples, is based on the
scripture of the Shilpa Shastras, which contain design rules, and standards. In this tradition it is laid out on numerical and
geometrical principles based on a grid. The Temple is close to square in plan, aligned with its main doors facing to the east.
For the first time visitor the most striking impression is made by numerous intricate forms of carving and moulding which cover
the exterior and interior walls, and also the ceilings and the pillars supporting the domes. The patterns have been derived from
Hindu legends such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Shrimad Bhagvatam. Carvings also recognise non-Hindus like
Mother Theresa and Guru Nanakdevji. Each of the 210 pillars depicts a famous event from Hindu Scriptures. Elsewhere on
the stonework, rosettes, feathers and leaves are all-hand-carved. The only unadorned surface is the smooth expanse of
Makrana marble floor.
Many of the component pieces were carved in limestone in the small town of Sola in the state of Gujarat, before being shipped
to UK and assembled. Yellow Jaisalmer limestone is seen on the exterior and pink Bansi Paharpur inside, all stone coming
from Rajasthan, India. The architectural style is described as being in the Northern Indian tradition. No architect’s name is
associated with the Temple. There are 11 inner temples and 29 smaller sanctums housing a total of 41 deities. The total
construction area of the Mandir is 20,900 square feet. The Temple is 182 ft by 115 ft and is 66 ft at its highest point in the
main Shiker. Shri Sanatan Mandir at Wembley is in a plot which is 2.4 acres. There are 2 domes and the width of each of the
domes is 30 feet across. The big dome with Raas Lila formation has 18 Radha murtis and the small dome has murtis of 18
different sants. There are 3 Shikhers (large Shikher is 66 feet tall and the two small Shikhers are 59 feet tall). There are 8
small Samarans over eight inner temples. There are 2 large Samarans over the domes. There are 426 internal arches under
the beams. There are 34 Zarukhas and 7 Zarukha gates. There are 8 Sinhasans. There are 117 ceilings with 34 different
types of design.
No underlying structural steel frame work was used for the Temple and there is not even a single small subsidiary metallic
beam or bolt anywhere. For spiritual reasons iron-based materials are considered inauspicious in Hindu culture. All masonry
is designed to be self load-bearing. Only copper, silver or gold is permitted in construction, and there is indeed gold here at the
highest point of the Temple, the gold-plated adornment on the spires properly known as Shikharas. The Shri Sanatan Hindu
Mandir was constructed over 14 years using funds raised by the charity Shri Vallabh Nidhi UK. It opened in the summer of
2010 with the Pran Prathistha ceremony to infuse spirit into the statues. See the website at www.SVNUK.org for more details.

2
1
4 6
5 7
3

8
9
10
11
Wembley
Inner
Temples
1 Shri Ram Darbar
2 Shri Shrinathji
3 Shri Radha Krishna
4 Shri Tirupati Balaji
5 Shri Simandhar Swami
6 Shri Shiv Parivar
7 Shri Amba Mataji
8 Shri Jalaram Bapa
9 Shri Sahajanand Swami
10 Shri Hanumanji
11 Shri Ganeshji

Shri Ram Mandir
Leytonstone

Shri Nathji Mandir Leytonstone

Kameshwar Mahadev Temple Wembley

Shiv Puja - Reason of pouring milk on Shiv Lingam
Cow milk is a good conductor of positive energy. When a devotee visits a Shiva temple and offers
cow milk to the Shiv Ling he is actually ensuring that the positive energy that surrounds the Shiv ling
flows into his or her body. During this ritual the devotee must loudly chant the mantra “Om Namah
Shivay”. This will make the devotee strong mentally, physically as well as emotionally.
If we try to understand how this ritual started we have to go back to the incident of samudra manthan.
In battles between Devas (Gods) and Asuras (demons), the Devas were defeated and Asuras gained control of the universe.
Devas sought help from the god Vishnu who advised them to obtain the nectar of immortality by churning the ocean. The
Samudra Manthan process released a number of things from the ocean. One product was the lethal poison known as Halahal.
The poison was so deadly that it could destroy the whole universe.
To stop it Lord Shiva decided to drink the poison. His wife Parvati ensured that this poison stops at the throat of Lord Shiva
and does not enter any other part of his body. Many snakes who were close to Lord Shiva also consumed a little of this poison
and they became more poisonous.
After the manthan the devtas decided that they should thank lord Shiva for the help so they did the first abhishek and since
then it has become a ritual to pour milk on Shiv Lingam and ask Lord Shiva for his blessings. After that many kings were also
seen doing the same. Lord Rama did the same before his battle with Ravan.
Keeping it cool
Another concept is that Lord Shiva was a very short tempered God and when his third eye opened he could set everything on
fire. The day lord Shiva gets angry it can mean the end of the universe. By constantly pouring milk on the Shiv ling the
devotees ensure that his head is kept cool.
Mahamantra “ ॐ नमः शिवाय - Om Namah Shivay"
ॐ नमः शिवाय means “I bow to Shiva.” Shiva is the supreme reality, the inner Self. It is the consciousness that dwells in all. This
mantra is free of all limitations. This mahamantra should be recited minimum 5, 11 or 108 times – there is no restriction to the
number of recitations. Om Namah Shivay mantra is respectfully recited by Yogis and devotees in prayers and meditation. The
powerful healing mantra ॐ नमः शिवाय is beneficial in treatment of all physical and mental ailments. Soulful recitation of this
mantra brings peace to the heart and joy to the (Soul).

Shri Vallabh Nidhi UK Donation Form
We provide the following services to the community at the Temple:
Wedding / Engagements, Bhajans, Religious Discourse, Satyanarayan Katha, Yagna, private Saptah and
all other religious ceremonies. We celebrate the festivals of Shivratri, Holi, Ramnavmi, Hanuman Jayanti,
Hindola, Janamashtmi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Visarjan, Jalaram Jayanti, Navratri, Navratri Aatham,
Diwali and Hindu New Year.
If you would like to make a donation to the Temple, please send a cheque made payable to ‘Shri Vallabh Nidhi UK’ and send
together with the form below to Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir, PO Box 700, Ealing Road, Alperton, Wembley, Middlesex HA0
4TA. For more details please visit our website at www.svnuk.org
Details of donor: Please note that the information marked * is mandatory.
*Title: ............................ *Forenames: ............................................................................................
*Surname: .......................................................................................................................................................
*Address: ..............................................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................... *Post Code: .................................
*Tel No: (Home): .............................................................. Mobile: ........................................................................
Pounds (in words) ..................................................................................................................................................
*Signature: ........................................................................ *Date: ..................................................................
GIFT AID YOUR DONATION
Please note: We will send a receipt for your donation to your address above
Gift Aid means Shri Vallabh Nidhi UK can claim income tax relief on all donations of any value. Yes, I am a UK taxpayer
and would like Shri Vallabh Nidhi UK to treat all donations I have made, as well as any future donations as Gift Aid, until I
notify you otherwise. *Signature ............................................................................................................