Model mandir

This object was acquired by the museum as part of its Collecting 2000 project that aimed to capture a snapshot of London life in the year 2000. The project involved donations from societies, groups and religious organisations representing a large range of Londoners and communities. The mandir model was selected and donated by the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden to represent the Brent Hindu community that worshiped at the temple. Mandir models in a variety of styles and materials are typically kept at home for daily prayers. This example could be purchased at the souvenir shop in the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and includes depictions of Bhagwan Swaminaraya, to whom the temple is dedicated. The donors explained the significance of the donation by stating 'There is always space made at home for God, and it may be as delicate as this example of a mandir or only a photograph of a deity. Traditionally mothers would do morning prayers using the various items that you see provided, and at night it is quite common for a family assembly to take place around the mandir.'