On Saturday 13th July 2019, Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Willesden - London officially opened the "Bhakti Dharma Centre" which will provide sheltered accommodation for the elderly community. The newly built facilities were opened in the presence of His Holiness Acharya 1008 Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj, Pujya Mahant Swami Dharmanandandasji of Bhuj, Willesden Temple Trustees and thousands of devotees from across the world.
This was a hugely momentous occasion for Willesden Temple as it marked the official completion of the landmark Regeneration Project. The project went through an arduous planning phase and the herculean efforts of all those involved over the past four years came to fruition. This Regeneration Project was the most significant phase of development since the original temple was built in 1988. In addition to the home for the elderly, The Temple also opened "Radha Krishna House" - a newly developed block of self-contained apartments, a two-storey underground car park, an extended and redesigned Wedding and Banquet Hall and upgraded Temple facilities including new kitchen and food preparation areas, media and IT rooms, library and extended classrooms for children.
The Temple now has facilities that will serve the community members of all ages for many years to come and is truly an exciting future for the entire community.
The addition of a new car park will help facilitate the demand of devotees attending the Temple as well as Wedding guests and most crucially will help remove the need to park on nearby residential roads. The Temple committee had passed the desire to carryout the project back in 2011. Initial plans were submitted in 2013 which was met with strong opposition and objection from local residents. The Temple redrafted a plan backed up with several reports and assessments required and finally on 5th July 2016 in the presence of 500+ devotees at Brent Civic Centre, the Temple was granted planning permission to proceed with the project.
The construction of ‘Bhakti Dharma Centre’ and ‘Radha Krishna House’ and the upgraded facilities could not have been completed without the incredible volunteers providing their services and time in ensuring the Temple met its completion timeline. The opening of new facilities was the start of a nine day program including music and cultural shows, a grand Hindu Mela, spiritual discourses delivered by educated saints from India, Gau Mata Pooja, and sessions on Dementia Awareness for the community. On Sunday 21st July to conclude the celebrations, and in partnership with Nishkam SWAT, the Temple provided freshly cooked food to approx. 300 displaced and vulnerable people in Central London. Aptly titled "Shree Hari Krishna Mahotsav" to commemorate not only the completion of The Regeneration Project but to also welcome new Hari Krishna Murtis. Over 3,000 devotees attended the celebrations daily.
Celebrating the Hindu Mela
On Sunday 14th July 2019, a grand Hindu Mela was held at Shree Kutchi Leva Patel Community (SKLPC) Centre in Northolt, Middlesex. The Mela was part of the week long Shree Hari Krishna Mahotsav Celebrations at Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Willesden and was organised in partnership with SKLPC. Over 6,000 people attended the event which included a grand "Royal Vachanamrit Exhibition" commemorating 200 years since the divine scripture was written, a continuous recital of "Vandu Pad". Live music and dance performances from Shree Kanya Vidya Girls School from Bhuj, India, a lazium and drum performance by the youth of Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Willesden was also organised. Fresh food, refreshments and desserts was served throughout the day and members of the Police were also present providing advice and information on Community Safety. Various health and wellbeing stalls were also set up, providing key advice on physical and mental wellbeing, as well as one for "Aangan" promoting a wonderful project in Ahmedabad, India which provides safe spaces for vulnerable and displaced children.
His Holiness Acharya 1008 Shree Koshalendraprasadji Maharaj along with esteemed saints from India, graced the event and showered blessings to all in attendance. Other dignitaries included Lord Navnit Dholakia, Stephen Pound - MP for Ealing North, Superintendant Ricky Kandohla - Lead for Metropolitan Police West Areas, and various Councillors from Brent and Harrow.
Project in numbers
l 52,656 voluntary hours of work carried out by members of the community.
l 74,078 sq ft of new space created.
l 181 tons of structural steel.
l 165,000 bricks.
l 4150 cubic metres of concrete.
l 37,739 sq ft of existing space being refurbished.
l 15,560 cubic metres of soil removed, that’s 2700 truck loads.
l 31,250 blocks.
l 690 tons of reinforcement.
