Lord Shiva Temples in UK: Complete City-Wise Guide 2025

Discover the sacred Lord Shiva temples across the United Kingdom, where ancient Hindu traditions thrive in Britain’s multicultural landscape. From London’s magnificent Neasden Temple to Scotland’s traditional mandirs, these spiritual sanctuaries serve the growing British Hindu community while welcoming seekers of all backgrounds.

Hinduism in the United Kingdom: A Flourishing Community

The United Kingdom is home to approximately 1 million Hindus (2021 Census), making Hinduism the third-largest religion in Britain after Christianity and Islam. This represents 1.7% of the total population, with significant growth over recent decades.

According to Historic England’s 2020 survey, there are 187 identified Hindu temples in England alone, with additional temples across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These sacred spaces serve not only as places of worship but as vital community hubs preserving Indian culture, language, and traditions for future generations.

The British Hindu community is predominantly of Indian origin, including significant populations from Uganda (expelled in 1972), Kenya, Tanzania, and other East African nations. More recent immigration from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan has enriched the diversity of Hindu worship across the UK.

---

England: Heart of British Hinduism

Greater London: The Capital’s Spiritual Treasures

London hosts the largest concentration of Hindu temples in the UK, particularly in boroughs like Brent, Harrow, Ealing, Newham, Redbridge, and Croydon. The city’s temples reflect the diversity of Hindu traditions, from Tamil Shaivite worship to Gujarati Swaminarayan sampradaya.

London – BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden Temple)

Location: Pramukh Swami Road, Neasden, London NW10 8HW

Contact: +44 (0)20 8965 2651

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.londonmandir.baps.org | www.neasdentemple.org

The Crown Jewel of British Hinduism

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, popularly known as the Neasden Temple, stands as Britain’s most iconic Hindu monument. This architectural masterpiece was inaugurated on August 20, 1995, and has since attracted close to half a million visitors annually.

Architectural Marvel:

• Construction Materials: 5,000 tonnes of Bulgarian limestone and Italian Carrara/Indian Ambaji marble
• Design: Built according to ancient Shilpa Shastras (Hindu architectural scriptures)
• Unique Feature: No steel or iron used in construction – only stone
• Dimensions: 21 meters (70 feet) high, 60 meters (195 feet) long
• Components: 7 shikhars (pinnacles), 6 gummats (domes), 193 pillars, 32 windows, 4 balconies
• Construction: Hand-carved in India by 1,526 sculptors, then shipped to London and assembled like a 3D jigsaw
• Cost: £12 million
• Build Time: 2½ years (completed in record time)

Historical Recognition:

• Guinness World Records 2000: Listed as “Biggest Hindu Temple outside India” (later surpassed by other BAPS temples)
• Time Out Magazine: Named one of London’s “Seven Man-Made Wonders”
• Royal Recognition: King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited in October 2025 to commemorate 30th anniversary
• Awards: ‘UK Pride of Place’ award (2007), ‘Most Enterprising Building’ award (1996)

Deities Worshipped:

• Bhagwan Swaminarayan (primary)
• Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (prominent shrine)
• Radha Krishna
• Ram-Sita-Lakshman-Hanuman
• Seven shrines beneath each of the seven pinnacles

Haveli Cultural Centre: Adjoining wooden complex featuring:

• English oak and Burmese teak carvings
• Assembly hall, gymnasium, bookshop
• Offices and community spaces
• “Understanding Hinduism” exhibition (£2 entry fee)

Temple Timings:

• Morning: 9:00 AM – 12:15 PM
• Evening: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Evening Arti: 6:35 PM – 7:20 PM (livestreamed daily)

Special Celebrations:

• Maha Shivaratri: Ice shivaling presentation, special worship
• Diwali and Hindu New Year: Grand celebrations
• Holi: Festival of Colors
• Daily arti ceremonies

Getting There:

• Nearest Stations: Wembley Park (Jubilee/Metropolitan lines), Stonebridge Park, Harlesden (Bakerloo line), Neasden
• By Bus: Multiple routes including 224
• From Central London: Approximately 1 hour journey
• Parking: Free parking available on-site

Visitor Guidelines:

• Modest dress code (no shorts, skirts above knee)
• Shoes must be removed before entering
• Photography allowed outside; restricted inside main sanctum
• Free entry to temple; small fee for exhibition
• Bag check across the road may be required
• Open to all faiths and backgrounds

Why Visit: The Neasden Temple represents a pinnacle of Hindu architecture outside India. Its exquisite marble carvings, peaceful atmosphere, and spiritual significance make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Hindu culture, architecture, or seeking spiritual tranquility.

London – London Sivan Kovil, Lewisham

Location: 4A Clarendon Rise, Lewisham, London SE13 5ES

Contact: +44 (0)20 8318 9844

Website: www.londonsivankovil.org.uk

Europe’s First Traditional Shiva Temple

The London Sivan Kovil is being reconstructed in accordance with ancient Saiva scriptures and, once completed, will be the first of its kind in Europe as a traditional Lord Shiva temple. Built by the Sivan Kovil Trust through donations from devotees in London and abroad, this temple centers exclusively on Lord Shiva.

Main Deity: Lord Shiva

Temple Features:

• Traditional Tamil Shaivite architecture
• Authentic Agama-based worship
• Tamil pujaris (priests) conducting daily rituals
• Serene and peaceful atmosphere
• Clean, well-maintained premises

Temple Timings:

• Weekdays: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Weekends: Open all day

Major Celebrations:

• Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated with great enthusiasm
• Thiru Sandeeswara Utsava: Special festival
• Chariot Festival (Ther): Annual procession
• Navaratri: Nine nights of Goddess worship
• Regular Pradosham pujas

Getting There:

• Nearest Station: Lewisham (National Rail, DLR)
• From Central London: 22 minutes from Victoria Coach Station (51 min by train), 35 min from Waterloo
• By Bus: Approximately 70 min from Buckingham Palace

Community Role: The Sivan Kovil Trust looks after the welfare and religious needs of Tamil Hindus in Lewisham and beyond, providing a spiritual anchor for the community.

Why Visit: For authentic Tamil Shaivite worship in London, this temple offers traditional rituals and a deeply spiritual atmosphere reminiscent of temples in Tamil Nadu.

London – Sri Mahalakshmi/Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Manor Park

Location: 272 High Street North, Manor Park, London E12 6SA

Contact: +44 (0)20 8552 5082

A comprehensive temple serving East London’s Hindu community with dual worship of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

Services:

• Daily Shiva pujas
• Monday Abhishekams
• Pradosham ceremonies
• Festival celebrations
• Community programs

London – Sivayogam Muthumariyamman Temple, Tooting

Location: 180-186 Upper Tooting Road, Tooting, London SW17 7EJ

Contact: +44 (0)20 8767 9881

Fax: +44 (0)20 8767 2337

Email: [email protected]

A prominent South Indian temple in South London serving the Tamil community.

Main Deities:

• Muthumariyamman (primary)
• Lord Shiva
• Multiple other deities

Services:

• Traditional Tamil worship
• Cultural programs
• Festival celebrations

London – Eelapateesvarar Aalayam, Wembley

Location: Ealing Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA0 4AU

Contact: +44 (0)20 8902 3238

Traditional Tamil temple serving North London’s Sri Lankan Tamil community.

London – London Murugan Temple, Manor Park

Location: 78 Church Road, Manor Park, London E12 6AF

Contact: +44 (0)20 8478 8433

While primarily dedicated to Lord Murugan, this temple houses Shiva shrines and serves the Tamil Hindu community.

London – Shree Ganapathy Temple, Wimbledon

Location: 125-133 Effra Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 8PU

Contact: +44 (0)20 8542 7482, +44 (0)20 8542 4141

Primarily dedicated to Lord Ganesha, with Shiva worship facilities.

London – Sri Minakshi Amman Temple

Location: 1279 Bloor Street West, London

Contact: +44 (0)416 535 6560

Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) with Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar) as her consort.

Features:

• Traditional Tamil architecture
• Daily pujas
• Cultural programs

London – Shri Sithi Vinayagar Temple, Harrow

Location: International Siddhashram Shakti Centre, Palmerston Road, Wealdstone, Harrow, Middlesex HA3 7RW

Contact: +44 (0)20 8424 9998

Community temple serving Northwest London.

London – Sivaskanthagiri Murugan Kovil, Croydon

Location: 13-15 Thornton Road, Thornton Heath, Croydon, Surrey CR7 6BD

Contact: +44 (0)20 8684 0747

London – Shree Sakthy Ghanapathy Temple, Croydon

Location: 21 Brigstock Road, Croydon, Surrey CR7 7JJ

Contact: +44 (0)20 8689 3466

London – Sri Raja Rajeswary Amman Temple, Stoneleigh

Location: Dell Lane, Stoneleigh, Surrey KT17 2NE

Contact: +44 (0)20 8393 8147

Watford & Hertfordshire

UK Nagara Shiva Temple, Watford/St. Albans

Location: Conducting monthly poojas at a hall in St. Albans, Hertfordshire

Website: www.shivatempleuk.org

A Growing Vision for Shaivism

UK Nagara Shiva Temple is a registered charity established in 2019 with the ambitious goal of building an iconic place of worship for Lord Shiva as per Saiva Agamic texts.

Current Activities:

• Monthly poojas dedicated exclusively to Lord Shiva
• Traditional methods of worship revived
• Teaching and singing of Thevaram (Saiva narrative poetry)
• Growing community of 100+ devotees monthly

Vision:

• Build a traditional Shiva temple following Saiva Agamic scriptures
• Suitable site/building already identified
• Seeking community support and donations
• Volunteer-driven organization

Services:

• Monthly special poojas
• Devotional singing and Thevaram classes
• Community gatherings
• Traditional Shaivite education

How to Support:

• Volunteering opportunities available
• Donations welcomed for temple building project
• Participation in monthly events

Significance: Tamil saying “Kovil illatha ooru kutiye illai” (A village without a temple is not a village) drives this community’s mission to establish a proper Shiva temple for UK devotees.

Birmingham & West Midlands

Shri Venkateswara Balaji Temple (Tividale Tirupati Balaji Temple)

Location: 101 Dudley Road East, Tividale, Birmingham B69 3DU

Contact: +44 (0)121 544 2256

One of the Largest Hindu Temples in the UK

This magnificent temple, dedicated primarily to Lord Venkateswara (Balaji), also houses prominent shrines of Lord Shiva and is one of the most important Hindu temples in the West Midlands.

Temple Features:

• Huge idol of Lord Balaji (Vishnu)
• Well-maintained temple complex
• Vast grounds with ample parking
• Playground for children
• Meditation and Education Centre
• Digital Gandhi Museum (recently opened)

Temple Timings:

• Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Services:

• Daily pujas and aartis
• Free lunch every weekend for all devotees
• Free dinner every evening
• Hindu wedding ceremonies
• Marquee facility (accommodates large gatherings)
• Friendly priests available for guidance

Community Programs:

• Cultural events
• Festival celebrations (especially grand during Diwali, Janmashtami)
• Educational programs
• Youth activities

Getting There:

• Train from Birmingham, then bus
• Ample free parking available
• Near Dudley

Why Visit: Beautiful and spacious temple with friendly atmosphere, excellent for families. The provision of free meals demonstrates the temple’s commitment to seva (service).

Sri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Tyseley

Location: Shree Hindu Community Centre, 541a Warwick Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2JP

Traditional North Indian temple serving Birmingham’s Hindu community.

Shree Krishna Temple, Sparkbrook

Location: 10 Sampson Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham B11 1JL

Contact: +44 (0)121 771 4478

ISKCON Birmingham

Popular Krishna consciousness temple in Birmingham with regular programs, kirtans, and prasadam.

Manchester & Northwest England

Shiva Temple Manchester (In Development)

Website: www.shivatemplemanchester.co.uk

A Divine Journey Begins

Shiva Temple Manchester is a charitable organization founded with the mission of building the first traditional South Indian-style Shiva temple as per Saiva Aagama Scriptures in Greater Manchester.

Milestone Achieved (2024):

• Successfully acquired first property through community support
• Currently applying for change of use permit and planning permission
• Modest size initially, but strategic development for future expansion

Vision:

• Traditional South Indian architecture with gopurams
• Dhwaja sthambhams (flag posts)
• Stone carved deities
• Regular poojas and rituals following temple traditions

Fundraising Goal: £2.5 million for complete temple construction

How to Support:

• Pledge £10/month or donate
• Volunteer opportunities
• Attend current monthly poojas and events

Current Programs:

• Monthly poojas at hired venues
• Special celebrations (Navaratri, Pradosham)
• Vilakku (lamp) pooja opportunities
• Community gatherings

Recent Events:

• Navaratri celebrations (October)
• Special Vilakku Pooja for ladies (maximum 50 participants)
• Registration-based events (minimum £11 contribution)

Community Message: “Shiva Temple Manchester – It is His Doing” – The project emphasizes divine guidance and community support in establishing this spiritual home.

Hindu Temple Newcastle

Location: 172 West Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 9QB

Serving the Hindu community in Northeast England.

Nottingham & East Midlands

Sri Thurkkai Amman Temple, Beeston

Location: 10a West Crescent, Beeston Rylands, Nottingham NG9 1QE

The Hindu Temple & Community Centre of Nottingham

Location: 215 Carlton Road, Nottingham NG3 2FX

Contact: +44 (0)115 911 3384

Bhagwati Shakti Peeth, Basford

Location: 43-47 Eland Street, Basford, Nottingham NG7 7DY

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Nottingham

Location: 102-103 Palm Street, Basford, Nottingham NG7 7HS

Sai Dham, Nottingham

Location: 75-79 Egypt Road, Basford, Nottingham NG7 7GN

Liverpool & Merseyside

Liverpool Ganesh Temple

Location: Delby Crescent Resource Centre, Delby Crescent, Kirby L32 8TN

Contact: +44 (0)151 546 7611, +44 (0)7812 013198 (Suresh), +44 (0)7508 657674 (Nathan Kurukkal)

Note: Use gate between 6-8 Clieves Road, L32 8TS as entrance

Sheffield

Hindu Temple Sheffield

Location: 21 Buckenham Street, Sheffield

Serving the Yorkshire Hindu community.

Leicester

Leicester has one of the highest concentrations of Hindus in the UK (over 15% of the city’s population) and hosts numerous temples including several dedicated to Shiva worship.

---

Scotland: Highland Hindu Heritage

Scotland is home to approximately 30,000 Hindus (2022 census, 0.6% of population), nearly doubling from 16,000 in 2011. Most Scottish Hindus are of Indian origin, including many from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.

Glasgow: Scotland’s Hindu Hub

Hindu Mandir Glasgow

Location: 1 La Belle Place, Glasgow G3 7LH

Contact: +44 (0)141 332 0482

Scottish Charity No: SC005370

Website: www.hindumandirglasgow.org

Glasgow’s Historic Hindu Temple

Established in 1971, Hindu Mandir Glasgow was the first Hindu temple in the city. The organization purchased the Great George Street building with funds raised by the community and operated as Hindu Mandir Sabha with charitable status.

Historical Milestones:

• 1971: Building purchased, first Hindu Mandir established
• 1992: Acharya Medanipati Mishra (Acharya Ji) appointed as priest, conducting authentic Vedic ceremonies
• 2006: Temple took final shape and was inaugurated on July 23

Deities Worshipped:

• Lord Shiva (prominent)
• Lord Ganesha
• Multiple Hindu deities from various traditions

Services:

• Daily pujas conducted in authentic Vedic manner
• Hindu wedding ceremonies
• Festival celebrations
• Religious education
• Community gatherings

Community Impact:

• Serves diverse Hindu community in Glasgow
• Preserves Indian culture and traditions
• Educational programs for children
• Interfaith engagement

Om Hindu Mandir, Glasgow

Location: Yorkhill and Kelvingrove area, Glasgow

A beautifully adorned temple offering a calming spiritual refuge in the heart of Glasgow.

Features:

• Striking architecture and vibrant decorations
• Ample seating across two floors
• Accessible facilities (disabled toilets, lift access for elderly)
• Clean and inviting environment
• Peaceful ambiance ideal for reflection

Community Programs:

• Festival celebrations (especially popular during festivals)
• Engaging community events
• Spiritual gatherings
• Inclusive worship welcoming all backgrounds

Services:

• Daily prayers
• Special puja ceremonies
• Cultural events

The Hindu Temple of Scotland, Rutherglen/Glasgow

Location: Rutherglen Town, South Lanarkshire

Website: www.hindutempleofscotland.org

A Community-Driven Spiritual Home

Housed in a beautifully converted church featuring striking red and white striped walls, this temple is run entirely by devoted volunteers passionate about preserving Hindu traditions.

Unique Features:

• Converted church building with distinctive architecture
• Volunteer-run operations
• Strong community focus
• Free parking available

Special Offerings:

• Delicious South Indian Cuisine: Served on Sundays, prepared with love by devotees
• Sloka Classes: For children and families
• Carnatic Singing Classes: Traditional South Indian music
• Yoga Demonstrations: Regular sessions
• Cultural Activities: Engaging all age groups

Temple Schedule:

• Open daily with special poojas on auspicious dates
• Particularly busy on Sunday afternoons

Community Service:

• Temple maintenance by volunteers
• Social service initiatives
• Strong emphasis on inclusivity
• Welcoming to people from all backgrounds

Recognition:

• Awarded by “Big Lunch” celebration committee, UK
• Dr Srihari received award from HRH Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla)
• Raised funds for Princess of Wales Hospice
• Activities recognized across UK by BBC & STV
• Secured “Award for All Scotland” grant
• Commendation from Queen’s representative in Lanarkshire

Commonwealth Games: Allocated prayer room for Hindu athletes at Players’ Village during Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Podcast: Features original content – “Samvada” (conversation) over temple practices and spirituality

Pashupatinath Temple Scotland

Website: www.pashupatinathtemplescotland.co.uk

Scotland’s first Pashupatinath (Shiva) temple, serving the Nepali Hindu community and promoting Hindu philosophy and culture.

Main Deity: Lord Pashupatinath (Shiva)

Mission:

• Promote Hindu faith and Nepali culture
• Foster understanding among communities
• Provide spiritual guidance
• Preserve traditions

Edinburgh: Scotland’s Capital Temples

Edinburgh Hindu Mandir & Cultural Centre

Location: Leith district, Edinburgh

Website: www.edinburghhindumandir.org.uk

A Historic Church Transformed

Located in a beautifully preserved former church building in the vibrant Leith district, this temple offers a serene environment accommodating the Hindu community in Scotland’s capital.

Temple Timings:

• Monday-Saturday: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (followed by Preeti Bhoj – community meal)

Services:

• Daily pujas and aartis
• Hindu wedding ceremonies
• Festival celebrations
• Cultural programs

Cultural Centre Functions:

• Platform for interfaith dialogue
• Youth engagement programs
• Community service initiatives
• Cultural classes and workshops
• Heritage preservation

Community Role: The temple plays a vital role in enriching Scotland’s multicultural fabric while providing a spiritual home for Hindus to celebrate faith, heritage, and identity.

How to Stay Connected:

• Join WhatsApp group for regular updates
• Check website for upcoming events
• Participate in regular and special events

---

Wales: Celtic Hindu Traditions

Wales has a small but growing Hindu population of approximately 10,000-12,000 (0.4% of Welsh population).

Cardiff

Bhaktidham Wales, Cardiff

Serving the Hindu community in Wales’s capital city with traditional worship and cultural programs.

Services:

• Regular pujas
• Festival celebrations
• Community gatherings
• Cultural preservation

---

Northern Ireland: Ulster’s Hindu Temples

Northern Ireland has over 4,000 Hindus (0.22% of population), making it one of the fastest-growing religions in the region. There are currently 3 mandirs in Belfast alone.

Belfast

Laxmi-Narayan Mandir

Location: Clifton Street, Carlisle Circus, Belfast

Traditional North Indian temple serving Belfast’s Hindu community.

Main Deities:

• Lord Vishnu as Narayan
• Goddess Lakshmi
• Lord Shiva (shrine)

Radha-Krishna Temple

Location: 9 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6RY

ISKCON-affiliated temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha.

Services:

• Daily kirtans and bhajans
• Prasadam distribution
• Cultural programs
• Spiritual discourses

Sri Sri Radha-Madhava Belfast Temple (ISKCON)

Location: 140 Upper Dunmurry Lane, Brooklands Grange, Belfast BT17 0HE

Major ISKCON center in Northern Ireland.

Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh

Sri Sri Radha Govinda Govindadwipa Temple (ISKCON)

Location: Inis Rath Island, Lake Island of Inis Rath, Lisnaskea BT92 2GN

Established: 1985

Unique Feature: One of the most unique Krishna temples in the UK, located on a beautiful lake island.

Getting There:

• Accessible by boat to the island
• Peaceful natural setting
• Rural spiritual retreat

---

Planning Your Visit to UK Shiva Temples

Best Times to Visit

Maha Shivaratri (February/March) The most auspicious night for Shiva worship. UK temples host special celebrations:

• Night-long worship with four prahar pujas
• Continuous abhishekams throughout the night
• Bhajan and kirtan sessions
• Meditation and spiritual discourses
• Special prasad distribution
• Some temples remain open 24 hours (especially BAPS Neasden)

Pradosham (Twice Monthly)

• 13th day after full moon and new moon
• Evening worship around sunset (typically 5:30-7:30 PM)
• Particularly important in Tamil temples
• Special abhishekam to Nandi and Shiva
• Procession around sanctum

Mondays (Somwar)

• Lord Shiva’s day
• Most temples offer special Monday Abhishekams
• Increased devotee participation
• Some temples have extended hours

Shravan Month (July-August)

• Entire month dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Special Shravan Somwar (Monday) pujas
• Month-long celebrations at major temples

UK-Specific Visitor Information

Temple Etiquette:

• Remove shoes before entering (storage provided)
• Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees)
• Wash hands before entering sanctum if facilities available
• Maintain silence in prayer halls
• Photography rules vary – always ask first
• Mobile phones on silent
• Follow pradakshina (clockwise) walking pattern

Weather Considerations:

• Spring (March-May): Pleasant, ideal for temple visits
• Summer (June-August): Best weather, longer daylight hours
• Autumn (September-November): Comfortable temperatures, festival season
• Winter (November-February): Cold and wet; temples are heated inside but bring warm clothes for travel

What to Wear:

• UK temples are generally more relaxed than Indian temples
• Still maintain modesty (no shorts, short skirts, sleeveless tops)
• Bring socks if preferred (most go barefoot inside)
• Rain jacket or umbrella recommended year-round

Transportation & Accessibility

London:

• Excellent public transport via Underground, Overground, buses
• Oyster Card recommended for cost savings
• Most major temples accessible within 1 hour from central London
• Parking available at suburban temples

Other Cities:

• Bus services connect to most temples
• Limited parking in city centers
• Suburban temples usually have parking facilities
• Some temples offer pickup services during major festivals

Accessibility:

• Modern temples (Neasden, Birmingham Balaji) have excellent wheelchair access
• Older converted buildings may have limited accessibility
• Call ahead to confirm facilities
• Volunteers available to assist

Services & Offerings

Common Pujas Available:

• Abhishekam: Ritual bathing of Shiva Linga (£11-£51 typical donation)
• Archana: Personal prayer with your name (£5-£21)
• Pradosham: Special evening worship (twice monthly)
• Rudrabhishekam: Elaborate Shiva worship with Rudram chanting (£51-£101)

Ceremonial Services:

• Hindu weddings (book months in advance)
• Naming ceremonies (Namakarana)
• Sacred thread ceremonies (Upanayana)
• Housewarming pujas
• Other life-cycle rituals

What You’ll Receive:

• Prasad (blessed food)
• Vibhuti (sacred ash) and kumkum
• Blessings from priests
• Spiritual peace and divine energy

Cost & Donations

• Temple entry is free at all UK Hindu temples
• Donations welcomed and support temple operations
• Suggested amounts for specific pujas (typically £11, £21, £51, £101)
• Wedding ceremonies have set fees (£200-£1000+ depending on temple)
• Gift Aid available for UK taxpayers (increases value of donation by 25%)
• Many temples accept online donations and card payments

---

Hindu Demographics in the UK

Population Statistics (2021 Census)

• Total Hindu Population: 1,032,418 (1.7% of UK population)
• Growth Rate: 17% increase from 2011 (880,000)
• Geographic Distribution:
  • England: 97.7% of UK Hindus
  • Scotland: 30,000 Hindus (0.6% of Scotland)
  • Wales: 10,000-12,000 Hindus (0.4% of Wales)
  • Northern Ireland: 4,000+ Hindus (0.22% of NI)

Major Hindu Population Centers

Top UK Cities by Hindu Population:

1. Leicester: 19% Hindu (61,440) – highest percentage in UK
2. London Boroughs:
   • Harrow: 25.3% Hindu
   • Brent: 17.8% Hindu (includes Neasden)
   • Hounslow: 13.4% Hindu
   • Redbridge: 10.9% Hindu
   • Ealing: 9.7% Hindu
3. Birmingham: Significant Hindu community
4. Coventry: Growing Hindu population
5. Glasgow: Largest in Scotland
6. Cardiff: Largest in Wales
7. Belfast: Largest in Northern Ireland

Immigration History

Key Waves:

• 1950s-1960s: Post-independence Indian immigration
• 1972: Major influx from Uganda (Idi Amin expulsion of Asians)
• 1970s-1980s: East African Hindus from Kenya, Tanzania
• 1980s-1990s: Sri Lankan Tamil refugees
• 2000s-Present: IT professionals, students, family reunification

Origins:

• India (majority): Gujarat, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh
• East Africa: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania
• Sri Lanka: Tamil population
• Nepal: Growing Nepali Hindu community
• Mauritius, South Africa, Fiji: Smaller populations

Community Contributions

UK Hindu temples serve multiple vital roles:

• Religious Centers: Daily worship, festivals, life-cycle ceremonies
• Cultural Preservation: Language classes (Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, Sanskrit), classical arts
• Educational Institutions: Religious schools, philosophy classes, youth programs
• Community Support: New immigrant assistance, elderly care, youth mentoring
• Economic Contribution: UK Hindus have high employment rates and educational attainment
• Interfaith Dialogue: Building bridges with other faith communities
• Charitable Work: Food banks, disaster relief, hospice support

---

Major Festivals at UK Shiva Temples

Shiva-Specific Celebrations

Maha Shivaratri (February/March)

• Grandest Shiva festival
• Night-long worship (Jaagaran)
• Four prahar pujas throughout the night
• Continuous abhishekams
• Bhajan and kirtan sessions
• Fasting by devotees
• Special ice shivaling at BAPS Neasden Temple
• Meditation and spiritual talks
• Thousands attend at major temples

Shravan Somwar (July-August)

• Every Monday during Shravan month
• Special morning and evening abhishekams
• Month-long observances
• Increased temple attendance
• Traditional fasting practices