Two Marvellous Temples in U.K.( Part--I )

                                        ( BAPS SHRI SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR)

                                      [ Commonly known as Neasden Temple]

   

BAPS Swaminarayan Temple 

Front View

 Though I am a believer in God, I am very much reluctant to go to temples during festive seasons , as I

 have to wade through surging crowds, almost smothered with sweating bodies, to get a momentary glimpse of the idol in the inner sanctum. So to avoid this heavy rush and long serpentine queues, just one day before Lord Krishna’s Birthday (called Janmashtami), we planned to visit two well-known temples located in and nearby Wembley, a flourishing business center in the London borough of Brent towards north west of London.

Innerveiw of the temple

         

Marble carving on pillars

The first temple is Swami Narayan Temple established in August.1995 by H.H. Pramukh Swami 

Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Swami Narayan and the leader of BAPS (Bochasanwasi  Sri

Akshar Purushottam Swami Narayan Sanstha). Just opposite this temple there is Swami Narayan School

(founded in 1992) which imparts training in Indian Arts and Culture, besides teaching other class

subjects.Adjoining the temple there is “BAPS SWAMINARAYAN HAVELI”  ( inaugurated in August,

1995), a beautiful construction in wood, which serves as a multi-function Hall. An air of discipline and

selfless service,I noticed, as I entered the precincts of the temple where there was tight security and

careful scrutiny of the visitors. A flight of steps led us inside a spacious hall surrounded by beautifully

sculptured pantheon of Hindu deities embellished with ornaments amidst electric illumination. None

was allowed to touch them.  On the raised pedestals, the statues of Lord Krishna and His Consort Radha,

and those of Rama, Sita and  Lakshmana were very attractive.  There are seven shrine houses with  various Hindu deities installed for whom pooja (worship) is done separately .In the prayer hall lit by myriad lights on the gold platform we saw the marble idols of Swami Narayana flanked by his two principal close associates, glittering like suns with golden brilliance. An astounding variety of dishes,syrups and sweets including cakes and pastry were kept before each idol—a visual treat to onlookers! During the Diwali festival (the festival of lights) nearly one thousand and five hundred varieties of vegetarian dishes are offered as  Naivedya ( holy offering to gods) to celebrate the Hindu New Year.

Swami Narayan with his associates

Radha and Krishna

  

Marble sculptues on pillars

Marble art on Pillars

The idol of Lord Ganesh

The idol of Lord Hanuman

     

On the ceiling and on the colonnades we saw beautiful carved figures and sculptures of various deities in

various poses such as the ten divine incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Lords of nine planets and Lords of eight

directions , Lord Shiva and His Consort Parvathi along with other divinities with sub-titles mentioning

their names. One has to spend many hours and days even to know about the superb workmanship and

construction of this temple – a splendid construction for which more than five thousand tons of Italian

marble and Bulgarian limestone  had been carved by fifteen hundred and twenty six skilled sculptors 

assisted by volunteers  in a period of just two and a half years in the classic style of Indian art and

sculpture.More than twelve million pounds had been spent on this wonderful creation of inestimable beauty.

   

Souvnir Shop

Wonderful carvings on ceiling

The Sculpture of Lord Vishnu

Lord Hanuman

    

  

Just near the entrance there is a souvenir  shop  with a variety of books, souvenirs, photos and gift items

.Near the parking place there is a café called “Shayana Café” offering many vegetarian snacks to whet

our appetite, along with other provisions for domestic purpose. This temple was visited by many eminent

dignitaries like Sri Guljarilal Nanda (Former Prime Minister of India)and Prince Charles in July 2000 and by James Cameron, Prime Minister of U.K.  It found its place in the famous Guinness records as “the largest Hindu Temple outside India.” This temple also won wide acclaim for its unique presentation of nearly 1247 dishes during the celebration of its “Annakuta Festival “ in the Guinness Book of World Records.

As we came out we felt how sublime and immeasurable the range of art is, which is beyond the

imagination of common people like us.  Then how great and noble God would be who created such

master craftsmen --- too bold to to think – we thought!

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     27th March , 2014                                                                 SOMASESHU GUTALA

                

A Visit to a South Indian Temple in London

     
     

   

The Murugan Temple (Front View)

The Murugan Statue in the Main Sanctum

                                        A Visit to a South Indian Temple in London

The Highgate Hill Murugan Temple is one of the famous temples in north of London near Kings Cross Station. Once at this same spot there was a Jewish Synagogue founded in 1930 but later was shifted to a disused church in the neighborhood, which was gutted by fire in 1976. Then the Jewish Congregation moved to the Highgate village in 1979. The Britannia Hindu (Shiva) Temple Trust bought this land and established this temple in1973 and created Hindu Temple Trust, an organization which took keen interest in preserving the Hindu tradition and culture, and also in catering to the religious and spiritual needs of non-resident Indians. Sri Sabhapathi Pillai, a Srilankan Tamilian, made commendable efforts in maintaining and organizing this temple to function as per Tamil Saiva Siddhantha principles and norms. Along with Sanskrit hymns, Tamil hymns are also chanted during worship and other ceremonial rituals. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II along with Prince Philip visited this temple in June, 2002 during her Golden Jubilee Tour.

This temple is located on the main road along with a row of houses and shops. The front view is just like a shop with ordinary wooden doors. The sign board “Murugan Temple” only gives us the clue that there is a temple inside. As we climbed the steps, a beautiful South Indian temple with pyramid-shaped tower with many tiers decked with carved statues greeted our sight. Around the main temple we saw many other smaller temples dedicated to other Hindu gods and goddesses. In brief we can witness a pretty temple complex established in a spacious upstairs house consisting of four or five rooms with a library, two concert halls and a residential quarter for the chief priest. Just at the top of the stairs to the right side of the loft, the sacred form of Shiva is seen with a small idol of Nandi (the sacred bull) in front of the Lord Shiva. The gold-plated conglomeration of temples, and idols decorated with golden crowns and ornaments at once created the grandeur of a typical South Indian temple. The rooms were kept very neat. One can find the various mounts of various gods and goddesses along with a gilded chariot in one room. In midst of such a busy area, one can find a very beautiful Indian temple with all paraphernalia, which speaks of the clever and committed fervor of devotees who have not omitted any fine details in construction of the temple and in creating a sacred and devout atmosphere around.A huge array of garlands made of Indian flora such as chrysanthemums, jasmines and white lilies added more Indian splendor to the temple. Unlike in other temples of England, here we found a row of oil-lit lamps and scented incense-sticks. Just in the center of the ceiling there is a big exhaust pipe to suck out any smoke to avoid inconvenience to the visitors.

    

A Statue on the temple tower with pea-cocks

     

   

A Statuette on the walls of the temple tower

Another marked characteristic is that the idols of various deities are made of shining black stone or granite. Generally nowadays we find marble statues installed in the sanctum without customary oil-lit lamps and fragrance of incense sticks. The main deity Lord Murugan along with His two consorts stood on the pedestal along with His pea-cock mount, holding His mighty spear(called Shakthi) in one hand and a pole with the insignia of a rooster on a flag made of metal.This statue was made in the form of Murugan idol in Tiruchandur ( A famous Temple of Murugan in Tamilnadu) in1973 by Mohan Ram belonging to the famous Temple-Town, Kumbhakonam in Tamilnadu. This statue is almost five feet tall. The rich jewellery and silk garments enhanced the brilliance of the idols. Loads of fruits and flowers lay at the feet of the Lord as the priest was chanting rhythmically the one hundred and eight names of the Lord praising His divine attributes and achievements. Glowing camphor and oil-lit lamps were waved before the Lord to the accompaniment of the ringing temple bells amidst the shouts of Lord’s name by enthusiastic devotees. The priest went along with devotees to wave camphor-flame (arati)  to other gods and goddesses and worship them by offering flowers and fruits. All devotees bowed before the main deity and touched the incense of glowing camphor and dropped a few coins as a humble offering (Dakshina). Later all were blessed by the priest individually and were given holy water (thirtham) and consecrated offerings (prasadam). Devotees went round the sacred deities to show their respect and devotion. In another room we saw a row of lustrously polished metal idols which are taken in procession in the temple chariot on special festive occasions.

  

The Sacred Form of  Lord Shiva

Various idols in the room

      

The Chariot Festival

Gods mounted on various vahanas

      

As we got down the stairs there is a big hall with a row of tables and chairs. Some devotee has arranged a feast, a kind of doing charity, before starting his business enterprise. All the visitors were welcomed to have their sumptuous fill of South Indian dishes like dal, sambar, milk porridge and crunchy papads. All beamed with satisfaction as if God gave His sacred food (Prasadam) graciously along with His merciful blessings.

This temple serves as a shining example of how even in a limited space one can have an excellent temple meticulously observing and performing traditional rituals and providing moral and spiritual support to Indians and other interested people.

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   Dated:22-03-2014                                                               SOMASESHU GUTALA

On Jedbergh Abbey

       

View of the abbey from the west

North side of the Nave

         

 

Front view of the abbey

 

eighth century stone shrine

    

 

                                                

   Jedberg Abbey is located on the north bank of the Jedwater.  This spot was probably once used for a church by Bishop Ecgred of Lindifarne in 830 A.D. Jedberg is a large town existing between New Castle-upon-Tyne and Edinburgh. This Augustinian abbey dedicated to St.Mary was founded by the Scottish king, David I in 1153. Before that it existed as a priory (smaller than abbey, a convent )  in 1118 when David was a young prince. His grandsons Malcolm IV and William I of Scotland patronized this abbey. This abbey was endowed with considerable property and financial resources in Northumberland, and revenue from chapels and land in Southern Scotland. The construction of the abbey was completed in 1285 when Alexander III of Scotland married the princess Yolande de Dreux here.This abbey is an example of ornate stonework built in three storeys with rows of Romanesque arches, columns , decorative roofing and artistically designed tombs. This abbey was built in early Gothic and Romanesque style. In the abbey church there is a 12^th century tomb probably of John, Bishop of Glasgow, buried here in 1148. 

 

A Tomb in the abbey

         

Ornate stonework

   Due to its proximity to England’s border this abbey was attacked and damaged many times by the English forces. When William Wallace of Scotland defeated the Earl of Surrey in 1297 at Sterling, the English army wrecked the abbey to wreak vengeance. Later Robert I of Scotland took care of the abbey. In 1346 after the Scottish defeat at the battle of Neville Cross, the abbey was again attacked. In 1370 David II of Scotland completed the construction of the northern transept (building beside the main part of the church). This abbey faced attacks from the English army in 1410, 1416 and 1464. In 1523 both the abbey and the town were set ablaze by the forces belonging to the Earl of Surrey. In 1564 the Earl of Hertford attacked and damaged the abbey. With Scottish Reformation in 1560, this abbey lost its status. Though the monks were allowed to stay, the abbey was used as a parish Kirk for the reformed religion.  In 1871 it was considered unsafe to continue worship at the ruined abbey church, and so a new church was built as an extension to the western part of the nave. The Marquis of Lothian undertook restoration work of this abbey. Later in 1917 this abbey was handed over to Historic Scotland for preservation and proper maintenance of this marvelous construction. During excavation many artifacts like the 8^th century Anglian stone shrine, a Roman altar, a stone sarcophagus and an ivory comb belonging to 11^th century were discovered.     

   The monks of Jedburgh actively participated in social service activities such as giving shelter and feeding the poor and needy in times of famine, and cultivating gardens with medicinal herbs. In 15^th century they set up a grammar school to educate children. In the Jedburgh Tower House nearby Queen Mary of Scotland stayed in 1556 for sometime before she fled to London to escape from the wrath of rebellious Scottish nobles. Now this house is converted into a museum where many articles associated with her including her death-mask, are displayed.

  My visit to Scottish abbeys gave me a little knowledge about the pivotal role played by these citadels of knowledge in both spiritual and religious affairs. The tragic irony is that such magnificent centers preaching love and service had been razed down and their stores of wisdom consigned to flames just because of political hatred and destructive revenge, the curse of mankind in general.

The Diamond Bridge on Forth River

 

  On our way back to Edinburgh we luckily saw the famous Diamond Bridge, a modern technological marvel constructed over the river Forth, fourteen kilometers away from Central Edinburgh. This bridge was constructed between Dec.1882 and Jan.1890. It was opened on 4^th March 16, 1890; the length of this railway bridge is nearly 8,296 feet and connects Edinburgh with Fife. Next to Quebec Bridge this is the longest railway bridge in the world. This bridge was designed by two English men Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker and the work was executed by Glasgow based Company, Sir William Arrol & Co. This is the first steel bridge in Britain. This bridge was opened by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) on 4^th March 16, 1890. The three diamond shaped cantilever structures, each measuring 330 feet in height gives a unique look to this bridge. This bridge is considered as one of the hallmarks and distinguishing features of Scotland. Just running parallel to this, a road bridge is seen over the blue waters of the Forth—a scenic view indeed! This place has become a favorite spot for many film producers to click romantic songs and scenes. We relaxed ourselves near the banks  of the river enjoying the cool breeze and viewing the majestic diamond-shaped bridge spanning over the blue waters of the Forth river before embarking our flight to London again.

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        16th March 2014                                                             SOMASESHU GUTALA

The Magnificent Melrose Abbey

         

Melrose Abbey

Interior part of the Presbytery

 





 

 This historic abbey well-known for its architectural beauty and graceful sculptures is also one of the richest abbeys having nearly 22000 acres of land and trading Melrose wool manufactured here, to neighboring states. It is located just 35 miles away from Edinburgh. Located in an area of 40 acres this abbey built in Gothic style was founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks (a sect of St.Benedict)  on the request of king David I of Scotland. It took nearly ten years to build this abbey in the shape of St.John’s Cross. Nearly one hundred thirty monks used to stay here and spent their time not only in spiritual pursuits but also in cultivating crops and in manufacturing of wool which fetched them adequate funds to carry out their service activities. Most parts of the abbey are in ruined condition. Still one can appreciate the lavishly decorated masonry work by viewing the figures of Mary with Baby Christ, of Christian Saints, angels, gargoyles, plants and stone windows fringed with delicate creepers and designs.This abbey was dedicated to St.Mary on July 28th 1146. The south east entrance and the chapter house are still in good condition.

South Transept Window

     

Abbey seen from south

  In this abbey the graves of many Scottish kings, nobles and famous persons are seen. The heart of the brave Scottish hero, Robert Bruce, encased in a leaden casket was buried here on the abbey’s grounds in 1812. Previously it was supposed to have been buried in the chapter house. The stone coffin of Michael Scott, the magic wizard and philosopher of thirteenth century was found in the south chancel. The tombs of illustrious persons like Alexander II , King of Scots (1198-1249), William Douglas, James Douglas( Both Earls of Douglas),  Sir David Brewster (The inventor of kaleidoscope) and William de Bondington (Bishop of Glasgow)  are found in this abbey.

Tomb of Michael Scott, the wizard

Carvings on the pillar

Virgin with her child

A Statue on the wall

 

South Entrance

Pig playing bagpipe

 In 1322 the abbey was destroyed by Edward II, king of England. The Scottish king Robert Bruce re-built the abbey. In 1385 the abbey was burnt and ravaged by Richard II when he forced the army of the Scottish king Robert II back to Edinburgh. The abbey was re-built in different phases over a period of the next one hundred years. In 1544 the forces of Henry VIII completely damaged the abbey. Henry VIII  resorted to this vandalous act to force the Scots to allow the infant Mary, Queen of Scots, marry his son. After this event the abbey gradually lost its status as a working monastery. The last Abbot was James Stuart, son of James V, who died in 1559. In 1590 the last monk of the abbey died. The last assault on this abbey was by Oliver Cromwell during the Civil War in 1610.  A portion of the church was used as parish for the surrounding town till 1810, when a new church was erected in the town.

  This abbey was very spacious (258 feet in length and 137.5 feet in breadth) with the principal tower reaching 84 feet in height. It has nearly 50 windows, four doors, fifty five niches and fifty buttresses with beautiful carvings, statues and figures. The statues of saints with labeled scrolls in the niches were completely destroyed by the English army during their attacks. Damage was caused by the English forces in 1322 and in 1384. Richard II gave a grant in 1389 to compensate for the losses. During Reformation most of the land grants and possessions of the abbey were seized by the Crown and nobles. The famous author, Sir William Scott described the serene and solemn picturesque sight of this abbey in the second canto of his famous poem “The Lay of the Last Minstrels.” In U.S. a Presbyterian Congregation was built in the pattern of this abbey in Michigan on Bloomfield Hills.


     

The spot where the heart of Robert Bruce was buried

 This abbey is one of the most beautiful constructions that suffered destruction due to political and religious rivalries between Scotland and England. As one leaves the abbey with a heavy heart, one cannot but remember the Scottish inscription “Be halde to ye hende” (Keep in mind the end of your salvation) of John Morow, the Master-Mason, seen on one of the staircases.

“How true, yet so simple embodying a profound moral to all mankind!”

                         

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