Made from 5000 tonnes of Italian marble and high quality Bulgarian limestone, the Shri Swaninarayan Mandir was hand-carved in India by Indian craftsmen before being assembled like a monumental jigsaw in the UK and our students, led by a highly entertaining temple tour guide, explored the vast building last week. Through looking at intricate carvings and historical exhibits, Y12 students began to understand the concept of worshipping a deity through eye-contact. They also observed devout worshippers in the hushed reverence of the mandir.
“Our students were very impressed with the unique architecture and the informative lecture,” said a spokesperson.
This successful visit enabled AS students to consider philosophical and ethical issues around religious worship as well as considering the ways in which modern times change religious expression.