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The Rt Hon. Prime Minister David Cameron MP visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London on Saturday 2 May 2015 |
A mandir has many internal features, which one can fully appreciate only by visiting. Below we list what we might experience on entering a temple. Some mandirs have fewer facilities, and others far more. The more elaborate are often part of an entire complex that includes residential quarters, guest rooms, and educational facilities.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Racks for shoes (sometimes manned in larger temples)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
The fragrance of incense
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Main hall (temple room)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Bell to ring upon entry – to announce one's arrival to the deity
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Pictures/posters of saints, deities, and associated stories
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Hindu symbols
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Musical instruments – including drums, cymbals, harmonium
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Sacred books – for reading and giving lectures
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Main shrine (at the front); often many smaller shrines, usually to the sides
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Donation box before the shrine
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Murtis within the shrine areas
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Charanamrita (holy water in a bowl near the altar)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Prasada, sacred food, handed to worshippers at the altar, or as they leave
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Priest or priests
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Kitchen and dining area
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Auditorium for music, drama, dance, and other cultural performances
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Shop selling religious artifacts, books, and other religious souvenirs.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
The temple administrative office
Also Read:
Worship
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFtNB57N08F-qMcpX8amv9_jFwlmk-eQ6_q1vaAs1RVO2NkuDH4ySmJ0vi2DPISbLadMAfNjTUO1jaWOOxISrS31KtOxKs2WTOxc9jDqYy7OfWlw6PULEV2pwoZOxzw4iv2F_DUR_WMWy/s1600-rw/The+hindu+portal+gif.gif)
Focuses of Worship
Food and Prasada