The five kinds of Hindu temple in Britain
Not all mandirs are alike. A Tamil kovil in Croydon and a BAPS mandir in Neasden are both Hindu temples, but they look different, sound different and worship differently. Every temple in this directory is labelled by tradition — here is what those labels mean.
These are not sects in competition, and most Hindus move between them freely. They reflect where in the Hindu world a community came from, and which lineage it follows. If you are visiting for the first time, knowing which type you are entering tells you a great deal about what you will see.
Saiva / Tamil kovils
32 in this directoryTemples in the South Indian and Sri Lankan Tamil tradition, usually dedicated to Shiva, Murugan, Ganesha (Pillaiyar) or a form of the Goddess (Amman). Britain's Tamil kovils largely date from the 1980s onward, established by Tamil communities from Sri Lanka and South India.
What you’ll notice
A tall stepped gateway tower (gopuram) where the building allows it, a metal flagstaff (kodimaram) facing the main shrine, camphor flame and bell at puja, and worship conducted in Tamil and Sanskrit. Priests are often bare-chested with the sacred thread.
Examples
- Shree Ghanapathy Temple, Wimbledon
- Highgate Hill Murugan Temple, London
- London Sri Murugan Temple, Manor Park
BAPS Swaminarayan mandirs
14 in this directoryPart of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, a worldwide Gujarati organisation. BAPS built Britain's most recognisable mandir at Neasden in 1995 and runs a highly organised network of centres with youth and community programmes.
What you’ll notice
Carved marble and limestone in traditional North Indian style, immaculate order, shoes and belongings left in dedicated areas, separate seating for men and women, and structured youth activity. Neasden also has a permanent 'Understanding Hinduism' exhibition.
Examples
- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden
- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Leicester
- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Wellingborough
ISKCON / Vaishnava temples
9 in this directoryThe International Society for Krishna Consciousness, in Britain since the 1960s. Its UK home, Bhaktivedanta Manor, was given by George Harrison in 1973 and hosts the largest Janmashtami celebration outside India.
What you’ll notice
Continuous kirtan and drums, Radha-Krishna murtis, a strong emphasis on vegetarian prasad served to all visitors, and a mix of Indian and British-born devotees. Often the most welcoming to complete newcomers.
Examples
- Bhaktivedanta Manor, Aldenham
- ISKCON London Radha-Krishna Temple, Soho
- ISKCON Leicester
Other Swaminarayan mandirs
12 in this directorySwaminarayan Hinduism has several distinct branches beyond BAPS — including the Kutch Satsang, SKS, ISSO and Swaminarayan Gadi traditions. Each has its own lineage and its own mandirs, mostly serving Gujarati communities.
What you’ll notice
Similar devotional style to BAPS but organisationally separate, often in converted or purpose-built halls, with Gujarati as the main community language and strong satsang (congregational) activity.
Examples
- Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Kingsbury
- Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple, Kenton
- Swaminarayan Hindu Temple, Crawley
Sanatan and community mandirs
87 in this directoryThe largest group in this directory, and the hardest to summarise. These are community temples — often called Sanatan Mandir, Hindu Temple, or Hindu Cultural Centre — serving all Hindus in a town regardless of regional background. Many are the oldest temples in Britain.
What you’ll notice
Multiple deities side by side rather than one focus, since the temple serves the whole local community. Frequently housed in a converted church, chapel or civic hall. These double as cultural centres, running language classes, weddings and festivals.
Examples
- Shree Sanatan Mandir, Leicester
- Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir, Wembley
- Bharat Hindu Samaj Mandir, Peterborough