LONDON, ENGLAND, April 26, 2006: British Prime Minister Tony Blair, accompanied by his wife Cherie Blair, visited the Swaminarayan Mandir, the largest traditional Hindu temple outside India, at Neasden. Blair spent time on Tuesday evening appreciating the masterpiece of exotic design and workmanship of the temple that rises above London’s skyline. Replete with luminescent white pinnacles and glittering marble pillars, it stands as a beacon for Hindus, both young and old throughout the world. Later addressing about 700 devotees in the temple, Blair spoke movingly about the goodwill, warmth and sense of peace one got in the temple premises and lauded India’s rich cultural heritage and deep democratic roots. He said India had shown to the world that democracy could be successfully practiced despite its vast population and diverse culture. India’s High Commissioner, Kamlesh Sharma was present on the occasion. Almost 2,820 tons of Bulgarian limestone and 2,000 tons of Italian carrara marble were shipped to India, carved by over 1,500 craftsmen and reshipped to London for building the temple. In all, 26,300 carved pieces were assembled in less than three years. Since its opening in August 1995, the temple has attracted over three million visitors.
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