On Monday 14th October, our Year 7 students embarked on a Philosophy and Religion trip to explore two significant places of worship: the London Mandir and the Cambridge Central Mosque. This trip provided an invaluable opportunity for students to engage with diverse religious traditions and cultures, deepening their understanding of Hindu and Islamic beliefs and practices.
Year 7 recently visited London Mandir and Cambridge Central Mosque.
Mr Emerson-Moering, Head of Philosophy and Ethics, writes:
“The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in London, Neasden, is the largest temple outside India in Europe completed in 1995 and built in a traditional style. It comprises of the actual temple for worship (we witnessed the midday Arti ceremony) and the Haveli, a manor style building with handcrafted woodcarvings outside as well as its courtyards inside, housing a large reception area, a shop, an exhibition of the history of Hinduism and extensive assembly halls. It is also the home of Hindu priests who conduct the services. The actual building of the mandir is a feat of engineering, logistics and human cooperation; it was completed in only 3 years, a process that would usually take more than 20 years; no concrete nor steel rods were used. Bulgarian limestone and Italian marble were hand carved by specialists in India before shipped to London.
The Cambridge Central Mosque, equally, is an astonishing piece of architecture and engineering built as a British Mosque, meaning without some of the traditional features such as the minarets. Striking are the treelike wooden constructions and the many symbolic features and Quranic calligraphies.
At both places we were warmly welcomed and introduced to the profound wisdoms and spirituality behind the designs.
Part of such a tour is, of course, the social aspect of the students enjoying each others‘ company and sharing their experience. We are very proud of their curiosity, receptiveness and gratitude they displayed.”
Lily
“During my trip to the Mandir in London and the mosque in Cambridge I saw some very beautiful sculptures and statues and found out all about the Islamic religion and more, including learning about the mosques and the man who made the Mandir in London which was very interesting. Overall my favourite part about the Mandir in London was the ceremony that was performed which was very fascinating. My favourite part about visiting the mosque in Cambridge was learning about the structure and why the structure was built as it was. I would definitely go there again as it really helped me understand the Islamic religion.”
“I loved the architecture design and details of the Mandir that were handmade about 1000 years ago. My favourite bit was the ceremony because it was so calm and peaceful, the music, the drums and the bells were so fascinating.”
Ria
“The London Mandir had amazing displays outside and inside and inside it was a bit like a museum with all the displays and information. I found it very peaceful and calm because it was so beautiful and quiet and I really enjoyed it. I also liked all the details and patterns.
The Cambridge Mosque had a lot of detail and was very thoughtful like the eight sided star stretched out would make the shape of the wooden pillars and the garden outside. I also found it peaceful and calm and simple but also very detailed. I also liked how there were a lot of patterns and quotes.”
“It was very interesting to see the different religion’s places of worship. I felt that it was a more effective way of learning about them than if we were to do so inside the classroom. We saw how the different carvings and details both in the mosque and in the temple both had deeper meanings that you would have perhaps not noticed unless you were to talk about them.”
