Year 8 trip to Neasden Temple and Regent's Park Mosque

St Bede’s Year 8 pupils recently had an informative visit to Neasden Temple and Regent’s Park Mosque. Neasden Temple - the first traditionally built Hindu Temple in the West is a masterpiece of exotic design and workmanship that rises above London's skyline. Replete with luminescent white pinnacles and glittering marble pillars, it stands as a beacon for Hindus around the world. Just entering the Temple complex was an experience in itself. Memorable too, the magical 'arti' service, where candlelit offerings were made to colourful Hindu deities in the white mandir, surrounded by exquisite marble carving. After the service there was an excellent introduction to Hinduism by an amazingly youthful 72 year old man; who put his vitality down to a vegetarian diet and daily meditation.

After the visit to the Temple the children moved onwards to Regent’s Park Mosque, one of the largest Mosques in the country, with a congregation of 10,000 worshippers every Friday. Again, entering the Mosque, with its huge courtyard and golden dome was an impressive moment. The children then looked around an exhibition on Islam, followed by a talk in the impressive prayer hall, with its huge chandelier and beautiful Arabic calligraphy. The highlight though had to be witnessing evening prayers, where the children again saw firsthand the devotions and rituals accompanying this major world religion.

It was clear that the children got a huge amount from the trip, and many said that the experience of seeing for themselves the places and rituals that accompanied each religion not only enhanced their knowledge but gave them some lasting memories too.

The image gallery to the right shows some of the work that the children produced during thier visit to the Temple and Mosque. They were asked to draw some objects or symbols that caught thier eye and to see if they could find out what they were and why they were important.