In the hustle and bustle of London, finding a peaceful corner dedicated to spirituality and heritage is an experience worth savoring. Recently, I took a trip to the Hendon Hanuman Temple, a journey that offered not only a deep connection to my roots but also a refreshing break from city life. Here’s a look at the experience, sharing both the physical journey and the spiritual moments that defined it.
You can watch my full vlog of the visit here: My Visit to Hendon Hanuman Temple.
The Journey Begins
From Central London, I hopped onto a Thameslink train heading toward St Albans, with my stop at Hendon Station. The journey costs around £3.50, a small fare for the insight and peace that awaited me. As the train rolled further from the center, the surroundings began to change subtly yet significantly. The fast-paced cityscape of Central London gradually gave way to a calmer suburban vibe. This shift felt like a prelude to the tranquility of the temple itself.
After alighting at Hendon, it was just a 5-10 minute walk to the temple. The stroll allowed me to take in the suburban charm, where the energy feels a little softer and the air a touch fresher.
Arriving at the Temple
At the entrance, I removed my footwear as per temple custom, embracing the feel of the cool floor beneath my feet – a grounding sensation that seemed symbolic of what I’d come here for: connection and grounding. Though it’s dedicated to Hanuman, the temple houses many idols, each inviting reverence and a sense of spiritual wholeness.
The moment I walked in, I felt embraced by a peaceful silence, interrupted only by the soft chanting and the aroma of incense that fills the air. As I gazed around, I saw the beautiful Shiva Lingam, a reminder of creation and destruction, a life cycle encapsulated in one stone. Just beside it stood the Ganapathi Mandir, a tribute to the remover of obstacles, bestowing blessings on all who pray.
Location: 201 W Hendon Broadway, London NW9 7DE, United Kingdom
A Tour of the Deities
This temple holds an incredible range of deities, each with its own unique story and aura. Moving along, I stopped to pay respects to Sita, Ram, and Laxman in their mandapam, where they stand as a symbol of familial strength, virtue, and unwavering devotion. To the right, the fierce Bhairavar stood, a protector deity representing the raw power needed to face the challenges life throws at us.
Moving further, I came across the idols of Venkateshwara Swamy and Gayatri Devi, each a beacon of spiritual grace and compassion. Next to them stood Bhavani, the divine mother, embodying strength and nurturing warmth. These idols provided a sense of comfort, a reminder of the many faces and forms the divine can take in our lives.
At the back, Subramanya Swamy and the Navagraha (the nine celestial deities) welcomed me with their calming presence, symbolizing the cosmic forces that govern our existence. Finally, at the heart of the temple, Hanuman stood tall, his unwavering devotion and strength radiating through the space.
A Moment of Reflection
After offering prayers and receiving blessings, the priest handed me prasadam and applied vibudhi on my forehead, a sacred ash that serves as a reminder of life’s transient nature. The warmth and kindness with which the priest performed these rituals made me feel welcomed and connected to the temple’s community.
I sat down for a while, taking in the serene ambiance. Observing the quiet rituals around me, I felt enveloped in a sense of peace and unity. It’s amazing how moments like these, grounded in tradition, can help us slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.
A Warm Meal and a Grateful Heart
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the temple visit was the annadanam, or the serving of food. This generous tradition of offering meals to all who visit speaks to the temple’s spirit of community and service. Sharing a simple yet delicious meal among fellow devotees reinforced that sense of belonging. As I sat with others, each of us sharing a silent gratitude for the food, the act of dining became a reminder of the importance of kindness and charity.
A Nearby Lakeside Escape
After spending some more time at the temple, I took a short walk to a nearby lakeside. The lake, peaceful and scenic, provided a natural extension to the tranquility I had just experienced. The gentle ripples on the water, coupled with the calm of the suburban surroundings, felt like a seamless continuation of the temple’s meditative atmosphere. Sitting by the water, I allowed myself to fully absorb the day’s experiences, letting them settle like the quiet waters in front of me.
Returning to Central London, with a Renewed Spirit
Heading back to Central London, I realized how this visit had affected me. It’s one thing to go through the motions of daily life in a bustling city, but it’s quite another to step outside of it, even for a short while, to reconnect with something larger. The Hendon Hanuman Temple, with its quiet strength and simple beauty, offered a unique space for that connection. It’s a place I would recommend to anyone seeking a slice of peace, a reminder of our shared roots, or simply a quiet moment of reflection in the middle of a busy life.
If you’re in London and looking for a meaningful escape, the Hendon Hanuman Temple offers more than just a place of worship. It provides a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and connect – an experience well worth the journey. Below, you’ll find the location for easy access:
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