Wembley's newest landmark has finally opened its doors after 14 years of construction.

The landmark in question is the amazing 16m Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir (Hindu Temple), which translates as the all-inclusive temple.

SVN UK acquired the land for the temple in August 1992 and decided to build a temple to provide a place of worship in accordance with their objectives. SVN UK wants to provide the very large population of Hindus in and around Wembley and surrounding areas with a place of worship.

There had been an existing temple on the same site before that which is now replaced by this fantastic and bigger one.

The temple uniqueness comes from it not having metal core, which is unlike most buildings. Instead, the temple has been built using ancient techniques based on Hindu scriptures.

This method dates back thousands of years and was used to construct the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Many of the component pieces, used to make the temple, have been hand carved in limestone in the tiny town of Sola, in Gujarat, before being flown over and pulled together in the UK.

The temple also used 41 marble deities from India especially for the mandir and covers 2.4 acres (9,700 sq m) on Ealing Road and is 66ft (20m) tall.

Bright sand-coloured walls really stand out in stark contrast to the unassuming surroundings of the temple.

The ceremony called Pran Prathistha was held to infuse the spirit of God into the statues as well as opening the temple.

The ceremony of a mandir's consecration is a highly complex and sophisticated procedure.

This process was led by Dr Raj Pandit Sharma. The temple's chief patrons Shree Dwarkeshlalji Maharaj and P P Shri Rambapa gave their guidance and blessings.

The team at the Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir were honoured that eminent Sants from India; Shri Rameshbhai Oza, Pujya Shree Deviprasadji Maharaj, Shree Jashbhai Saheb, Shri Muniji and Shree Bhagwat Rushji graced this joyous occasion

Each morning the new temple, in line with Hindu tradition, will hold prayers.

The temple will also be used for special events for occasions such as Diwali and Navratri as well as annual functions to celebrate the birth of Hindu saints and Gods like Jalaram Jayanti (Saint Jalarambapa) and Janmasthami (Lord Krishna).

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