Shree Ghanapathy Temple, located in Wimbledon, south-west London, is one of the most prominent and historic Hindu temples in Europe.
Established in the early 1980s, it holds the distinction of being the first fully consecrated Hindu temple on the continent, with its consecration taking place in 1981. Dedicated primarily to Lord Ganesha — the remover of obstacles and deity of wisdom and beginnings — the temple also houses the divine forms of Goddess Durga (Parvati), Lord Hanuman, Lord Krishna, and others, reflecting the inclusive and diverse nature of Hindu worship.
A significant feature of the temple complex is the Sai Mandir, a dedicated prayer hall that was opened in the same year as the main temple. Sai Mandir serves as a centre for spiritual gatherings and devotional worship of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Since its inception, it has played a pivotal role in the temple’s outreach to the local community and has been instrumental in nurturing spiritual education among the youth.
Recognising the need to preserve and pass on cultural and religious knowledge, the temple began offering educational classes to younger generations. These classes focus not only on spiritual teachings and Sanskrit prayers but also include learning how to sing Bhajans (devotional songs) and gaining awareness of other world religions. This approach fosters respect for diversity while grounding students in their own cultural roots.
The temple is also a centre for a variety of community-based and cultural activities. It offers music and classical dance classes, yoga sessions, and opportunities for voluntary service. Working in collaboration with local authorities and Age Link groups, the temple encourages participation in intergenerational and social support initiatives.
Shree Ghanapathy Temple continues to be a vibrant hub for spiritual practice, cultural expression, and community service in London, serving not only as a place of worship but also as a cornerstone for cultural education and social harmony.
Address: 125-133 Effra Rd, London SW19 8PU, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 8542 7482
Hours: Monday to Sunday 9 am–9:30 pm
