New Mandir Project, Manchester, UK

BAPS satsang activities in Manchester began in 1971 with small assemblies held at the homes of devotees. The congregation expanded steadily which led to the inauguration of a mandir at Russell Street in Ashton-under-Lyne by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in 1980. 

The current mandir has provided various educational, community and spiritual activities for children, youths, families and the elderly ever since its inception.

Through weekly assemblies and a host of regular events, young and old are guided and inspired with values such as academic excellence, physical well-being, creative talents, respect of elders, family duty, social cohesion, cultural identity, national responsibility, and personal devotion to God. 

Some of BAPS’s outreach activities in Manchester include school and community visits, health and well-being clinics, and supporting worthy causes such as Age UK, the Alzheimer’s Society, the Anthony Nolan Trust, Barnardo’s, Breast Cancer Care, the British Heart Foundation, Carers UK, Diabetes UK, KIDS and Macmillan Cancer Support, as well as local charities such as Tameside Hospital, Willow Wood Hospice and Tameside4Good.

After almost four decades of consistent growth and development, the need has arisen for a larger, purpose-built facility to allow for BAPS’s increasing spiritual, cultural and community outreach activities in Manchester.

Situated on Lees Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, the new mandir will lie at the heart of the community it aims to serve. Warm, friendly and inviting, this home of worship and charity will bring a fresh vitality to the community through its multifarious spiritual, cultural and social activities. With much consultation and thought throughout the planning stages, the mandir has been designed to be equipped with adequate facilities to cater for the needs of all community members, young and old alike.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the new mandir was conducted in May 2016, with construction beginning in November 2017. 

The groundwork, foundation, steelworks and brickwork are now complete.

In May 2020, installation began of the traditional decorative features, including the chattris, and preparation of the shikhar platform.

Work also commenced on the boundary wall and initial preparation and tarmacking of the driveway and car park.  

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Manchester, is a community project which relies on the support and goodwill of devotees and well-wishers.

Everyone is invited to join us in building the mandir and community centre which will benefit the whole community and build a legacy for the future.

If you would like to contribute towards the new Manchester Mandir project, please click here.