About Our Mandir
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Oldham is a place of daily worship, community and spiritual growth — serving the Swaminarayan Satsang in the North of England since 1977.
Faith and devotion have always been at the heart of the Satsangis who settled in Oldham. In the early years, religious gatherings were held at the Music Hall in Werneth Park, where attendance quickly grew to nearly 100 Satsangis. During this time, the late Mahant Swami Shastri Swami Dharmajeevan Dasji would often send letters alongside Prasad from Bhuj, offering encouragement and spiritual support to the expanding community.
Oldham Mandir History
The Community Arrives in Oldham
The Hindu community from the Kutch district of India arrived in the UK and settled in Oldham. Most families found work within the town's cotton mills.
The First Sabha
The first sabha was held by Satsangis at the Werneth Park Music Hall, marking the beginning of organised worship in Oldham.
Acharya Maharaj's First Visit
Acharya Maharaj Shree Tejendraprasadji visited Oldham for the first time, inspiring the local Satsang.
A Home is Found
Satsangis purchased the Methodist church on Lee Street, with the vision of converting it into a Swaminarayan Mandir.
Official Opening
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Oldham officially opened, becoming a permanent spiritual home for the growing community.
Gujarati Classes Begin
Gujarati language classes started at the mandir, with children of all ages coming to learn their mother tongue.
The First Renovation
With the continued growth of the Satsang in Oldham, the mandir went through the first of many renovations.
Forming the Sports Club
The Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Sports Club was created. Young Satsangis from the mandir competed at regional levels in table tennis.
A New Sinhasan
A new sinhasan was donated to the mandir by Laxmanbhai & company.
The First Religious Play
Youths from the mandir performed their first religious-themed play.
Mahant Swami's Darshan
Mahant Swami Hariswarupdasji Swami visited Oldham to give His darshan to the haribhaktos.
Growth and Expansion
The mandir went through further renovations and purchased the building next door to accommodate the growing community.
The Bhuj Earthquake Appeal
On 26th January, an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 struck Bhuj. The mandir collected over £100,000 for the relief fund.
Silver Jubilee Celebrations
Satsangis from all over the UK came together to celebrate the mandir's Silver Jubilee.
Darshan of the Shikshapatri
Satsangis visited Oxford to have darshan of the Shikshapatri given to Sir John Malcolm by Swaminarayan Bhagwan.
The Youth Wing is Inaugurated
The temple's youth wing was inaugurated, aiming to attract and welcome younger people in the community to the temple and improve and evolve their understanding of faith and culture.
Extending the Prayer Hall
Renovations began at the temple, extending the men's prayer hall and moving the kitchen into the commercial building next to the old site. Five bespoke classrooms were also established, to host Gujrati classes for youths and children. These renovations outline the expanding work of the members and the temple's role in the local community.
A Separate Entrance for Ladies
Further renovations saw the removal of the temple's pillars, to create a standalone entrance for ladies, eliminating the need for them to enter through the men's 'shoe zone'.
Pilgrimage to India and Nepal
Members undertook a mountainous pilgrimage to religious locations in India and Nepal to the Gods' sacred meditation site.
Land Secured for the New Mandir
Land for new premises for the Mandir was purchased and a range of efforts began to raise funds for the costs of the building work.
Breaking Ground on Copster Hill Road
The symbolic breaking of the ground was carried out at the temple's new home in Copster Hill Road. The committee's efforts saw £2 million raised for the project, and planning permission was secured.
The First Stone is Laid
The first stone was laid for the new building.
A Volunteer Led Build
The project became a fully volunteer-led build. Members who had retired were able to spend time during the days, while others helped during evenings and weekends. Volunteers also arrived from further afield, including Bolton, Cardiff and London, to assist.
Catering Events and the First Wedding
The volunteer-led catering team began hosting monthly catering events and the temple staged its first wedding.
A Mandir Built on Unity
Today, Oldham Mandir continues its tradition of daily morning and evening prayers. It remains a welcoming spiritual home built on devotion, seva, and the blessings of our Acharya, supporting the Satsang across generations.
A Historic Milestone in the UK
Oldham Mandir became the third Swaminarayan temple in the UK and the first to hold daily morning and evening prayer sessions seven days a week. Since its opening, the mandir has never missed a single day of darshan.
The New Mandir Project
A purpose-built Mandir is under construction — designed to bring our community together, honour our heritage, and create a lasting spiritual home in Oldham for the next generation.
Visit Us
Address
Copster Hill RoadOldham, OL8 1QB
United Kingdom
Phone
+44 (0)161 652 0993By Car
Located on Copster Hill Road in Oldham. Street parking is available on surrounding roads.
By Bus
Several Stagecoach and First Manchester routes serve Copster Hill Road. Check TfGM for timetables.
By Tram
The nearest Metrolink stop is Westwood on the Oldham/Rochdale line, approximately a 10-minute walk.
A Community-Built Spiritual Haven
Completed through the power of community collaboration and dedication, entirely funded by the generosity of our local community members, this sacred space is truly for the community, by the community.
We take pride in welcoming individuals from all walks of life to come together, learn, and grow in our spiritually nourishing environment. Our doors are always open to those seeking a deeper connection, inner peace, and a sense of belonging.
Visit Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Oldham today and experience the warmth of our inclusive community and the serenity of our sacred spaces.
Jay Shree Swaminarayan