Jain Temple (Derasar) in Potters Bar

Established in 1967, Oshwal Association of the U.K. (OAUK) is the largest Jain organisation in the U.K. They currently have centres in four locations in the UK: Hounslow, Croydon, Kingsbury and Northaw (near Potters Bar). Their Northaw centre is also the site of the first traditional Shikarband Jain Temple (Derasar) in Europe.

A Shikarband temple refers to a type of temple which has a pinnacle atop the sacred shrine and is often built of carved marble or sandstone.

The Derasar at Potters Bar is made of pink sandstone and marble and is set in 80 acres of parkland. 

You will be amazed to know that the ornate building was hand carved in India by over 200 traditional stone masons and was then shipped to the UK. On arrival here, it was assembled on site like a gigantic jigsaw puzzle. The combination of traditional architecture and craftsmanship with modern construction technology saw the Derasar take shape in this Potters Bar location. The Derasar foundation slab was laid in November 1999 and the work was completed in August 2005 after which the Pratistha Mahotsav was held. The inauguration ceremony was held in 2007. The effort put in over the years has created a beautiful Jain spiritual and cosmic space in England.

The workmanship is excellent. Both the exterior and the interior of the Derasar are adorned with intricate carvings that speak volumes about the craftsmanship of the artists who created it. 

The carvings reminded me of our visit to the Jain Derasars in Palitana (in Gujarat).

Photography is prohibited inside the 'Garbhagriha' ('Gabhāro' or the sanctum sanctorum) but you can take my word for it that the marble carvings inside are very beautifully made.

In the Garbhagriha there are idols of Shri Mahavir Swami, Shri Adinath Bhagwan and Shri Parshvanath Bhagwan. Around the Garbhagriha is the 'Pradakshina Patha', an enclosed corridor where the devotees can walk around the diety as a part of their worship ritual.

Outside, admist the landscaped gardens are twenty-four small shrines (also called as 'Devkulikas') that house the idols of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras.

As you explore the gardens, you will also come across one of the popular symbols of Jainism, a hand with a wheel and the word 'Ahimsa' on it. The hand signifies faith or fearlessness while the wheel is considered as the 'Wheel of Dharma' (it has 24 spokes representing the 24 Tirthankaras) and the word Ahimsa symbolising non-violence towards all living beings in this world.

Overall, the environment is absolutely peaceful, serene and calm and is sure to leave visitors with a blissful state of mind.

Facilities at the Oshwal Centre Derasar

In addition to the Derasar (temple), the Centre is also home to Oshwal House which is a great venue for smaller family celebrations. There are two wedding halls as well with 500 people capacity.

Set within the landscaped gardens is a purpose built children’s playground. There are some seating arrangements as well for those who wish to rest and take in the ambience.

Washroom facilities are in a building that is built into a hillside within the permises.

How to get to the Oshwal Centre Derasar?

The Oshwal Centre Jain Temple is located between Northaw and Potters Bar. 

The nearest underground tube station is Cockfosters (on the Piccadilly Line) while the nearest railway station is Potters Bar Station (on the Great Northern Route). There is no public transport from the rail stations to the Derasar. So, you will have to opt for taxis to get to the Oshwal Centre. Or you could walk (around 2.3 miles).

For those planning to travel by bus, take bus no. 298 (from Arnos Grove Station via Southgate and Cockfosters) to Potters Bar bus station. From there it is around a 1.5 mile walk to Oshwal Centre. It should take around 30-40 minutes depending on your walking speed.

For those travelling by car, the address is:
Oshwal Centre | Coopers Lane Road, Northaw, Herts, EN6 4DG
There is ample parking on site.

According to the Derasar's website, it is open 7 days a week from 10am to 2pm. However, you can call them on +44 (0)1707 643 838 prior to travelling, should you wish to confirm the timings.