AUM Crematorium
The Lea, Western Avenue, Denham, Uxbridge, UB9 4NA, UK
On Sunday, 26th April, Anoopam Mission hosted a significant progress update for the AUM Crematorium, a historic initiative set to provide a dignified and culturally traditional space for last rites in the United Kingdom.
On this occasion, Shri CB Patel; Dr M N Nandakumara MBE (Executive Director, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan); Lord Rami Ranger; Shaunaka Rishi Dasji; Trupti Patel (President of Hindu Forum of Britain); Rashmi Chatwani; Shaneelbhai and the trustees of Jalaram Mandir, Pramodbhai Thakkar, Sudhirbhai Thakkar (Leicester); Manubhai Ramji; the President and trustees of Sachkhand Nanak Dham, including Riju Marshall; trustees of ISKCON Temple, including Sanjay Gadhvi; Chandrakant Shah of Mahavir Foundation; Jaswant Doshi of Navnat Centre along with its other trustees; as well as leaders from various sects and communities such as the Swaminarayan Sampraday, Jalaram Bapa, and the Lohana community; prominent industrialists of the United Kingdom; social workers; doctors; solicitors; and around 400 devotees, including saints and followers of Anoopam Mission, were present.
Bridging the Gap in Community Service
For years, the British Indian community has faced a lack of facilities tailored to their specific religious traditions. The AUM Crematorium, located in the peaceful surroundings of Denham, aims to bridge this gap by offering:
* Traditional Integrity: Dedicated ritual spaces designed specifically for Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities.
* Modern Innovation: Advanced technology integrated with eco-friendly management.
* A Healing Environment: A prayer hall and tranquil seating areas to provide emotional support for grieving families.
A Symbol of Unity
Project lead Satishbhai Chatwani and other speakers highlighted that this is more than just a facility—it is a “sacred center of culture and compassion.” Shaunaka Rishi Dasji noted the project’s unique ability to unite donors and followers from different sects under a single vision of selfless service.
Construction Progress
Work is currently progressing successfully, with foundation and structural elements nearing completion. While the project has seen immense support from donors and volunteers, leaders expressed continued faith that the community will come together to see this “impossible” dream through to its final reality.
“Whatever is used in the service of humanity is regarded as service to the Divine.” — Sant Bhagwant Sahebji
On Sunday 20th October 2024, An update was provided on the first ever purpose-built crematorium for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in the UK, followed by discussion on Hindu unity.
The hurdles faced over the last two years since planning permission was communicated and after overcoming those hurdles in August 2024, proposed timescales for building works were given.
A campaign for landscaping was launched.
The call for Hindu Unity was raised by Param Pujya Sahebji – the spiritual head of Anoopam Mission and four eminent speakers from the community addressed the audience on this topic. The event concluded with Param Pujya Sahebji’s blessings. – Attendees included heads and representatives of various Hindu temples and organisations, businessmen and well-wishers representing a cross-section of the Hindu community.
For the full update click here.
The AUM Crematorium Foundation Stone ceremony was held on Wednesday 31st August 2022. The ceremony was hosted at Anoopam Mission in the divine presence of Guruhari Sant Bhagwant Sahebji, and presided over by the Chief Guest Shri Gopichand Hinduja. VIP attendees included Lord Dolar Popat, Ex Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu, Paul Scully Minister of State for Local Government, Faith & Communities and MP Barry Gardiner. Click on the invite to see a YouTube video of the event. 111 couples sat in the pooja for the Foundation Stone Laying ceremony.
Anoopam Mission UK successfully hosted a Shreemad Bhagvat Katha from 14th to 20th August, with funds collected for the AUM Crematorium project. Over 260 Pothi Yajmans sat for the pujas.
Anoopam Mission AUM Crematorium promotional video with location and demo crematorium model walk around. Please click on the photo to see the video. Have your speakers on!
“BBC Radio ~ Faith Programme” – 02 August 2022“Bhavisha Tailor and Vijay Thakkar from Anoopam Mission, talking about the Aum Crematorium”The interview went out to over 50 local BBC Radio Stations broadcasting throughout the UK.
‘Briefing and Consultation’ for the Aum Crematorium on Saturday 30 July 2022
Anoopam Mission hosted a community briefing and consultation in Denham, Buckinghamshire, attended by Parliamentarians Lord Dolar Popat, Lord Jitesh Gadhia and Bob Blackman MP alongside philanthropist Vijay Patel, Trustee of The Shanta Foundation, whose family announced a generous pledge of £1.25 million towards the Aum Crematorium project.
During the open forum, architect Kevin Smith provided a briefing about the plans and proposals for the first purpose-built crematorium catering specifically to the needs of Hindus and other dharmic communities. Click HERE to see the floor plans for the Crematorium.
Click HERE to see the Asian Voice article on 9th August 22 for more details.
Bhumi Pujan – 15th July 22.
Having received the landmark planning decision to build a state-of-the-art crematorium named “AUM” on its grounds in Denham, Buckinghamshire, Anoopam Mission UK initiated the first step with a Vedic ritual – the Ground-Breaking Ceremony on Friday 15 July 2022, in the presence of Guruhari Param Pujya Sahebji, the spiritual head of Anoopam Mission. This was a historic and momentous achievement for the Indian community in the UK. “AUM” will be the first ever purpose-built dedicated crematorium in the UK and Europe to cater to the needs of the Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities.
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