University of Cambridge
Tilak Parekh is a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge, where his doctoral thesis focuses on the purpose and creation of the Neasden Temple in London—the first traditional Hindu temple built in the Western world. Tilak completed a BA in Theology and Religion at Oxford, a Postgraduate Diploma in Sanskrit, Gujarati, and Hindu Studies in India, an MPhil in Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion at Cambridge, and an MSc in Social and Cultural Anthropology at UCL. His research interests include places of worship, religious leadership, youth religiosity, digital religion, and Hinduism in contemporary Britain.
This paper explores the pivotal role of Hindu mandirs, specifically those of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), in addressing the global environmental crisis. By examining the intersections between religion and ecology, it argues that these temples serve as dynamic vehicles for environmental action, intertwining spiritual teachings with concrete ecological initiatives. The analysis is grounded in three key themes: respect for nature, raising environmental awareness, and fostering sustainable practices. Through a case study approach, the paper examines how BAPS mandirs integrate environmental consciousness into their architecture, rituals, and community outreach. Drawing on interviews with key figures involved in temple construction, it offers insights into the eco-conscious design choices made in these temples, as well as the broader educational efforts that inspire both individual and collective responsibility toward nature. In doing so, this study highlights how BAPS mandirs function not only as sacred spaces for worship but also as platforms for ecological engagement, demonstrating how places of worship can serve as crucial sites for fostering environmental stewardship and mobilising religious communities to confront the environmental crisis. The paper emphasizes the potential for religious institutions and buildings to catalyse significant change in how communities engage with ecological challenges.