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Tuesday, 25 August 2015

DOWN A LEAFY, HERTFORDSHIRE LANE ……….





You know that moment when you first saw Venice, or when you turned that corner in Florence and saw The Duomo and when you saw the Brighton Pavilion for the first time ?
Well, down a leafy Hertfordshire lane, not a ten minute drive from our home is one of those moments, albeit on a slightly smaller scale …….. and, I've only just realised that it's there !!!!


Set in eighty acres of beautiful gardens and free for anyone who wants to visit is this most amazing Jain Dharma Temple.







The temple was completed in 2005. Made of sandstone and marble, hand carved in India by over two hundred masons, it is surrounded by formal gardens.



Jainism is an ancient religion from India that teaches that the way to Nirvana is to live lives of peace and harmlessness.



Photography wasn't allowed inside the temple but I took the two above before I realised !!


We were given the history and taken to the large house where I managed to get the obligatory chandelier photograph !! Someone said that George Harrison had bought the house but I couldn't find any information about that although, it would fit, wouldn't it ?




….. we were shown the modern buildings comprising of three large halls for wedding receptions, plays and concerts and a nursery. There is also a state of the art children's playground. 
We were then invited back to the main house where they preceded to serve us samosas, rice, tea, cakes and biscuits all homemade and served to us by the ladies wearing their beautiful saris !! I don't think that they usually do that ….. we were very fortunate that day. Everyone was so welcoming, friendly and kind … . it didn't cost a penny { although most people made a donation } and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
I can't believe that I didn't know it was there !!









image 1: via geograph, images 2 - 11 : via me, image 12: via pinterest, image 13: via walking times

Jackie
Posted by Jacqueline @ HOME at 21:20
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58 comments:

  1. It's me25 August 2015 at 21:27

    Wowwwwww Jackie this is great !!....what a beautiful pictures!!!....love from me Ria x

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    Replies
    1. Jacqueline @ HOME25 August 2015 at 21:47

      Thanks Ria …… it is truly a beautiful place. XXXX

      Delete
  2. elaine 25 August 2015 at 21:54

    I think you need to go to Specsavers Jackie - how could you miss this huge and beautiful place!!!!!!!! The carving is so intricate and over the top - hats off to the stone masons for their skill.

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME25 August 2015 at 22:01

      I know Elaine …… I drive past the road that it's in quite often !!!! How mad is that ?!! I really must keep my eyes open in future !!!! XXXX

      Delete
  3. Barbara Lilian in France25 August 2015 at 22:30

    I was beginning ti think I'd read it wrong, built in 2005.and almost on your door step. Such a work of art, how could you have missed it every time you passed. Maybe some very large trees have been cut down. What ever the reason I'm sure you're happy to have been able to visit it and see such wonderful craftsmanship all that beautiful carving. Loved the comment about going to Specsavers.

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME25 August 2015 at 22:38

      I know Barbara …… I can't believe that I didn't know it was there ! You can't see it from the road and it's in a road of houses worth millions !! Not really somewhere that you would expect to see a temple !! XXXX

      Delete
  4. Tom Stephenson25 August 2015 at 23:29

    And all built without killing a single insect !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  5. Cro Magnon26 August 2015 at 05:00

    The international symbol of Jainism also contains the infamous swastika. They're an interesting group of people, but I wouldn't have imagined there were enough of them in leafy Herts to warrant such a building .

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 August 2015 at 10:12

      Yes Cro ….. they told us all about the swastika or Saathio. It reminds Jains that people undergo a continuous circle of life from birth to death in four forms. It's a very ancient Indian symbol and Hitler abused it.
      … and, you're right, I hardly ever see Indians around where I live but I think that they come from far and wide. XXXX

      Delete
    2. Cro Magnon26 August 2015 at 10:29

      And, have you seen the Hindu Temple at Neasdon? Another amazing building that was carved out in India and reassembled in N London.

      Delete
    3. Jacqueline @ HOME26 August 2015 at 11:06

      Yes …. I've seen the Hindu Temple at Neasdon …. it's amazing and on a much grander scale than the one near me. They always remind me of Brighton Pavilion { which I love } … the way that they stand out and make such an impact. XXXX

      Delete
    4. donna baker26 August 2015 at 16:02

      The swastika was also used by many Native American tribes - referred to as 'swirling logs'. Too bad it has been so degraded. What a gorgeous place.

      Delete
    5. Jacqueline @ HOME26 August 2015 at 19:06

      Oooo Donna …… I think that I deleted your comment by mistake !!! I wanted to reply but pressed delete by mistake !! I was going to say that the swastika seems to be a pretty universal symbol ! XXXX

      Delete
    6. Jacqueline @ HOME26 August 2015 at 19:07

      Oh, no I didn't !! That's good. XXXX

      Delete
  6. Blondie's Journal26 August 2015 at 05:54

    Oh!!! How beautiful!! I've never been across the pond or any ocean for that matter. One of these days. I truly hope.

    Jane x

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    Replies
    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 August 2015 at 10:14

      It really is beautiful Jane ……. I'm sure that you will travel one day ! XXXX

      Delete
  7. WinnibriggsHouse26 August 2015 at 07:46

    Wow that is surely some building! And you say you don't hobnob with your millionaire neighbours? I find that so hard to believe! Lol x

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    Replies
    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 August 2015 at 10:15

      The houses in that particular lane are a little out of my league I'm afraid !!! XXXX

      Delete
  8. Janie Junebug26 August 2015 at 08:15

    Oh, yes, I'll never forget the day I wandered down a path in the woods and came across the beautiful stone cottage. I went around a corner and discovered the ground was quite soft. Before long I couldn't lift my feet. Someone hadn't pumped the septic tank. What an interesting odor. Once I freed myself I continued down the path and found the wicked witch with her house full of feral cats. She would have killed and eaten me, but she said my odor was so disgusting she didn't want me in her oven. It can pay to find a septic tank that hasn't been pumped. (As if her cats didn't stink.)

    Love,
    Janie

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    Replies
    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 August 2015 at 10:16

      Thank goodness for unpumped septic tanks Janie !!! XXXX

      Delete
  9. Christelle26 August 2015 at 12:09

    That of serenity in these images full of disorientation !

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  10. Lynne26 August 2015 at 14:57

    BEAUTIFUL . . .
    You had me at the word Leafy . . .

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    Replies
    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 August 2015 at 19:09

      Haha Lynne ….. leafy is quite inticing …. I hope that it didn't disappoint !!! XXXX

      Delete
  11. Carol26 August 2015 at 15:52

    Oh how absolutely gorgeous - and no jetlag!! Thanks for sharing with us, Jackie! Now I'm hungry. xox

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME26 August 2015 at 19:10

      Yes, it was gorgeous Carol and only a short car ride away …… and, the food was delicious and very authentic. XXXX

      Delete
  12. lilac and old roses26 August 2015 at 20:20

    Wow! I love it what an amazing place, where is it? Jane x

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  13. Jacqueline @ HOME26 August 2015 at 23:07

    It's in Northaw, Hertfordshire. …. somewhere that you'd least expect it !!!! XXXX

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  14. Britta28 August 2015 at 11:11

    Dear Jackie, I will instantly believe that George Harrison bought it! It is a total surprise to see it among your lovely English green leaves!

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME28 August 2015 at 11:23

      I WANT to think that George Harrison lived there Britta !!!! It would make it even more interesting !!!! Have a great holiday Britta. XXXX

      Delete
  15. Splenderosa28 August 2015 at 16:43

    Only in your country!
    How I ENVY you, J.
    Actually, I'm thinking of coming over with my daughter sometime before Christmas. IF she can get away from her 2-year old. Anyway, I'll keep you informed. Sending love.....

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME28 August 2015 at 18:37

      Oh Marsha ….. you have some pretty good places too ….. hope that you can make it to the UK.
      Sending love back. XXXX

      Delete
  16. Burlap Luxe28 August 2015 at 23:13

    Jacqueline the spiritual Zen beauty amazes, yet you my girl amaze me even more so.
    You have such a keen eye for interest in all you shoot, and it's beauty is nothing less then moving.
    So wish I lived in your country.

    Xx
    Dore

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    Replies
    1. Jacqueline @ HOME29 August 2015 at 01:10

      Oh Dore, what a lovely thing to say.
      We do have some amazing sites in the UK but, so do you. Beauty is all around. XXXX

      Delete
  17. Deb29 August 2015 at 15:30

    What a great place! Thanks for sharing Jackie.xx

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  18. Seawashed29 August 2015 at 22:16

    I want to visit it!!!! I love this place so much. It inspires me deep within. I have been studying temples and on a journey of quiet living. I have been reading the books of monks and the monastic life. i truly believe that peace is the way of love. Acceptance of all and living in harmony with one another. Thank you so much for sharing this temple and please go again and share it on your blog! I am going to go read about this place now. xxo

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME29 August 2015 at 23:03

      It was a truly peaceful and beautiful place Kerrie and you would have loved it. Their peaceful philosophy was indeed a beautiful thing and it was a great place to visit and to learn about. I just can't believe that I didn't realise it was there !! XXXX

      Delete
  19. Notes From ABroad30 August 2015 at 00:59

    That is the sort of lane that I used to dream of ... down that lane to my little house in England.
    My husband lived in India for a while, he used to tell me stories about the Jains. Fascinating !
    And there is that Temple in Hertfordshire ! How wonderful :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jacqueline @ HOME30 August 2015 at 08:25

      It really is wonderful …… and so unexpected.
      Thanks so much for your comment ….. I've not been very good at commenting lately but hope to do better !!!! XXXX

      Delete
  20. Sheepskinsandfairylights30 August 2015 at 17:21

    Wow, just wow! Bookmarked and thanks for sharing Xx

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  21. Mise1 September 2015 at 13:19

    My husband has become very zen lately, Jacqueline; I might send him over to you with a little gift-box of chocolate buddhas.

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  22. Jacqueline @ HOME1 September 2015 at 15:56

    Three cheers for Zen and bring on the chocolate buddhas Mise !! XXXX

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  23. Karena1 September 2015 at 16:06

    Jackie, how absolutely artfully glorious. What an amazing world we live in!!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena
    Featuring Sharon Santoni

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jacqueline @ HOME2 September 2015 at 18:08

      How right you are Karena ….. there are so many beautiful places to visit. XXXX

      Delete
  24. June1 September 2015 at 16:38

    This is amazing Jackie! I'm trying to wrap my head around all those stone masons carving away on this, it's gorgeous!!! If only I lived in your beautiful country, at least long enough to see all the beauty you get to see. I have always felt as though I belong there---but then again, that's where all my ancestors are from so I may be channeling them :)))
    Thanks Jackie for sharing this temple and grounds---it's truly a treat for me! As all your posts are.
    much love..

    ReplyDelete
  25. June1 September 2015 at 16:38

    This is amazing Jackie! I'm trying to wrap my head around all those stone masons carving away on this, it's gorgeous!!! If only I lived in your beautiful country, at least long enough to see all the beauty you get to see. I have always felt as though I belong there---but then again, that's where all my ancestors are from so I may be channeling them :)))
    Thanks Jackie for sharing this temple and grounds---it's truly a treat for me! As all your posts are.
    much love..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jacqueline @ HOME2 September 2015 at 18:12

      I'm sure that you will get here one day June …. but, you live in such an amazing country too. We have seen so many beautiful sights when we have visited the U.S. Every country has it's special places…. I just couldn't believe that this temple was just around the corner !!!!
      Much love back …. XXXX

      Delete
  26. Madelief2 September 2015 at 19:16

    Oh wow Jackie. When I first saw your photo's I thought you had been on holiday in India! Imagine having a place like this in the UK. So beautiful! This is just the sort of house that the girls and I love too!. Have to come your way next time... Perhaps we can meet as well :-)

    Have a lovely evening!

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    Replies
    1. Jacqueline @ HOME3 September 2015 at 15:48

      I know …… it could be India, couldn't it Madelief ? XXXX

      Delete
  27. Beatnheart6 September 2015 at 20:31

    just another beautiful day in the life of a beautiful woman...namaste

    ReplyDelete
  28. David Ronaldo5 October 2015 at 14:56

    Amazing home.
    dynamic architecture

    ReplyDelete
  29. Naveen Soni28 October 2015 at 09:03



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