The Prince of Wales paid a visit to the UK’s largest Jain temple in Potters Bar today.

Princes Charles visited the Derasar temple in Coopers Lane Road, Potters Bar, where he met representatives of the Institute of Jainology and opened the refurbished Assembly Halls of the Oshwal Association of the UK.

Dilip Shah, of New Barnet, welcomed him to the temple, which opened in 2005, and anointed him with the tilak on his forehead.

He was also presented with an Ahimsa award, for his work encouraging greater understanding of different religions and his passion for protecting the environment.

In a speech to the 350 assembled guests, he said: “I am enormously flattered that you have invited me here to open your newly refurbished assembly halls and to tour your magnificent temple.

“At a particularly heightened time of anxiety for us all, when horrific violence is being inflicted upon so many innocent people around the world, supposedly in the name of a particular faith, and by people who have so monstrously distorted the original message of its founder, it is of even greater importance to recognize your ancient, but constant message of reverence to what is sacred and to appeal for greater understanding and tolerance between those of different faiths, or of none at all.

“We all have a duty to work for greater harmony between the religions of the world, especially when, as now, tolerance is being so severely tested.”