4 days ago
Community celebrates opening of colossal Hindu temple in Wellington
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan temple officially opened on Sunday.
Photo:
Supplied/BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha
Hundreds celebrated the opening of one of the largest Hindu temples in the capital last weekend.
The BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) Shri Swaminarayan temple officially opened on Sunday after five days of festivities that started in Lower Hutt on 6 August.
Spread over 3700 square metres, the temple complex took around two years to build after construction commenced in March 2023.
The complex features a prayer hall, dining hall, auditorium, learning centre and commercial kitchen.
"This is more than just a temple. It's a home for values that resonate with all New Zealanders: peace, community and service," said Priya Parbhu, spokesperson for BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha in New Zealand. "It will be a space where people from all walks of life can come together to learn, to give back and to feel a sense of belonging."
The temple is expected to host Indian arts, music and dance lessons.
Photo:
Supplied/BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha has already built four temples in Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua and Christchurch.
Indian High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan said the temple offered young people in the diaspora a meaningful connection to their heritage, while also sharing their culture with the local community.
"When young people come here and learn about our roots and our culture, they carry it with themselves, take it to their friends, to the [wider New Zealand] communities," Bhushan said.
The temple is expected to host weekly Gujarati- and Sanskrit-language classes in addition to Indian arts, music and dance lessons.
Hundreds attended the opening of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan temple on Sunday.
Photo:
Gaurav Sharma
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha thanked the wider public for making the temple a reality.
"We've been deeply moved by the support from our neighbours, schools, churches and local leaders," Parbhu said.
"This temple is not only for Hindus. It's a place where all are welcome, where hearts and hands come together in service."
Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry said the temple was a reflection of the "values of inclusivity and generosity that define Lower Hutt".
"Lower Hutt is shaped by many communities that call it home," he said. "Our strength lies in the values we share. ... This temple reflects those values in action."
