Australia’s largest Hindu temple to open at Rockbank

Gurpreet Verma and Kulwant Joshi from Rockbank’s Sri Durga temple. Picture: Shawn Smits

People will finally have the opportunity to marvel at Australia’s largest Hindu temple when it’s unveiled later this month.

Construction on the Sri Durga temple, at 705 Neales Road, Rockbank, started almost five years ago.

A ritual named Prana Pratishtha – which is believed to infuse life and bring divinity and spiritually into the temple – will be conducted from November 24 to 30.

Sri Durga arts, cultural and education centre committee member Gurpreet Verma said he was excited the project was coming to fruition.

“This is a dream come true [for] the Indian community in Australia,” Mr Verma said.

“This will be the biggest Sri Durga temple in Australia.”

Gorton MP Brendan O’Connor said he is delighted that Rockbank will be home to the country’s largest Hindu temple, saying it symbolises what makes Australia great.

“There is a vibrant and valuable local Indian and subcontinental community here in Melbourne’s west,” Mr O’Connor said.

“I understand the importance of having such a significant community hub and place of worship available to the local Hindu community.

“Indeed, this temple is a symbol of modern Australia – a confident outward looking and diverse nation.”

The temple opens to the public on November 30 at 5pm, with fireworks from 8pm. Details: 9747 1628