Visiting Hours
Welcome to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Precinct, Sydney. Located in Kemps Creek, our precinct features two main attractions:
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The Tapomurti statue of Nilkanth Varni - a striking statue representing the spiritual journey of a young Hindu yogi.
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The Traditional Havel i buildings - a beautifully designed traditional Indian structure(s) that showcases intricate craftsmanship.
The Precinct & Mandir (Hindu temple) is open to all visitors daily, from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, throughout the year.
Please note: the Shrine of the temple is closed to visitors during certain times of the day.
7:15 am to 11:00 am
11:45 am to 12:30 pm
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm |
Shrine in the Akshar Haveli for Murti Darshan |
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7:15 am and 7:00 pm |
Shrine in the Akshar Haveli for Arti in the Morning and Evening |
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6:45 pm |
Nilkanth Abhishek Mandapam Arti |
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6:30 pm |
Shri Tapomurti Nilkanth Varni Arti |
Visitor Guidelines
We are honoured to welcome you to our sacred space. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir & Cultural Precinct is a place of peace, devotion, and reflection. To help maintain the tranquility a nd sanctity of this environment, we kindly ask all visitors to follow the guidelines below.
Dress Code
To respect the sacredness of the Mandir, we kindly request all visitors—regardless of gender—to follow these modest dress guidelines:
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Tops must cover the shoulders, midriff, and chest.
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Bottoms must extend below the knees.
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Clothing should not be see-through or revealing.
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Avoid headwear or accessories featuring political messages, provocative imagery, or inappropriate symbols.
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Religious headwear is welcomed
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Clothing with offensive language or graphics is not permitted.
Visitors whose attire does not meet these standards may be asked to adjust their clothing or may be denied entry. Our volunteers are available to assist and offer respectful alternatives where possible.
General Guidelines
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All visitors must register at the Information Desk upon arrival.
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Pets are not permitted on the premises.
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Photography and videography (commercial and/or media purposes) require prior approval.
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This is a no drone zone.
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Firearms, sharp objects, or weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited.
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Please do not touch or lean on any of the carved artwork or structures, as they are delicate and sacred.
Food & Drinks
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Alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes, and vapes (e-cigarettes) are strictly prohibited.
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Outside food and beverages are not allowed on the premises.
Thank you for helping us preserve the serenity and sacredness of the Mandir. We hope your visit brings peace, spiritual reflection, and cultural enrichment.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Things to do and see
Explore the unique blend of spirituality, culture, architecture, and sustainability across the Mandir precinct. Here’s what you can experience during your visit.
🌸 Frangipani Garden – A Sacred Memory
Stroll through the peaceful garden area, home to native Australian plants — including a special frangipani tree. In 2018, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj stood beneath this tree and offered his blessings, sanctifying the land. Originally located at the top of the site, the tree was carefully relocated as a living memory of that sacred moment.
🏛️ Welcome Centre – Journey Through Time
Begin your visit at the Welcome Centre, where a small exhibition traces the history of BAPS in Australia — from its beginnings in 1984 to the vibrant community it is today.
🙏 Shri Nilkanth Varni Tapomurti – Australia's Tallest Metal Statue
Standing an impressive 49FT, 15 metres tall, this statue depicts Bhagwan Swaminarayan as Nilkanth Varni, during his 12,000km journey across India. Crafted in a meditative pose from his time in the Himalayas, it’s a powerful symbol of devotion, endurance, and spirituality.
🛕 A Piece of India in Australia – The Haveli
Step into traditional Indian architecture with the two beautifully carved Haveli buildings:
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Akshar: The main hall for weekly gatherings
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Purushottam: The community dining hall
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Both buildings were named by Mahant Swami Maharaj and reflect the craftsmanship of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
🏛️ The Courtyard – A Living Gallery
Surrounding the Haveli is a 3,500-square-metre open courtyard, lined with over 215 hand-carved columns. These pillars feature symbolic carvings of elephants, peacocks, and revered Hindu figures — blending art with spiritual meaning.
📚 Bookstore & Shayona Café – Nourishment for Body & Mind
Visit Aksharpith, the bookstore, and Shayona, the pure Hindu vegetarian café — open Friday to Sunday, 10am–8pm. Meals are prepared without onion or garlic, following Saatvik dietary principles. Prasad (sanctified food) is served after Sunday assemblies.
🌿 Sustainability in Design
The precinct is built with care for the environment. Its layout follows the land’s natural 15-metre slope and uses three hidden rainwater tanks to support sustainable operations. Look closely — you may be walking right over one!
🏗️ An Engineering Marvel
The entire site is supported by four massive retaining walls (some up to 9 metres high) and is designed with pilgrimage in mind. Like traditional spiritual journeys, visitors ascend the site via ramps, lifts, or stairs — culminating in darshan at the Mandir’s future location.
🙏 The Mandir – Coming Soon
At the highest point of the site, the traditional stone Mandir will become the spiritual heart of the precinct. Construction began in March 2025 as part of Phase 2. Once completed, it will offer a serene space for prayer, darshan, and spiritual connection.
Arti Timings
Arti is a devotional ritual performed to honour the divine, where lighted wicks are waved in front of the murti (sanctified idols) of Bhagwan (God) while sacred hymns and prayers are sung. This practice symbolises the removal of darkness and the attainment of spiritual enlightenment. The tradition dates back thousands of years, when lamps were used to illuminate the murtis in temples, allowing devotees to properly see and connect with them.
Arti is a moment of deep spiritual connection and reverence. All are welcome to participate. Timings are as follows
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Shri Nilkanth Varni Tapomurti Arti: Daily at 6:30 pm
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Nilkanth Abhishek Mandapam Arti: Daily at 6:45 PM
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Mandir Murti Arti (in the Haveli): Daily at 7:15 am and 7:00 pm