Three days of joyous cultural and spiritual celebrations marked the inauguration of Gold Coast’s first Hindu mandir. In the presence of Pujya Narayanmuni Swami and BAPS swamis, over 3,000 devotees, visitors, and well-wishers from across Queensland and interstate participated in this Murti-Pratishtha Mahotsav.
The festivities began on the afternoon of 26 September with a Women’s Cultural Program celebrating spirituality, womanhood, and harmony. Distinguished guests included Meaghan Scanlon MP; Dr Preethi Suraj, President, Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland; and representatives from the Department of Home Affairs and the Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast (MCCGC).
The evening assembly featured devotional performances and reflections on community unity and service.
On 27 September, the murtis to be consecrated in the mandir were honored in a nagar yatra through Broadwater Parklands, Southport. The colorful procession featured beautifully decorated floats and enthusiastic participation from devotees and local residents. The chief guest was Hermann Vorster MP, Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs and International Student Attraction. Also present were Renata Jones from the Multicultural Families Organisation (MFO), officers from the Queensland Police Service, and Indian community leaders.
In the evening assembly, a soul-stirring kirtan aradhana was presented.
On the morning of 28 September, devotees witnessed the sacred murti-pratishtha rituals and thereafter attended the celebration assembly. Previously, on 26 Feb 2025 in Melbourne, Mahant Swami Maharaj had performed the Vedic pratishtha rituals of the murtis.
Premier of Queensland, Hon. David Crisafulli MP, conveyed his wishes through a video message, “The new Hindu temple is a huge milestone, and you should be really proud. To see this journey fulfilled by your community shows the incredible contribution you make to us as Queenslanders.”
Throughout the weekend, dignitaries and community representatives expressed admiration for the dedication of BAPS volunteers and the spirit of harmony embodied by the event.