AN INTERNATIONAL Hindu group has moved from a Churchlands home to open its first temple in Australia in Embleton.
The Shree Swaminarayan Sidhant Sajivan Mandal Perth Inc established its place of worship at the former Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall site at 5-7 Irwin Road in March.
Spiritual leader Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj from India officially opened the temple at a tree-planting and blessing event with Bayswater Mayor Dan Bull and Deputy Mayor Chris Cornish this morning.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWThe association is part of a Hindu faith known as Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, a not-for-profit worldwide centre for spiritual, cultural and social welfare.
There are also other temples in the United States, England, East Africa and India including the headquarters in Maninagar, Ahmedabad.
Committee member Kishor Dabasia said the move to a dedicated temple had been a long time coming.
“For about 15 years or so, we were congregating in a house every Sunday and now we have got this space,” he said.
“We have about five or six families with 40 members all together.”
Association member Shanti Kerai said it was made possible through financial contribution from the international community.
“The purpose is to set up a community centre not just for our kids but kids in the local area,” he said.
“They are starting other activities for children so that the children have some purpose after school, so they don’t end up joining bad habits.
“The whole community is welcome to participate any activity that we carry out.”
For more information, visit www.swaminarayangadi.com.
MORE: Perth entrepreneur gets Shark Tank backing for eyeliner
MORE: Slug pellet-baited cake found at Mullaloo dog park
