Wellington’s largest Hindu temple, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, has officially opened in Lower Hutt following five days of spiritual and cultural celebrations that drew visitors from across New Zealand and Australia.
The Mandir, located at 226 Cambridge Terrace, Naenae, was consecrated over the weekend through a series of events marking a major milestone for the Hindu community and Aotearoa’s multicultural identity.
Photo: Supplied
“This Mandir is more than just a temple, it’s a home for values that resonate with all New Zealanders: peace, community, and service,” said BAPS spokesperson and volunteer Ms Priya Parbhu. “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.”
Photo: Supplied
The Mandir was inspired by the vision of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, current spiritual leader of BAPS, whose guiding words were (translated): “Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, so a mandir befitting its significance will be built there.”
Festivities began on 6 August with the inauguration of the Mandir complex and the arrival of senior Hindu spiritual leader Pujya Narayanmuni Swami. The days that followed featured traditional rituals, community-led programmes, and cultural performances underscoring the Mandir’s role as both a place of worship and a hub for learning, connection, and public service.
Photo: Supplied
Among those present were Right Honourable Chris Hipkins, Leader of the Opposition; Neeta Bhushan, Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand; and Campbell Barry, Mayor of Lower Hutt, along with MPs, councillors, and community representatives from across the region.
Hipkins said the Mandir provides “an opportunity for you to come together and use this space for what it is intended for: for fellowship, for worship, for being together and for good deeds in the community.”
Photo: Supplied
Indian High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan said the Mandir offers young people in the diaspora a way to connect to their heritage while sharing it with the wider 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 Kiwi communities,” she said.
Mayor Barry highlighted the values the Mandir represents: “Lower Hutt is shaped by many communities that call it home. Our strength lies in the values we share – family, generosity, and looking out for each other. This Mandir reflects those values in action.”
Ms Parbhu acknowledged the community’s support: “We’ve been deeply moved by the support from our neighbours, schools, churches and local leaders. This Mandir is not only for Hindus, it’s a place where all are welcome, where hearts and hands come together in service.”
BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) is a global, spiritual, volunteer-driven Hindu organisation rooted in Vedic teachings and dedicated to spiritual growth, unity, and selfless service. Established in New Zealand in 1984, it now has Mandirs in Auckland, Christchurch, Rotorua, Hamilton, and Wellington, alongside regional centres.
BAPS works with BAPS Charities to deliver community services including food donation drives, health awareness initiatives, and other benevolent programmes nationwide.
About Mahant Swami Maharaj – The sixth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and leader of BAPS, revered for his wisdom, humility, and compassion, and a guiding light for millions of devotees globally.
Members of the public are invited to visit the Mandir, which is open to all.