The Shri Ram Mandir’s week long inaugural program started on Saturday 6th June with hundreds of devotees flocking for the Puja from morning till evening. The $5.5 million temple is New Zealand’s first exclusive Ram temple built in a span of 4 years.
The celebrations commenced on day one at 9 am, for the yagna. After the Yagna the devotees took individual Kalash and with a banner made a procession on the streets of Henderson.
Towards the evening the crowd increased for the cultural program that started off with a bhajan, traditional dance by young artists and food boxes were distributed to the devotees at the end of the day.
The second day of the program started with Ganesh Poojan, Nandi Shradh and Mandap Pravesh followed by evening Arti and cultural program.
The next following days also comprised of Pratah Poojan, Mandir Vaastu Poojan, Grahavaastu Poojan, Devta Shaynam, Murti Niveshnam Dristisadhan, Guru Poojan and cultural programs in the evening.
The Mandir hosted the evening cultural performances from every corner of India, including Bharatnatyam, Kathak, and other classical dances. Bhajan was an integral part of evening shows every night of the cultural programs. An approximate of 4000 devotees have shown for the week long Puja at the Mandir and another 2000 is expected to turn up on Saturday and Sunday this week.
The temple has been magnificently designed by Manoj Dutta from New Delhi; there are six large domes imported from India with Gold Leaf plating on top and other two super large domes to go on front and back of the Mandir.
The interiors of the Mandir are marvellously designed with tall doors, staggering lightings and crafted walls. Besides Lord Shri Ram’s idol there are idols of Shri Krishna, Goddess Durga, and Lord Shiva with Shiv Lingam. The idols are blanketed in white and will be unveiled on Saturday, 13 June 2015, on the grand opening of the Mandir. The Shri Ram Mandir is located on 11 Brick Street in Henderson.