Swamiji Shivendra Puriji Maharaj has been visiting Fiji since 1970s and has followers both in Fiji and overseas.
After the Military Coup in 1987, a large number of Indo-Fijians started migrating to New Zealand. Among them were many followers of Swamiji.
Consequently, he saw the need for Indians to retain their culture and religion.
He inspired a group of his disciples, resulting in a Shiv Mandir in New Zealand.
On December 15, 1997, after looking at many other options, a piece of land at 43 Holmes Road was purchased.
The first religious programme organised on this bare piece of Land was Maha Shivaratri in February 1999. Since then, the Trust and its members have celebrated every major Hindu religious festival.
Community Hall
In 2002, with public support and assistance, the Trust completed a Hall with a seating capacity of 500 people.
The Hall has commercial kitchen, a large stage, dining facility, a separate office and private room. The Swamiji inaugurated it on August 21, 2002 with a colorful celebration. The event coincided with his birthday.
The Temple
The next stage of the project was construction of Shiv Mandir.
We were fortunate to receive ample support from devotees in Auckland, Wellington other parts of New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and India
This feat would not have been possible without the blessing, encouragement and guidance of Swamiji, to whom the Shiv Temple is dedicated.
The Temple was officially opened on May 29, 2004.
Swamiji has truly inspired us to achieve this unimaginable goal with very humble beginnings. In doing, so we have acquired an experience unsurpassed by any.
We are truly blessed to have been given this opportunity.
The Programmes
Today, a number of programmes, including all major Hindu religious festivals are conducted in the Hall. There is an ongoing Hindi Class being conducted on Sundays from 10 am. A group of dedicated teachers renders free services.
The Hall is available for hire for cultural programmes, while it is also a popular venue for marriages and other ceremonies.
The Temple Committee encourages and welcomes other mandalis, groups, organisations and individuals to maximize the use of the Hall and the facilities, thereby enriching our culture and its values.
Naveen Prakash is Treasurer and Foundation Life Member of Sanatan Shivarchan Trust, New Zealand
