Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and an interesting place to visit for tourists. There are multiple temples in Melbourne which attract tourists from borders and beyond. These temples are ideal to seek solace in religion or to marvel at architecture of the same that resembles India. The temples in Melbourne offer much in terms of cultural, religious, and historical journeys. These impressive temples in Melbourne are extremely significant for the respective communities.
Top 10 Temples In Melbourne
Here is a list of top ten temples in Melbourne which are flocked by visitors to have a look of the spiritual charm there:
1. Melbourne Murugan Temple
Photo: Jorge Láscar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Melbourne Murugan Temple is devoted to Lord Murugan who is also referred to as the God of War. This temple, built in 1998, has become an active place of worship for Tamil Hindus in Melbourne. It has a true imitation of South Indian temples’ structural design, detailed graving, and a colossal statue of Lord Murugan. The temple is an important center for it organizes the annual celebration of the Thaipusam festival. For this, thousands of devotees visit the temple. Photography is not allowed at this temple in Melbourne.
Major Attractions: Lord Murugan statue, Thaipusam festival, traditional South Indian architecture
Best Time To Visit: During Thaipusam (January/February)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Location: 150 Andersons Creek Rd., Donvale, Melbourne
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 8 AM – 8 PM
2. ISKCON Temple
Photo: Sourav Debnath / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
ISKCON Melbourne Temple, situated in Albert Park, is one of the biggest temples of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in Australia. The temple is meant for Lord Krishna and gives people an opportunity to engage themselves in devotee work, kirtan, and learn more about Bhagavad Gita. ISKCON helps devotees find inner peace with the help of mantra meditation, devotional music and by offering services to the society. Festivals like Janmashtami are being celebrated with a lot of severance. This temple also asks for donations and charity.
Major Attractions: Lord Krishna’s Deity, Bhagavad Gita Teachings, Kirtan Sessions
Best Time To Visit: During Janmashtami
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Location: 197 Danks St, Albert Park, Melbourne
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 4:30 AM – 9:20 PM
3. Sri Vakratunda Vinayaka Temple
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Sri Vakratunda Vinayaka Temple is located in the outskirts of Melbourne and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and prasadam to every devotee. Adorned carvings on the temple’s walls and the floor are visible to the public. The Hindu community of Melbourne considers this place of utmost importance. There is a pooja committee which looks after the pooja, bhajan, kirtan and aarti of Lord Ganesha at this temple. There are plenty of places inside the temple to meditate and relax.
Major Attractions: Lord Ganesha idol, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, traditional temple architecture
Best Time To Visit: During Ganesh Chaturthi
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Location:1292 Mountain Hwy, The Basin VIC 3154, Australia
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 7 AM – 9 PM
4. Shree Swaminarayan Temple
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The Shree Swaminarayan Temple has become a significant place of worship for Hindu Community residing in Melbourne. Members visit for prayer meetings and listen to discourses and other community events related to Lord Swaminarayan. There are a variety of Indian sweets and snacks available at this place. Visitors can buy them as they are for sale too. An Annakut Mahotsav is organised here regularly which offers a delightful experience.
Major Attractions: Lord Swaminarayan Deity, Spiritual Programs, Diwali and Holi Celebrations
Best Time To Visit: During Diwali and Holi
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Location: 69 Wadhurst Dr, Boronia VIC 3155, Australia
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 6:10 AM – 8 PM
5. Melbourne Thai Buddhist Temple
Photo: Sutharshan Mahendrarajah / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Melbourne Thai Buddhist Temple located in Noble Park is a beautiful center for Thai Buddhism. With beautiful structures designed and built in traditional Thai style and a magnificent golden Buddha, the temple is a perfect place for meditation. It also gives teachings about Buddhism, performs Buddhist rituals, and acts as a community development organization. It is also a place to learn more about Thai culture and witness Buddhist practices firsthand.
Major Attractions: Golden Buddha statue, traditional Thai architecture, peaceful gardens
Best Time To Visit: During Songkran (Thai New Year)
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Location: 489 Elgar Rd, Mont Albert VIC 3127, Australia
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 9 AM – 4 PM
6. Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple
Photo: கோபி / Wikimedia Commons
Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple located in Carrum Downs near Melbourne, is one of the biggest Hindu temples with the deities of Shiva & Vishnu. This temple has classical South Indian architecture, proper hydraulic gardens, finesse, and painted sculptures depicting various gods and goddesses. It is the center of prayers and assembly, especially during big Hindu festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Navaratri. The temple serves pure vegetarian food and is visited by devotees in large numbers.
Major Attractions: Lord Shiva and Vishnu Statues, South Indian Architecture, Cultural Festivals
Best Time To Visit: During Maha Shivaratri and Navaratri
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Location:52 Boundary Rd, Carrum Downs VIC 3201, Australia
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 7:30 AM – 9 PM
7. Sankat Mochan Samiti
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Sankat Mochan Samiti lies in the outskirts of Melbourne and is another famous temple of Lord Hanuman. It possesses a peaceful campus environment and is established to nourish and meet the religious requirements of Hindus in Melbourne. This temple celebrates the festival of Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami with all devotees residing in Melbourne. Delicious vegetarian dinner is served at this temple. This temple also organizes events and small functions and has an area suitable for a gathering of 50 people.
Major Attractions: Lord Hanuman Statue, Hanuman Jayanti Festival, Peaceful Environment
Best Time To Visit: During Hanuman Jayanti
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Location: 1289A North Road, Huntingdale VIC 3166, Australia
Timings: 10:30 to 12:30, 6:30 to 8:30
8. Sri Durga Temple
Photo: Pratheek K / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another religious place is Sri Durga Temple in the outskirts of Melbourne and is just a 30 minute drive. The temple is active for the Hindu community of Melbourne and is used for the celebration of Durga Puja and Navratri from Melbourne and nearby regions. The beautiful detailed works as well as the artistic paintings within the temple make it easy to understand Hindu temple designs. This temple is located in the lush green surroundings. Sri Durga Temple is considered the biggest temple not only in Melbourne but throughout Australia.
Major Attractions: Goddess Durga Idol, Durga Puja Festival, Intricate Temple Architecture
Best Time To Visit: During Durga Puja
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Location: 705-715 Neale Rd, Deanside VIC 3336, Australia
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 8 AM – 8:30 PM
9. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Photo: Prime Minister’s Office / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, which is a temple for Lord Swaminarayan, is located in Mill Park. This temple belongs to the Hindu style and is recognized for its attractive polished carving throughout the construction capital of India. The temple also offers religious sermons, schedules communal functions, and commemorates Hindu festival celebrations. Annakut is offered to god at this temple. Devotees are served hot vegetarian dinner and lunch too.
Major Attractions: Stone Carvings, Lord Swaminarayan Deity, Diwali Celebrations
Best Time To Visit: During Diwali
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Location: 60 Heaths Ct, Mill Park VIC 3082, Australia, Melbourne
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 7:15 AM – 8 PM
10. Heavenly Queen Temple
Photo: 湘庭 許 / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Heavenly Queen Temple is located in Melbourne and is an important Chinese temple in the region. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Mazu who is believed to be the Chinese Goddess of Sea and Patron Deity of the fisherman. The goddess guards the sea and takes care of any occupation of sea or ocean. This temple has peaceful vibes and offers free food to devotees. This temple comes alive during the Chinese New Year Celebration.
Major Attractions: Chinese Architecture, Calm Environment
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Location: 20 Joseph Rd, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 AM – 4 PM
Temples in Melbourne are architectural and religious treasures. Religious places in Melbourne are rich in a variety of practices, architectural design, and festival celebrations. If the visitor wants to see the Hindu rituals or experience true meditation at one of the Buddhist temples, or admire the beautiful architecture, then these temples are relaxing getaways. So do not lose this opportunity to plunge into the spiritual facet of life in Melbourne. Get in touch with TripXL today and start exploring the discovery, spirituality, and cultural side of this wonderful city for yourself!
Cover Photo: Jorge Láscar / Wikimedia Commons