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New Zealand has its share of buildings constructed for religious practice and worship that are ancient and contemporary. There are multiple temples to visit in New Zealand which offer both a religious and spiritual vibe. For Hindus residing in New Zealand, there are multiple temples to visit and seek blessings of the deities. The two major Indian temples, The Sri Venkateswara Tallest Temple in Auckland and Radha Krishna Mandir in Wellington are the best combinations of temples with Indian culture and traditional design architecture.
Top 10 Temples In New Zealand
Here is a list of the top 10 temples in New Zealand which promise a memorable time.
1. Thirumurugan Temple
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Thirumurugan Temple in New Lynn, Auckland is one of the finest temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is worshiped predominantly by Tamil Hindus. The temple was built to cater for the needs of the Tamil Hindu community by providing a place for worship, social, and cultural activities. The temple is designed in the traditional architecture style typical of South Indian temples and supports many such events like Thaipusam and Skanda Shasti. During these occasions, devotees come together in large numbers to pray, perform rituals and enjoy the festivities.
Location: New Lynn, Auckland
Major Attractions: Traditional South Indian architecture,
2. Kumara Swamy Temple
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Thiru Subramaniyar Aalayam is a Hindu shrine in Mount Wellington, Auckland, that is also known as Kumara Swamy Temple or Murugan Temple. It is a Tamil cultural and religious center in the area, which organizes various important events, such as Thai Poosam, Panguni Uthiram, etc. The architectural and the performing artistry on most of the daily activities of the temple are in the South Indian pattern, which overseas creates a comfortable setup for all the worshippers. Also, there are community activities, workshops, and festivals conducted so often that encourage the Tamil population living in New Zealand. The temple also provides education on Tamil culture and language to both kids and adults.
Location: Mount Wellington, Auckland
Major Attractions: Festival celebrations, traditional South Indian architecture
3. The Bharatiya Mandir
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The Bharatiya Mandir, which is situated in the Sandringham suburb of Auckland, is recognized as one of the oldest Hindu temples in New Zealand. It is used as a religious place and a center for various activities by Hindus. It also includes the celebrations of auspicious days related to the freedom fighters. This temple’s indoors are very much reminiscent of Indian designs thus enhancing the feeling of worship and cultural functions in more realistic settings. Apart from the prayer, Bharatiya Mandir has educational services, yoga training, and cultural activities making it not only a worship center but also a center for Indian culture.
Location: Sandringham, Auckland
Major Attractions: Diwali and Navratri celebrations, yoga classes, cultural activities
4. Swaminarayan Temple
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The Swaminarayan Temple Auckland belongs to the religious organization which nurtures the Gujarati Hindu culture within spiritual and cultural boundaries. Customs and traditions are also observed in the temple where Swami Narayan, the founder of the religion, is worshiped together with his followers. The intricate carving details that one finds inside the temple are breathtaking and would bring any visitors to a serene state at once. In addition, it conducts educational classes to the youths instilling the concepts of peace, unity and service.
Location: Auckland
Major Attractions: Satsangs, youth classes, Diwali and Janmashtami festivals
5. Kurinchi Kumaran Temple
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Located in the town of Wellington, New Zealand, the Kurinchi Kumaran Temple is a famous Hindu temple devoted to Lord Muruga. Constructed leaning towards the Tamil architectural style, it has become a temple as well as a cultural center for Tamils. The temple organizes and partakes in several Hindu celebrations, especially the ones dedicated to Lord Murugan such as Thai Poosam, Skanda Shasti etc. Poojas, cultural programs and community events are carried out on a regular basis turning it into a cultural engagement hub.
Location: Wellington
Major Attractions: Thai Poosam and Skanda Shasti festivals, Tamil cultural programs
6. The Wellington Indian Association Temple
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Wellington Indian Association runs the temple situated in Wellington and this facility is used by people of Hindu religion. This temple is a place of Hindu worship and the main religious activities for the Hindus including the celebrations during Diwali, Janmashtami and Navratri, which draws people in a huge number. It also doubles as a center, where activities such as classes, cultural activities and religious debates are held. The peace that the temple provides allows for worship and the practice of the culture for the Indian people living in Wellington. The temple does not only offer services associated with worship but services that encourage relationship building, charity, and even education.
Location: Wellington
Major Attractions: Diwali and Navratri celebrations, cultural events
7. Sanatan Dharam Mandir
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Located in Mount Roskill, Auckland, the Sanatan Dharam Mandir is a Hindu temple that has made an impact with the services that it offers. It conducts daily poojas and bhajans, and participates in celebrations such as Ram Navami and Krishna Janmashtami. The temple has additional activities like teaching of languages, cultural activities and community work promoting Sanatan (the age-old) way of living which is Indian in its content. The friendly atmosphere makes this temple suitable for worshippers and non worshippers alike. The temple actively participates in charity work helping any local projects, therefore helping build up the communities.
Location: Mount Roskill, Auckland
Major Attractions: Ram Navami and Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, language classes
8. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Christchurch
Photo: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha / Wikimedia Commons / Imager For Representation Only
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir located in Christchurch is a BAPS Swaminarayan temple serving devotees in its vicinity. This temple observes the practices of Swaminarayan Hinduism and conducts regular satsangs and celebrations. People come here for the community service and active practice of faith especially during the major celebrations like Diwali, Janamashtmi, Annakut. Apart from faithful services, it provides educational projects and youth actions promoting peace, togetherness and compassion as well. The mandir is seen to be a beautifully constructed building with a good atmosphere that evokes the spirituality and calmness of the devotees and visitors.
Location: Christchurch
Major Attractions: Diwali celebrations, satsangs, community service programs
9. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple
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The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple located in Auckland is a wonderful temple for the Swaminarayan sect that offers worship, community service and cultural activities to its members. The temple excels in offering weekly religious talks, teaching kids at Sunday schools, and organizing the most elaborate of all the festivals, Janmashtami, Diwali and Raksha Bandhan. While the temple upholds the moral principles of honesty and respect, it also provides a peaceful setting for its induced followers to meet and interact physically and spiritually. Alongside the administrative activities, it is worthy to note that the BAPS temple also engages in a number of charitable projects as evidence of its concern towards the community.
Location: Auckland
Major Attractions: Satsangs, Sunday school
10. ISKCON Temple
Photo: Kristina D.C. Hoeppner / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
ISKCON Wellington also serves as a spiritual and cultural hub for the population residing in the capital of New Zealand. The temple is not only part of the local community but also a part of the global Hare Krishna movement working for the propagation of teachings of Lord Krishna. There are daily aartis, bhajans, and classes on Bhagavad Gita that include spiritual discussions. Major celebrations like Janmashtami and Ratha Yatra are observed with great reverence and attract many devotees from far and wide. The temple combines many other programs such as serving free vegetarian meals, caring for the youth, and offering yoga classes
Location: Wellington
Major Attractions: Janmashtami, Ratha Yatra, vegetarian meal service, yoga classes
In New Zealand, there are many temples that represent the different ethnicities and religions existing in the nation. One such temple is the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple located in Auckland under the umbrella of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON), which provides soothing ambience for prayers, meditations and cultural activities. Eager to appreciate the historical richness possessed by New Zealand? Book your trip now with TripXL and embark on a voyage to seek spiritual solace right away!
Cover Photo: Olivier Darny / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
