- New Hindi temple to be great asset for Perth's Hindu community
Premier Colin Barnett today welcomed the opening of the new Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Bennett Springs, which will be a religious and community focus for Hindu people from across Perth's northern region.
"The Western Australian Hindu community is an important and respected part of WA society. Its members can be proud of their achievements and their ongoing contribution to Western Australian life," Mr Barnett said.
"It is a great honour to be present at the opening of this magnificent temple which will bring together many Hindu people from all over Perth.
"The opening of the new temple is the culmination of years of meticulous planning and hard work from members of the community who have contributed hundreds of hours of volunteer time and made generous financial contributions."
The Premier said Hinduism was now the fifth most-practised religion in the State, with the 2011 Census recording 11,566 Hindus in WA - or 0.9 per cent of the population - a significant increase on the 8,159 Hindus recorded five years earlier.
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Members of the Hindu community come from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds, such as India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, the United Kingdom and the USA.
Mr Barnett said the 4.05ha complex would play a significant role in generating increased understanding of Hindu culture, customs and traditions and help preserve them for future generations.
The land for the temple was bought in 2007 and the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony took place in October 2011.
Fact File
Hinduism consists of various sects including Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism and Smarthism, among many others. All these sects are based on different philosophy but have many rituals, customs and traditions in common
Swaminarayan is the Supreme Being in a sect of Hinduism known as the Swaminarayan faith, a form of Vaishnavism
Lord Swaminarayan was born as Ghanshyam Pande in Uttar Pradesh, India, in 1781. In 1800 he was initiated into the Hindu sect, Uddhav Sampraday and became leader of the sect in 1802. From this point onwards, he was known as Swaminarayan and regarded as an incarnation of God by his followers. He died in 1830
Swaminarayan's rules for his followers are abstain from drinking alcohol or taking drugs, eating meat, committing adultery or stealing. He is remembered for undertaking reforms for women and the poor, and performing miracles
Currently, his worldwide following is estimated to be between five and 20 million
Premier's office - 6552 5000
