The sights and sounds of India can be found in a small pocket of Helensburgh at Sri Venkateswara Temple. Surrounded by fragrant Australian bush and cicada song, the temple is famous among Hindu devotees from Australia and abroad. The site was selected for its natural beauty because “the gods always play where groves are, near rivers, mountains and springs and in towns with pleasure gardens”, according to temple history.
The temple has been operating since 1985 and serves as a major religious and sacred place for Hindus. Non-Hindus are welcome, attracted by the stunning temple architecture and traditional Indian food from the onsite vegetarian canteen.
The temple canteen is open weekends and is staffed by volunteers with all proceeds going back into projects related to the temple. On offer is dosa (thin crispy pancake), idly (savoury rice cake), samosas, vada (savoury fried snack), rice and Indian sweets.
For Hindu devotees there are a range of worship rituals, or pooja, which are performed by Temple priests. There are regular major community events, talks and other functions. Tours are available by request.
From 5-10 April, Sri Venkateswara Temple is celebrating its 4th Re-Consecration Ceremony (called "Maha Kumbabhishekam") and all local friends and neighbours are invited to attend. Event details here.
For temple opening hours, see here.
Visit this link for canteen opening hours.
