For the Nepalese community in Australia, temples and religious centres are more than places of worship — they are cultural anchors that preserve tradition, connect generations, and provide a spiritual home away from home. With 81% of Nepalis in Australia identifying as Hindu, the demand for dedicated worship spaces has grown alongside the community.
Shree Pashupatinath Temple Victoria
Located at 269 Pearsdale Road, Cranbourne South in Victoria, the Shree Pashupatinath Temple is inspired by the revered Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. Managed by the Astha Hindu Society of Victoria, the temple serves as a spiritual sanctuary for Nepalese Hindus in Melbourne and beyond.
The temple offers daily pujas and aarti, special festival celebrations including Maha Shivaratri, scripture readings, meditation sessions, and classes on Hindu philosophy. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a House of Learning, offering educational resources on Sanatan Dharma.
The temple welcomes individuals from all faith backgrounds and geographic origins, embodying the inclusive spirit of Hindu tradition. It has become a gathering point for the Nepalese community in Melbourne, hosting cultural programs and social activities alongside religious worship.
Sri Vishnu Shiva Mandir Canberra
Located at 82 Mawson Drive, Mawson in the ACT, the Sri Vishnu Shiva Mandir is a prominent Hindu temple serving the Canberra community. Founded in the true traditions of ancient Saiva and Vaishnava agama, the temple features four ornate Vimanas (domes) in Dravidian style with 44 intricately carved pillars depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
The temple conducts daily pujas, celebrates all major Hindu festivals (utsavas), and hosts bhajans and Vedic mantra chanting. It also houses a public library focusing on South Asian literature and culture. The imposing Papa Vinashini 'Gangotri' fountain at the entrance is a notable attraction.
With Nepali being the third-most-spoken language at home in the ACT, the Vishnu Shiva Mandir has become an important spiritual centre for the approximately 5,700 Nepal-born residents in Canberra.
Proposed Pashupatinath Temple Canberra
Sanatan Samaj Australia (SSA) is working towards a major long-term goal: the construction of a dedicated Pashupatinath Temple in Canberra. The project has received approval from the ACT Government and the necessary land has been secured.
The temple will serve as a significant symbol of Hindu faith for the 15,000-strong Nepali community in Canberra. SSA has been actively fundraising through community events, with their Nepali New Year celebrations attracting 8,000-10,000 attendees and serving as a major fundraising platform.
The proposed temple aims to be a spiritual haven inspired by the revered Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. It will serve as a beacon of unity, prayer, and cultural celebration, open to individuals from all faith backgrounds.
Hindu Temples Used by Nepali Community Across Australia
Sydney
Sydney's Nepali community utilises several Hindu temples across the city, including temples in Auburn, Blacktown, and western Sydney. The Greater Sydney Nepalese Multicultural Centre (GSNMC) has also been working towards establishing a dedicated Nepali multicultural centre, which would include prayer and cultural spaces.
Melbourne
In addition to the Shree Pashupatinath Temple in Cranbourne South, Melbourne's Nepali community uses various Hindu temples across the city. The Epping Wollert Nepalese Community (EWNC) and other groups organise regular religious gatherings and puja events.
Perth
Pashupatinath Bouddhanath Western Australia (PBWA) is one of the most active Nepalese community organizations in Western Australia and is widely recognized as the first organization to initiate the vision of building a dedicated Nepalese temple for the Nepalese diaspora in Australia. Learn More
Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin
Nepali communities in these cities utilise existing Hindu temples and community halls for religious celebrations. Many community organisations arrange puja services, bring priests from Nepal or other cities, and celebrate major festivals collectively.
Priests and Puja Services in Australia
Several Nepali priests and purohits serve the community across Australia, conducting weddings, Bratabandha (sacred thread ceremony), Pasni (rice feeding ceremony), house warming pujas, and festival celebrations. Notable figures include Pundit Dinbandhu Pokharel, a popular Nepali priest and orator based in Sydney, and Guru Mukunda Sharma Humagain, who has travelled from Nepal specifically for performances of Sandhya Aarati.
Many community organisations bring priests from Nepal for major celebrations, particularly for Teej, Dashain, and Tihar. These religious leaders play a vital role in maintaining cultural and spiritual connections to Nepal.
Major Hindu Festivals Celebrated in Australia
- Maha Shivaratri — Night-long worship of Lord Shiva, celebrated at temples and community halls with abhishek, bhajans, and fasting
- Krishna Janmashtami — Celebration of Lord Krishna's birth with bhajans, reenactments, and community gatherings
- Saraswati Puja — Worship of the goddess of knowledge, particularly important for students and educational institutions
- Teej — Women's festival celebrated with fasting, puja, and cultural programs organised by NHSA and other organisations
- Dashain — The most important Hindu festival for Nepalis, celebrated with tika, jamara, family gatherings, and temple visits
- Tihar — Festival of lights, celebrated with Laxmi Puja, Bhai Tika, and community events
- Holi — Festival of colours, celebrated with colour throwing, music, and community festivities
- Nepali New Year (Baisakh 1) — Celebrated with cultural programs, temple visits, and community festivals across all cities
Buddhist Celebrations
While the majority of Nepalis in Australia are Hindu, there is a significant Buddhist community as well. Buddha Jayanti (Vesak) is celebrated with meditation, dharma talks, and community gatherings. Some Nepali community organisations include Buddhist celebrations in their annual event calendars.
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