On March 6, 2025, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Sydney unveiled one of the tallest metal statues in Australia at its Sydney Precinct. The grand unveiling ceremony was attended by Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia, Chris Bowen MP and Federal Labor Member for Greenway & Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland MP, Mahant Swami Maharaj, high priests of the Swaminarayan order, and thousands of community members.
Federal Member for Greenway and Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland MP, welcomed the unveiling of the 49-foot statue of Lord Swaminarayan ji at Kemps Creek.
“North-West Sydney is built on the contributions of many vibrant cultures, faiths, and traditions, including the Hindu community.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a focal point—a place of worship and deep spiritual significance for the community.”
“Standing tall in the skyline, the new statue can be seen from a great distance, symbolizing Neelkanth Varni’s inner peace—an important and timeless message for all of us.”
Federal Member for McMahon and Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen MP, added:
“The BAPS temple at Kemps Creek will be the best Mandir in the world, in my view. I am very proud to host it in our community.”
The statue depicts Lord Swaminarayan in his youth, known as Neelkanth Varni, shown in a yoga pose. There are only three statues in the world with this pose. The statue stands 49 feet tall, with each foot representing his age during his ascetic years.
This statue of Neelkanth Varni—the youthful form of Lord Swaminarayan—serves as a monumental symbol of peace, resilience, and focus. Alongside the statue, epigraphs have been installed to promote core values such as community service, integrity, self-discipline, and love, inspiring these principles within the larger community.
A Moment for Sydney’s Multicultural Landscape
The newly built BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Precinct in Kemps Creek, Sydney, has unveiled one of Australia’s tallest metal statues in a grand ceremony today. This remarkable milestone further enriches Australia’s multicultural heritage and serves as a testament to the values of harmony and unity.
In the presence of Ministers Chris Bowen MP and Michelle Rowland MP, Mahant Swami Maharaj, high priests of the Swaminarayan order, and thousands of community members, the magnificent statue of Neelkanth Varni was inaugurated. This awe-inspiring statue stands not only as a work of art but also as a beacon for the community, encouraging peace, self-discipline, and love, with the accompanying epigraphs designed to inspire future generations.
A Symbol of Peace and Resilience
The 15-metre-tall statue of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in his youthful form, known as Nilkanth Varni, stands as a powerful symbol. Depicting the ascetic stance in which Bhagwan Swaminarayan mastered Yoga in the Himalayas during his youth, the statue represents intense self-discipline and meditation, a stance known as Tapomurti or ‘Statue in Penance.’ It is a profound representation of values that resonate deeply with people today, and similar statues can be found at Swaminarayan temples worldwide.
Phase 1 Completion and Future Plans
The Cultural Centre marks the completion of Phase 1 of the temple project, which began in 2021. Phase 2 will see the construction of the main temple, located close to Western Sydney Airport.
Inauguration and Spiritual Leadership
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the sixth spiritual leader of BAPS, has led the celebrations for the completion of Phase 1 and will formally launch Phase 2 during his month-long visit to Sydney starting on March 4, 2025. The 92-year-old spiritual leader is participating in several key events, including the unveiling of the statue, Holi celebrations, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the traditional stone temple at the site. Devotees from across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, US, and India are in attendance. Prior to his arrival in Sydney, Mahant Swami Maharaj visited Melbourne, where he honored over 1,300 individuals who have memorized 315 verses from the Satsang Diksha scripture, a text authored by Mahant Swami himself.
A Cultural Hub for All
Kunal Patel, a spokesperson for BAPS, described the precinct as a space where individuals can immerse themselves in India’s rich cultural traditions. “This precinct has been 10 years in the making, offering a space where individuals can practice their faith, spend time with family, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the garden or the area around the statue,” Patel said.
A Community-Driven Project
The multi-million-dollar project, funded by volunteers and donors from the BAPS community and the broader community, reflects the dedication and volunteer spirit that is central to the BAPS organization. Praful Jethwa, a member of BAPS, emphasized that the project mirrors Mahant Swami Maharaj’s selfless service and dedication, which have inspired countless followers over decades.
Inaugural Events and Future Visions
The Cultural Centre was formally inaugurated with a Mahayagna (a grand prayer ceremony) on March 5, followed by the unveiling and consecration of the Tapomurti statue on March 6, 2025. The site for the temple was personally chosen by Mahant Swami Maharaj in 2015, during his visit to Australia as a senior monk. The establishment of this new temple marks a significant milestone in the growth of BAPS in Australia, offering a cultural and spiritual space that will benefit both local and international communities for years to come.
