Temples can be considered monuments that attract everyone because of their rich history and spiritual rituals, and the Aussies’ land is full of these enchanting monuments. Whether it is one of the Hindu temples in Sydney or the Buddhist monasteries, people of all religions from all over the world come to visit these spiritual sites.
Famous Temples In Sydney
Temples become an essential component of a city’s cultural environment and provide a window into the illustrious spiritual traditions. Many of them are architectural wonders that reflect a country’s rich cultural and creative legacy. So, to make sure you can visit the famous temples in Sydney while you are there, we have put up a list:
1. Sydney Murugan Temple
Sydney Murugan Temple is one of the famous Hindu Temples in Sydney NSW. The temple is devoted to Lord Murugan, who is called the God of War and is the most revered in South India. It is also one of the most preferred wedding destinations for South Indian Hindus in Sydney and one of the most visited temples in Sydney.
The temple is carved with commendable intricate designs, and the environment inside is wonderful. The air filled with the rejuvenating scent of sandalwood would take all your worries away. The chanting of the priests and the serene beauty filled with idols will make you calm and fill you with positive energy once you step into the Sydney Murugan Temple.
Location: 217 Great Western Highway, Mays Hill NSW 2145, Australia
2. Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery
The Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Sydney, New South Wales. It was founded on August 14, 1999, and has since gained international fame. On December 10, 2007, the Sydney monastery was established.
People from all over come to learn about Dhamma because of their excellent environment for meditation and adhering to the Dhamma. They are welcome regardless of their faith or cultural background. They also host unique occasions that everyone can attend.
Location: 105 Wisemans Ferry Road, Cattai, NSW 2756, Australia.
3. Shree Swaminarayan Temple
With a rich history, this temple in Sydney was built in response to the vision of His Holiness Acharya Maharaj Shree Tejendra Prasad ji. It stands as one of the most famous Hindu temples in Sydney NSW. The temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, one of the eminent Hindu deities. Besides Lord Swaminarayan, Guru Parampara, Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna are also worshipped here.
The temple is built in the Nagara architectural style and is surrounded by a vast area of preserved gardens. Whether a devotee or not, people from all over the world visit this temple to seek the deities’ blessings and for a better spiritual connection. The subdued atmosphere of this temple is a perfect place to ease the mind.
Location: 1-3 Tasha Pl, Kings Park NSW 2148, Australia
4. Bodhisaddha Forest Monastery
The Bodhisaddha Forest Monastery officially opened on April 20, 2012. It provides a haven for monks and laypeople to study and follow the Buddha’s path of spiritual development. The monastery is a model community where monks are encouraged to live lives of charity and reflection.
The environment is ideal not only for the locals but also for the tourists. Visitors can learn about the Buddha’s teachings, which will aid them in developing the virtues of kindness, belief, and mindfulness.
The mission of Bodhisaddha Forest Monastery is to spread Dhamma and provide tranquilly to the lives of people and the local community. As a result, it is one of Sydney, New South Wales’s most well-known Buddhist temples.
Location: 654, Cabramatta Road W, Bonnyrigg New South Wales 2177, Australia
5. Sai Temple
Also known as Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, the Sai Temple is devoted to the spiritual leader Shirdi Sai Baba, one of the most celebrated among all the Hindu deities. With a rich history, the temple was founded in Sydney by a group of devotees devoted to Sai Baba and his spiritual teachings.
This temple is one of the most-sought temples, and people from every corner of Sydney flock here to seek blessings and spiritual guidance from the leader. Sai Baba being the prime deity in this temple, people also look for Lord Ganesha, Goddess Durga and Lord Hanuman in here.
The peaceful atmosphere of the temple is an immaculate place for meditation and spiritual introspection. One can feel the divine presence and spiritual aura once they step into the boundaries of the temple, and their mind and body will feel revitalized at once.
Location: 25 Rose Crescent, Regent Parks, New South Wales 2143
6. Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple
One of Sydney’s must-see Buddhist temples is the Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple, which is referred to be the biggest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. The outside is enormous, and you can enjoy lovely views of Wollongong from a hill nearby. Before entering the main temple complex area, you may walk up there and explore.
The complex’s architecture is a little odd; it was built utilising modern architectural methods to resemble a Chinese palace. The inside is enormous and includes a museum, meeting spaces, conference rooms, cultural centres, restaurants, and lodging options.
In addition to this, it has two enormous prayer rooms that are home to countless enormous statues of the Buddha and the Bodhisattva.
Location: 180 Berkeley Road, Berkeley, NSW 2506, Australia.
7. Sydney Shakti Temple
Sydney Shakti temple is one of those temples in Sydney located in old Windsor Road that is culturally entrenched and that makes it one of the most ideal venues for auspicious events, such as to fulfil the wedding dreams of couples. The temple bases all of its guiding ideas and ideals only on Karma and Dharma, and the devotees believe there is nothing bigger than them.
People can enrich themselves with culture and education once they step into this sacred shrine, as it adheres to Hinduism’s principles and teachings. Shakti and the Navagrahas are worshipped in this temple.
Location: Old Windsor Road, Toongabbie, NSW 2146, Australia
8. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Abbreviated to BAPS, the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha Shri Swaminarayan Mandir or the Sri Swami Narayan Mandir falls under the category of one of the famous temples in Sydney. This subdued and exquisite temple was founded by Shastriji Maharaj. It is firmly based on Vedic principles and has branches in every corner of the world.
One can find the sculptures of Shri Swaminarayan and Guru Parampara inside the temple which has a strongly ethereal aura. The temple is also the house of other deities such as Lord Krishna, Goddess Radha, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Ram and Hanuman.
Location: 40 Eleanor St, Rosehill NSW 2142, Australia
9. Sri Venkateswara Temple
The Sri Venkateswara temple Helensburgh is dedicated to Sri Venkateswara, who is also known as Lord Balaji. With a long and rich history, the temple was founded in the 1980s by some devotees who highly believed in Lord Balaji.
The temple is established in quite serene surroundings- it is surrounded by woodlands and verdant meadows. It is one of the major pilgrimage sites for Hindus in Sydney, and worshippers from everywhere get drawn to this place. While Lord Venkateswara is the central deity of the temple, worshippers also honour Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva and Sri Tripurasundari.
The Sri Venkateswara temple adds to Helensburgh’s old-world charm, enriching the atmosphere of the entire city. It is highly noted for its ornate gopuram or the gateway tower decorated with exquisite carvings and sculptures, a feature of traditional South Indian architecture.
Location: Temple Road, Helensburgh, NSW 2508, Australia
10. Shri Shiva Mandir
One of the oldest and most popular Hindu temples in Sydney, Shri Shiva Mandir serves Lord Shiva, one of the most respected gods in the Hindu culture. It was founded in 1991 by some devotees who believed in Lord Shiva. The temple standing tall, a non-profit organisation working to its full extent, strives for the societal advancement of religion and education.
Spanning up to five sections of land, this temple sits on beautiful surrounding that will surely delight your inner connoisseur with its divine aura. Besides Lord Shiva, other deities glorified in the temple are Lord Muruga, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, Ram-Sita-Laxman, Radha-Krishna, Nandikeshwara and the Navagrahas.
Location: 201 Eagleview Rd, Minto NSW 2566, Australia
11. Sydney Durga Temple
Also known as the Regents Park Temple, the Sydney Durga Temple is one of the renowned Hindu temples in Sydney. The stunning designs, icons, and architecture of the temple make it one of the best venues for auspicious occasions, such as temple weddings.
The philanthropic establishment of Shri Durgadevi Devasthanam runs it. While the incarnation of Goddess Parvati is the prime deity of the temple, worshippers also honour Goddess Saraswathi and Goddess Lakshmi here. The calmness one feels when one steps into the interior are unparalleled, as Goddess Durga is there to protect her worshippers from bad forces.
Location: 21 Rose Cres, Regents Park NSW 2143, Australia
12. ISKCON Temple
Abbreviated to ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Temple of Sydney is not only one of the renowned Hindu temples in Sydney, but it is renowned worldwide. The Sydney branch was founded in 1966, and the organisation is based on the Vaishnava tradition and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
The ISKCON temple Sydney is devoted to Lord Krishna and his celestial consort, Radha. The intricate interior reflects the lives and teachings of Radha and Krishna through exquisite sculptures and murals.
Followers of Krishna from every corner of the city and the world get drawn to this abode that has an amicable and welcoming ambience. They seek blessings, spiritual growth and connection. The temple offers its members and the larger community educational lectures, cultural festivals, and volunteer opportunities in addition to traditional Hindu rites and practices.
Location: 180 Falcon St, North Sydney NSW 2060, Australia
13. Mingyue Lay Buddhist Temple
A trip to Sydney’s magnificent Mingyue Lay Buddhist Temple, one of the oldest Chinese Buddhist temples still in existence, would be incomplete without a stop here. Since its humble beginnings as a café in 1982, this Buddhist temple has grown to occupy an area of almost 16,000 square kilometres.
The Buddhist Temple is a magnificent illustration of the Buddhist Mahayana tradition, towering tall with its front towards the East and its rear facing the West. As it is modelled after Chinese architecture from the 12th century, its building lacks the towering, pointed spires that can be seen in Buddhist temples in Cambodia and Laos.
Both the inside and outside of the structure were built utilising supplies often seen in Chinese temples. The inside is at its finest, and for a tiny glimpse, the Main Shrine, the room with the largest and most spectacular hall, has 37 bronze Buddha statues imported from Thailand.
Location: 654, Cabramatta Road W, Bonnyrigg NSW 2177, Australia.
14. Sri Karphaga Vinayagar Temple
Having a glorious and rich culture, this temple from the Hindu temples in Sydney is nothing less than exquisite and celestial. Lord Ganesha, the God who eliminates all barriers and the patron deity of this temple, is reportedly worshipped here. Hindu couples who want to tie their knots in a Hindu temple prefer this establishment. As one steps inside the premises, one can feel the exalted grace of the Karphaga Vinayakar.
Sri Karphaga Vinayakar temple celebrates the Vinayaka or Ganesh Chaturthi and Sankara Hara Chaturthi with great joy and gaiety. Other festivals like Navarathri, Skanthashashti, Thiruvembavai, Deepavali or Diwali, Shiv Rathri, Tamil, and English New Year are also celebrated with tremendous potency.
Location: 123 The Crescent Homebush West NSW 2140
15. Sri Mandir
A Hindu place full of spirituality and culture, this temple is the first and oldest temple in Sydney. It is home to various deities such as Sri Radha Krishna, Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Durga. Founded in 1977 by a small group of devotees, the temple holds a long history and it proffers a spectrum of cultural occasions and religious services.
Location: 286 Cumberland Road, Auburn NSW 2144
16. Mukti Gupteshwar Mandir
An abode of Hindu weddings, the Mukti Gupteshwar temple serves the thirteenth jyotitlinga Gupteshwar who is incarnate of Lord Shiva. Inaugurated in 1999, it is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Sydney. Besides that, it is the first and the only temple to date that is a man-made cave temple.
Other than Mukti Gupteshawr, the temple houses 12 other jyotirlingas replicas. The interior will leave you spellbound as it is filled with 1228 replicas as well as 108 lingas and 1008 fannings of Lord Shiva which represents the Rudra and Shastra names.
The temple celebrates many festivals like Maha Shiva Ratri, Shravan, Bhairava Ashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi and others with incomparable power. Pilgrims from every corner of the world visit this one of the biggest attractions of Sydney.
Location: 203 Eagleview Rd, Minto NSW 2566
17. Hare Krishna Temple
Hare Krishna Temple of Sydney is a popular pilgrimage among the followers of Krishna. Built under the leadership of the late Sri Prabhupada, the architecture of the temple is impressive in its way, with a blend of Indian and Western styles.
Established in a panoramic setting and serene atmosphere, the temple is devoted to Lord Gopinath, his brother Balarama and Goddess Radha. Once you step inside the premises of the temple, you will get to hear the chanting by the priests which is sure to bring inner peace. The inner sanctuary is decorated with exquisite murals of Lord Krishna.
Location: 180 Falcon Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060
18. Shri Ram Krishna Temple
The Shri Ram Krishna temple of Sydney is devoted to Lord Ram and his divine consort Goddess Sita. Devotees of Ram and Sita flock here to seek spirituality and follow the divine path of The Legend. Other than the prime deities, one can also find the idols of Lord Hanuman, Lord Laxman, Goddess Radha, Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva in the temple.
Location: 275 Fifteenth Ave, Austral NSW 2179
19. Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple
The Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple is one of the famous Hindu temples in Sydney. The temple is devoted to Lord Murugan who is known as the God of War and is most revered in South India. It is also one of the most visited temples in Sydney.
Rich in culture and history, the temple holds a spiritual significance for all the visitors. The interior of the temple is beautiful, with very exquisite carvings throughout. The air is filled with the calming aroma of sandalwood, which will make all your concerns go. You will feel relaxed and energized by the priests’ chanting and the quiet beauty filled with idols.
Location: 217 Great Western Highway, Mays Hill NSW 2145, Australia
20. Sri Vakratunda Mahakaya Temple
Devoted to Lord Ganesha, this Hindu temple is one of the oldest temples in Sydney. Flowing with rich history, the temple was established in the late 1980s by a group of Hindu settlers. It has become a popular shrine of worship since its establishment. Besides the prime deity, worshipers also honour Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Location: 1292 Mountain Hwy, The Basin VIC 3154, Australia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many temples are there in Sydney?
There are numerous temples in Sydney, irrespective of religion. Some of the popular temples in Sydney are listed above. You may visit them while you are on a trip to Sydney.
2. What is the famous Hindu temple in Australia?
Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar is a famous Hindu temple in Australia. If you want to connect with the spiritual world, you should go to this holy shrine devoted to Lord Ganesha.
3. What is the famous Buddhist temple in Sydney?
The famous Buddhist temple in Syndey is the Nan Tien Temple. One of the Buddhist temples in Sydney that you really must see. The outside is enormous, and a hill nearby offers lovely views of Wollongong. You can stop by up there before going to the main temple complex area.
4. Which was the first Hindu temple in Sydney?
Sri Mandir is the first and oldest Hindu temple in Sydney. It is home to various deities such as Sri Radha Krishna, Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Durga. Founded in 1977 by a small group of devotees, the temple holds a long history. It proffers a spectrum of cultural occasions and holy assistance by the temple volunteers.
5. What is the biggest temple in Australia?
The largest temple in Australia is Nan Tien Temple, located near Sydney. One of Sydney’s must-see Buddhist temples, it is the biggest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. The outside is enormous, and you can enjoy lovely views of Wollongong from a hill nearby. Before entering the main temple complex area, you may walk up there and explore.
