Hindu temple reopens in Regents Park after vandals destroy statues
Huge community support has had a Hindu temple renovated in three months, after unknown people thrashed it and destroyed statues.
Barathiye Mandir Temple, where many statues were destroyed in one night of vandalism three months ago, has officially reopened after a community collection funded most of the renovations.
The Regents Park temple, which regularly attracts more than 200 worshippers and feeds hundreds each week, has operated from a small adjoining hall since mid-October after unknown people thrashed the venue on October 14.
Head priest Pundit Paras Maharaj thanked the community and Cumberland Council for their financial support, and welcomed everyone to visit the refurbished and reinforced temple.
“We had to close the temple for three months while we first cleared the area and then did our fundraising,” Pundit Maharaj said.
“Cumberland Council gave us $15,000 towards the renovations and we have now CCTV inside and outside and steel mesh at the windows.
“We are very thankful to the community because without their support, we would have not been able to do all this.
“It cost more than $50,000 and we also replaced the statues, which we had to get from India and four stained windows, which were smashed by the vandals.”
While the temple was closed after many items were destroyed and burnt, Pundit Maharaj said some people had tried to break in twice and they had informed the police.
Auburn Police, which had been investigating the incident, said they have suspended the case, and have not been able to identify any of the people involved.
Multiculturalism minister Ray Williams, who attended the official opening on Sunday, said the community had shown incredible strength and resilience.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government condemns the desecration of items of cultural and religious significance, which threatens the cohesion of our multicultural community,” Mr Williams said.
“That’s why we amended the Crimes Act to protect our diverse communities from individuals who publicly incite or threaten violence against people based on their race or religion.
“I thank Pundit Paras Maharaj AMC, his staff and the broader community for continuing to promote social cohesion and community harmony during this trying time.”
Pundit Maharaj said many local tradies in their parish helped with the renovations though there is more work to do including the fencing.
“We are expecting bigger crowds for our weekly services now because of the big support we had during this difficult time,” he said.
The temple at 42, Kibo Rd, Regents Park, used to be an Anglican Church.
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