Rising from ashes: How Melbourne’s Hindu Community is rebuilding after devastating temple fire

In the wake of the devastating fire that destroyed the Guruji Mandir Temple in Hoppers Crossing, Melbourne’s Indian-Hindu community says it has emerged stronger and more resilient than ever.

The Hindu-Indian community in Melbourne is mourning the devastating loss of a beloved temple after a fire tore through the sacred place of worship in the city’s west.

The recently renovated Guruji Mandir Temple on Sayers Rd in Hoppers Crossing was gutted by the blaze, which is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.

Sacred sculptures, portraits of Hindu deities, and cherished idols were among the items destroyed in the inferno.

The aftermath of the Guruji Temple fire ripped. Picture: Supplied

Temple director Amandeep Singh Garewal said devotees were left “brutally devastated” and “shocked” by the tragedy.

“We couldnt believe our eyes looking at the temple burn to ashes, we thought is this real?,” he said.

“It was unbelievable to see the state of the temple inside after the damage.

“It was heartbreaking to see the state of the temple after the fire. The only thought running through my mind was, why didn’t Guruji (God) save the temple? What could I have done to prevent this?”

The Hindu temple in Hoppers Crossing before the blaze destroyed the sacred worshipping space. Picture: Supplied.

Before the fire ripped through Guruji Mandir. Picture: Supplied.

While the thought of arson crossed his mind for a brief moment, Mr Garewal said he didn’t believe anyone would deliberately target the temple.

Instead, he and the community was focusing on what they saw as the “bigger picture” and the “divine plan”.

“We don’t have a donation box at the temple yet every three days we serve langar (free meals), so the only thought was why did this happen,” he said.

“But after the initial grief, we began to believe this is part of Guruji’s divine plan. Perhaps this is leading us to something greater.”

The fire destroyed valuable items at the Hindu temple in Hoppers Crossing, devastating the Indian community in Melbourne. Picture: Supplied.

The loss has been particularly hard on devotees who viewed the temple as a second home, especially those grieving the loss of loved ones.

“A lot of devotees are saying they’ve lost their home again. It’s just too much for them to handle,” Mr Garewal said.

Thousands of devotees gathered at the temple one day before the fire for new year prayers and celebration. Picture: Supplied

Just a day before the fire, more than 1000 people had gathered at the temple for a New Year celebration.

Mr Garewal said the community was thankful the blaze broke out when the temple was empty.

“We’re grateful no one was there when it happened,” he said.

The Hindu temple had recently undergone $200,000 worth of renovations, including new toilets, a driveway, and double gates.

Despite the heartbreak, the community remains determined to rebuild.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan visited the Hindu temple to assess the damage and offer support. Picture: Supplied

Mr Garewal said plans to restore the temple were already in motion, with authorities assisting in arranging a temporary space for devotees to come together and pray.

“We have faith that Guruji will take care of us,” he said.

Mr Garewal said the overwhelming support from the broader community has been a source of strength for devotees.

“We’re so grateful for all the messages of support. People are telling us, ‘We are with you,’ and it feels good to know we’re not alone.”