Welcome to the homepage of the Vishnu Siva Mandir Temple & Library, located in Mawson, a suburb of Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory.

The Mandir is operated by the Mandir Society of Australia Incorporated, a not-for-profit society incorporated in 1989. The society had existed informally since 1979 and resolved to build a Mandir in 1986.

The Mandir is for people to pray, meditate and perform community activites, as well as hosting a public library focusing on South Asian literature and culture.

The picturesque national capital of Australia is bestowed with serenity and divinity by the Vishnu Siva Mandir. Founded in the true traditions of ancient Saiva and Vaishnava agama (traditions), this holy shrine stands as a beacon of Hindu religion, spreading the messages of Bhakti (devotion) and Vedanta (Hindu philosophy).

The Maha Kumbhabhishekam (Consecration ceremony) of this Mandir was conducted by the renowned Agama Pandit Dr. T. S. Sambamurthi Sivachariar on 1 June 1997. The Maha Kumbhabhishekam ceremony, which was publicised in the national and international media, was conducted in the presence of the Hon. John Howard MP, the Prime Minister of Australia.

The Mandir has been founded by Mr. Niranjan Aggarwal and his family.

The word Mandir literally means a centre of learning. Another meaning of the word is gladdening. Learning and worship are the activites that gladden us and make us more human.

The design of the Mandir includes four ornate and towering Vimanas (domes) in the true Dravidian style, with fortyfour pillars, intricately carved inside and outside the building, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The imposing presence of the Papa Vinashini 'Gangotri' fountain in the entrance has served as an added attraction to the treasures of the National Capital.

Deities at the Mandir

While declaring that there is, in the final analysis, only one God, Hinduism uses symbolism and deities extensively to convey lofty ideals and complex concepts to ordinary people. This approach facilitates and inspires us to evolve to higher levels of consciousness and perfection. Since men vary in their approach and ideals and may wish to use different paths to the final spiritual goal, the ancient seers devised the various idols and altars, so that by placing their faith in their chosen deity they would lift themselves to the heights of perfection represented by the deity. Thus a host of gods and goddesses have been provided, each one a reflection of the supreme reality; each idol representing an ideal behind it.

Ganesha, Siva & Parvati, Murugan, Maha Devi, Rama, Sita, Lakshmana & Hanuman, Prasanna Venkateswara, Radha & Krishna, and the Navagrahas are the deities installed in the Mandir, for bestowing everlasting happiness and divine knowledge to the seekers and the bhaktas (devotees). They are very rewarding deities to whom a devotee can turn for support in times of joy and succour in times of distress.

Puja (Worship)

Our priest conducts daily pujas in the shrines. The scholarly pandits add spirituality and vitality to the Mandir by conducting all Hindu utsavas (festivals) and pujas in the rich agama tradition. The Vedic mantra vibrations and the melodious bhajans (hymns) conducted in the Mandir, day in and day out, attract divine congregations from far and near.

All Indian festivals are celebrated in the Mandir in a traditional, authentic manner.

Mandir Library

The Mandir also has a well established library of religious books to spread the message of Sanatana Dharma (the ancient Hindu Philosophy) to the next generaton and the community. The Mandir library is a major resource centre for studies in South Asian art and literature (including Gandhian literature).

Activities

The Mandir undertakes cultural, religious and social activities, as well as women's and youth activities.

• The resident priest can prepare/read horoscopes, provide astrological and palmistry predictions.
• The Mandir shop sells traditional Indian clothes and puja items.
• The Mandir Community Arts Centre provides a major contribution to the Indian and Sri Lankan community arts in the ACT.
• Classes for teaching Indian languages and bhajans - Sanskrit, Hindi and Tamil are held at the Mandir.
• The Mandir provides hall facilities for community activities.

Hindu Philosophy

You have a right to perform your duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty. (Bhagwad Gita 2.47)

Hindu philosophy can be described in various ways. Swami Vivekananda, the great Hindu saint of the 19th century, summarised the three principles of Hindu faith:

Each soul is potentially divine:

The essence of all beings and objects is Spirit, omnipresent and eternal.

The goal of life is to manifest this divinity:

The difference between persons is only the difference in the degree to which the divinity within them is manifest. Because a person is divine, he/she has infinite strength and wisdom at their command. They can use this strength and wisdom, to uncover the true nature of the divinity within. This nature can be uncovered by means of prayer and meditation.

There is an underlying unity in all the great religions of the world:

Hindu faith accepts all the religions of the world, because it recognises the same divine inspiration in all, and that different religions suit different races, cultures and temperaments.

What does the Mandir mean to you?

If you are a Hindu, the Mandir is a place for worship, for scholarly pursuits and meetings, a centre of culture, Yoga and meditation activities, and a place in which to celebrate festivals and weddings. It is a place to help you lead a complete life - spiritually and mentally. We cannot live by bread alone.

If you are not a Hindu, it is a place to interact with Hindus and learn about their beliefs and culture. It is evidence of the sense of eternity in all human beings. It is a stimulating heritage for future generations.

Mandir Membership

The Mandir is open to all, 365 days a year. Observance of quietness and serenity in the Mandir and its grounds is requested. Please take note of the "Mandir Do's and Dont's", which are stated on a plaque at the entrance. When visiting the Mandir, always bring at least a fruit or a flower.

Finally, come, pray, see the deities, enjoy the Library, join a Yoga class, participate in celebrations, and experience an open mind and an elated spirit.

Enrich your life by coming to the Mandir.