Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar Temple, run by the Melbourne Vinayagar Hindu Sangam
The journey of Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar coming to Melbourne and making it his home is an interesting one. It began in 1989, when devotees resolved to build a temple for Lord Vinayagar, and led to the first Hindu temple consecration in Victoria in 1992.
The temple offers devotees a range of services and celebrates all major Hindu festivals. It is run by the Melbourne Vinayagar Hindu Sangam (MVHS), registered on 29 May 1990, with a Board of Trustees and an elected Management Committee.
The main deity of the temple. A Hindu's first prayer is always to Lord Ganesha, the first son of Lord Siva and Parvathy, whom Tamils lovingly call “Pillayar”, the noble child. We worship him to remove every obstacle on our path and to grant us wisdom, and pray to him first before any new venture. He has the head of an elephant and is seated on a mouse.
The Supreme God of Saivism, one of the three main branches of Hinduism with Vaishnavism and Shaktism. In Saivite temples the main shrine is for Lord Siva or a member of his family: Parvathy (Meenakshi), his consort; Lord Ganesha, his first son; and Lord Murugan, his second son.
The second son of Lord Siva and Parvathy, and younger brother of Lord Ganesha: the Lord of righteousness, who protects dharma by destroying evil. Murugan means undecaying beauty and everlasting youth. Also known as Kandha, Subramanya, Shanmuga and Karthikeya, he is the most popular god among Tamils. His consorts are Valli (desire) and Devasena (the power of action).
The ardent devotee of Lord Rama and a central figure of the Ramayana, also found in the Mahabharata and the Puranas. Hanuman Homam is held at the temple on the third Saturday of every month.
The nine planets of Hindu astrology, with the Sun counted among them and Rahu and Kethu as the two lunar nodes. Some, like Jupiter, are benefic and some, like Saturn, malefic. Devotees honour them as semi-gods so the good planets bless us and the others do no harm.
Mother of the universe, the power behind the creation, preservation and destruction of the world.
Guardian of the temple and its devotees, whose vehicle, the dog, signifies his watchfulness.
Lord Siva as the guru of all knowledge: the teacher of yoga, music and wisdom, worshipped as the god of wisdom and meditation.
A saint in perpetual meditation, near the Divine Mother. At the end of the pooja devotees clap gently three times to seek his grace.
Run by volunteers; every dollar goes to the temple. Eat in, take away, or order catering.
Full temple weddings with the hall, Manavarai, priest, garlands and musicians.
Limited parking within the temple, entered from Mountain Highway only.
The following members were elected unopposed to the Management Committee of the Melbourne Vinayagar Hindu Sangam.