In Melbourne’s south-east, an extraordinary construction project is quietly taking shape—one that blends centuries-old religious tradition with modern Australian ingenuity. Like a giant marble jigsaw puzzle, ornately carved blocks from India are being assembled to bring Victoria’s first Jain temple to life.
The project, led by the Melbourne Shwetambar Jain Sangh (MSJS), is the realisation of a long-held dream for Victoria’s small but deeply committed Jain community.
“However small we are, our vision is not small. Our dream is not small,” said Nitin Doshi, MSJS president, speaking to the ABC.
“It was our wish and will that we build this community centre and temple with our own money. We have not approached anybody for financial help.”
Since its founding in 2007 by a handful of Jain families, MSJS has grown into a dynamic, close-knit community. The temple project—expected to cost between $15 and $18 million—is the culmination of nearly two decades of devotion, fundraising and careful planning.
To date, the group has raised over $12 million, including $3 million from just 200 families during a 2016–17 campaign that helped secure land for the temple. Another $5.8 million has flowed in from ceremonial and cultural events. The remainder is expected to come from upcoming fundraisers and continuing community support.
But the challenges haven’t just been financial. Building a traditional Jain temple in Australia meant strict adherence to religious principles—such as avoiding the use of steel—while still complying with local building codes.
Project consultant Shwetal Shah, a structural engineer and community member, explained to the ABC how innovation helped bridge the gap:
“Instead of steel, we used glass fibre to reinforce concrete, allowing us to meet both spiritual and engineering requirements.”
The temple is being constructed from 1,500 tonnes of marble sourced from Makrana in Rajasthan—the same marble used to build the Taj Mahal. Around 5,000 individually numbered pieces were hand-carved and pre-assembled in India to ensure a perfect fit before being shipped to Melbourne.
“Once we knew it worked, we brought it here and put it back together like a jigsaw puzzle,” Shah told the ABC.
Beyond bricks and mortar, the community’s commitment has taken on spiritual dimensions. Since 2015, members have undertaken daily fasting (Upvas) in a rotating roster that now includes around 140 people. Over 3,500 fasts have taken place so far.
“It reminds us that we must complete this properly with full faith,” said Vikram Jain, an accountant who fasts with his wife and son.
“No matter how long it takes, we are committed to it.”
Young members like 20-year-old health science student Shanya Shah have also joined the fasting effort.
“We believe this collective spiritual energy helps overcome obstacles along the way and allows smooth progression of building our temple.”
Looking ahead, the MSJS community hopes to complete the temple by late 2026. For many, it represents more than a place of worship—it is a symbol of endurance, unity, and cultural legacy.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Shanya.
“It fills me with a deep sense of fulfilment, gratitude and pride to be part of something so meaningful, built for the first time on Melbourne soil.”
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