Townsville’s Hindu community has marked a historic milestone, with hundreds attending a Bhoomi Pooja to bless the land where the city’s first purpose-built Hindu temple will soon rise.
The ceremony, hosted by the North Queensland Hindu Community Inc. (NQHC), signalled the beginning of construction on the Shree Durga Mahalakshmi Temple — a rare dedication to a form of the Goddess worshipped at only a handful of temples worldwide.
Townsville MP Adam Baillie said the ceremony was “an important day for Townsville’s Hindu community”, adding:
“This ritual is performed before the start of a new building to bless the site, remove negative energy and bring prosperity… It was an honour to join the community on this auspicious day.”
The Bhoomi Pooja, a traditional Vedic ritual seeking the blessings of Mother Earth, brought together families, elders, Traditional Owners and state representatives.
For many, the moment symbolised the establishment of a spiritual and cultural home for North Queensland Hindus — a place for prayer, festivals, language, music and community connection.
Assistant Minister Jannelle Poole attended on behalf of the Premier, joined by Thuringowa MP Natalie Marr and Townsville MP Adam Baillie. The leaders participated in the rituals, met volunteers, and spoke with attendees about the significance of the day, noting the strong display of unity and pride.
Aunty Gracelyn Smallwood and Aunty Jenny Wyles, representing the Bindal Traditional Owners, delivered the Welcome to Country and acknowledged the deep history of the land on which the temple will stand.
Devotees gathered around the community priest for the Shree Ganesha Homam, after which families lingered for a shared meal, taking photos on the site where the temple’s foundations will soon be laid.
Construction is expected to progress in the coming months. Organisers say the project has been driven by years of volunteer effort and support from within and beyond the Hindu community. They describe the Bhoomi Pooja as the start of a chapter that Townsville will watch grow — a future home where generations will stay connected to their faith and heritage.
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