In a celebration of interfaith unity and spiritual heritage, Sri Durga Temple today unveiled two of Hinduism’s most sacred symbols—the Om and the Swastika—at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.
The ceremony drew hundreds of devotees, civic leaders, and dignitaries, marking the culmination of nearly two years of collaborative planning between the Hindu community and the Stupa’s governing body.
A Gathering of Leaders and Devotees
The unveiling on Sunday, 13 July, was presided over by Ian Green OAM, Chairman of The Great Stupa; Kulwant Joshi, President of Sri Durga Temple; and Dr Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India in Melbourne.
They were joined by Cr Andrea Metcalf, Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo; Deputy Mayor Cr Abhishek Awasthi; Cr Thomas Prince; Cr Shivali Chatley; and Ms Judy Causen, Chair of the Bendigo Interfaith Council and Rishi Prabhakar, Secretary of Sri Durga Temple, served as Master of Ceremonies.
“This collaboration stands as a shining example of interfaith harmony in action,” said Mr Green.
“By gifting these sacred symbols to the Stupa, Sri Durga Temple invites tens of thousands of annual visitors to reflect on their deeper meaning—auspiciousness, balance, and eternal truth.”
Dr Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India in Melbourne, reflected on the timeless significance of the installation: “The sacred symbols of Om and Swastika will stand here for generations,” he said.
“May they inspire all who see them to walk a path of harmony, respect, and spiritual growth.”
From Vision to Reality
The concept for the installation originated from a visit to the Sri Durga Temple in Bendigo two years ago. Temple leaders and Stupa officials recognised a shared mission to foster universal compassion and spiritual understanding. From initial sketches to final fabrication, volunteers and artisans worked alongside Stupa staff to design and position the sculptures with sensitivity on the Stupa’s western precinct, ensuring they complemented the site’s Buddhist iconography.
President Joshi reflected on the journey:
“Bringing Om and Swastika to this sacred site has been a labor of love. It symbolises our belief that all paths to the divine converge in compassion and respect.”
A Day of Celebration and Connection
To ensure broad participation, Sri Durga Temple organised coach services from its premises, transporting over 100 volunteers and devotees. Additional attendees arrived by bus and private vehicle from Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, and beyond. As the drapes fell away to reveal the bronze-etched symbols, the crowd responded with chants of “Om” and applause, enveloping the site in an atmosphere of reverence and joy.
Mayor Metcalf praised the event as a “powerful testament to Bendigo’s thriving multicultural fabric,” while Deputy Mayor Awasthi underscored its significance for the local South Asian community.
“Today, we witnessed how shared spirituality can bridge cultures and strengthen social cohesion,”
Awasthi said.
Looking Ahead
With the Om and Swastika now permanent fixtures at The Great Stupa, visitors of all faiths are invited to pause in contemplation and gain insight into Hindu traditions alongside Buddhist teachings. Sri Durga Temple and Stupa officials plan to develop joint educational tours and interfaith dialogue sessions, further deepening this unprecedented partnership.
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