Bharatiya Mandir Hindu Temple — Attraction in Albert-Eden

I usually enjoy visiting Bharat Bhartiya Temple, as it is a beautiful and peaceful place of worship. However, my experience today during the Festival of Krishna Janmashtami was very upsetting.

While I completely understand and respect the temple’s policy of avoiding food waste and keeping the kitchen area organized, the way it was handled was not appropriate. An elderly volunteer kept yelling loudly at devotees — first at me because my young child couldn’t finish one sabji, and later at others about how the washed plates were placed. Everyone was embarrassed, as this was done in front of the whole crowd.

Yes, food should not be wasted and cleanliness is important — but YELLING is not a solution. A polite reminder or respectful guidance would have been enough. The temple is meant to be a place of peace, respect, and compassion, and such public humiliation spoils the experience for devotees who come with faith.

I hope the management will look into this and encourage volunteers to communicate politely, so that everyone feels welcome and comfortable...

Our History Bharatiya Mandir started as a dream in 1986 and finished as a reality in June 1993. When the houses sitting at the Mandir site were purchased, there were no funds on hand but with the moral and financial support of the devotees, and assistance from the National Bank of New Zealand, the committee was able to complete purchase of the properties at 252 and 254 Balmoral Road.

❝ ॐ सह नाववतु । Om, May God Protect us Both (the Teacher and the Student) (during the journey of awakening our Knowledge),

सह नौ भुनक्तु । May God Nourish us Both (with that spring of Knowledge which nourishes life when awakened),

सह वीर्यं करवावहै । May we Work Together with Energy and Vigour (cleansing ourselves with that flow of energy for the Knowledge to manifest),

तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै । May our Study be Enlightening (taking us towards the true Essence underlying everything), and not giving rise to Hostility (by constricting the understanding of the Essence in a particular manifestation only),

ॐ शान्तिः...

Bharatiya Mandir is a serene and spiritual sanctuary in the heart of Auckland. The temple’s architecture is stunning, with intricate carvings and a peaceful ambiance that immediately instills a sense of calm and devotion.

Inside, the sanctum is beautifully adorned, and the idols are magnificently crafted, radiating divine energy. The temple regularly conducts prayers, rituals, and cultural events that foster a strong sense of community and spirituality.

The volunteers and priests are warm and welcoming, always ready to guide visitors and share the significance of the rituals. The temple grounds are well-maintained, offering a clean and tranquil space for reflection and prayer.

Bharatiya Mandir is not just a place of worship but also a hub for preserving and celebrating Indian culture and traditions. A visit here is both a spiritual and cultural experience—highly recommended for anyone seeking peace or a deeper connection with...