The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association (GCHCA) marked Maha Shivratri with a heartfelt gathering on 26 February 2025. Held at the Albert and Waterways Hall in Broadbeach, the event saw around 150 devotees participate in prayer and Abhishekam, undeterred by the weekday schedule.
Pandit Hari led the proceedings, conducting the ceremonies with precision and dedication. The energy in the hall was palpable as devotees chanted in unison, guided by the resonant recitation of Rudram by Dr Sateesh Shankarnarayana and Dr Murthy Divi. The atmosphere was further enriched by the chanting of Shivashtakam and Lingashtakam, led by Mrs Lakshmi Narasimhan, Dr Sushma Naik, and Dr Padma Divi. The GCHCA expressed its gratitude to the members of the Indian Community of Gold Coast (ICGC), including Mr Manish Saini and Venkat, along with Mr Pradip Gorasia of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), for their invaluable support.
A celebration of this scale would be incomplete without the generosity of the local community. Indian Empire restaurant provided catering, while Wedding and Party Trends, under the meticulous direction of Mrs Varsha Bhade, handled the decorations. The result was an evening that left attendees deeply satisfied, grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Maha Shivratri in the heart of the Gold Coast.
This event follows the recent celebrations of Pongal, Bihu, and Uttrayan at the precinct, with plans already in motion for a grand Ram Navami observance. While GCHCA initially intended to hold Maha Shivratri at their newly built temple, the venue change became necessary due to the temple’s pending consecration. The Albert and Waterways Hall provided a fitting alternative for the occasion.
GCHCA’s vision extends far beyond a single event. The association is currently developing a cultural precinct on Blyth Street, Arundel, with a multipurpose hall that will serve as the temple. Construction is nearing completion, though recent weather conditions have caused some delays. The final stages include the development of parking facilities and the construction of essential amenities, with completion expected by early April.
Before the temple can be formally opened, occupancy certification requires the installation of toilet facilities. Only after this can the consecration process begin, a crucial step that adheres to the Agama Shastras, ensuring the temple is used only after its formal dedication. Alongside this, the priests’ residence will also be built, laying the foundation for a fully functional cultural and spiritual centre for the community.
GCHCA is calling upon the community to support this endeavour through donations. Contributions can be made in several ways, including:
- Purchasing a symbolic brick ($10)
- Sponsoring a wall ($1,000)
- Sponsoring a square metre of the temple floor ($5,000)
All donations above $2 to the building fund may be tax-deductible, offering contributors an opportunity to play a direct role in shaping this cultural landmark. Contributions can be made through the following links:
GCHCA remains steadfast in its mission to establish a place of worship and cultural unity, confident that the community will take immense pride in seeing this vision become a reality.
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🌟#GoldCoast Hindu Cultural Association celebrated #MahaShivratri with 150 devotees at #Broadbeach. 🕉️The event featured Abhishekam, chanting & community support. 🏛️Help build their new temple! 🙏#TheIndianSun😊https://t.co/tK4onoHURy
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) March 11, 2025
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