The unveiling of two of Hinduism’s oldest spiritual symbols, Om and Swastik, at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo marked a quiet but meaningful moment in the city’s evolving multicultural story.
Held on 13 July, the ceremony brought together community representatives, cultural leaders, and members of the Indian diaspora from across Victoria. It was described as a tribute to India’s spiritual heritage and a reflection of Australia’s commitment to inclusion.
The ceremony featured the presence of Consul General of India Dr Sushil Kumar, Greater Bendigo Mayor Andrea Metcalf, Great Stupa Chairman Ian Green, councillors, members of the Sri Durga Temple committee from Melbourne, and a cross-section of local residents. Official figures were not released, but organisers say attendance reflected growing interest in the site’s multi-faith work.
The symbols were placed within the Peace Park, a part of the Great Stupa’s grounds that already features interfaith installations, including a Sikh Ek Onkar, a Catholic statue of St Francis, and a Ganesh Temple consecrated in 2021. That small temple was created in memory of Brishti, a young Nepali-Australian girl who passed away from brain cancer, and has since become a place of quiet devotion and reflection.
The Om, regarded as the sacred sound of the universe in Hinduism, is central to meditation and spiritual chants. The Swastik, an ancient Indian symbol meaning wellbeing and auspiciousness, has been part of Hindu rituals for millennia. Its installation at the Stupa is intended as a reclaiming of the symbol’s positive origins, often misunderstood in Western discourse due to its appropriation in the 20th century.
Ian Green, who has overseen the development of the Stupa for decades, noted the event as a continuation of its original mission: to create a space that reflects spiritual diversity. The site, which is still under construction, is already one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the Western world, modelled on the Gyantse Stupa in Tibet and home to the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace.
Although the Hindu population in Bendigo is relatively small, its cultural footprint is expanding. According to the 2021 Census, around 1.7 per cent of the region’s population identify as having Indian ancestry. While not all are Hindu, the faith remains a central part of cultural life for many in the community.
Hindu festivals have been hosted at the Stupa before. In 2023, the site held Sree Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, attracting families from across regional Victoria. The unveiling of Om and Swastik builds on that relationship. The Sri Durga Temple in Melbourne, a major centre for Hindu worship in Victoria, has played a supportive role in these events and was again represented at the unveiling.
The Stupa is known for its active calendar of community events. It has hosted Buddhist teachings, Diwali celebrations, interfaith dialogues, and festivals such as Lunar New Year and the Vegetarian Festival. A sapling from the Sri Mahabodhi tree in Sri Lanka was also planted there last year, and a Kalachakra mandala ceiling is scheduled to be completed by September for a major teaching by Jhado Rinpoche.
For many Hindus, the unveiling was more than symbolic. It marked a gesture of recognition in a country where representation often begins with visibility. Seeing Om and Swastik placed respectfully among other spiritual symbols offers both comfort and affirmation, particularly for those raising families far from their cultural roots.
The Stupa’s commitment to compassion and inclusion has attracted support from across faiths. Its founders, inspired by the Dalai Lama’s vision of unity through spirituality, intended it as a place where people of all backgrounds could reflect, pray, or simply walk in peace. The site’s continued evolution suggests that intention is being realised.
For residents and visitors alike, the Great Stupa is increasingly a place where spiritual heritage meets Australian multiculturalism in quiet, lasting ways. The unveiling of Hindu symbols is the latest chapter in that story.
Visitors can reach the site by bus from Bendigo Train Station. Tours run daily, and more information is available at stupa.org.au.
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