Sydney Shri Durga Devi Devasthanam
The Sri Durgadevi Devasthanam is a non-profit religious organisation registered in 2002 in NSW. In October 2002, The Sri Durgadevi Devasthanam was inaugurated to maintain the Hindu Religion and to maintain the Hindu culture in the community. The main objectives of the Devasthanam are to worship Goddess Durga, to promote Hinduism and to help disadvantaged people. The organisation aims to impart religious, educational and cultural values of Hinduism to our community and future generations. The main deities of the Sri Durga Devasthanam’s Durga Amman Temple are Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswathy.
Community Services
In 2007, the Sri Durgadevi Devasthanam employed a Saiva Kurukal to perform Last Rites and associated rituals, for the Hindu community. This Saiva Kurukal is the only priest of his kind, who is trained and skilled in the ceremonies of Last Rites and related rituals. His services have extended from the east coast of Australia all the way to Perth.
The Annual Festival
The Annual Festival is conducted in February-March every year. Named “Alangara Utsavum”, it spans for 10 days and concludes with the Masi Maham Theertham. The Masi Maham Theertham is a highly auspicious day for Goddess Durga. This festival always attracts a large number of devotees.
Navarathiri
The Durga Amman Temple is the only Temple outside India, that houses the Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathy. Therefore, the holy festival of Navarathiri is held yearly during the September-October months. The 10-day festival, concluding with Vijaya Thasami has various musical and dance performances daily.
Management Committee
At present the Devasthanam has 124 fully paid members and 94 associate members. The Management Committee is elected on an annual basis and consists of 9 members. Their function is to govern the Devasthanam.
