Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu Temple is a fetching example of traditional Dravidian architecture and religious decoration. Admire the scale of this vast temple complex and appreciate the intricate detail of the carvings that represent Hindu gods. Savour the serenity of the temple grounds, or join in one of the colourful festivals that take place throughout the year.
The temple owes its existence to Fiji’s long Indian heritage, after a large number of Indian migrants came to Fiji to work on the sugar plantations. In 1984, eight Indian craftsmen were invited to build a grand temple complex in Fiji, and the result was Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu Temple – the largest of its kind in the whole Southern Hemisphere.
Walk around the complex and take note of its elegant pyramid-shaped temples, which are all characterized by a step design and decorated with marvelous sculptures of warriors, kings, and gods. Colourful frescoes portray scenes from the Hindu faith throughout.
The temple complex is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the god of the seasonal rains, and the main temple houses a large statue of him. Seek out the temples that worship other deities, such as Ganesh the elephant god and Shiva the supreme god. On your way out of the complex, find a quiet place to sit and take in the serenity of the grounds. The sunsets over Denarau Island are particularly pleasant.
A number of festivals and celebrations take place at the temple throughout the year. Visit in January for Thaipusam or in April to see Panguni Uthiram Thiru-naal. At the Kathingai Puja festival, meanwhile, devotees flock to the temple to make their offerings of flowers and fruit to the gods.
Make sure to respect the temple’s etiquette by covering your shoulders and legs and refraining from talking or taking photographs when inside. You are welcome to enter only if you have not eaten meat on the day of your visit.
Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu Temple is located beside the Nadi River in the center of Nadi, at the southern end of the main shopping street. It is easily accessible by public bus from many resorts in Viti Levu, or by taxi from the airport. Admission is free and the complex is open from around sunrise to sunset, although it shuts down for a few hours in the early afternoon.
