One of Australia’s tallest metal statues unveiled in Sydney by Indian community

The BAPS Swaminarayan organisation has unveiled Tapomurti, a 49-feet metal statue of Neelkanth Varni, at its Sydney precinct. Featuring 14 epigraphs promoting universal values, the installation was consecrated by Mahant Swami Maharaj. The site aims to foster cultural connection and inclusivity within Australia’s multicultural landscape.

Key Points

• At 49-feet height, the 'Tapomurti' Neelkanth Varni statue is one of the tallest metal stautues of Australia.
• It took almost a year for the statue and the adjacent gardens to be built.
• The precinct is open to people of all faiths and belief systems.

The statue, depicting the youthful form of Lord Swaminarayan in a yogic pose, stands in the Neelkanth Plaza section, concluding an installation of 14 epigraphs that highlight values such as integrity, self-discipline, tolerance, service, and love. These values are believed to have been shared by Neelkanth Varni during his 12,000-kilometre journey across India and Nepal.

The 49ft tall statue of Neelkanth Varni installed in Sydney is one of the tallest metal statues in Australia. Credit: SBS/Vrishali Jain

The unveiling ceremony was attended by federal ministers Chris Bowen and Michelle Rowland. MP Bowen welcomed Mahant Swami Maharaj, the 93-year-old spiritual leader of the Swaminarayan Order, who traveled to Sydney to perform the statue’s consecration.

BAPS volunteer Kruti Joshi explained that the precinct was designed to be welcoming to all.

“Whether one follows the Hindu religion or not, they will feel connected to the natural surroundings. The yogic mudra of the statue invites visitors to disconnect from external noise and reflect within. It’s also a great spot for family picnics,” she said.

Devotees at the consecration ceremony of the Tapomurti Neelkanth Varni statue in Sydney. Credit: SBS/Vrishali Jain

Spanning 25 acres, the precinct features a temple, a community hall, and landscaped gardens. BAPS Outreach Volunteer Praful Jethwa noted that Sydney was chosen for this installation because of its multicultural fabric.

“Values like tolerance and cohesion are crucial in today’s society. The epigraphs and statue promote not only peace but also self-discipline,” he said.

The consecration ceremony of one of the tallest metal statues of Australia, the Neelkanth Varni 'Tapomurti' in Sydney.

For many, the precinct provides a cultural connection.

BAPS volunteer Nirali Dahiya, who migrated to Australia at 14, said, “The values depicted here are the ones we grew up with. Being surrounded by my culture gives me a sense of calm, and I feel proud of how inclusive Australia has become. This value system will serve as a reference point for future generations.”

The installation has also been recognised by the wider Hindu community. The president of the Hindu Council of Australia, Sai Pravastu, called it “historic.”

Community leaders at the unveiling ceremony of the Tapomurti statue in BAPS Sydney Precinct. Credit: SBS/Vrishali Jain

“Australia has many temples, but this precinct goes beyond religion. It speaks to the multicultural fabric of Australia and invites everyone to experience the ancient Indian value system as a way of life,” he said.

Conceptualised nearly a year ago, the Sydney installation is the third of its kind, following similar statues in Robbinsville, New Jersey, and Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Watch the special highlights of the event here.

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