Celebrations for the Nan Tien Temple’s 30th birthday will be held on Sunday 22 September. Photo: Nan Tien Temple.
It’s been a big year for Nan Tien Temple.
The cultural landmark was awarded a NSW Heritage listing in May, and on Sunday 22 September, it will celebrate its 30th anniversary.
Established in 1995, Nan Tien Temple is the largest Buddhist Temple in NSW and is an icon of peace, cultural exchange, and spiritual education for people from all walks of life.
Built on 22 ha of land the temple is an example of the Chinese Imperial Palace and T’ang Dynasty architectural styles.
Its features include two temple shrines, an eight-storey pagoda and expansive landscaped gardens designed for reflection and meditation.
The site was a former landfill site which Wollongong City Council donated for 100 years, with a nominal annual rental fee of $1.
Designed by Australian architects Jones Brewster Regan and predominantly constructed between 1992 and 1995, its 417-sqm Main Shrine is dedicated to the Five Directions, housing five three-metre Buddha statues encircled by 10,000 smaller Buddha statues within its walls.
To commemorate both its milestone anniversary and the NSW State Heritage Register listing the Nan Tien Temple will host a series of special events, beginning at 9 am with an official ceremony attended by international and local dignitaries, religious leaders, and community members.
The Nan Tien Temple site in 1989. Photo: Nan Tien Temple.
The Chief Abbess Venerable Manko of Nan Tien Temple expressed her gratitude to the local and international communities that have supported the temple over the years.
“Nan Tien Temple was built on the principles of wisdom, compassion, and peace,” she said.
“For 30 years, we have strived to promote harmony through our educational programs, cultural events, charitable activities, and community engagements.
“This celebration reflects the temple’s growth and is a tribute to the countless individuals who have contributed to its success.”
The Nan Tien Institute was launched in 2011 originally within the grounds of the temple complex and later moved to a new location directly opposite, across the M1 Princes Motorway. It was Australia’s first government accredited tertiary education provider based on Buddhist values.
The heritage listing recognises the temple as a place of worship and a spiritual home for Buddhist migrants and Australian-born Buddhists to connect and uphold their traditions and culture.
The 30th anniversary events begin with the 9 am unveiling of the heritage plaque at the front gate of the temple.
At 10 am there will be an official opening ceremony at the main shrine before the opening of the museum gallery at the Nan Tien Institute.
The formalities will conclude at noon.
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