Son fulfils father’s dream with Tavua mandir rebuild

A promise made to a father has come full circle in Tavua, where the rebuilt Laxmi Narayan Mandir now stands as a symbol of faith, resilience and community spirit.

For Vijay Nand Sharma, principal architect and founder of Sharma Design Group, the reopening of the temple on Saturday was more than a professional milestone — it was the fulfilment of a lifelong vision held by his late father, Parma Nand Sharma.

The Sharma family, originally from Tavua, has deep ties to the temple, which was established in 1962 and served for decades as a spiritual home for Hindu families.

That legacy was disrupted in 2016 when Tropical Cyclone Winston tore through the structure, leaving the community without a place of worship.

In his final days, Mr Sharma’s father left him with a simple request: “If possible, do something for the community.”

What began as an effort to repair the damaged temple grew into something far greater when Mr Sharma discovered his father had helped build the original mandir.

“This redevelopment is more than a construction project; it is the fulfilment of my father’s dream and a testament to the strength of our community,” he said.

“I felt a deep responsibility to honour my father’s enduring wish to give back to the community he cherished, using the knowledge and skills I have been blessed with to create something that will serve not just this generation, but many generations to come.”

For Mr Sharma, the project is also deeply personal, shaped by childhood memories of attending prayers at the mandir with his family.

“This mandir has always held a special place in my life.”

“This is not just an occasion; it is a blessing, a moment of pride and a day that will be remembered for generations to come,” he said.

Over nearly a decade, the rebuilding effort drew support from families, friends and well-wishers both locally and abroad, growing into one of the most significant temple reconstructions in Fiji in more than 40 years.

Mr Sharma said the new mandir was designed not only to replace what was lost, but to serve as a modern and lasting centre for worship, community gatherings and cultural continuity.

“I am grateful to everyone who believed in this journey. The new mandir will stand as a symbol of faith, unity and the enduring spirit of Tavua,” he said.

He said the mandir now enters a new chapter grounded in legacy, love and shared purpose.

Beyond its spiritual role, the site is expected to attract devotees, returning migrants and visitors, contributing to cultural awareness.

“This will provide a place for prayers and devotional activities for local communities, as well as a pilgrimage site for Hindus living abroad and visitors seeking cultural understanding,” he said.

The reopening marks not just the rebuilding of a structure, but the realisation of a father’s dream carried forward by his son.