Samabula Shiv Mandir Vandalised in ‘Attack on Our Faith’: MP Alvick Maharaj

A sacred Hindu temple in Samabula was vandalised earlier this week in what is being described as a deliberate and hurtful attack on the Hindu faith. The Samabula Shiv Mandir was broken into, with sacred statues of Lord Shiva destroyed and temple property damaged.

Member of Parliament Alvick Maharaj has condemned the incident in a deeply emotional public statement, calling it a dark and painful moment for the local Hindu community.

“It’s with heavy hearts that I talk about something really sad that happened at our Samabula Shiv Mandir,” Maharaj said. “Today someone broke into our temple. They didn’t just steal things; they broke the holy statues of Lord Shiva and damaged our temple property.”

He emphasised that the act was more than a theft — it was a direct attack on the core of Sanatan Dharma.

“This wasn’t just someone trying to take things. This was a direct and hurtful attack on our Sanatan Dharma, which is our Hindu faith. When they broke the statues, they weren’t just breaking idols; they were breaking something that means so much to us, something we pray to and feel close to God through. It’s a deep wound to all Hindus, everywhere.”

Maharaj offered his condolences to the devotees and committee members who uphold the temple’s spiritual and cultural presence.

“To all the people who pray at the Mandir, and to the committee members who work so hard for it, we want to say we are truly sorry this happened. We know how much this hurts and how angry you must feel. This temple isn’t just a building; it’s a peaceful place, a place where we find comfort, and a very important part of our culture and religion. To see it hurt like this is heartbreaking for all of us.”

He urged the community not to be divided or intimidated, but to stand united in their faith.

“We are all saying, as strongly as we can, that this bad act must be stopped. This kind of hate and disrespect for religion has no place in our community. These actions are meant to scare us and divide us, but we won’t let them win. Instead, this sad event should make us even stronger in our faith and even more determined to live together in peace.”

Maharaj also thanked the Fiji Police for acting swiftly to arrest a suspect.

“I thank the police for arresting the culprit quickly and making sure he faces the full blunt of the law, so that it’s a hindrance and anyone else thinking of carrying out such a cowardly act thinks twice. It’s important that everyone knows acts like this, which disrespect our religion, will not be tolerated and will be punished.”

He concluded his message by assuring the community of broad support and invoking the teachings of Sanatan Dharma.

“To everyone connected to the Samabula Shiv Mandir, please know you are not alone. All Hindus, and good people everywhere, are standing with you. We condemn this act and support you in making our holy place whole again. Let’s turn our sadness into stronger faith, our sorrow into stronger unity, and our anger into a firm promise to live by the values of Sanatan Dharma – which are peace, kindness, and truth.

May the blessings of Lord Shiva help us through this tough time and inspire us to rebuild not just what was broken, but also our shared strength and faith.”