A Hindu temple belonging to former Fijians was vandalized in a western Sydney suburb during the auspicious festive season of Navaratri.

Reports suggest the vandalism of Bhartiye Mandir resulted in destruction of sacred statues and images of deities, fire damage to the interior and carpet, prayer materials thrown around, broken instruments, various other items smashed/overturned and covered with paint.

The damage is estimated to cost around $76,000 – sending the Hindu community in a state of anguish.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement from Nevada, USA says it was shocking for the worldwide Hindus to observe the hard-working, harmonious and peaceful Australian Hindu community receiving such signals of hatred and intimidation.