Maheswarnath Mandir- Mauritius

Address

Maheswarnath Mandir- Shivala Rd, Triolet, Pamplemousses District, Mauritius

Deity

Shiva Amman: Parvati

Introduction

Maheswarnath Mandir, locally known as “Grand Shivala Triolet,” is a prominent Shiva temple located in the town of Triolet, Mauritius. It is the largest and one of the oldest temples on the island, dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known by the epithet Maheshwarnath, meaning “the Great Lord.” The temple was founded in 1888 by Pandit Shri Sajeebunlall Ramsoondur, who came from Calcutta. The temple is notably associated with the first pilgrimage to Ganga Talao, a sacred lake in the heart of Mauritius.

Puranic Significance:

Historical Background: The temple was founded by Pandit Sanjibunlall Ramsoondur, originally from Bihar, India, who arrived in Mauritius on April 4, 1866. During the temple’s construction, a buried treasure of gold and silver coins was discovered, believed to have been hidden by pirates who roamed the Indian Ocean in the previous century. This treasure was used to fund the construction of the temple.
Architectural Influence: The temple reflects Bengal architecture, particularly the “ratna” style, a variant of the pancha-ratna or five-towered temples seen in West Bengal. The structure features a white-painted exterior with vibrant sculptures of Hindu deities and intricate floral designs. The central shrine houses a Shivalinga, the symbolic representation of Lord Shiva.

Special Features:

First Pilgrimage to Ganga Talao (1898): In 1898, Pandit Sanjibunlall and nine others embarked on a pilgrimage from Triolet to Grand Bassin (now Ganga Talao) to collect water from the sacred lake and offer it to Lord Shiva during Maha Shivratri. This act popularized the lake as a holy site, eventually earning it the name Pari Talao and solidifying its association with the Holy Ganges in India. The pilgrimage to Ganga Talao became an annual tradition for devotees across Mauritius.
Temple Complex: In addition to the main temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple complex houses shrines to several other deities, including Goddess Parvati (Shiva’s consort), Lord Ganesh and Lord Kartikeya (Shiva’s sons), and Nandi (Shiva’s sacred bull). Smaller temples within the complex are dedicated to Natraja, Goddess Laxmi, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Narayan. The entire complex is painted white, with vibrant sculptures and floral motifs providing contrast.

Festivals:

Maha Shivratri: The most significant festival celebrated at the Maheswarnath Mandir. Devotees participate in the sacred pilgrimage to Ganga Talao to collect holy water for offering to Lord Shiva.
Durga Puja: Another important festival celebrated at the temple, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga.