The Temple in the Sea
Another very popular destination is
the Waterloo Hindu Temple better known as the Temple in the Sea. Originally built by an indentured laborer,
Seedas Sadhu, back in 1947 as a place of worship it was soon destroy by the
government, because it was built on state land.
Not being able to secure a piece of land to construct a place of worship
Seedas Sadhu then undertook a 25 years project.
He would carry rocks and stones with his bicycle in a leather bag and
fill a patch of land in the sea.
Aerial view of Temple in the Sea. Source: Buzztt.com
Today it is a marvelous place,
which has accomplished much more than its original intention. The temple is a site of beauty; in 1994, the
government working with religious groups renovated the temple in commemoration
of the 150th anniversary of indentured laborers arriving in Trinidad. Its octagon shape and master craftsmanship
with wonderful colors and breath taking murtis of the Hindu Deities gives one a
sense of awe.
Original Temple built by Seedas Sadhu. Source: nationaltrustoftrinidadandtobago.com
A scared place one has to remove
their shoes before entering the temple and cannot carry meat, fish, eggs or
alcohol into the temple. If you are fortunate to visit when a wedding
ceremony is taking place, it is even much more fascinating and because it’s in
the west coast the sunset there is divine.
The outer area that is the pier
and a statue of Seedas Sadhu together with lots of flowers. A small park goes along the shoreline just as
you come out of the car park with benches where one can sit and enjoy the environment,
picnic or simple take in the sunset. Thought
the real surprise come at dust just as the sun sets; the sky is fill with
thousands of birds flying overhead. They
are returning to the Caroni swamp (their home) for the night, it is just north
of the temple just over a mile if you are a bird, that is.
A place where one comes for all occasion,
right next to the temple compound there is a cemetery and cremation site where
funerals take place. Couples would come
for romantic time, family would visit for picnics, bird watchers and the individual
would visit for inspiration. The temple
in the sea was rank third highest visited destination for 2017 by destinationtnt.com
for the twin republic and first for Trinidad, the first two destinations were
in Tobago.
Murtis inside temple. Source: aimtvgroup.com
Never been to the Temple in the Sea but now i am intrigued... sounds like a place of serenity.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a relaxing, peaceful Sunday drive destination
ReplyDeleteThe sunsets are amazing here definitely a relaxing spot to visit..
ReplyDelete