top of page

A day to discover the Mauritian spirituality!

 

 

The abolition of slavery officially in 1835 and the indenture system which replaced it from November 2, 1834, a date which became a public holiday in Mauritius and from which the arrival of indentured laborers was more massive and systematic, have profoundly modified the local demography and the Mauritian landscape. The majority, but not exclusive, contribution of workers from India has rooted Hinduism on the island and it is this story that we will tell you today through the visit of 3 symbolic temples. These visits will also allow you to understand the basics of the Hindu religion and all its complex symbolism, but not so far from our Indo-European civilization:

Why Siva is the most beloved God of the Trimurti? Why has this same Siva a blue neck? Why is the Ganesha right tusk broken? And by the way, why has Ganesha the head of an elephant? And what about the Kali's red tongue?... Many questions to be answered through legends, stories and tales.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may get the opportunity to attend a festival ie Maha Shivaratree, Ganesh Chaturthi or Cavadee!

 

Cavadee ! Cavadee ! This Festival taking its origin in an ancient Tamil legend (we will tell it!) is very spectacular. The Kodi (flag carrying the drawings of the "vel", the spear of God Muruga who killed Idumban the prideful, repentant bandit and a peacock or a rooster) is raised at the entrance of the kovil (temple), indicating the beginning of the fast. This fast will last 10 days. During this time, the devotee must purify his soul and heart, by evicting hate, passion, pride and envy. This is, of course a time of abstinence and prayers. Every devotee has to prepare himself physically and spiritually to this magnificent, but challenging ceremony. A bracelet is tied around their wrist as symbol of commitment and submission.

 

By those days, the devotees go to the kovil to pray Muruga and sing anthems. Offerings are made: coconuts, fruits, milk, saffron water, to name but a few.
 

The same devotees build also a cavadee and smaller yokes representing the Muruga temple. Wood and bamboos form a great arch which can be up to 3 meter-high! It is decorated by coconut tree leaves, peacock feathers, flowers, lime, colourful fabrics with ringing bells and icons of Muruga. The procession is on the run ... Come and join us to follow it. We will close the fast together by eating the famous 7 caris meal!

And always with the "Moris Otreman" spirit, by discovering, meeting and sharing with the Mauritian population. Please contact here!

 

Day rate (from 9AM to 4PM) :

 

- Rs 7,000 for 2 persons.

- Rs 5,000 for 2 persons without the visit to Grand Bassin (from 9AM to 12AM).

Feel free to contact us for further details! Please dress yourself respectfully.

CK28.JPG
Aum, Hanuman Grand Bassin
bottom of page