Visiting Hindu temples in Mauritius is a unique and spiritual experience, as the island nation boasts a rich cultural heritage and a significant Hindu population. Here’s a guide to some of the most stunning Hindu temples you can visit in Mauritius, along with essential information for your visit.
Visit those stunning Hindu temples in Mauritius
Sagar Shiv Mandir Mauritius (East)
Sagar Shiv Mandir is a serene Hindu temple located on the eastern coast of Mauritius. This temple is not only a place of worship for Hindus but also welcomes people of other religions and tourists. What sets it apart is its picturesque setting—it is situated on an island surrounded by the sea, offering breathtaking scenery in all directions. The temple’s peaceful ambiance makes it an ideal place for meditation and contemplation. The tranquil environment, accompanied by the soothing sound of waves, creates a perfect atmosphere for worship and reflection. As one approaches the temple on the edge of the sea’s backwaters, the tranquility of the place truly enchants. It’s a place where you can spend a moment to soak in the natural beauty and spiritual serenity that surrounds you.
Access: Accessing the temple is convenient, as it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. When you visit, remember to remove your shoes before entering, as is customary in Hindu temples.
Sagar Shiv Mandir, Poste de Flacq. Google Maps.
Sri Siva Subramanya Kovil (Center)
Sri Siva Subramanya Kovil, affectionately known as Kovil Montagne, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, nestled in the town of Quatre Bornes on the slopes of Corps de Garde Mountain. It was the dream of an Indian laborer to construct a Hindu temple on the flanks of the Corps de Garde mountain, and this Dravidian masterpiece became a reality in 1907.
Many visitors to Sri Siva Subramanya Kovil praise its serene and calming atmosphere, and the temple’s caretakers, known as Ayas, are known for their warm and welcoming hospitality. Whether you seek spiritual inspiration, cultural enrichment, or simply wish to enjoy the tranquil surroundings, Kovil Montagne promises a remarkable experience that connects you with both spirituality and history.
Access: Visitors will have to ascend hundreds of steps to reach this colorful temple on the mountain. The temple is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Sri Siva Subramanya Kovil, Quatre Bornes, Corps de Garde Mountain, Mauritius.Google Maps.
Ganga Talao (South)
Ganga Talao, often referred to as Grand Bassin, is a sacred crater lake located in the picturesque highlands of Mauritius. Nestled amidst lush greenery and surrounded by dense forests, this natural wonder is considered one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites outside of India. Ganga Talao holds immense religious and cultural significance for the Hindu community in Mauritius and is a place of deep reverence.
The serene beauty of Ganga Talao is enhanced by the towering 33-meter-tall statue of Lord Shiva that stands majestically at its entrance, making it an iconic landmark on the island. Visitors to Ganga Talao can witness devotees from all walks of life participating in various rituals and ceremonies, especially during the annual Maha Shivaratri festival, when the lake’s waters are believed to transform into the sacred Ganges River.
Access: Easily accessible by road, with well-maintained routes and clear signposts guiding visitors to the site.
Ganga Talao, Grand Bassin. Google Maps.
Sockalingum Meenatchee Ammen Kovil, Kailassam, or Kaylasson Temple (North-West)
Nestled close to Port Louis, this colorful Hindu temple offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. As you approach the temple, you’ll be greeted by the sight of beautiful peacocks on the premises, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. The temple’s vibrant architecture and well-crafted design make it a perfect spot for capturing stunning photographs and videos, and its compact size ensures an intimate setting for paying your respects and prayers. The temple’s well-maintained grounds, filled with lush trees, create a peaceful garden-like ambiance, perfect for meditation and moments of spiritual reflection.
Access: Access to the Sockalingum Meenatchee Ammen Kovil temple is easy. There is no entrance fee. Free parking is available along the street, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
Port Louis. Google Maps.
Maheswarnath Mandir, Triolet (North)
Maheswarnath Mandir, also known as “Grand Shivala Triolet, located in Triolet in the northern part of Mauritius, is a remarkable and historically significant Hindu temple. This temple offering a serene and calming atmosphere for spiritual seekers and tourists alike. Steeped in history, Maheswarnath Mandir is not only the largest temple on the island but also holds the distinction of being the oldest Hindu temple in Mauritius, constructed in 1891.
Access: This temple complex opens its doors at 5 am and welcomes visitors throughout the day until approximately 7 pm. There is no entrance fee. Located conveniently opposite the Triolet Bus Terminal, it’s easily accessible for those using public transportation.
Shivala Road, Triolet. Google Maps.
Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir (North-East)
Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir, situated in Bon Accueil, is a beautiful and spiritually enriching destination for devotees and visitors alike. Nestled in the midst of nature, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama, and it is affiliated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
What makes Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir particularly unique is its combination of spirituality and sustainability. In addition to the temple, the center boasts a farm, a goshala (cow shelter), and a biogas plant. The biogas plant not only provides eco-friendly cooking gas but also produces excellent organic manure for farming, reflecting the temple’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Visitors to Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir can partake in daily arati ceremonies, a common practice in ISKCON temples worldwide, where devotional songs and rituals are offered to the deities. Furthermore, the temple hosts a weekly feast on Sundays from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm, allowing guests to savor delicious vegetarian cuisine and immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere.
Access: The temple is a scenic one-and-a-half-hour drive away from the airport and just a short ten-minute drive from Central Flacq Town.
Vrndavan Road Bon Accueil, Bon Accueil. Google Maps.
Tookay Temple (South)
Tookay Temple, located in Camp Diable, Mauritius, exudes a sense of tranquility that instantly captivates visitors seeking a more peaceful and culturally immersive atmosphere.
What sets Tookay Temple apart is the warm hospitality and inclusiveness of its devotees. Visitors often have the privilege of joining in on temple celebrations and ceremonies, where they are welcomed with open arms to sit and partake in the festivities. The sense of community and cultural exchange is truly enriching.
The temple’s ambiance is filled with good vibrations, making it an ideal place for meditation and spiritual reflection.
Access: Open from 7am to 5:30pm.
Camp Diable, Brittania. Google Maps.
Siva Soopramaniar Kovile Bel-Air Riviere Seche (East)
Siva Soopramaniar Kovile, located in Bel-Air Riviere Seche, is not the easiest place to find but is a quiet and beautiful temple. Many visitors have described it as one of the most beautiful and magical hindu temples on the island. Not only is the interior of Siva Soopramaniar Kovile breathtaking, but the surrounding garden also impresses with its splendor.
Bel Air Rivière Sèche. Google Maps.
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