Religious places

Mauritius Grand Bassin Temple

Grand Bassin is a dormant volcano found in the district of Savanne at 1,800 feet above sea level. It is irregular in shape with a lake of 1200 by 500 feet. There is a small islet in the middle of the lake leading to the belief of a once lava producing crater. Springs rise inside the lake itself; mountains lying around the lake provide it with water such that the water level is always constant. While initially the depth of the lake had been difficult to ascertain, new techniques of soundings reveal that the depth of the lake is about 55-60 feet.

This lake, also called the Ganga Talao, is of great importance to the Hindu community of the island. The religious story of the lake goes as far back as 1897 when a Hindu priest living in the north of the island at Terre Rouge dreamt that the water of a lake on the island was connected to the sacred river Ganges. The news of the dream soon spread and he set off with some friends to find the lake. The roads at that time were very harsh and it was a very difficult journey as they were on foot. Finally they reached the Grand Bassin and the priest recognised it as the lake of his dreams. He named the lake the Pari (fairy) Talao as he had seen fairies dancing on the water in his dream.

The next year, nine pilgrims walked again to the lake; they collected water from it and took it back to their temple in Triolet. The walking and water retrieval from the lake then became a tradition for the Hindus of the island and as such the Maha Shivatri was proclaimed a public holiday.

The first temple, Shiv Mandir, which also is the main one, was built in 1966. In 1972, a priest from India ceremoniously mixed some water that he had brought from the Ganges with the lake’s water: it became officially known as the Ganga Talao from then on. As the importance of the lake as worship area gained momentum, more developmental works were undertaken: halls for pilgrims to rest were built, more temples were erected, electricity was supplied and a car park was provided. The place also has the biggest statue of the island namely the Shiva statue which is 108 feet tall; it is expected that by 2011 another statue, the Durga statue which is to be 108 feet as well, will be placed next to the Shiva statue.

Today the lake finds itself in an area which still has the sense of the pristine Mauritius with its beautiful scenery, the lush trees and fresh air and the mist that hovers around the place most of the time but a lot of facilities have been implemented to make the journey to the lake more bearable for the pilgrims. The Grand Bassin, as a religious place, has a strong sense of spirituality that is tangible

                        JUMMAH MOSQUE

A Mosque or Masjid holds a very important place in the life of a Muslim. It is the centre of his cultural, social and religious life. The Mosque is not just a house of prayer where Muslims congregate for worship; it is also a place where they meet with fellow Muslims and learn about Islam and the Islamic Ummah (community). The Mosque is a symbol of the physical presence of Islam in the country and a rallying centre for the Muslims as a community. Little wonder then that whenever a group of Muslims have come together, they immediately realise that in order to practise their faith and perpetuate it among their children, the establishment of a Mosque has always become their first concern. 

The Jummah Mosque is a beautiful structure. It strikes one with its harmonious blend of Moorish and Munhal lines with its massive columns and imposing arches. Its interior solemnity and tranquillity contrasts starkly with the boisterous hustle and bustle of its outer surroundings, which is one of the busiest in all Port Louis. In the middle of the open court stands an old Badamia (Indian Almond or Terminalia Cattapa) Tree, which is older than the Mosque itself. In fact, the Tree already stood on one of the two original plots of land on Queen Street acquired in 1852. The designers of the Mosque, in drawing up the plans of the building, very wisely decided to incorporate the Badamia Tree into the overall structure of the Mosque. The Tree not only adds a special charm to the austere place but also, with the shade its huge branches provide worshippers in the sweltering heat of Port Louis, enhances the peace and cool solemnity that pervades the place. And, in the evening, on clear starry nights, the feeling is as touching to-day as it was experienced in 1872 by the American Consul, Nicholas Pike: 

 As you stand under it (the Badamia Tree) on a clear night, myriads of stars glittering overhead, it is not difficult to fancy yourself transported to some Oriental land, where Allah alone is worshipped.
 
The prayer hall of the Mosque is the same vaulted hall of the old Mosquée-des-Arabes. From the towering bulbous domes, glistening white, hung the brilliant glass chandeliers that provided lighting for over fifty years -- that is, till the advent of electricity. The beautiful chandeliers can still be seen hanging in the prayer hall as a reminder of the olden days and their glittering luster adds a special touch to the solemn decor of the Mosque which, to-day, is brilliantly lit with fluorescent tubes.


The prayer hall is remarkable for its interior which comprises a subtle blend of Arabic and Indian motifs. The Jummah Mosque is a glorious monument to the inspiring dedication and religious fervour of its founders, designers and builders. It has gained immensely in stature over the years and has come to hold a special spot in the hearts of the hundreds of Muslims who come to its vaulted sanctuary every day to worship Allah (God), to meditate and seek inner peace and comfort. As the Grand Mosque of Mauritius, the Jummah Mosque, understandably, holds pride of place in the religious and cultural life of the Muslims.

MAURITIUS MARIE REINE DE LA PAIX- 

MARY QUEEN OF PEACE

Situated on the flanks of the Signal Mountain, the Marie Reine de la Paix is a huge open area of greenery with an open church overlooking the city of Port Louis. It offers a wonderful view of the city buildings as well as the mountain that acts as backdrop. Erected in 1940 by the firm Mauritius Building, the Priest James Leen used to go over there to pray for Mauritius to be spared during World War п. Since then it has become a place of great spiritual belief as well as a major tourist attraction.

The church is found on the highest point of the premises at 60 metres above sea level. Seven terraces interspersed with patches of flowers of all colours and 82 steps of hard rock lead to the church and the top view of the city. A big statue of the Virgin Mary holding a globe in her palm looks over the area; the statue is 3 feet high and is made up of fine white marble. The altar sculpted by Clement Esther, a Mauritian sculptor, was inaugurated three years later (1943) by priest Leen. Masses are often held there attracting a lot of people from all over the island. One of the major events at the church was in 1989 when the Pope John Paul п visited the island and people from all over the country and of all nationalities gathered there to pray.

The gardens all around are greatly taken care of by the municipality of Port Louis making it a very peaceful area to relax. Families enjoy taking their children over to Marie Reine de la Paix to play and run about. Lovers find it a nice place to cuddle and enjoy the picturesque serene environment. It is also a great place for friends to have a good time such as picnicking or playing badminton and football or just for a chat. Some snack bars are found near the place selling all kinds of things such as the famous Chinese “boulettes”, fried noodles and rice; there are also merchants on their motorcycles selling picked fruits or ice cream to the great delight of kids.

The place is equipped with all the facilities of a modern park. The light bulbs used in the area are the only ones on the island that use solar energy. In 2009, major renovation works were undertaken especially with regards to the church where the paint had started to peel off and iron bars were rusting and since then the area is under CCTV surveillance. There is also a playground, a basketball court and a parking area. Benches are scattered in the gardens for people to enjoy the view or they can choose to lie on the grass that is always carefully mowed. The Reine de la Paix is a common destination for film makers and is very often seen in Indian movies.

The oldest Church; church of St. Francis of Assisi in Pamplemousses, is one of the first churches built in Mauritius under the administration of Governor-General, François Mahé de Labourdonnais (1735-1746) where the term chosen, St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint. This church began in 1756 no longer holds the road. The stones are intact, the weather can do nothing against them. 

Walking through the inside of the church, you can imagine yourself back in the time of the settlement by the French.

The cemetery with the old gravestones next to the church is also interesting to see.
The slave market of Mauritius was once held here in the immediate vicinity of the church.

Can be easily combined with a tour of the Pamplemousses Garden; the church is across from the large gate to the park.

Church St.Francois d’AssisiLocation: in the north of Mauritius, Cap Malheureux