PHOENIX, SOUTH AFRICA, April 2, 2011 (Times Live): A Phoenix temple will commemorate the arrival of Indians in South Africa by building an 8m-high statue of the Hindu Deity Murugan. Construction of the statue of Lord Muruga has begun at the Stri Muruga Kovil in Northcroft.
The statue is to be a replica of the one at the entrance to the Batu Caves – a Hindu shrine and tourist attraction in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Temple chairman Kovilan Ramsamy said they embarked on the project to celebrate the 150 years since the arrival of Indians in South Africa.”Construction commenced two months ago with the help of local architects, engineers, suppliers and contractors. It is expected to be completed by July. “The statue will have the exact same detail as the one in Malaysia, with finishes in gold paint,” said Ramsamy. “It will be for all Hindus and Lord Muruga followers.”
“This week, we commenced with the sculpture work, which is being done by a group of builders from Chennai, India,” said Ramsamy. Although the project, which is estimated to cost US$ 90,000, had received financial help from corporate organisations, there was a need for additional funding. Ramsamy said the structure at the 29-year-old temple will be visible from various parts of Phoenix.