GOODLANDS, MAURITIUS, December 16, 2008: Mauritius now has a new Hindu Temple by the Goodlands area, the Siva Supramaniar Kovil, which received its holy consecration on November 23. The temple’s original building dated from the 1940s.
The Siva Supramaniar Kovil was first housed in a small building, that over the years deteriorated beyond repair. Two years ago, the old kovil was demolished. The laying of the first stone of the new structure was held on 24 November 2006.
The Kovil management has called in Indian workers to create South Indian style sculptures. The scriptures’ criteria for the construction of a kovil have been respected to the letter. After exactly two years of the Hindu calendar, the new temple is now open. The new Kovil is an architectural jewel, say local residents with pride. This Kovil is one of the few in Mauritius that shows the 108 tandava postures of the dance of Siva.
Kanen Cunnoosamy, president of the Siva Supramaniar Kovil Society, said that the construction of the building was made possible through the collaboration of all members and well wishes, even if they were not members of the society. “All have contributed generously to the realization of this masterpiece,” said the president. “The Kovil is the symbol of national unity.”