YOU ARE HERE : Home Articles Devotional Articles SHIV MANDIR, Patiram Trace, Penal, Trinidad West Indies Svayambhu Lingam, Patiram Trace, Penal, Trinidad West Indies
Added On : 2013-01-10
This Svayambhu Lingam was discovered in 1900 AD, when visiting Trinidad, this is a place of worship you must visit.
1900
At the turn of the century in 1901 the ‘Stone’ was accidentally discovered by Mr. Nackchaid when his cutlass struck it, milk began to flow. That night he got a dream in which it was revealed to him that the ‘Stone’ was in fact a ‘SHIVA LINGAM’. Contrary to public belief, he was not blinded but was visually impaired at the time of the incident. Nackchaid was employed by Nancoo, the owner of a five-acre plot known then as Bahira hill, part of an agricultural area of coffee and cocoa plantation.
1900-1915
A shed with thatched roof (carat leaves) was constructed. A handful of villagers started worshipping and began Ramayan Satsangh and Hindi classes conducted by Pandit Surujnarine Maharaj. Women would ‘Leepay’ or dab the floor with a mixture of mud and ‘gobar’ (fresh cow dung). The caretaker at this time was Seemungal Singh. The structure was replaced around 1915 with a shed covered with galvanize sheets.
1915-1940
This structure was replaced by a concrete Temple area housing the Shiva Lingam. An adjoining shed was also constructed. The number of worshippers grew to include villagers from nearby areas. Mr. Sookraj followed Singh as the caretaker who was in turn followed by his son and daughter-in-law, Anganoo and Etwaria. They organized Shiva Ratri Celebrations, Full Moon Katha, Chowtal Singing and Ramayan Satsanghs, a favourite past time of the older folks.
1940-PRESENT DAY
The original concrete structure has been preserved. It is now enclosed by concrete balusters giving it a modern look. The floor and adjoining hall is concrete, with a Kitchen and a store room. In 2009, the hall was enlarged and enclosed, with a modern steel roof, a stunning PVC ceiling was installed with recessed lighting, carpeted floors and was fully air-conditioned. Certainly, a far cry from a little shed. It is also surrounded by lush green trees – Pepel, Bilva or Bale and many more fruit trees, which all further serves to enhance the Peace, Tranquility and Spirituality of the Mandir. The temple is still the only structure on a five acre plot which was owned by Custodians, Mr. Ramlochan Nancoo (deceased 7 years ago at age 93) and Mrs. Sanicharie Nancoo (deceased 4 year ago at age 92). The responsibilities have since been passed on to their eldest son Krishna Ramlochan who is at present taking care of the Mandir.
Please click on this link to see many photos at the Mandir http://www.hindisongstt.com/photo_subcategory.php?catId=8
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