Quarter of a mile off the west coast of Trinidad there stands an extraordinary monument to the human spirit. The magnificent Hindu temple built on a man-made island is one of Trinidad’s most celebrated Hindu shrines. It bears the name Sewdass Sadhu Shiv Mandir. After the project was completed it became a place of renowned beauty. Thousands of flowers were planted, so much you could smell the temple from a distance. Vegetables were also planted. This garden attracted some of the most unique butterflies that were not found anywhere else in Trinidad. You do not have to be a Hindu to feel the beauty of this place.
Impact on Hindu Community
It has impacted society in a number of ways. Firstly, the temple is used for Weddings, religious ceremonies, cremations and puja ceremonies. For Kartik which is the festival of the sea celebrated by Hindus, crowds of people visit the temple in the sea. Sometimes for days and weeks at a time people visit. The sea is filled with music and prayer. Sadhu created a place of pilgrimage for Hindu worshippers in Trinidad. At this time there were very few temples located.
Cremation Site
Impact on Tourism
Tourists are encouraged to visit as images and murtis (statues) of the Hindu Gods are displayed in an exquisite manner. Visitors from far and wide came to admire the work done singlehandedly by this man.
Click here to watch a video of the temple taken by a tourist.
Impact on Trinidad
Fishermen from the area use the temple as a guide to go home since it can be seen from a distance. Even from the Bocas the beautiful temple can be spotted. During the day when the weather is good families can be seen relaxing on the benches taking in the view. Children can be seen riding their bikes around the car park when there are no ceremonies going on. Even though the temple sits quietly in muddy shores, it is seems humbling at first glance. The gorgeous dome and bridge is magnificent but architecturally its one of Trinidad’s most simple buildings. I think even though the temple is not as intricate as others it makes up for it in reverence. It is only when you are there you can feel the calmness that pervades the temple and its surroundings.
The most beautiful sunsets can be seen from the temple. In the gallery there are some photos proving how magnificent it can be. This also attracts a large number of people. This temple is definitely a monument of what humans are capable of.
Beautiful sunset
Sewdass Sadhu's Temple in The Sea 