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The
gigantic monument of the monkey-faced godhead with its massive cudgel
forms the heart of a new temple complex in Carapichaima. Fourteen
stonemasons were specially flown in from India in order to create the
filigree ornaments and the life-sized elephant statues on the entrances
of the meditation centre. The place of worship is dedicated to the Hindu
god Dattatreya. His living incarnation, guru Sri Swamiji, has been
visiting Trinidad regularly for 3 decades to bring enlightenment to his
followers.
The
guru is familiar with the Caribbean island from an earlier life. Around
35,000 years ago - so the holy man teaches - when the Ganges was still
flowing through Trinidad, he had been a righteous king here. Back then,
too, there used to be a place of prayer in Carapichaima, where the
temple now stands.
"The
Indian gods represent different aspects of the soul, and it’s all
symbolic" explains Dirk Bache, a German who is active in Trinidad’s
East Indian community. "In Hindu mythology, Hannuman was the best
warrior and he protected the gods from evil powers. He stands for faith,
friendship, strength and the willingness to make sacrifices." |
 Hannuman
statue in Trinidad:
largest outside of India |
