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Religious sites to relate Mauritian History
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Religious sites to relate Mauritian History
The Meenatchee Ammen temple</B>
The Kaylasson temple was built in 1846 by the Compagnie des Indes. Facing the sunrise, it welcomes all devout people of Tamil faith who want to pray and meditate. Tourists are also welcome if they want to visit the place and learn more about the religion. 84 year-old Mr Sockalingum is also there to give details about the temple and its traditions. It is a beautiful and quiet place, perfect for learning about the traditions of others or simply to visit. M. Sockalingum will be pleased to tell the stories associated with his faith, as he sits between the statues of volcanic stone, sharing his passion for his lovely temple with you.
<B>Kwan Tee pagoda </B>
Founded in 1842, the Kwan Tee pagoda is the oldest one in Mauritius and in the whole southern hemisphere. Set up by Ahime Choïsanne ? also called Log Choïsanne ? who was also the founder of the Chinese community in Mauritius, the pagoda is dedicated to the cult of Guan Di. The whole pagoda was built with stone more than a century ago. Its infrastructure and location abide by principles of spirituality. ?Nothing is done by accident. The pagoda is placed against the mountain and faces the sea for a reason,? explains François Lan Hing Leung, its administrative secretary . A renovation project aims to improve the appearance of the pagoda. But the proportions will remain the same. Likewise, the inside of the pagoda will not change because it contains antique furniture that needs to be preserved. Only the façade will be renovated
<B>The Jummah Mosque</B>
The extension work on the Mosquée-des-Arabes began in 1878 to accommodate the growing number of Muslims living in Mauritius. Specialised workers were brought from India to complete the work as well as the material needed ? stones, lime and wood. The project was completed almost twenty years later, in 1895, when the small Mosquée-des-Arabes became the great Jummah mosque. The skill and dexterity shown by the workers in blending intricately the old structure with the new, speak eloquently of their outstanding ability and patience in bringing the project to a successful end. The structure of the mosque is striking with its harmonious blend of Moorish and Mughal as well as its massive columns and imposing arches. Its interior solemnity and tranquillity contrasts with the noisy streets of the capital outside. A perfect refuge to meditate in?
The St Louis cathedral</B>
The St Louis church was built in 1722 but it was far from being the huge cathedral it is today. Mahe de Labourdonnais actually had the idea of building a great cathedral for the capital in 1738 but it was finally built on the present site between 1752 and 1756. However it was destroyed about twenty years later before it had ever been used as a place of worship. As its construction ended, the war started in Europe and the church was used as a warehouse or barracks. In 1847, when the diocese of Port-Louis was established, the St Louis church became the cathedral of Port-Louis. The cathedral as it is today was inaugurated by bishop Leen in 1933. Even though the present cathedral is slightly bigger than the older structure, the façade with its two stone towers is a good reproduction of the former cathedral. The inside is decorated with statues, paintings and furniture from the former sanctuary. In it is held one of the most important masses of the capital on the 25th of August every year, the festival of St Louis.
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