New Dawn for Faith: Shree Vishwanath Mandir Inaugurated

Religion and Spirituality

The sun shone brightly on Sunday, August 4, 2024, in Vallée des Prêtres, marking the centenary celebration of the Shree Vishwanath Mandir with the inauguration of a brand-new temple. This new temple stands as a renewal of the vision its founding fathers had a hundred years ago when they inaugurated the first Shree Vishwanath Mandir in 1924.

Officials of the Shree Vishwanath Mandir. From L to R: Rajesh Goburdhun, ⁠Sanjay Mungur, ⁠Deoraj Sookun – President, ⁠Sanjeev Sewsagur, 5. ⁠Yutish Bundhoo, Assistant Secretary and ⁠Amick Teeluckdharry, Secretary

The foundation stone of the New Shree Vishwanath Mandir was laid by Prime Minister Hon. Pravind Jugnauth on August 5, 2018. Six years later, on August 4, 2024, the Prime Minister himself inaugurated the Mandir.

The consecration ceremony (Sarva Dev Praan Pratishtha) of the Mandir spanned an entire week, starting on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. It involved five learned Acharyas, led by Acharya Om Prakash Tiwari, under the supervision of Acharya Mohun Prasad Saklani, Head Priest of the Sanatan Dharma Temples Federation. Hundreds of devotees participated in the mantra chanting, yagya, and various rituals and processions.

The Shree Vishwanath Mandir of Vallée des Prêtres was among the first temples in Port-Louis, registered under the name of La Société des Hindous de la Vallée des Prêtres. Founded in 1924 by Shree Ractoo Teeluckdharry with the support of fellow devotees, the first Shiv Ling installation witnessed the participation of Pitamber, son of Ractoo, before he sailed for Paris to pursue his studies in medicine.

For a century, the Mandir has stood as a beacon of faith, guiding and nurturing the Hindu community in Vallée des Prêtres and neighbouring regions through countless challenges and triumphs. It has been a sanctuary of devotion, a centre of cultural preservation, and a source of strength and unity.

In his address during the inauguration ceremony, the President of the Mandir, Deoraj Sookun, said: “The Shree Vishwanath Mandir has played an immense role in shaping the lives of the children of Vallée des Prêtres. Through our various educational and cultural programs, we have nurtured a generation that now occupies major posts in various fields, including education, medicine, and engineering, both in Mauritius and abroad. Our commitment to their upbringing has borne fruit, as they contribute positively to society, upholding the values instilled in them by this sacred institution. Their success stories are a testament to the impact of the Mandir’s efforts in providing a strong moral and educational foundation.”

Mr Sookun further added: “The construction process was significantly delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The lockdowns and restrictions posed unprecedented difficulties, from supply chain disruptions to labour shortages. However, with the collective effort of devotees and well-wishers, we overcame these obstacles. The pandemic tested our resolve, but it also brought us closer together, reinforcing our commitment to this sacred project.”

The unwavering support and contributions of devotees, the expertise of contractors, engineers, and architects, and the tireless efforts of workers and volunteers have been instrumental in realizing this project. Their dedication and hard work have transformed the vision of the executive committee members into reality. Each brick laid, each detail carved, reflects the devotion of countless individuals who believed in this vision.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 9 August 2024