Grand Bassin - Mauritius
Alternatively known as Ganga Talao, Grand Bassin is a crater lake located in the heart of Mauritius. Nestled amidst a splendid scenic surrounding, the wide lake is considered to be sacred by the Hindus residing on the island. The title of ‘Ganga Talao’ literally translates to the “lake of the Ganges”, as the water of the lake is said to have been brought over from the Indian river of Ganges.
The lake premises has a number of statues of various Hindu and non-Hindu deities. The most prominent of these are the massive statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga, each towering at a height of 33 meters. Apart from these, there are numerous other smaller statues, such as those of Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati and Lord Buddha. There are also a number of temples on the banks of the lake. Among these, the most prominent temple is the Lingam Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Lingam temple in Ganga Talao is one of the most sacred temples in Ganga Talao, and attracts a large number of pilgrims every year. Apart from this, one may also find smaller temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Hanuman and also a Sikh Temple. Grand Bassin is especially known for its massive Maha Shivratri celebrations. The celebrations continue for three whole days and attract thousands of Hindu pilgrims from across the world. Grand Bassin is the biggest Hindu pilgrimage site located outside India.
History Of Grand Bassin - Mauritius
The Ganga Talao is so named due to its connection to the mighty river Ganges in India. History of Grand Bassin has it that a priest named Pandit Jhummon Giri Gossagne was the man who had had a dream about a holy lake that was connected to the Ganges. This priest then set out on a seemingly impossible journey of finding one such lake. He came across a lake amidst volcanic rocks, above 1800 ft sea level, situated in a picturesque location; and felt that this was the very lake he had dreamt of!
After Pandit Jhummon Giri founded the lake, pilgrims of all ages have been visiting it every year; traveling long distances just to visit the Lord. It is said that later a priest carried sacred Ganga water to the island and amidst much ceremony added it to the lake. Thus, the name ‘Ganga Talao’ or pool of the Ganges.
Cultural Importance of Ganga Talao
The Ganga Talao crater lake is at the heart of one of the island's most important Hindu festivals, Maha Shivaratri. Every year thousands of Hindus make the rugged journey to Grand Bassin for a touch of divinity.
Maha Shivratri celebrates the god Shiva, one of Hinduism's three major deities. Pilgrims carry hand-made "kanwars" - shrines dedicated to Shiva, to Ganga Talao, and once they find a suitable place at the water's edge, they perform their own private prayer ceremonies with offerings of fruit, incense sticks and lamps.
To fully grasp this festival’s significance, it is important to know the harsh history of the indentured Indian laborers in Mauritius.
The island's Hindus are the descendants of half a million indentured laborers, subjects of the British Empire brought to Mauritius in the nineteenth century with the fake promise of a better life. However, the life that awaited them was far from that. Disease was rife aboard the vessels crossing the Indian Ocean, with cholera, smallpox, malaria and yellow fever. It claimed lives at sea and at numerous quarantines at the doorstep of Mauritius. Those who made it to the mainland worked as laborers in the sugarcane fields through tough conditions. It was not slavery, but it was far from what we call a normal healthy working environment. In those dire times, one of their driving forces was their beliefs and their religion.
The Magnanimous Hindu Deities
There are many colorful idols all around the lake, with legendary stories spun around them. Besides these temples, there are giant statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga built in the open, and for all to see. These huge statues are a real marvel! The Grand Bassin Shiva statue is a whopping 108 ft in height, and is the third-highest Shiva in the world. It is known as the ‘Mangal Mahadev’ or the gentle and caring Mahadev.
A Durga statue that shares the same land, and stands at a staggering 108 ft. has recently been inaugurated and attracts a large number of Hindus besides tourists belonging to other religions.
Devotees ardently making the journey to get a glimpse of the Lord, or a touch of the sacred pool is believed to be cured of all illnesses!
Best Time To Visit Grand Bassin - Mauritius
The best time to visit the Grand Bassin Lake would be between the months of May and December. During this time, the temperature here remains moderate. The weather remains calm and pleasant, and showers are rare. The best time of the day to visit the lake would be in the early hours of the morning, before the crowds start settling in.
If you wish only to enjoy the natural setting and not visit the temples adjacent to the lake, it is best to visit the temple during the morning or the afternoon, for the lakeside may get chilly towards the evening.
How To Reach Grand Bassin - Mauritius
By Car: The fastest way to travel from Mauritius Airport to Grand Bassin is to drive from the Airport, or to take a cab. The drive takes approximately 23 minutes.
By Bus: Alternatively, one can take a bus from the Airport to Souillac and then take a cab to Grand Bassin from here. This is the cheapest way to come to Grand Bassin from the airport, and takes around one hour.
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