Our first destination during our visit to the South was Grand Basin, the center of Hinduism in Mauritius. The sight is visible from miles away, marked by the third largest statue of Chiva in the world. I was impressed. Situated in the center of a large lot off to one side of the (very green) freeway, it towered above us in the air ... crafted with an astute attention for detail. After admiring Chiva, we wandered down to the "holy lake," which was accessed by a grand staircase and large ornate Hindu archway (colored bright salmon pinks and oranges.) We walked through the giant archway (covered in somewhat gaudy jewels and designs) and down the steps toward a small lake surrounded by a fortress of large trees and plant life.

I immediately split with the group … I really don't like seeing new things for the first time in a large group. I stayed back and spent time photographing the scene. I soon followed the pathway that circled the lake and spotted three Hindu women lighting small leaves on fire and putting them into the water, praying as the fire floated toward the small island at the center of the lake. I began photographing and they seemed to be quite flattered (as opposed to offended, like some praying people might be.) They let me take a few pictures and I continued on my way. (None of the photos turned out as well as I'd hoped, so I won't don't look for them here.)

Around a bend in the trail (on the opposite side of the lake), I arrived at the central feature of the lake--its temple. Small docks stretched out into the water, each hosting a different statue to which Hindu families on the shoreline were praying. One was a God with an elephant head, another looked like a bright blue genie. Small kids were fussing while their parents fixed up herbal concoctions to put into the water. I photographed a beautiful old woman draped in white and soft pink linen, and a small scowling boy dressed in vibrant turquoise and bright yellow. His mother appeared to be in her mid-twenties, with gentle eyes and a pleasant disposition. She smiled when I started photographing the boy, who she held in her arms. "Sorry he is angry," she said to me.

I walked up a concrete staircase to enter into the temple. (The lake and docks are all situated below … almost like the whole thing is a small valley.) Hindu temples reinforce to me how fundamentally similar many religions are, despite vast differences in doctrine. Inside the temple, I saw the similar sort of decorations that adorn so many Catholic cathedrals and churches in Argentina (Argentina is sort of my reference point for all things, if you haven't realized.) Of course, in a Hindu temple everything is an image of a funky god (as opposed to a praying virgin or the Catholic Jesus.) I really enjoyed being inside the temple because I find a lot of beauty in the Hindu faith (though my favorite religious building here is still the mosque I visited in Pt. Louis a few weeks ago.) Religious diversity in Mauritius is incredible--the most contrasting spectrum I've ever encountered in a single place.

I felt honored that the Mauritians Hindus let us mosey about their spiritual haven. I find so much to learn from observing another person's faith ... the very way in which he or she experiences the world.

I'm happy that this world is a colorful one. :)