Ganga Talao

• Address: Grand Bassin, Grand Bassin Road, Savanne, Mauritius
• Height: 550 m above sea level
• Depth: 70 m

If the craving for travel has brought you to Mauritius , Ganga Talao - a sacred lake for local Hindus - is something that you should definitely see. Traveling to this crater reservoir will give you unforgettable memories and allow you to touch the exotic oriental culture. It is located in the remote mountainous region of the island, or rather, in the Savan district (in the Black River Gorges ) and is one of the island's attractions . According to legend, once Shiva, along with his wife Parvati, took water in the sacred Indian Ganges, flew across the Indian Ocean and poured it into the mouth of an extinct volcano. So this holy pond was formed in the middle of a splendid forest.

The river Maron flows into the lake, and in its south-eastern part there is a small island covered with forest. Do not worry if the locals tell you an eerie legend that anyone who visits the lake island will soon die. So far, there is no reliable evidence of this. But to get acquainted with the local fauna it will be interesting to everyone who loves the animal world: here lives a lot of the most exotic fish, eels, animals and birds.

What is famous for the Ganges Talau?

The lake, near which during days of religious Hindu holidays life is boiling, is also called Gran Bassen. According to the stories of the inhabitants of Mauritius, this pond is so ancient that it remembers the bathing of fairies. In addition, the waters of the lake are considered sacred. Nowadays, here they organize a colorful holiday "Shiva's Night", which is held in February-March. Near the motorway there is a pedestrian road, along which participants of a religious festival are sent to the lake. Passing motorists even share food and drink with them.

"Night of Shiva" is celebrated as follows:

1. On this day, pilgrims from all over the world (even from India and Africa) come barefoot from their homes and, immersing their belongings on a bamboo cart adorned with muslin, flowers and images of Shiva, go to the water line to wash their feet. This should bring them health and happiness, and also save them from their sins. It's amazing that these days a real invasion of monkeys begins near the lake, and they try to take away something delicious from the pilgrims.
2. At the festive celebration, sacrifices are made: women kneel down and shoot large palm leaves on the water, on which are placed candles, incense and flowers. Also, gifts in the form of fruits and flowers are left on the sacrificial pedestals surrounding the Ganga Talao along the perimeter.
3. On the beach near the solemnly decorated church there are theatrical performances dedicated to Shiva and Ganesha - no less important deity symbolizing well-being and wisdom.

What to see?

Not far from the entrance to the temple stands a monumental statue 33 meters high, depicting Lord Shiva in the form of a bull. It dominates the entire surrounding area and is the world's third tallest monument. The statue was erected for 20 years, it is made of marble of white and pink hue and is decorated with semiprecious stones and gilding. The top of the hill nearby is decorated with the figure of the god Anuamang. In the sanctuary, you will also find statues of other Hindu deities - Lakshmi, Hanuman, Durga, the preacher of Jin Mahavir, the sacred cow, etc. The statues of Shiva are often made blue here because this god, in order to save the world, drank poison. His wife Parvati went to the Ganges to get healing water and cure her husband. Therefore, an annual trip to the lake symbolizes her journey.

If you have time, you can visit the nearby village of Chamarel , in which you will be impressed by the rapid waterfalls and the "colorful land" of sugar cane plantations in Bel-Ombre resort . At the top of the hill near Ganga Talao the Hanuman Temple is erected, from which an amazing view of the beauty of Mauritius opens.

Rules of Conduct in the Hindu Temple

To avoid being asked to leave the temple, be sure to adhere to the following rules:

1. Wear clothing that covers the shoulders, preferably up to the elbow. Men wear pants, women - skirts or dresses with a length at least to the knee. T-shirts and shorts are strictly prohibited.
2. In the temple must go barefoot.
3. In this sanctuary it is possible to photograph, but do not try to penetrate into the internal premises, accessible only to the clergy.
4. At the entrance to the temple complex, women are offered to make bindi - a traditional Hindu point on the forehead, which is applied with red paint. But it is very difficult to erase, so think about whether you need it.
5. At will, you can leave a small donation in the sanctuary at the altar.

How to get to the lake?

To reach the sacred water reservoir and the temple next to it, you should use public transport : take Port 162 to Victoria Square and get to Forest Side after taking the bus 168 and get off at the Bois Cheri Rd stop. The entrance to the temple near the lake is free.