The Night of Shiva in Mauritius

In spiritual life, each aspirant seeks and appeases his spiritual hunger according to his belief , taste or talent.

Grand Bassin, dotingly called ‘Ganga Talao’ , is a Crater Lake situate in a secluded mountain area in the South of Mauritius. Nestled deep in the core recess of the heart of the island, Grand Bassin is recognized as a sacred lake and a replica of the Holy Ganges by the Hindu populace.Every year, thousands of pilgrims from the four corners of the island converge to its precincts; they collect the sacred water of the lake,to offer to Lord Shiva, on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri or The Night of Shiva. This year, the Night of Shiva is celebrated on 21 February. Zealous pilgrims from the north, the east and the west have started to trek to the south since Friday last, blessed by the intermittent drizzles of the rainy season.

ODE TO SHIVA

Graceful, gorgeous white skinned Lord,

You wear the moon on your head,

You are the elixir of life,

Remover of pain and suffering; Immutable, powerful three-eyed Lord,

You are the Embodiment of Light

Bestower of joy and ecstasy

Destroyer of darkness and ignorance

My song is a prayer to you,

My dance is a worship to you,

My body is your temple,

My soul belongs to you.

Anita Bacha

Illustration/Photography/Anita Bacha Illustration Video/Courtesy of Flying Freaks Aerial Cinematography