Grand Bassin: The Untold Story of its Transformation into a National Pilgrimage Site
From Wilderness to Worship
Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, holds a sacred place in the hearts of Hindus in Mauritius. Over the years, it has transformed from a secluded lake into the country’s most revered Hindu pilgrimage site. This transformation was not incidental; it was the result of tireless efforts by key individuals and institutions within the Hindu community, particularly the Hindu Maha Sabha under the leadership of its then-President, Beekrumsing Ramlallah. His unwavering dedication, alongside the commitment of the Sabha’s executive members and the instrumental support of the then Minister of Agriculture, Hon Satcam Boolell, ensured that Grand Bassin became a recognized national pilgrimage site.
Visit to Grand Bassin to locate the land prior to the lease to Hindu Maha Sabha. From left to right: G.Goodye, Pandit Jugdish Sharma, J. Ruhee, B. Ramlallah, D. Toolsee, Hon S. Boolell, Mr Edgerly (Conservator of Forests), R.Sohun, M.Sewraz, G.B.Beeharry, D.Seewoochurn. (Mr Padaruth Ojha also formed part of the group)
Despite these monumental efforts, the Hindu Maha Sabha failed to acknowledge these contributions during its 100th anniversary celebrations, which took place last week at Grand Bassin during Maha Shivratri in the presence of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. The present Executive Committee of the HMS cannot plead ignorance of these historical facts, as a formal request was made to the Mauritius Times for information and press cuttings on the transformation of Grand Bassin into a major pilgrimage site, as well as the contributions of Beekrumsing Ramlallah and his associates in securing a 100-year lease of land there. This lease was pivotal in transforming the site into a permanent pilgrimage centre for Hindus and a significant tourist attraction visited by thousands annually.
Beyond official records, Beekrumsing Ramlallah’s personal efforts, along with family members and relatives, as well as the staff of Nalanda Company Ltd and the Mauritius Times, played a crucial role in improving conditions at Grand Bassin. He had previously imported a mobile electricity generator from England, which was used for several years to ensure the safety and comfort of thousands of pilgrims before the authorities officially installed electricity at the site. This dedication extended to the President of Jay Hind Samaj of La Flora, Mr Manilall Ramdin, and his devoted team, including Messrs Madan and Moti Torul, who tirelessly served pilgrims for over six years, providing food and shelter during Maha Shivratri.
The recognition of Grand Bassin as a national pilgrimage centre did not happen overnight. The perseverance of the Hindu Maha Sabha, supported by then Minister Satcam Boolell, resulted in the government’s formal designation of the site as a protected pilgrimage centre in 1960. A special Advisory Committee, which included representatives from the government and the Hindu Maha Sabha, laid the groundwork for this recognition. Their recommendations led to the declaration of Grand Bassin as a Public Beauty Spot and a Wildlife Sanctuary, ensuring its preservation for future generations. This initiative culminated in the leasing of 10A65 of land to the Hindu Maha Sabha in 1962, providing the foundation for the development of the pilgrimage site.
The establishment of temples, shelters, and other infrastructure at Grand Bassin was made possible through the collective vision and dedication of various Hindu leaders. A meeting convened by Beekrumsing Ramlallah, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, led to the resolution to construct a temple at the site. This was realized through the generous contribution of Mrs R.K. Boodhun, who built the temple in memory of her late husband, Barrister Boodhun.
The legacy of these selfless leaders continues to shape the social and religious landscape of Mauritius. Their commitment to community welfare ensured that the sacrifices of early Indian immigrants were honoured and that future generations would benefit from their perseverance. However, it is unfortunate that their contributions are not always acknowledged. The history of Grand Bassin as a national pilgrimage site is a testament to the efforts of those who placed the interests of the community and country above their own, paving the way for a heritage that remains deeply cherished today.
Reproduced from the Mauritius Times – 7th March 1975
Maha Shivratri Festival
How Grand Bassin became a great national pilgrimage centre
Shivaratri is once more at our door. The eyes and the minds of Hindus are focussed on Grand-Bassin – Pari Talav (the lake of angels), Shivji and their temples.
The sense of piety, devotion, sacrifice with which it was celebrated by the older generation was marvellous.
Few countries where Hindus have settled, they have given that festival such solemnity.
In India, devotees bring water from the sacred river Ganga to offer to Shivji. The early Indian immigrants to Mauritius were grieved: how to get the water of Ganga to offer to Shivji?
In 1898 four immigrants, Pandits Sajivanlal Maharaj, Jagat Maharaj, Bunsi Maharaj and Neetye Maharaj set out on an exploration mission. After days of walking through dense forests they saw almost in the centre of the island a virgin lake inaccessible and untouched by civilisation. They thought that the water of that lake could be substituted for the Ganga water.
That news was well received by devotees. And that was the beginning of the long march of pilgrims towards Grand Bassin for the Maha Shivratri.
It took them three days and three nights of extremely strenuous and at times dangerous walking to go there and come back through hills, bogs and dense forests, facing the hasards of rain or scorching sun.
At that time, pilgrims were not allowed to wear shoes (even canvas did not exist). That was sacrificed at its peak of devotion to their deity.
For more than half a century of ordeals of the pilgrims the situation did not change. Who cared in those days to build the roads leading to Grand Bassin for the use of Hindus or to give the pilgrims some comfort?
In the early fifties at the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee, it dawned upon Mr Jaynarain Roy to get the access road to Grand Bassin built. He talked to his friend, Mr Soomer Balgobin. Both were MLAs of South and members of the S.I.L.W.F. Committee.
Mr Balgobin tabled a motion at the Fund’s Committee strongly backed by Mr Roy. After lengthy and protracted debates, the motion was passed. It is to the credit of these two gentlemen and of that Committee that a decent road was built. Later it was tarred.
Some years back at the request of Hon. Basant Rai, two furnished large halls were built by that Committee and the C.E.B. kindly accepted to supply electricity to Grand Bassin.
The pilgrimage then acquired still larger dimensions. More pilgrims, specially youths and ladies, started going. Devotees by the thousands went in cars and buses to pray.
Indeed, it became a national place of pilgrimage.
For more than six years, the President of Jay Hind Samaj of La Flora, Mr Manilall Ramdin, helped by his team of untiring associates, Messrs Madan, Moti Torul and others were present at Grand Bassin for four days and nights during Shivratri, organising, looking after and feeding the pilgrims, invitees and the poor. That was a supreme act of sacrifice.
Sometime later, the Hindu Maha Sabha under the chairmanship of Mr Beekrumsing Ramlallah, backed by Mr J. Ruhee, the Secretary of the H.M.S. thought that something more lasting should be done, so that Grand Bassin would become a permanent and officially recognised pilgrimage centre for Hindus.
Below is an account of the efforts made by the Government prompted by Minister Satcam Boolell and the Hindu Maha Sabha.
When the Hindu Maha Sabha acquired the land around the lake, Mrs R. K. Boodhun, in memory of her husband, the late Barrister Boodhun, built the temple which stands on the foreground of the lake.
Grand Bassin became Govt recognised Pilgrimage Centre thanks to the Request of Hindu Maha Sabha Executives of 1960.
On 21st November 1960, at the behest of Hon. Satcam Boolell, Minister of Agriculture & Natural Resources & the Environment, an advisory Committee composed of the following members:
(1) The Conservator of Forests (2) The Manager, Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund (3) The General Manager, Government Tourist Office, (4) The Hon. R. Balgobin, Mauritius Labour Congress, and (5) The President of the Hindu Maha Sabha (represented by Hon. B. Ramlallah), was appointed to advise on the best practical means to be adopted to preserve Grand Bassin as a Pilgrimage Centre and Beauty Spot.
On the 12th January 1961, the Committee submitted, inter-alia, the following recommendations.
(i) that Crown Land Grand Bassin (140 Arpents) be set aside and designated as a Public Beauty Spot and a Wild Life Sanctuary, and placed under the protection of the Forest Department;
(ii) that Grand Bassin Lake be declared an acknowledged Pilgrimage Centre for the Hindu Community and that all fishing in it be prohibited;
(iii) that provision be made for the setting aside of an adequate area of the land surrounding the Lake for lease to a representative Hindu Religious Body having adequate private funds for the purpose of erecting suitable buildings including temples and shrines, intended for the use of pilgrims, the plans for such buildings and the terms of lease of the land to be in keeping with (i) above, and to have the prior approval of Government;
(iv) that the lands surrounding the Lake to a maximum depth of up to 250 yards and covering an area of approximately 30 acres be treated with a view to developing the natural beauties of the area by cultural operations, by creating footpaths, by erecting rustic kiosks, and by “landscaping” as necessary in order to improve or expand existing vantage and viewpoints and beauty spots;
Leased to HMS
On the 27th January 1961, a decision was taken by the Government for the development of the Crown Land Grand Bassin (140 Arpents) as a beauty spot, wild life sanctuary, and pilgrimage centre and the Conservator of Forests taking action along the lines recommended by the advisory Committee mentioned in paragraph 1 to improve the amenities and prohibit shooting and fishing.
The Government also agreed that a portion of the area might be made available for leasing to a representative Hindu religious body for the purpose of shelters, etc., temples or shrines, the terms of such lease and the plans of the buildings being subject to Govt. approval. Afterwards 2A24 was leased to the S.I.L.W.F and 10A65 to the Hindu Maha Sabha. The lease was to hold from 9th November 1962 to 13th June 2062 A.D. under the following special conditions:
(a) the land including the islet to be used solely as a pilgrimage centre and for the erection of a Temple and Ashram;
(b) the shooting of birds or animals straying on the land and fishing in Grand Bassin Lake are prohibited;
(c) no buildings will be erected except with the approval of the Town and Country Planning Officer; the plans of such buildings being subject to Government approval;
(d) Government and the public shall have the use of any public roads constructed within the area.
Temple at G.B.
When the land around Grand Bassin was leased, the President of the Hindu Maha Sabha B. Ramlallah called a meeting of Hindu leaders under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, Hon Dr. Ramgoolam. It was resolved that a suitable temple be built there.
Later Mrs R. K. Boodhun was kind enough to build the temple.
Since the last decade or so the organisation at Grand Bassin and other matters connected with the Shivratri pilgrimage are organised jointly by the Hindu Maha Sabha and the Sanatan Dharma Temple Federation under the leadership of Hon. Basant Rai, O.B.E.
Mauritius Times – 7th March 1975
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