Vitthal, a form of Bhagwan Shri Krishna, is revered in the entire Maharashtra. The main temple is at Pandharpur. Interestingly, there are many Hindu temples in Mauritius like Ganga Talao temple, Sagar Shiv, Shiv Shakti temple and many others. One amongst them is Pandurang Kshetra temple. Pandurang, also known as Vitthal or Vithoba with love, is the form of Bhagwan Krishna. In Maharashtra at Pandharpur is the temple dedicated to Pandurang. The entire Maharashtra is immersed in Pandurang Bhakti especially during Ashadi Ekadashi. The Warkari tradition has been part of Hindu culture in Maharashtra since the 13th Century. Every single Hindu has the wish to undertake this pedestrian pilgrimage to Pandharpur on this day.
Vitthal temple at Cascavelle is said to be the Pandhari of Mauritius. The place has been tirth Kshetra for more than 120 years. However, the temple was renovated in 2011. The place is said to be the Ugamsthan – origin of Marathi language – in Mauritius. Idols of Ganapati, Bhagwan Shiva and Sai Baba are also present within the temple.
Cascavelle village is actually a shopping village. The shopping precinct was developed in 2011 in 12000 sq mt. The entire city is developed in six parts on 350 hectares of land. The city has been designed to ensure overall economic, social and environmental sustainability. The place is loved by the tourists. However, the residents love the Vitthal temple and it is an essential part of their life.
The temple design is simple and non traditional. Like most of the temples of Mauritius, this temple too is also spacious, clean and white in colour. The large hall representing mandapas for social gathering or collective worship are a part of the complex. The shikhara is missing. Yet the Bhav prevails. The need of a space to come together in the mindset of Bhakti is definitely fulfilled by the temple structure. This temple is representative of the transformation of temple architecture with time and place.
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