Sacred Hindu pilgrimage site in the heart of Mauritius
Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, is a crater lake situated in a secluded mountain area. It is considered the most sacred Hindu place in Mauritius and one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites outside India.
The lake is surrounded by temples dedicated to various Hindu deities, with the most striking feature being the 33-meter tall statue of Lord Shiva - the Mangal Mahadev - which stands guard at the entrance and is visible from miles away.
During the Maha Shivaratri festival, over 400,000 Hindu devotees make the pilgrimage to Grand Bassin, many walking barefoot from their homes across the island in a display of devotion.
Highlights
- 33-meter tall Shiva statue (Mangal Mahadev)
- Sacred crater lake
- Multiple Hindu temples
- Peaceful spiritual atmosphere
- Wild monkeys around the lake
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