The Temple in the Sea, located in Waterloo, Trinidad and
Tobago, is one of the most representative symbols of the spiritual
perseverance, religious freedom, and cultural identity of Trinidad and Tobago.
Built with the vision and determination of Siewdass Sadhu,
this sanctuary represents an extraordinary example of faith, dedication, and
community service. His story is internationally recognized as a testament to
commitment to spiritual and cultural values that enrich human heritage.
As a symbol of coexistence, respect, and cultural
diversity, the Temple in the Sea constitutes an invaluable legacy for present
and future generations.
INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTE TO THE TEMPLE IN THE SEA
Tribute is paid to Sewdass Sadhu, an indentured labourer
and visionary.
He migrated to Trinidad from India and built a temple by
the sea.
The land belonged to a well-established foreign sugar
company.
They demanded that he remove it from their site or face a
penalty.
*
Sadhu refused, was fined, and sent to prison for 14 days.
The temple was destroyed, but Sadhu remained unfazed.
He was determined to rebuild the temple upon his release.
He could not build it on land, and he decided to build it
in the sea.
*
In 1947, Sadhu rode his bicycle to transport stones,
cement, and sand.
To extend the border, he took the materials to the coast of
the island.
He created a rocky pathway, and brick by brick, he built the
temple in the Gulf.
In 1952, the pathway into the Gulf of Paria and the temple
were completed.
*
The Temple in the Sea was named the ‘Sewdass Sadhu Shiva
Mandir.’
It is a Hindu mandir in Waterloo, Carapichaima, Trinidad
and Tobago.
In 1995, the temple was renovated by Randolph Rampersad.
CIESART TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO pays tribute to Sewdass Sadhu’s
vision for this miracle.
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