Explore Paschim Kaashi
St. James Hindu Mandir
General Information
The Port-of-Spain Hindu Mandir also known as Paschim Kaashi (Benares of the West) is Trinidad's most magnificent Hindu Mandir. Located in St.James, "the city that never sleeps", the Mandir is a local landmark that contrasts with the bustling atmosphere of the pubs and businesses on the Western Main Road.
Built in 1962 to serve the religious needs of the Hindus of Port-of-Spain, the mandir regularly holds religious prayers or pujas on Sundays and on the days of religious festivals. The Mandir is uniquely Trinidadian in design and construction. Within its walls are the most beautiful murtis (idols) imported from India made especially for the Mandir. A manicured garden exists to provide fresh flowers used for worship. It contains trees that have been sacred to Hindus for thousands of years. At the back of the mandir there is a cultural centre containing classrooms where dance, music, craft and Hindi are taught. Kitchen facilities and washrooms are also located in the back.
The Mandir is open to all visitors. The main mandir is open for worship on Sundays at 8:00 am but for security reasons other visits may be made during the week by telephoning the caretaker at (868) 622 9433. Visits by tour groups must be arranged in advance. The Rules and Guidelines of the Mandir apply to all visitors at all times.
The Mandir is an Orthodox Sanatanist Hindu Mandir of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha of Trinidad and Tobago Incorporated. It is also branch # 24 of the SDMS. The President of the Mandir and the branch is Ronald ‘Gobee’ Lakhan.
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Upcoming Events
Ganesh Utsav
AUGÂ 24TH - SEPÂ 4TH 2017
Celebrate the festival of Ganapati Baba.
Pitra Paksh
SEPTEMBER 6TH-19TH 2017
Pitra Paksha or Pitri Paksha is the 16-lunar-day period in which Hindus pay homage to their ancestors through food offerings. The offerings are usually done by the male members of the family.
This period is considered an inausÂpicious time to splurge as pundits recommend not to conduct business transactions, start new ventures or build homes during this period.
Origins
One of the most well-known stories about the origins of this festivity is found in the Mahabharata epic.
Karna, the king of Anga, now present-day Bhagalpur and Munger of the Indian state of Bihar, was the eldest son
of Kunti and the Sun god Surya Dev. Karna was well-known for his charitable acts and spent all his life dedicaÂted to helping the needy and downtrodden. When he was killed in battle and his soul transcended to the heavens, he was welcomed by the gods and his great acts of charity were returned in gold and jewels, instead of food.
Karna questioned the lord of the heavens, Indra, why he was being given precious jewels and not food. Indra told him his charitable deeds donated all his life were in the form of gold, never food, to his ancestors. Karna was abandoned by his birth mother and was raised by a charioteer. He was unaware
of his ancestors, and it was only near death did he learn of his parents and other relatives and therefore did not give charity in honour of his ancesÂtors.
Upon learning this and to make amends, Karna prayed to the Lord Yama (god of death) for forgiveness. He was permitted 15 days to return to earth to perform Sharaddha (donations) and to give food and water in their memory.
Ritual
The ritual is usually conducted by the eldest male member of the family. This person takes a bath and makes a kush grass ring. The use of the kush grass is symbolic as it represents benevolence and purity and is used to invoke the ancestors.
The offering of a mixture with water, white rice, black til, white flowers and tulsi leaf is made. The perforÂmer scoops the mixture into their right hand and the water is offered, carefully falling between the index finger and thumb. A mantra is said and the blessing of Lord Krishna is sought.
It is important to note the ritual is not given to the dead but offered in honour of them, through the medium of God’s blessing. It is seeking the blessing from God to ease the journey in the afterlife of one’s forefathers. It not only honours the ancestors but also
creates a positive path for the person performing the ritual. It is a link to the past and symbolises care given to elders. The family cooks food and shares to the needy. They also give clothing and money.
Navratam
SEP 20TH-29TH 2017
DURGA ASHTAMI SEP 28TH 2017
Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. The word Navaratri means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Devi are worshipped. Navaratri is an important major festival and is celebrated all over the world.
Divali / Maha Lakshmi Puja
WEDNESDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2017
Shub Divali to all our devotees.