Not far from where I allways stay when I am in Mauritius, I came across this rather small temple. We had been on a tour to another place close by and because we passed this temple we made a stop here before we continued back home. The three of us were all alone here. The temple is called Draupadee Ammen Kovil and located in the outskirts of the small town called Fond du Sac, surrounded by fields of sugarcanes. The Tamil temple is colorful and beautifully decorated. Last time I was here, I also visited a Tamil temple in Port Louis, which is much larger and one of the oldest. This temple is small, but just as amazing as any other of the Tamil temples spread all over the island.
Draupadi, who has given name to the temple, is worshiped as a Goddess. She is known as the brother of Krishna. The Draupadi Ammen cult has a popular saying, that she was reincarnated in order to help him destroy the arrogant rulers in India. The temples of Draupadi Amman are usually small and mostly located in more remote places. Just like this one in Fond du Sac. But even so, all that has to do with relevant rituels will be send as messages to other villages, so that they can all come togeter to celebrate The Tamil who visited the temple together with my husband and I, also told us that if the temple needed repair, preparations for festivals etc. the villagers will come together and help each other.
The first settlers from India is believed to have arrived Mauritius at the beginning of the French colonial era (1715 -1810). During this period many immigrants arrived. Some of these immigrants were Tamils from India. But after what I have managed to find out, there were no Hindu temple on the island before 1850. As I walk around this temple I had a look at all the colorful figures. I do recognize some of these deieties, but what I enjoyed the most, is the peaceful feeling.
Info and source about the Draupadi Amman temples:
https://www.astroved.com/astropedia/en/temples/south-india/draupadi-amman-temple
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