Tamil temple · Saint-André
Temple du Colosse
A large Tamil temple in Saint-André dedicated to Pandialé, recognisable by its colourful South Indian-inspired architecture. The first place of worship is associated with the Indian indentured labourers (engagés) employed on the sugar estates of the east. The building was rebuilt and enlarged with the help of craftsmen from Madras.
Why it matters
A testament to the settlement, transmission and present-day visibility of Réunion's Tamil traditions; one of the island's most imposing and most visited temples.
History
The area's first place of worship is linked to the settlement of Indian indentured labourers who came to work on the sugar estates of eastern Réunion after the abolition of slavery in 1848. The present building, dedicated to the goddess Pandialé, was rebuilt and enlarged with the help of craftsmen from Madras, giving the temple its colourful South Indian-inspired architecture.
Sources (2)
- https://reunionest.com/loisirs/temple-du-colosse
- https://www.reunion.fr/offres/temple-du-colosse-saint-andre-saint-andre-fr-6056818/
