A fulfilling experience
DEVOTIONAL hymns created a peaceful and serene atmosphere as devotees queued to offer their prayers at the Shri Mariammen Temple in Mount Edgecombe.
Carrying trays and baskets filled with, among other things, milk and fruit, devotees likened Saturday’s rain to showers of blessings from God.
For as long as Ariana Soorujlall can remember, she has been going to the temple every Easter weekend.
Dressed in a punjabi with a black dot on her forehead, the 12-year-old, from Centenary Park in Phoenix, proudly carried her family’s offerings.
“It is a very auspicious day because it is an opportunity for me to pay homage to God for all that I have in life. Coming to the temple has helped me to grow spiritually and helps me achieve a closer relationship with God.”
The Grade 8 pupil from Greenbury Secondary School said a few months ago her faith was tested when she fell ill.
“I was unable to eat properly and was constantly feeling sick. I believe my prayer helped me get better and today I am also giving thanks to God for my good health.”
Vashisht Prithipal also found attending prayer at the temple fulfilling and enriching.
The 14-year-old, from Northriding in Gauteng, arrived with relatives he had been visiting in Durban.
“This is my first visit to this temple. I like that it is so vibrant and colourful. I was in awe of everything. As a young person I feel attending prayers is important as it helps your mind to stay focused; spiritually it adds value to your life and keeps you grounded.”
Vashisht said he also believed that it was important for the youth to learn about their religious beliefs so they could pass on the knowledge to the next generation.