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Temple celebrates its 123rd annual chariot procession

Temple celebrates its 123rd annual chariot procession

Author: Prelisha Pillay
Date: 2013-05-02
One of South Africa's oldest temples, the Shree Emperumal Hindu Temple Society of Mt. Edgecombe celebrated its 123rd annual chariot procession on Saturday the 27th of April 2013. The temple, which is a historical monument, was built in 1875 making this the 138th year of its existence. The chariot festival began in 1890 by the indentured labourers from India. This renowned event attracts thousands of devotees to the temple and provides an opportunity for them to engage in both a spiritual and historical journey.

Sunny Pillay, devotee and treasurer of the Shree Emperumal Hindu Temple Society, said: "the reasons for celebrating the festival are to usher in the New Year during the month of chitray; to pray for the growth of sugar cane; and to honour the Thiru Kalyana (marriage) of Lord Vishnu to his consort Shri Luxmi Devi. Prayers commenced at the temple on the 19th of April and continued for a period of 10 days. On the 10th day the striking chariot departed from the Shree Emperumal Hindu Temple Society at 10:30am and took to the streets of Mt. Edgecombe and Phoenix, creating a spiritual atmosphere with vibrant songs being rendered in celebration of this auspicious event.