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Religion Religion form an integral part of the life of every Tamilian. Tamil Nadu is known to the state with the most number of temples with exquisite architecture. The indentured labor , majority of them Hindus , on arriving in South African found themselves not being able to conduct any form of worship since there were no temples. They then grouped themselves and formed associations and went about collecting money for the construction of temples. The first temple was completed Mount Edgecombe. This served as an encouragement and more temples sprung in those sugar cane plantations where the laborers were employed.. Religion was strictly practiced . The mastery of one’s mother tongue is very helpful in understanding us realize GOD. It is the language that co ordinates thoughts easily and bring out the material and spiritual culture. Lord Shiva, Sakthi , Lord Narayanana and Murgan were worshiped. As the indentured labors grew in stature more books and literature were acquired from Tamil Nadu and SriLanka. Due to the sanctions that were applied , Priests were brought in from SriLanka to conduct our prayers, although many temples still have local priests. No Priests were allowed to come to South Africa. With the western culture being introduced among Indian a small number of them opted for the Christian faith. There is now a growing need from devotees to perform their rituals and prayer in Tamil while at the current moment it is conducted in SANSKRIT. Over the past ten years temples have been actively recruiting priests from Tamil Nadu to conduct prayers in Tamil. There are some 200 temples in KwaZulu-Natal. There is no difference in the worship in Tamil Nadu and South Africa. Songs are still sung from the Thevaram , Thiruvasagam and Aruptaa. Most of the other religious songs have been put to music and imported from Tamil Nadu. We believe that the current plan of action will ensure that the Religion of the people will survive. Most of our deities are imported from Tamil Nadu and are commissioned by temples when the need arises for when new temples are constructed. Go to page: [The South African Indian] [Language] [Culture] Religion |
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