In 1936, Soobramoney Ramsamy Poonen founded a private aalayum (abode) in the former Kalamazoo, an Asian trading market in Boksburg, thus creating a place of worship entrenched in the Hindu and Tamil cultures.
Assisted by his daughter, Chilliamah Angale, as interest in the temple grew, Shree Marieamman Kalieamman Siva Subramanyam Aalayam (SMKSSA) was opened to the public in 1959, allowing devotees and members to seek solace and peace amid the carved deities and connect with the universal energy.
In the early 60s, the Ramsamy Poonen family were victims of the apartheid era’s Group Areas Act that forced them to leave their home, heritage and aalayum because they, like many other Indian families, were relocated to Actonville, Benoni.
As they settled into a matchbox-sized home on Wynberg Street, allotted by the National Party government, the family saw a golden opportunity in the face of adversity.
At this time, the aalayum was in the hands of Amoy Morgan, nee Lutchmee, and Veerin Moonsamy, who set out to re-establish it in the Actonville community.
After a visit by then-mayor Morris Nestadt, the Wynberg Street Temple, as it became known, was declared a permanent place of worship.
Now 87 years after its humble beginnings, in one of Boksburg’s long-forgotten suburbs, this historic temple underwent a drastic face-lift, and religious ceremonies will continue with the same intensity of the past.
On August 6, SMKSSA officially unveiled the new purpose-built temple to members, devotees and community members.
“Education, community upliftment, youth development, propagation of the Indian language, culture, arts and music are the core pillars of our organisation,” said Phelindren Moonsamy, the president whose family played an integral part in founding the current temple.
“As we acknowledge the continuous changes in the world around us, it became evident that our temple needed to undergo some changes to provide a sanctuary of peace and worship for our members and that we can continue to reach out to those in need in line with our faith.”
Moonsamy said that through the selfless contribution of the congregation, the original rondavel was replaced with a bigger temple to provide more room for the 50 members and 200 devotees.
“The former structure was small, but it provided,” he said.
“We are filled with gratitude that we can open our new temple to the public and believe it will continue to be a beacon of humility as we remain diligent in our service to others.”
Guru Manickum, who served as a priest at the temple for the past year, said every Hindu was obliged to involve themselves in activities that enhanced the community’s wellbeing.
“We are here to support our community in being socially aware and ready to help,” said Manickum.
The community hope for a revival of the youth-centred tutorage once work at the temple was complete.
“Other than offering a religious connection to our members, we offer music, drama, dance and vocal lessons to the young member, thus imparting the rich Indian customs, culture and language on the future custodians of our heritage,” said Moonsamy.
“Covid-19, unfortunately, had a significant impact on these classes, but we hope to revive it as soon as the preliminary renovations are complete.”
With Muthu Mariammam, the mother of the universe and healing, placed at the front of the temple, flanked by representations of her fellow deities, it is hoped SMKSSA will continue to be a beacon of hope to all who seek solitude in its presence.
ALSO READ: Faith-based organisations speak out about effects of Covid-19
ALSO READ: Celebrating Diwali
