Submitted by Nishi Ramkhelawan
Nestled in the cool green mountains, shrouded by wispy clouds and lush foliage, a pathway leads towards the pealing sounds of temple bells and a trumpeting conch shell. Amid the warm glow of oil lamps and erected upon sacred grounds, dappled by fragrant calendula flowers, stands a three-metre-high Lord Shiva murthi (statue).
This glorious image of the Hindu deity Shiva was manifested in a vision during a meditation session by Cedric John Hood (CJ). Hood, the owner of Reptile World in Winterton, is a spiritually enlightened individual who was drawn into the mystic world of Hinduism while attending a meditation camp in the Himalayas. Enthralled by this age-old religion, Hood has been curiously captivated by the Hindu deities Ganesha, Shiva and Hanuman.
He has since been to India on four occasions, just to learn more.
Old friend Noddy Jinabhai and wife Prescilla from Durban have been instrumental in assisting Hood in realising his many aspirations. The Jinabhais helped locate and place a Shiva statue on his prayer grounds.
After the construction of the Shiva murthi, he was instructed (once again during meditation) to build a murthi of Hanuman.
Lord Hanuman, who is also an incarnation of Lord Shiva, is a figure of great strength, perseverance and devotion.
Another couple from Durban, Allan and Nishi Ramkhelawan (ardent devotees of Lord Shiva), were also constantly drawn to the spiritual magnetism of this newfound home of Lord Shiva.
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During one of their visits, Hood showed the couple the incomplete sculpture of Lord Hanuman. Delighted and mesmerised by the workmanship, Nishi asked if she could assist with the painting of the murthi upon completion.
Noddy Jinhabhai and Prescilla then secured the services of a priest, Pundit Alankar, to conduct a consecration ceremony and also approached the Ramkhelawan couple to join them.
Various organisations from all over KZN and Gauteng participated in this grand event, which was held on February 5.
There were over 600 people in attendance.
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