|
Grand Bassin, Mauritius is a must visit must natural attraction in Mauritius. No Mauritius excursion becomes complete without a trip to Grand Bassin, Mauritius. The main attraction of this picturesque Bassin, apart from its spectacular beauty is its interesting legend. Grand Bassin is a sacred lake in Mauritius that is believed to be filled with the waters of the holy Ganges of India. This Lake is of immense religious significance for the Hindus residing here.
According to the legend, it is believed that the Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, was traveling around the earth with his wife Parvati, with holy Ganges water balanced on his head, when he saw this deserted, beautiful island and decided to land here. He then spilled some drops of the sacred Ganges River into a crater of an extinct volcano on this island and created a small lake that we now know as Grand Bassin Lake in Mauritius. After that Shiva prophesized that some of the people who at some point of time have lived along the banks of Ganges in India would later on reside on this island and glorify Ganges here as well.
Every year on the day of Maha Sivaratri, that is "Siva's Great Night", Hindu community staying in Mauritius perform a pilgrimage to this site and honor Lord Siva at the temple located near Grand Bassin, Mauritius with offerings. During the pilgrimage to the Ganga Talao, food like bananas and coconut and various aromatic flowers are offered to the Lord Shiva. This day is usually celebrated on the thirteenth day of the dark half of the passage of the moon in the month of Maasi which falls in the February or March month of the year.
The majestic henna streaked hill located adjacent to the Grand Bassin, Mauritius is known as the Grand Bassin Hill. The Grand Bassin temple is located on the right of this hill. This place is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mauritius. People from far and wide come to this secluded mountain area in the district of Savanne to see the Grand Bassin, Mauritius.
travel.mapsofworld.com provides detailed information on Grand Bassin, Mauritius and other popular Mauritius tourist destinations.
| 
