Sewdass Sadhu Shiva Mandir
The year 2025 marks 180 years since the arrival of Indians in Trinidad and Tobago. During a recent address to the Indian diaspora in Port of Spain, Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought into light the contributions of Indian-origin personalities in the Caribbean. Among them was Sewdass Sadhu, an indentured labourer who built the iconic Temple in the Sea. This temple stands as a symbol of faith and determination for the Indo-Trinidadian community and beyond.
Historical Background of Indian Migration
Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago in 1845. They came mainly from Bhojpur and Awadh regions of present-day Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Most came as indentured labourers to work on sugar plantations. Today, people of Indian origin make up nearly 40% of the country’s population. Their religious practices include Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and Sikhism.
The Story of Sewdass Sadhu
Sewdass Sadhu was an indentured labourer who built the Temple in the Sea. In 1947, he first constructed the temple on land owned by Tate and Lyle Limited, a sugar company. The temple was demolished and Sadhu was imprisoned for trespassing. Undeterred, he decided to build the temple in the sea, where no private ownership applied. Over 25 years he worked alone, using a bicycle to carry materials. His effort resulted in an octagonal, one-storey temple off Waterloo, Carapichaima.
Architectural and Cultural Significance
The Temple in the Sea, also known as Sewdass Sadhu Shiva Mandir, features classic Hindu architectural elements. These include colourful gopurams, domed mandaps and ornate ceilings. Its location in the Gulf of Paria connects it to land by a walkway, similar to Mumbai’s Haji Ali dargah. The temple attracts pilgrims and visitors globally. It becomes a focal point during Hindu festivals such as Diwali, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Indo-Trinidadian community.
Legacy and Recognition
Sewdass Sadhu’s story is often compared to Dashrath Majhi, the Mountain Man of Bihar, who carved a path through a mountain over 22 years. Both men symbolize perseverance and devotion. Recently, the Government of India announced that Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards will be extended to the sixth generation of people of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago. This move recognises the deep ties between India and its diaspora and aims to support the preservation of Girmitiya legacy.
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