Triptych: Three Hindu Temples of Trinidad

These photographs are some of the temples I've photographed in Trinidad. Two of them I've visited a couple of times, and the one I've only been to once is the only one where I attended a full ceremony. I hope to grow this section of my archives, photographing many more in the future. If you know of one I should see and document, please let me know.

Reform Village, Gasparillo, Trinidad | Shiva Mandir

I visited this temple a couple of times, though that was many years ago. On one occasion, I photographed not only the mandir but some of the parishioners too — they reenacted a wedding for me to photograph, which I used in my 2014 calendar! This mandir is one of the few original Hindu temples remaining in Trinidad and Tobago, and I fell in love with the structure the moment I saw it. It's a truly beautiful mandir, and I hope to revisit it and capture some updated photographs.

Waterloo, Trinidad | Temple in the Sea

I've visited and photographed this beautiful temple many times. Officially known as Sewdass Sadhu Shiva Mandir, it's not only a wonderful place to visit but holds deep importance for those of the Hindu faith, and for our country as a whole. It's a story of resilience — the man who built the first temple on the seashore, Sewdass Sadhu, was arrested and the temple demolished. Undeterred, he decided to build the Temple in the Sea instead, avoiding arrest by constructing it just offshore. It took him 25 years to complete, and it sits on a man-made island.

Chaguanas, Trinidad | Edinburgh Hindu Temple

I've only been to this temple once, and it was for a sacred observance. My professor and classmates were invited to attend the first day of the Navrātri Yagna, where we watched the Devi Murti arrive and be installed. It was a beautiful ceremony — we looked on in reverence and even got to speak with the pundit afterward. I'm looking forward to photographing this temple again, and to attending another festival there someday.