Chinmaya Mission Trinidad and Tobago will mark Maha Shivratri with its annual Shiva Ganga Maha Yatra, now in its tenth year.
This year’s sacred journey leads devotees to the country’s most north-eastern mandir, nestled in the hills of Platanal.
The 20-kilometre walk will begin in Valencia and winds through the rugged terrain of untouched forest, before culminating at Tapovan Ashram.
Initiated by spiritual head Swami Prakashananda, the yatra is meant to cultivate tapas – disciplined spiritual effort, titiksha – patient endurance through difficulties and tirtha – a sacred crossing from ignorance to higher understanding.
Observed in silence, the walk is accompanied by the mental chanting of Om Namah Shivaya, while devotees carry consecrated water, or Ganga Jal, to offer upon the Shiva Lingam — the sacred representation of Lord Shiva.
In previous years, the pilgrimage began at the Marianne River in Blanchisseuse and concluded at the “growing” lingam at the Patiram Trace Mandir in Penal, spanning five days and approximately 120km.
The journey would commence at 4AM, with the resonant sound of the sankh or conch shell, followed by prayer and the soft rustle of gravel as yatris set out in reverent silence.
During the pilgrimage, a dedicated team of sevaks (volunteers) ensure that light refreshments, medical assistance, and necessary facilities are available to support participants along the way.
Through discipline, endurance, and devotion, the Shiva Ganga Maha Yatra continues to transform a simple walk into a powerful pilgrimage of inner awakening.
