Shiva Lingam Stone

After seeing a call for volunteer photographers for the National Trust, I quickly contacted them with my interest of contributing in any way I can. I went to the meeting with all the other volunteers and got a list of local heritage sites that they wanted photos of. I took the Penal/Debe area, as it was quite a small list, and I figured I could knock it all out in one day. My friend Baidawi joined me and we headed down. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a few of the places, and many of the people in the area didn't know about some of them, and if they did know of it, they didn't have directions.

Before we started searching for the sites, we stopped off for some doubles, and just about 1 minute walk from the doubles vendor, was the statue of Sundar Popo, one of the items on the list. I took a few photos of it, then we headed off to see the Shiva Lingam Stone. 

Of all the things on the lists, that was the only one that peaked my curiosity and a few days before the visit, I actually looked it up and read about it, and it turned out to be rather interesting. Back in 1900, Mr. Nackchaid was clearing his land and accidentally struck a stone, from which milk started flowing, that night, he had a dream which revealed the stone to be a Shiva Lingam. A thatched roof was built over it and all the villagers began to worship there. Over the years the structure was replaced and additions were made to house more worshipers. It is believed that it would grant wishes to pure hearted devotees. I was really intrigued by this, and was both eager and nervous to see the stone, No shoes were allowed on the premises, and I was afraid to take any photos at such a holy site, but after talking with the curator, I got the permission I needed. Walked around and paid my respects, and just before I left, I went to the room that housed the stone to offer my wish. 

I'm not sure of it was just my imagination, but there was a different energy in the area, I felt somewhat connected to something bigger, almost as if there was a really powerful unseen force. I left feeling calm, relaxed, as if everything was going to be ok, and all my wishes will come true.

Bonus video done by Baidawi

"Must Be More To This Place"
Had the opportunity to tag along with photographer Dayne Reece on his assignment to capture heritage sites for the National Trust of Trinidad & Tobago.
Posted by detnator on Monday, June 22, 2015