Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramoniar Temple

Clairwood Shri Shiva Soobramoniar Temple
C.S.S.S.T
Muruga), Valli and Devasena
Festivals	Thaipusam Kavady
Location
Location	Clairwood
State	KwaZulu-Natal
Country	South Africa
Location in Durban
Geographic coordinates	29°54′40″S 30°59′5″E / 29.91111°S 30.98472°E / -29.91111; 30.98472
Architecture
Date established	1889
Completed	1921
Specifications
Temple(s)	2 (large) and 3 (small)
Elevation	13.5 m (44 ft)
Website
www.cssst-sa.com

Clairwood Shri Shiva Subrahmanyar Temple, also known as C.S.S.S.T, is a

.

Legend

Legend and folklore has it that the earliest origins of the

indentured labourers

settled here.

This man was first observed sitting in deep meditation under a tree on the bank of the Amanzimyama river. His appearance, demeanor and mysticism caused a great stir of interest among the community. When the residents went to meet and have an audience with the holy man, however, they sadly found that he had left the place and disappeared.

What they did find through, was that he had left behind a boulder in the shape of a lingam with three white stripes and a red dot, and a vel fashioned out of wire. The perplexed residents not yet having a temple in the area, perceived this to be a divine message to build a temple on the site of the lingum and vel.

Thus was the built the first temple around the lingum and vel.

History

One devoted and spiritual-minded person in the name of Arumuga Soobramoney Paradassi established a

, Amman Gargams and other incidental practices were embarked upon. In this way the people became enlightened to throw in their forces in support of the temple work. During this period there was no constructional progress although funds were being accumulated and this gave rise to differences of views as to the future developments and others were very enthusiastic and co-operated with a view to make substantial improvement and to plan the erection of a permanent temple on the piece acquired in Sirdar Road. However this did not materialise during the term of office of the present officials. At that stage the Indian population of the area increased tremendously and the congregation grew larger and larger.

In the year 1919, the first move of the committee was to transfer the existing temple to its new place in Sirdar Road and to rename the temple as the Shree Siva Soobramoniar Temple. A quick move was made to raise sufficient funds in cash and kind to start building operations in Sirdar road. Donations in cash and kind were pouring in through special efforts of the people and the main temple was completed, other community members gave of their services free of charge. The officials continued with the building programmes and completed the other subsidiary temple, including the Drobathy Ammen temple. Soon after this various prominent people in the district of Clairwood donated idols which are still in the temple up to this day.

Immediately after the completion of the temple work the committee made a bold move to erect a very large hall to hold social functions and for the benefit of the devotees . The residents willingly contributed towards the erection of this hall. The committees were admired for its efforts in conducting festivals and services associated with the temple.

Ever since the Temple was transferred to Sirdar Road under the designation of Shree Siva Soobramoniar Temple various additions and improvements have taken place to enhance the surroundings and uplift the spirituality of devotees.

Festivals

See also

• Kaumaram
• Six Abodes of Lord Muruga
• Skanda Purana
• Kanda Shasti Kavasam

External links

• Murugan devotional songs collection on youtube
• Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramoniar Temple on Facebook