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Champ-Borne, 97440 Saint-André
The Temple du Colosse is dedicated to the goddess Pandialé, the goddess of fire. It was built by Indian indentured labourers in the 19th century. It has grown from a modest temple to become the largest Tamil temple on Reunion Island.
The story goes that a ship named Le Colosse was shipwrecked nearby, hence the origin of its name. The temple is both astonishing and intriguing: it’s huge and imposing, thanks to its vivid colors. It is decorated with numerous mythological figures. On the right, Mourouga, represented by a fawn, embodies beauty, youth and strength. To her left is her brother Ganesh, god of intelligence and knowledge, with the head of an elephant and the body of a child. All Tamil ceremonies begin with a tribute to this god.
The best time to go is at the beginning of January, during the festival dedicated to the goddess Pandialé. This ceremony consists of walking on a brazier, commonly known as fire-walking, after a 20-day vegan Lent.