Patiram Trace Hindu Shiva Temple at Penal in Trinidad

Patiram Trace Shiva Temple at Penal in Trinidad is famous for a Swayabhu (self manifested) Shivling. The Shivalingam in Patiram Trace Shiva Mandir is still growing according to devotees who are regular visitors to the temple. Penal town is located southwest of Trinidad. Nearly 25% of the population of Trinidad are Hindus.

According to local people about a century ago, a man was hired to clean the bush on top of the hill on the outskirts of Penal. After clearing some bush, he tried to sharpen his sword on a stone protruding on hill. Suddenly, the stone chipped and milk flowed from the stone. Some people also say that blood flowed from it. After the incident the man lost his eyesight.

But he realized the power existing there and soon a small Shiva shrine was erected and he took care of the divine Shivling. Being blind he could not take care of the lingam properly and the man prayed to Shiva to have his eyes restored. It is said that soon he got back his sight and devoted his entire life to the care of temple. Now, his family members are the custodians of the temple.

Thousands of devotees visit the shrine during Shivratri and on holidays. A highlight of the place is the numerous flags left by devotees known as jhandi flags.

Penal Town is around 54km south of Port of Spain.

The Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple and the Temple in the Sea or the Waterloo temple are two of the famous Hindu Temples in Trinidad.