A new book documenting the history of a Hindu temple in northern Fiji is preserving the story of faith, migration and community struggle that has shaped generations of Indo-Fijians.
The History of Hanuman Garhi, Waiqele Labasa, written by Vasudev Maharaj, was launched at Gopal Sadhu Hanuman Garhi Mandir in Waiqele, Labasa, with devotees, community members and elders attending the event.
National Federation Party leader Prof. Biman Prasad was among those who attended the launch and praised the publication as an important record of Fiji’s cultural history.
The story of Hanuman Garhi is closely connected to Gopal Sadhu, who travelled from India to Fiji on a religious pilgrimage after the end of the indenture system in 1919.
Thousands of Indians continued to make the difficult three-month, 11,500-kilometre journey to Fiji after indenture ended, seeking new opportunities and a better life.
Gopal Sadhu was among them. He eventually settled in Nakasi and never returned to India, spending the remainder of his life in Fiji.
According to accounts preserved in the community, Sadhu Gopal became known for promoting peace and unity. He later handed his property to his daughter and son-in-law, the late Mr and Mrs B D Lakshman of Navua.
His life also reflected the challenges faced by Indians in Fiji during the period.
Community accounts recall that residents approached Gopal Sadhu after experiencing harassment by white settlers. He subsequently helped form a group to protest and seek government intervention.
During one such protest, while travelling towards Suva to meet authorities, Gopal Sadhu was shot in the leg near the Rewa Dairy factory in the area then known as Four Miles.
The injury reportedly left him with a permanent scar and affected his ability to walk for the rest of his life.
As his health deteriorated, he remained at his small hut, devoting much of his time to prayer.
For Prof. Prasad, the book captures more than the history of a temple. It records the sacrifices, struggles and determination of earlier generations who built temples, schools, Ramayan mandalis and other community institutions with limited resources.
“We must know not only where we are going, but also where we have come from.”
He urged young people to read the book and learn about the history, language, culture and faith of earlier generations.
Prof. Prasad said the stories of community elders needed to be documented before they were lost.
The publication is intended to ensure that the story of Hanuman Garhi, and the people whose lives shaped it, remains accessible to future generations.
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