-From its beginning in 1920 to now
NOT MANY books have been compiled over the years on the history of the many Hindu temples throughout Guyana, although 37% Hindus make up its population. Despite what others may say, religion and individual churches, through their own programmes, helped shape Guyanese way of life over the years.
It is rare to come across a whole book completely devoted to a particular Hindu temple, for several reasons, the principal being the lack of records to access as a starting point.
This literary context is critical for the publication at reference, as it confirms Lal Balkaran’s volume as a resurgence on an individual church history, a somewhat neglected literary genre in Guyanese writing.
‘A History of the Versailles Hindu Temple’ or Shiva Mandir as it was earlier called contains a treasure-chest of information on the history of this special temple on the West Bank Demerara, here in Guyana.
In this volume, the author, whose family members were the pillars of the church for over five decades, traces the history of the temple from its humble beginnings in 1920 right up to now.
To put things in context, coverage of some issues and events goes back to the late nineteenth century when there was a handful of temples throughout the country, and ends in 2010.
A brief history of Hinduism is given along with a summary of the core belief systems, traits, rituals, sacred texts, and the religion’s importance to immigrants from India who first came to Guyana in May 1838.
As a finale, the author documented his reflections and impressions, based on his own experience and observations while growing up there in the 1950s and 1960s and revisiting the site ever since.
In seven chapters and six appendices, the author traces the genesis of the thinking behind building the temple in 1920, Hinduism, its influences on the early builders, the importance behind the flora selected for planting, some of which were so sacred, and the items imported from India to sustain the temple.
Hindu religious festivals, the different pujas, and everyday routine including a calendar of Hindu events performed at the temple, are all documented and well explained in the context of a Guyanese society. The chronological sequence of historical events presented a rich legacy of Hindu tradition and culture which former and current temple members should feel proud of.

The book also contains the names of church members, estate managers at Pln. Versailles, pandits, and many others, all of who served to shape the lives of the members of the matya (as the temple was called).
These issues and events have been well researched and ably documented in this book by the author, a prolific writer. The 41 illustrations and nostalgic photographs reproduced have been painstakingly researched and selected.
It is therefore hoped that ‘A History of the Versailles Hindu Temple’ will inspire others throughout Guyana to do a similar history of their own individual church regardless of denomination or religion.