Reconstructing Sacred Space In The Hindu Diaspora

This dissertation was submitted in part-fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Honours in Religion and Social Transformation in the Department of Religion and Theology, in the faculty of humanities at the University of Kwa Zulu-Natal.

In this concise historical analysis, the causes and dynamics pertinent to the establishment of the Sivananda Ghat are explored. This is done by presenting the account of the events that arose prior to the construction of the Sivananda Ghat. Concepts, theories and discussion are offered on the sacred, the history of Indians in South Africa, and an overview of ritual and mythology. The effect of the establishment of the ash disposal facility on society and the environment is expounded upon.

The dissertation was submitted in 2004, 9 months prior to the official opening of the Sivananda Ghat. A further chapter has been added to the initial submission documenting the number of ash disposals done to date. A message from Sri Swami Sahajananda, (Spiritual head of the Divine Life Society of South Africa) on the official opening of the Sivananda Ghat is chronicled here.