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A grand Ram Mandir could soon grace the skyline of Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, as the Caribbean nation considers building a major temple inspired by Ayodhya’s iconic shrine. Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath confirmed that the government is strongly backing the proposal, with discussions already underway with key Hindu religious leaders, including those who helped bring a replica of the Ram Lalla idol from Ayodhya to the islands earlier this year. Home to a vibrant Hindu and Indian diaspora, Trinidad and Tobago is looking to position itself as a spiritual and cultural hub for Hinduism in the Caribbean. The proposed temple is envisioned as a space of faith and connection while also serving devotees from North America who may find it difficult to make the pilgrimage to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, he said. Speaking to ANI, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and Minister of Public Utilities, Trinidad and Tobago, Barry Padarath said, "Trinidad and Tobago is often referred to as Ramayan country. Early in our discussions with Mr Prem Bhandari (Founder of the Overseas Friends of Ram Mandir in New York). He has served as the head of the organisation that has been responsible for the inculcation of the Ramlala in Trinidad and Tobago." "Trinidad and Tobago's government is very supportive of this initiative. We want to continue to lend our support and we are in discussions right now with Mr. Bhandari in terms of how we can empower further the Ramlala initiative here in Trinidad and Tobago," he added. 'A mecca for Hindu religious sites' According to Padarath, Trinidad and Tobago has become a "mecca" in the region for Hindu religious expression. The recitations of the Bhagwat Gita and Ramayan have been continued across generations since Indian bonded labourers arrived in the 19th century. "It would be welcomed both within the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. We have a number of Hindus resident here in Trinidad and Tobago. A lot of the cultural and religious expression of India through Hinduism in particular has been maintained and kept alive here. So the Ramlala Initiative is something that we welcome, it is something we support and we're more certain from our discussions going in the future, we will have other major announcements to make in terms of how we can utilise this not only as a spiritual medium but in terms of tourism as well and also how we can continue to empower the faith and the teachings of Lord Ram here in Trinidad and Tobago," he remarked. A Ram temple will be an addition to the many existing Hindu shrines across the twin-island nation. In May 2025, a replica of the Ram Lalla idol from Ayodhya's temple was unveiled in Trinidad. For all the latest news and india news, visit Times Now to get live updates and breaking news around the world.
