The diversity of Fiji's roughly one million people is visibly noticeable in the variety of religious edifices in the urban areas. On a recent trip to Lautoka, we visited four different places of worship - none which were Christian based.
The first was a Sikh Temple, which is a reformed branch of Hinduism begun in the 16th century. Sikh is much influenced by Islam and therefore reject the caste system and idolatry. The Sikhs are easily recognized by their beards and turbans. To enter the Sikh temple, we had to wash our hands, remove our shoes and cover our heads with kerchiefs provided at the door. The main "altar" area inside the temple reminded me of a raised four-post bed dressed in royal blue. No guide assisted in a tour so we were not able to learn more about the Sikhs.
Our second stop was a visit to James Mosque, of Muslim faith, which is a school as well as a place of worship. Upon entering, we followed the posted instructions and sought permission to enter. At firs
t somewhat reluctant, the headmaster warmed to us, showed us the school and mosque and answered our questions. He was especially kind to Bear and engaged him in much conversation. Not being prayer time (which is five times daily) we entered the mosque. Women and men never pray alongside one another and women generally are not allowed in the central prayer area. Per our host's invitation, I cautiously stepped inside where two Muslim men were lying on the floor. One of them clearly was upset with my presence and exchanged words with our host. I offered to leave but our host stood firm and said I was welcome and to ignore these men. Some young male students came by and shook Eric and Bear's hands. They did not look me in the eye. It was uncomfortable for me as a woman to feel this prejudice because of my gender but it is part of their religious culture.
t somewhat reluctant, the headmaster warmed to us, showed us the school and mosque and answered our questions. He was especially kind to Bear and engaged him in much conversation. Not being prayer time (which is five times daily) we entered the mosque. Women and men never pray alongside one another and women generally are not allowed in the central prayer area. Per our host's invitation, I cautiously stepped inside where two Muslim men were lying on the floor. One of them clearly was upset with my presence and exchanged words with our host. I offered to leave but our host stood firm and said I was welcome and to ignore these men. Some young male students came by and shook Eric and Bear's hands. They did not look me in the eye. It was uncomfortable for me as a woman to feel this prejudice because of my gender but it is part of their religious culture.Across town, we stopped by the most prominet Hare Krishna temple in the South Pacific: Sri Krishna Kaliya Temple. Founded in the 1965 in the United States (and given a growth 
boost when the Beatle, John Lennon, joined), Krishna has its historical roots in Hinduism. Most of us identify Krishna's with the bald, orange robed men in airports. Their mission is to spread their spiritual knowledge and techniques to the population at large, especially through dance and song. With less than one million members worldwide, the Krishnas numbers are relatively small yet they are visible in society. Interestingly, Fiji has the highest percentage of Hare Krishnas in the population of any country in the world. We were disappointed on our visit as the temple was closed and no people were present.
boost when the Beatle, John Lennon, joined), Krishna has its historical roots in Hinduism. Most of us identify Krishna's with the bald, orange robed men in airports. Their mission is to spread their spiritual knowledge and techniques to the population at large, especially through dance and song. With less than one million members worldwide, the Krishnas numbers are relatively small yet they are visible in society. Interestingly, Fiji has the highest percentage of Hare Krishnas in the population of any country in the world. We were disappointed on our visit as the temple was closed and no people were present.Our final temple tour was the Sri Siva Subrahmaniya Swami Temple in Nadi. This colorful South Indian-style temple is the largest and finest of its kind in the South Pacific. Built by th
e Hindus in 1994, visitors are welcome if dressed appropriately: legs and arms covered, shoes removed, modesty and good behavior at all times. However, we did learn through experience (as my calves and arms were prominently displayed) that paying the entrance fee pretty much waived the rules. The interior of the temple was very impressive with beautiful hand painted murals on the ceilings, individual shrines to various gods and mosaic rock patterns adorning the walls. Bear thought the bright colors made the place look like a circus!
e Hindus in 1994, visitors are welcome if dressed appropriately: legs and arms covered, shoes removed, modesty and good behavior at all times. However, we did learn through experience (as my calves and arms were prominently displayed) that paying the entrance fee pretty much waived the rules. The interior of the temple was very impressive with beautiful hand painted murals on the ceilings, individual shrines to various gods and mosaic rock patterns adorning the walls. Bear thought the bright colors made the place look like a circus!Not knowing much about non-Christian religions, we found the day fascinating and left us with the desire to learn more. We never thought that Fiji would be a place to explore this religious diversity!
