Today is an historic one as the capstone of the Rajagopuram was placed on top of Iraivan’s south entrance. This is the last major stone to be placed for the main temple structure. It is a major milestone in the ongoing construction of the Iraivan temple.

Here is Bodhinatha on the roof of the temple admiring the capstone after it was placed.

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END OF PHASE
Today is the last day of our phase.
This edition of TAKA will remain posted
over our coming two-day retreat,
until Dasami Tithi, Sun One, Wednesday, February 4th.

The morning began with our team rigging the capstone for the lift.

Our Siddhidata Kulam has done a marvelous job supporting the silpis and engineering this great day.

A puja is next performed by Saravananathaswami.

These to Makara Nasi figures will be placed on top of the capstone after it has been placed.

We have a few guest today. Some did not know it the event would occur, but their good karma brought them to Iraivan on this very auspicious day.

Aloft the top of the gopuram awaiting the stone to be placed. In the Northeast corner a small hole has been carved to contain precious items.

Here we go!

There is lots of excitement and shouting coordination to Larry the crane driver until the whole team is satisfied that the stone is perfectly position above it’s final resting spot

Bodhinatha them places gold coins and the nine precious gems in to the small opening in the northeast corner.

Next the first mortar is laid in.

Paramacharya Palaniswami places some mortar and then everyone is given a chance to place a small amount.

Larry Conklin awaits the signal for the final drop from below.

The stone is let down and set in place and

Bodhinatha gives dakshina to all the silpis.

It looks magnificent.

Everyone is overjoyed.

All our guests have been allowed up on the roof to witness this historic moment.

Next the two Makara Nasi are placed. It is the final job of the day and what a great day it was.