Jai Ganesha! After many years of visioning, planning and work by Sannyasin Shanmuganathaswami and his team of contracted workers, the new Mini-Mela Information Center is complete and was opened today at the auspicious hour of 8:15 am.
Bodhinatha cuts the ribbon to the entry way.
Our local members are on hand. We jokingly tell Brahmacharini Shama Kumaran and Kulamata Isani Alahan that “this is your new office,” as they will spend many hours here serving tirelessly taking care of the many forms of Lord Siva who will walk through these doors.
All the monks arrive and admire the beautiful cases with books and other items for visitors.
Yogi Jivanananda performs a puja at the Ganesha shrine, permanently installed in an east bay.
After the puja, Bodhinatha break a coconut at the main entrance doorway.
Then Yogi sprinkles each corner of the building and there are a dozen or more places. Everyone goes around to all the rooms, upstairs and then around outside.
A special seat for Bodhinatha where he will meet with guests and sign books.
Kulapati Durvasa Alahan takes the opportunity to be the inaugural guest having his new copy of “What is Hinduism” signed by Bodhinatha.
Shanmuganathaswami has provided some refreshments, coffee, ice cream and a variety of sweets for everyone.
This jade Ganesha adorns the reception counter, greeting visitors who come up to ask questions or get help.
An auspicious day indeed! We finally are now able to accommodate the daily growing number of pilgrims and visitors and provide them a place to rest their feet, have a drink and read some of the teachings.