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Annual Ayudhya Puja

The annual Ayudhya Puja was held today. It was also Sun One and Bodhinatha gave a talk on “Work is Worship” after the homa, as a commentary on the meaning of today’s ceremony in which we bless our tools and express appreciation for the opportunity to fulfill our dharma through our craft and vocation.

Here the silpis begin the ceremonies at the patrai, which is beautifully decorated.

Bodhinatha starts with an arati of camphor and that he drops into the patrai to light the fire.

The silpis add charcoal and crank the blower to fire up the coals.

The coals are then carried in a tray to the temple site.

Puja….

The tools are blessed. Monks also put their iPhones and iPads on the altar.

The symbolic using of the tools by chipping the stone.

Driving the forklift over the grapefruits

Gifts for the silpis. A joyous day.

Venkatachalapathi Samudrala Visits

On the left, is the priest Venkatachalapathi Samudrala who was trained in Tirupati, and is now serving in Bakersfield, California. He is here on Kauai to perform a wedding and is delighted to come to the Aadheenam with members of the wedding party who are sponsoring his trip.

Venkatachalapathi has the unique distinction of being the first Hindu priest to say a prayer in the US Congress, in September, 2000. At that time he was serving in the Shiva-Vishnu temple in Parma Ohio. He opened a session of the U.S. House of Representatives with a prayer. Representative Sherrod Brown, (D- OH) had invited Mr. Samudrala as a guest chaplain.

Venkatachalapathi has been a long time reader of Hinduism Today magazine which he says is a great inspiration for him, and the felt it was God’s grace that brought him today to visit the Aadheenam and see Iraivan temple

Visit from Hawaiian from Niihau

Linda Kaaumoana is 100% Hawaiian, her lineage goes back through both Kauai and Niihau.

Her occupation was teaching the Hawaiian Language and making those famous Niihau shell necklaces. She is presently visiting to attend a wedding.

Linda was absolutely delighted to see the sacred Mokihana immortalized on one of the pillars of Iraivan.

Public Tour, Oct 13

Stepping back to last phase, our tour day on the 13th.

The Sharma Thrush was introduced to Kaua’i in early 1931 from Malaysia. They have become very, very tame at the Aadheenam. They seem to know when ahimsa is being practiced and sing their hearts out. This little lady gave the opening song for the Public Tour in the Banyan Mandapam this morning!

While the Mahadevas and Deities of Hinduism are new to many of our Western guests, we mention that for a Hindu the approach is as natural as talking to your dear grandmother or grandfather every morning before launching on a new day, or starting a new project; seeking their blessings, wisdom and guidance.

“The cosmos is perfect, you know. Its laws are divine, its timing flawless, its design unique. “
Gurudeva

While a passing downpour drenched every guest to the bone, they stuck it out until the sun returned and then all drip dried nicely!

This little jiva has been on planet earth only nine months, but already arranged to have her parents bring her to Kauai Aadheenam.

Mrs. Karthik Kannan, walking with Amala. A retired Doctor, she is from Santa Clara California. She was a little skeptical when she heard rummors that there was a traditional Aadheenam in America – but her friends insisted; “You must go”. With all doubts dispelled, she had a deep and meaningful experience.

After the tour visitors are invited to our Mini Mela Library. Kulamata Isani puts in hours every week making guests feel comfortable and helping them negotiate through the many books for study and options for purchase.

Tour day can bring a big crowd all at once so we staff both iMac computer stations. This is Kulamata Vali Alahan who works every tour day with Isani as a service to her Guru.

The new mini mela is not only solar powered, but fully air conditioned and packed with books and educational pamphlets. Also many gift items, jewelry and hard to find treasures.

You never know what you might find within. Shanmuganathaswami and Siddhanathaswami have some great connections in India and are always surprising us with new items.

An incredible Ganesha. A Rose Quartz masterpiece!

The crown Jewel of the Wailua Mission. Grown on the sacred grounds of Kauai Aadheenam and hand made with love.

Archives are now available through 2001. Light colored days have no posts. 1998-2001 coming later.

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