A short video showcasing the new concrete path to Iraivan Temple.

Today we share the second chapter in the tale of the trail, the making of the 10-foot-side and 650-foot-long concrete roadway leading to Iraivan Temple. The crew is amazingly hard-working, arriving before 6am and leaving after 5:30pm, and all day dealing with heavy concrete. The last photo is our favorite, relaxing at the end of five days effort. Our drone pilot captured a few overview shots toward the end of the slideshow. This roadway will transform the experience of driving and walking to Iraivan Temple, just as the very land on which our beloved Gurudeva stepped is guiding and transforming lives all over the world. Jai Gurudeva!

Aum Namah Sivaya

Today we bring you the current progress on the entry steps that lead up from near the Wailua River to Iraivan Temple. The first set of steps have been completed, and now the forms will be built for the next. Following the completion of the concrete pouring, a 15"-high lava rock wall will be built on both sides and eventually the steps will be clad with stone. One of the magical things is the three elephants are climbing the stairs along with pilgrims. Aum.

Jai Ganesha!

Recently we've completed the construction of a new bell tower along San Marga. If you have ever walked down San Marga from the Rudraksha Forest, you might recall that just after Muruga Hill there is a small wooden archway with a bronze bell attached. From afar the bell can be heard as pilgrims ring it, heralding their entrance into the Shivaloka while they move ever closer to their destination of Iraivan Temple. As a gift to the aadheenam, Umut (the mason who built Iraivan Temple's lava rock wall), volunteered to create a new archway from concrete and stone. A larger and more ornate bell would then be added. After a little over a month of work, the new bell was installed a rung loudly, echoing across San Marga. Next time you visit these sacred grounds, remember to strike this bell for all the three worlds to hear. Aum Namah Sivaya.

Jai Ganesha!

This week we've started construction on a new pathway which leads into Rishi Valley. This path will be providing visiting pilgrims an enjoyable trek along the edge of the ponds, across the stream, and up to Iraivan Temple. Aum

A serene painting, made by an inspired artist

It flows everywhere.
All things are born from it,
yet it doesn't create them.
It pours itself into its work,
yet it makes no claim.
It nourishes infinite worlds,
yet it doesn't hold on to them.
Since it is merged with all things
and hidden in their hearts,
it can be called humble.
Since all things vanish into it
and it alone endures,
it can be called great.
It isn't aware of its greatness;
thus it is truly great.

Aum Sivaya

Over the last month, one of our monks had been documenting the existence of a baby praying mantis, until one day something changed in the life of this unique little creature. Look through the slideshow to enjoy the full story! Aum Namah Sivaya

A variety of unique specimens from the Aadheenam's jungle gardens.

"Siva's devotees bask contentedly in Siva consciousness, seeing the pure life energy in every person, animal, bird, reptile, fish, insect, plant, tree and even microscopic intelligence as Supreme God Siva Himself. Aum." Gurudeva

Over the last year Sadasivanathaswami has been documenting the growth of a large foxtail palm tree that is growing outside of the Media Studio. This palm is also known as Wodyetia bifurcata, named after the Australian aborigine who introduced the plant to cultivators. After taking a photo every few days and stringing them together we now have a nice timelapse for all our plant-minded viewers to enjoy! In this short clip you can see the palm tree bud, flower, fruit, and shed its old fronds. Aum.

Aum Namah Sivaya
Today the Aadheenam received a full 3.5 inches of rain between 6am and noon. A morning of heavy rains and happy plants! Our taskforcer Alexander captures the weather in a timelapse as it flows over Iraivan Temple.

"The Truth is one. The rest is illusion. States of realization are also an illusion. Truth is betrayed by the first attempt at articulation. What else can one say. One may discuss the rains and the harvest and so on... You must realize It yourself. It is wrong even to put it that way. How does one express something changeless and beyond the mind? The whole is the Truth."- Yogaswami