Ganesha Chaturthi Puja 2023
As it has around the world, the annual day arrived to celebrate Lord Ganesha's sweetness with pomp in Kadavul Temple.
Because our puja was early, at 6am, Iraivan Temple's priest Pravin Kumar was able to attend and also offer some chants and songs at toward the end. He wanted a few photos of himself to share with family, so you'll see those in this collection.
The puja livestream--
Mauritius– Off to the Mahebourg Temple
A major event was held at the historic Shakti temple in the South, complete with beautiful chants at the Sivalingam pavilion, darshan of Ganesha and Muruga.
The Mahebourg Temple is a vibrant Hindu temple, known for intricate carvings, colorful ceremonies, and a peaceful spiritual atmosphere. It has been here since 1804.
A large group came to hear the two swamis speak. Anazingly, the leadership here is close to the Nandinatha Sampradaya and to this day has vivid dreams and visions of Gurudeva. They spoke knowledgeably about Challappaswami and Yogaswami.
A special dinner followed, the famed "Seven Curries" of the nation. Difficult to make as it is super complex, it was done by a smalll army of ladies who serve at the temple.
Pradosha Puja at Iraivan Temple
Rock and Gravel Finished for Last Section of Pilgrim’s Path
Mondo Grass Planting Update
Iraivan Temple Photoshoot
Aum Namah Sivaya!
Today, Brahmachari Shankara is serving in the Ganapati Kulam. As one of his first tasks, he was sent to Iraivan Temple to take photos of the recently completed red granite tiles around the temple's foundation. Upon Shankara's arrival at the temple, Pravinkumar had just arrived to open the temple doors for the morning puja and abhishekam to Lord Mahalingasvara. Before opening the doors he does a small puja for Nandi, requesting Nandi's permission to unlock the inner sanctum. Also happening in the temple, the silpis are carving a special drain from the sanctum gomukai. Iraivan Temple's morning puja is not yet open to the general public because the area is still a construction site, but the worshipful vibration is no less palpable. Jai Mahalingesvara!
San Marga Path Paving Progress
The path from rudraksha grove to Iraivan Temple is finally being paved so that pilgrims can walk safely. In between some rainouts and other responsibilities, our longtime earthworker Dennis Wong is making good progress with laying down rocks first, and then gravel on top. He is beginning with the most difficult section which stretches from the svayambhulingam (under white tent in photo), down the hill, through the rainbow eucalyptus grove, around a corner to the flight of steps leading up to Iraivan, and also a bit beyond that to a stream. After that, he will work backwards up the straight portion of San Marga path towards Muruga Hill and beyond.
After the rock and gravel is laid, the plastic grid will go down, which is then topped with soil and grass planted in it. It will look much prettier than a cement path, and also less expensive.
Sadhaka Vatshalanatha Performs Atmartha Puja
Silpi Outing Included First Time Participant
A Future Article in the Making
A team flew to Kauai for a few days, with a goal to produce an article and short film about the spirituality of Kauai Aadheenam and Iraivan Temple. They are from the noted Associated Press which ChatGPT describes this way: "The Associated Press (AP) is a global news agency famous for its extensive and reliable news coverage, its widespread distribution network, and its commitment to providing impartial and objective journalism. It is highly regarded for its integrity and credibility in delivering news from around the world."
They are Deepa Bharat of Chennai and her filmographer, Jessie. They have teamed up on a number of religious stories over the years, including about the remote Columbian indigenous tribals. In addition to a major print story, they will produce a 3-4 minute film. Jessie is a deft drone pilot and got great end-of-day shots from high above Iraivan's golden towers. They interviewed Devajyothi visiting from Portland in English and Pravinkumar, in Tamil. He shared something with them that struck Deepa as profound. Pravinekumar told her," In India building such a temple is possible, but it is not done anymore. In Hawaii it is impossible, and yet the monks built it. So it's a miracle."
Jai Mahalingesvara.
From Our Gurus' Teachings
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