It all started with Gurudeva's 1975 vision of Lord Siva blessing pilgrims amid beautiful groves and gardens...

Here you encounter varied environments: the Path of the Tamil Saivite Saints, the Straight Path to God, Rishi Valley, Bali Hai Falls, Pihanakalani Trail, Rudraksha Forest and River Ridge Road, to name a few. There are scented plumeria, konrai groves, hybiscus, fruit orchids, coco palms, tree ferns, breadfruit, taro, fragrant vines, luscious lilikoi, rare native species, mosses and ferns, waterfalls, lotus ponds, giant banyans 200 feet across, redwood pavilions and lava rock gardens.

 

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Because of the monastery's proven stability and long-term vision, collectors and plant-lovers from around the world send exotic plants for the sanctuary, knowing that these splendors of nature will be protected generation after generation. Sacred and ayurvedic trees from India and Sri Lanka-bilva, neem, curry leaf, rudraksha, betel and areca nut-thrive here. The monks have also imported unusual specimens like palmyra, sandalwood, durian, mangosteen, jackfruit and amala. Secluded marshes and waterways provide refuge for wild birds. Tropical flowers include 300 species of heliconia and ginger, a delightful treasury of 250 kinds of ti plants, hundreds of exotic palms and a rich selection of bromeliads sent by a grower in the Bahamas.