Rajkumar Manikkam, one of Gurudeva's devotees, spent several months in India at the carving site of Kauai's Hindu Temple that will eventually be built here at Gurudeva's ashram in Hawaii. During that time he interviewed the craftsmen who are working on the temple. The carving site is about 11 miles outside of Bangalore. What is unusual about the site is Gurudeva's loving care of the workers. They worship every day in the morning together. He sends them safety equipment for their eyes. He has also set up a retirement program for them and occasionally gives everyone a break and sends them all on a pilgrimage. It has become the "Silpi Village." and here is what some of them have to say. More interviews will be posted in days to come

"The worship we do at the worksite each morning helps me to be free from all my external thoughts. When I start my day I work better. Yes I do visualize on Iraivan Temple. As a temple builder I have imagined how the temple would be. Working on various courses and knowing how the stones will be placed, I see a beautiful Temple. The ornate carvings here are so immaculate. At times I used to think how gifted I am to be actually doing this. I am honored to be involved in this Temple project. Personally I have not experienced or heard of any other worksite that offers good working environment and a sense of sanctity. Its very satisfying that we are accumulating punyam doing this work. I have been working here for six years and I am still learning each day. We could work in many other places and perhaps earn a little more but I strongly feel there is no better job than to work for a highly revered employer, Gurudeva. My family in Karaikudi does agriculture yet my father is very happy for me working for Iraivan. I am not only an employee but also strongly feel the Guru-sishya relationship. I shall always have that with me even when this project ends. I wish there are some books in Tamil by Gurudeva."

Veerappan says:

"Working on granite requires concentration. If you look at the chisel top as you hit, you would not be able to carve the stone. The attention must be focused on where the chisel point is making the hit. The pressure has to be correct so that nothing more or nothing less is chipped off. Only experience will make the difference. That is when you are called a stonecarver."
(Attention-concentration, doesn't this sound familiar?)

C Subramaniam says:
"I started work at 15. Over the years I have undertaken small contract works. Ganapathi Sthapati brought me here. Nowadays the pay is better and there are many benefits here. I want to continue working here and finish the project. Here the work is very detail. I have never seen such fine work. It is very challenging to do this. Here they give us time to do detailed work without rush, only then we can bring out the best in our work. After coming here I don't feel leaving until completing the job. Here all the workers are very closely knitted and work as team members."