The original concept for the shrine in the Siddhidatta Kulam’s new office, started many years ago after acquired a set of murtis for the new building. The kulam’s monks considered building one themselves or buying a pre-made shrine, but neither option was feasible at the time. That’s when they reached out to Kanda Alaha, a skilled cabinet maker and a longtime devotee of Gurudeva and Bodhinatha. Kanda happily stepped forward to help. With dimensions and drawings from Yoginathaswami, he began constructing the shrine.
After a year of dedicated work, the shrine was finished, crated and shipped all the way from California to Kauai! It arrived three days ago, and the monks were thrilled to unpack and assemble it. The shrine is truly special, with a carved Aum on the storage drawer and a beautiful section of black granite—which was an extra piece that had been originally made for Iraivan Temple.
We are so grateful to Kanda for his time, his talent and his hard work.
Jai Ganesha, Muruga and Siva!