Gurudeva 2013 Mahasamadhi Celebrations Day 4

"To know yourself is why you are on Earth. You were born to realize the Self. You are not here to make money, to clothe yourself or to entertain yourself. These are incidentals." -Gurudeva

The Final Day of Gurudeva's 12th Mahasamadhi celebrations began at 4:30 am, with a final Homa in the yagasala, followed by a Padapuja in Kaduval Temple.

Beginning in the early morning hours, the two priests began the final homa. After hours of complicated purifications, chants, kriyas and visualizations, The 108 conch shells were paraded to Kaduval Temple, where they were poured over Gurudeva's tiruvadi. The power of the ancient agamic rites mixed with the simple love from all of those in attendance. It created an expansive bridge to the inner worlds. Gurudeva's presence was felt by all, closer then body, closer then mind. Right within our budding hearts, he whispers the subtly of Siva's mysterious, mystifying Universe. Everything we have and more importantly, everything we are is all by virtue of Gurudeva's endless grace. Aum Namah Sivaya. Sivaya Namah Aum.

Click Play to hear an audio excerpt by Gurudeva (audio may not work in old versions of Internet Explorer)

\"The cosmos is perfect, you know. Its laws are divine, its timing flawless, its design unique.\"

Gurukkal lights the holy flame

Gurukkal is led through the full agamic purification

the sun rises

A final offering of ghee

Final arati

The 108 conch shells are placed on a tray to be paraded to Kaduval

Satguru Bodhinatha carries the Siva Kumbha

The coconut broken in front of the temple, reflecting our shattered egos

The Pada puja begins

The temple is filled as everyone sits around Gurudeva\

s shrine '

The 108 conches are poured over Gurudeva\

s paduka'

Barani has chanted for hours and continues as strong as ever

Final Arati. Jai Gurudeva!

Everyone offers a flower at Gurudeva\

s feet'

later in the day, the pilgrims attend one more class with Bodhinatha

He teaches them about the various tattvas and levels of consciousness

At the end of the day, Sadasivanathaswami has his annual tree planting out by the rudraksha forest

Paramacharya gives simple instruction and then gives the group a chance to work together to figure out the rest

They plant 12 trees along the fence line, and another 12 cacao trees in front of those.

After they are planted, the priests bless each tree

They then perform a short puja for the whole planting

Group Photo

A fun way to end and incredible 4 days. Jai Gurudeva! Aum Namah Sivaya!

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