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Current Overview

At the temple site the capstone has been moved up onto the foundation. Sthapati is making plans for it to be raised up and we tested the weight with the crane. It will be gold plated first and the sent up to the top.

After coming back from India, we were really impressed with the work being done on Iraivan which indeed is very high standard like the Chola temples of 1000 years ago.

On the East side... some work being done on the temple drains.

This is Sadhaka Adinatha... ever bright and enthusiastic member of the Siddhidata Kulam and one of our mature, stabilizing older monastics with years of sadhana under his belt.

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	2004 Indian Odyssey January 19, 2004 - February 5, 2004 Bangalore, Madurai, Tanjavur, Chennai and Nearby Temples: Palani Hills, Pillaiyarpatti, Chidambaram, Swamimalai, Kanchi and others

We have reached the last day of Innersearch, Day 21, February 5th, 2004 which began with a Thai Pusam celebration at the Arupadai Veedu temple in Chennai. Here Bodhinatha is being greeted.

Today, devotees, including Innersearchers, are taking pal Kavadi (milk-pot Kavadi)... going around the temple and the offering their milk to Lord Murugan.

This is new temple in Chennai with a beautifully setting right near the sea, with cool breezes and quiet surroundings.

The devotees all come forward and get their milk pots from the priests.

At this temple there are man shrines. One is for Lord Ganesha and there are six others for Lord Murugan, each representing one of the six famous temples in Tamil Nadu... by walking around each of these shrines, one is making a microcosmic pilgrimage to all the six famous temples.

Some have also the traditional yoke kavadi, with pots tied on the ends which they carry over the shoulders.

Vetri Vel Muruganukku!

As we show you these photos of Kavadi carriers, we will share with you now the testimony of one of the Innersearchers after coming home, reflecting back on the trip.

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Holy Prostration To Lord Ganesha and To Our Beloved Gurudeva and Satguru Bodhinatha

Pilgrimage , is one desire that I was craving for, ever since I missed the golden opportunity to be with our beloved Gurudeva. A great pain of sadness went through my heart when the whole universe witness the passing of beloved Gurudeva. Since then, I never forgave myself for the 'biggest' mistake I have done. For 'giving up' my 'dream' to immerse myself with Gurudeva on Europe Innersearch, not knowing , that will be His last innersearch with the devotees. Finance was the one and only obstacle. I was not able to save up enough when the date arrived and I gave up!

"After the passing of our beloved Gurudeva, only then I realized that I have taken the 'time' for granted. 'Some other day/time there will a chance ', is what I used to say to console myself whenever I was not able to fulfill my 'spiritual desire'. There you go, I have learned enough lesson on keeping 'plans' on hold. I learned that if at all I didn't give up and 'pulled' all my strength, will power and lived as though no more 'tomorrow', I would have been with my Gurudeva in His last days. I too learned not to take anything for granted. Whatever we need to do, do it now or else you might not get the chance at all. So, the factor was my attitude, not only the 'finance' challenges. That's it! From that day onwards, I told myself I'm not going to repeat the same mistakes with Bodhinatha."

"I started to live as what Gurudeva use to say, 'Life is a pilgrimage', and pilgrimage begins at home, by fasting, praying and preparing oneself and I was just flowing with the 'river of life'. As life goes on , on the end of year 2002, my heart enthralled , when my eyes captured the advertisement on TAKA. Invitation to join the 'Indian Odyssey 2004'. Oh God! I felt the 'doors opening', as though God and Gurudeva giving the 'divine' opportunity to this little soul of mine. The word, 'INDIA', my second spiritual destination after Kauai Adheenam is what my heart was longing for too! And what more?! Innersearch with Satguru Bodhinatha! "

From young, ever since I became Gurudeva's student when I was just about 15 years old, I always tell to myself that firstly I should go to Kauai Adheenam and only then to India. But if Ganesha didn't permit my visa to Kauai, I will go to India but it must be with my Satguru! I missed it with Gurudeva but not with Bodhinatha this time! No matter what happens I must be there! And that very first day, I gathered all the 'willpower', 'faith' and 'confidence'. Practising my level best the teachings of Gurudeva and Bodhinatha in handling obstacles and challenges. Affirmations and Visualization was the main 'tools'. I also sought helps from God, Gods, Guru and devas. Mails to devas to smooth out certain obstacles was so helpful. In fact, I was also ready to face any obstacles, even if theres any need to resign my job, I will do so (if I was not able to get leave from work). I did part time job and saved from spending unnecessary things, It was really tough, but if there is 'no pain, there is no gain'! I know very well, I didn't made my dream to come true , but it's the God, Gods, Guru and devas. I'm so thankful to all of THEM. They have ease my karmas. I don't know how I will pay back for all this divine help. I honestly will agree that the 'Yamas and Niyamas' is not mere theories but when its put into practice it certainly will help to manifest whatever spiritual unfoldment we pray for. 'They' must be lived! All my goals and wish that I wished for before and during the innersearch manifested beautifully with the blessings from the inner world. 'Yamas and Niyamas', as taught by Gurudeva and Bodhinatha, is a magical ingredient that made my dream to join the Odyssey possible. Watch out what you think when you are India, it might manifest', was one of mystical power of India shared by Bodhinatha with us, and its was very true in few of our cases! Even I can't believe that it happened to a very ordinary soul like me!"

"The moment I stepped on the sacred land of Bharat, 'I'm home', whispered my heart and slowly I touched the holy land with my hands and put it to my eyes. Finally, 'I'm here with my Guru'. Most of us felt as though we are back to our own homeland!"

'See Siva in Everyone, Everywhere and in Everything' and 'Live in the Eternity of the Moment' , was what I tried to put into practice during this great moment of my life. I 'saw' Siva in different forms. One of it was in the image of other innersearches who were full of love, care, compassion and inspiring too. Many came from a very inspiring story background which gives more positive and confidence in me to face the life. I 'saw' Siva, in the hearts of devotees in all the temples who came from all walks of life, from the 'needy' to the rich, from the beginner on the spiritual path to the 'Jnani',our Guru and Swamis. All the young and old souls 'met' from all the places in temple and slowly 'melt' into 'Oneness','Sivaness'. A remarkable scenario. Its like all the 'rivers' no matter 'small' or 'big' rushing forward, keep flowing to merge with into ocean, the Source. And the great temples, homa, heart 'melting' abhishegams, the chanting of mantras, puja are all beyond words! Once upon a time, I always wonder how is Pillaiyarpatti Vinayaga, Palani Temple, Madurai Meenakshi Temple, Brihadheeswara , Chidambaram and I always wonder whether I will be fortunate enough to see and enjoy the darshan from 'them' all in this life. The abhishekam in Brihadeeswara and Pillaiyarpatti was an amazing and transforming experience. Not only the dream to be there 'physically' came true but to walk on the same path walked by many many famous Saints and Gurus, Gurudeva makes me speechless. A very intense and powerful vibration was always being felt. I can't believe my eyes and ears that I'm witnessing and listening to all this rare moments and the spiritual 'sounds'.

"During our visit to Iraivan Carving site, a very intense feeling was felt. It feels like as tough all the stones are 'alive' and waiting for 'someone' to send 'them' where 'they' belong, Iraivan Temple, Kauai Adheenam. At that moment I really wished I was rich and have enough funds to help all those beautiful carved stones shipped. This feeling has really urged some of us to work harder to get more sponsors. We will all try our best to help the vision of Gurudeva to manifest very soon as hoped by Trichi Swami too. Jai Ganesha!"

As all mornings open with sunlight, Satguru Bodhinatha starts our 'life' during innersearch with His beautiful smile. The wonderful opportunity to 'touch' His Holiness holy feet daily was one of my privilege and as for others too. It was so hard to get 'away' from His Holiness holy feet and felt like just 'being' down there. Such a joy and peace filled my heart and soul! We were given the wonderful opportunity to be closer and have personal talks during meals and travels with Bodhinatha and Swamis. Living three weeks with Satguru and enjoying His aura of spiritual peace and serenity that His Holiness radiates makes us not to leave Him but to be with Him always. I always felt like a child being protected and taken care with full love and care by our Divine Father, Satguru Bodhinatha. Being with Bodhinatha is Joy Itself!. Its like being with Gurudeva and Lord Siva Himself! From His Holiness we learn what it is to love God sincerely.

Gurudeva's presence was so strong wherever we go. Added with Gurudeva's pictures during upadeshas makes the whole Innersearch complete as though Gurudeva is there physically. Wherever we are, we were uplifted by other swamis and whoever knows Gurudeva personally when they talked about the greatness of Gurudeva There was no day without the word ,'Gurudeva', during the yathrai. Gurudeva was with us and traveled with us! . All of it was so powerful and touching.

"Swamis who are always there to uplift us with encouragements and inspiring stories were so wonderful. We really admire the way Swamis, Yogi and Sadhakas , professionally and divinely handles all the situation. Even during the midst of busy and tiredness they were so calm, smiling and attends all our needs despite of many other important matters which might have arise at that moment. We learned a lot from that indirect 'teachings' and they are our role models in facing and managing our life challenges after the innersearch. We really appreciate and thankful to all their love, care and protection and in taking a very good care of all of us. Its always a blessings and a privilege to be with all the Swamis, Yogi and Sadhakas everyday which souls like me can hardly experience that. From the bottom of my heart, I put my palms together to thank our beloved Satguru Bodhinatha for all His unconditional divine love, care, wonderful upadeshas by His Holiness and Paramacharya Palaniswami and for creating this rare lifetime golden opportunity for all of us. What a 'life'! I really cherished every seconds and every moments of this spiritual journey and always this divine memories will always be in our mind."

Besides all the wonderful moments, we also witness unimaginable poverty and suffering in certain places like on streets and temples. We were approached by many souls who needs money and food. The most touching moment was when a small boy with tears in his beautiful eyes came to me and said in tamil which means ,' Sister, please take me as your own brother. I don't need any money from you, just some food will do, I'm so hungry and can't take the pain any more'. His words and his pitiful sight still in my mind, fresh. It can't be describe by words. Lord Siva also came in this form, I thought. I hope I can help the needy children in India or at least some of them by encouraging my friends and others to sponsor a child via CARE institution or by any other way which ever possible to help. Maybe a orphanage center in India in future! I pray that God will be by our side to make this a reality.

"This journey was not mere a travel but more than that. It is a life changing journey! Its hard to put in words how we felt about it. Its just like we can't explain,' how sweet is a sweet'. Only who have 'taste' it will understand how it taste. This 'yathrai' has given us a lot of insights spiritually, taught us to see life in different angle and perspective. And also have taught us, as what mentioned by a swami that 'Life is a playground. However we may receive blows and however knocked about we maybe, the Soul is there and is never injured.' All this experience uplifts us, has awaken within us true love for God, makes us feel closer to God , teach us to be more content with what we have, urge us to maximize our spiritual unfoldments thru sadhanas and prayers and makes our spiritual thirst more stronger to discover the 'mystical' and to realize the Truth."

I'm so fortunate and very humbled to be included in this wonderful spiritual journey. Whenever this mind thinks about the Odyssey, joy and peace fills my heart. It is a joyous experience, indeed! The whole three weeks in the Holy land with Satguru felt like we were in different 'cosmic plane'. It feels like we are not the same anymore. I pray that other souls like me too will get the same benefit and 'enjoy' the rare spiritual moments with Satguru! Oh , Lord Siva and Satguru Bodhinatha, You have done so much for me and what have I done for you?', . 'Thank You', is not enough. And with this, whole heartedly I devote and surrender my life to God, Gods and Guru.' Aum Namasivaya.

The Kavadi carriers finally arrive at the shrine of Palani... stay tuned for tomorrow's finale photos of the Indian Odyssey 2004! And make plans to join us yourself on each and every future innersearch (as many participants of this one have pledged to do...)

Cybertalk: Following listening to Gurudeva's original talk entitled "The Eternal Now," given in 1961, this auspicious Mahasivaratri night Bodhinatha reads two recent lessons from Dancing with Siva about the essence of the path of experience, along with some supporting quotes from Gurudeva's guru, Yogaswami. The point both gurus are making is that we need to look at the world as an ashram, a training school for spiritual advancement. Many people say they have no time to pursue spiritual life. A change in our approach is needed, one that views all our activities as spiritual activities, not separating the spiritual and secular. The second point is that to progress spiritually we need to learn from our experiences in the world. We need to learn from a mistake in order to not repeat it.