Building Iraivan Through Art, Artifacts and Publications

Today we explored some of the many beautiful artifacts which can be found inside the Monastery's Mini Mela. The little visitor center/gift shop has come a long way over the years, and is now at a high point in sales and support. Proceeds support two main projects: building Iraivan Temple and sustaining our extensive publications. Sadhaka Mayuranatha has been helping Shanmuganathaswami a great deal in managing the Mini Mela's inventory and helping to buy the shop's many beautiful and holy pieces of art, from skilled crafters in India. The Mini Mela is operated primarily by local island members, who all do a fantastic job helping throughout the morning visiting hours. We are all very grateful for their selfless and expert help.

Inside you\

ll find countless little treasures'

Sadhaka shows us a few particularly precious items

This Jade Ganesha is exquisite

A silver Nataraja

This Ganesha is carved from a single ruby

Here is a flawless Crystal Lingam

Shama is one of the ladies who helps run the shop. Today turns out to be her birthday. Happy Birthday, Shama! We love and truly appreciate all that you do.

These necklaces are all made by the local members

each one is beautiful and unique

The walls are lined with our many publications.

Here is a lemon-quartz Ganesha

The monks also make many wooden products with our laser etcher.

Along with the many books, the Mini Mela\

s sales help to support Hinduism Today'

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