Our MiniMela

The monastery has its own gift shop. We call it the MiniMela and it has grown and grown since its inception years ago. We started out with a run-down shack and ended up with a beautiful store chock full of deites, incense, clothes, books, jewelry, magazines, trinkets; you name it, we got it. The power and push behind it is none other than the Pilliyar kulam and they do the finest of work for that little Mela. Come and step inside and let me take you around our own piece of India.

On shelves and tables you can see Him. His rotund belly sticks out and bless all who visit. Lord Ganesha is easily the most available deity in the Mela.

Watch your head! Everywhere there are authentic lamps and decorations all over the store.

This Sun shines and smiles on all you view it, regardless of time of day.

The full scope of the front shop. Many, many things to see and enjoy. Even just a walk around the place is an out of body experience.

Bells and wind chimes hang in delight

Another view of the mountain of Mela items

I told you Ganesha was ever present! A wide array of Ganeshas can be seen here.

The MiniMela extends into a cozy corner of books, jewelry and even more Ganeshas. Sometimes the most precious items are tucked away in this part of the shop. They are meant for the one who searches carefully, not just any onlooker.

Himalayan Academy publications can be found here. From the most recent books to Gurudeva\

s first bound pages about realizing the self, a continuous lineage of well crafted words are all on display. '

A fleet of mini Ganeshas sit tall

Another fleet along with some unusually glorious murtis

This Ganesha is priceless

Splendid wall hangings are on display, all bringing with them a sound that rings with each customer or gust of wind

Recently Shanmuganathaswami and Haranandinatha put up these new wall boards. The slots fit hooks which in turn fit more gems.

More room! Although the MiniMela isn\

t that mini, they could use much more space for all the various items. Most are diamonds in the rough, not seen in most American shops. '

This Siva stands out because this Siva stands tall. Just looking at this murthi one can command the day and take charge of your life!

The beads are plentiful. Assorted colors and materials provide a style for anyone.

Our famous rudraksha malas are here to stay. They sit in a humble corner of the shop waiting for their future owner to smile.

Another new addition of slotted wall boards holding a royal lineup of brass puja trays

This Ganesha is among the most colorful

A crystal clear Ganesha. A puja to this Lord will bring much clarity.

The photographer had not seen this murthi before. The trunk designs and forehead markings are astonishing. The picture does not do this God justice.

A unique find on my walkabout

Ganesha starts our journey and Ganesha ends it just as well. What a great deity to have in enormous amounts. There is something for everyone in the MiniMela and I hope you can walk through these halls of gems one day. For the online inclined, please have a look at what is available on our website at minimela.com.

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