A Little Walkabout

We present to you today but a brief vignette of the aadheenam as it was mid-afternoon. Enjoy.

Standing with our back to Kadavul Temple, we see its kodimaram (dwajastambha or flag staff). Near its base sits a four-sided structure, each ensigned with a distinct emblem.

The side facing the temple\

s entrance displays Lord Siva\'s trishula enshrined. This particular styling is an ancient one and rarely seen today.'

Just a few steps beyond the kodimaram, we come upon the bali peedam. This is the sacred spot at which offerings are placed. Some loose flowers are seen now, at other times of day fresh, steaming rice, camphor, and incense are placed here.

Otherwise quiet, the air is filled with the sound of cleanliness courtesy of Nilakanthanatha\

s valuable service of pressure washing our quartz tile Tiruneri, which leads to Kadavul Temple.'

We\

re graced at this time of year by the bloom of Madagascar jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda). This bright white, waxy, highly scented flower is perfect for offering in puja both in form of archana and garlands. A few years back, the Siddhidata Kulam brillantly planted this woody climber along the fenceline near our solar panels. There are thousands of these flowers currently budding, blooming, and in bloom. As you read this, Lord Siva Nataraja Kadavul is wearing a roughly 2 meter garland woven of these flowers courtesy of our local Church members, a gift presented to Him on His Ardra nakshatra a few days ago.'

With the solar panels and Madagascar jasmine in the background, we see two curry leaf trees. Invaluable to any preparer of Indian (particularly South Indian) cuisine, the leaves of these particular two trees are extraordinarily fragrant and flavorful, moreso than others on the property.

Siva in the form of this tree provides a vibrancy and depth of flavor to our food, which is also Siva. The person partaking of said food is also Siva. The fingers which pick up the food, the mouth it\

s brought to, and the internal impulse to even do so, are all Siva.'
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