The Creation and Blessing of Satguru's Holy Chariot

We present a complete slideshow of the Siddhidata Kulam's creation of Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami's new procession chariot which was first used on this past Satguru Purnima. The ensuing weeks before the big day involved *a lot* of work on the part of the Siddhidata Kulam to ensure it would be completed in time. For them, we are thankful.

The trailor used as the skeletal structure.

After making a few structural modifications, it\

s painted red as a base.'

The wooden structure which supports Satguru.

Our resident task forcers helped tremendously with this project. Here, Kodiswara paints the classic Tamil red and white motif.

Task Forcer Dean also participates in the painting.

Natyam Dayanatha creates holes within the wooden frame to install metal poles used to stablize further additions.

Nirvani Tejadevanatha does the same.

Dean prepares these metal domes to be used as vimanam for the chariot\

s roof.'

Chidambaram Sendan also offers his loving service on this noble endeavor.

Another metal frame used to further develope the chariot.

Let\

s prime the metal! This Rust Stop prevents these metallic pieces from becoming ruined in our extremely humid Hawaiian climate.'

Chidambaram prepares the steps which Satguru will use to ascend his mount.

Nirvani Adinatha does, as well.

Ever modest, Dayanatha sheilds his face from the Takarazzi. After being primed and painted gold, the vimanam roofing is ready to be placed atop the chariot.

These structural metal poles need to be beautified.

New thombai are used to accomplish this.

OK, here we go...

Roof going up...

Looking good!

Almost there...

There it is!

Looking good, everyone.

Now it\

s time to decorate!'

Thoranam, bells, gold cloth, garlands, etc are all used to make this chariot worthy of our loving Satguru.

Natyam Nandinatha joins to help.

The chariot containing Satguru is pulled by one of our electric utility vehicles, which was also festooned.

It\

s coming along...'

Fresh coconut fronds made into thoranam are added.

Adding sannyasi-colored kadi is essential.

After garlands, cushions, sacred plants, etc have been offered, it\

s time to properly bless Satguru\'s chariot! '

Vibhuti is applied in the form of tripundram.

Everywhere...

A simple Ganapati Puja is performed by Saravananathaswami

Chandanam, kungumam, are also applied to the chariot. Camphor and incense are offered and bells are rung. Conches are blown and everyone offers their love and enthusiasm.

It\

s a joyous experience for all those involved.'

Satguru arrives to participate in the blessing of his own vahanam!

\"Aum gananan tva ganaptigum havamahe...\"

Mantra pushpam is offered

Satguru showers fresh flowers upon Lord Ganesha

We have some top knotch conch blowers in our midst.

Aum Sri Mahaganapataye Namah!

Taking the blessings from the arati.

Saravananathaswami performs pradakshina (circumambulation) around the newly-created chariot.

Nirvani Tejadevanatha operates the utility vechile. Just think of him as the charioteer who\

d otherwise be manning horses or bulls.'

Not bad, huh?

Satguru Bodhinatha then offers camphor arati upon a fresh coconut.

Getting ready to break the coconut on the ground. This instills the sense of officiation and removal of any obstacles.

Yoginathaswami comes forth to offer limes.

An uplifting, fun, and religious duty is thus completed. Everyone is happy to have helped in whatever way they could to make this upgrade to our Satguru\

s presentation a reality.'
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