Hula For Mount Waialeale and Pihanakalani

The monastery recently enjoyed a visit from Kehaulani and her group of hula haumana (students). Many years ago it was Kehaulani who did the Hawaiian blessing for the building of Iraivan Temple. This group of students are her core pupils in the learning of Hawaiian hula, ceremonies and chants. They come from Kauai and other parts of Hawaii but mostly from Japan where hula has become quite popular in recent decades.

Upon arrival Kehaulani was gifted with a wooden bowl made by the monks from camphor wood. She and her troupe were then given a short introduction to the monastery, for many of them hadn't visited before. They were soon brought to Kadavul Temple where Kehaulani offered a beautiful Hawaiian chant to the Gods Lono, Ku and Kane (Ganesha Muruga and Siva respectively). They also performed a short hula as a group and offered a ti leaf garland for Nataraja. Next they were brought out to the flagpole area for their main hula. There is a specific Hawaiian chant dedicated to Pihanakalani ("where Heaven meets Earth") which they perform here along with chants to Mount Waialeale and the Wailua River.

The group sits together in Kadavul while Kehaulani chants to the Gods

Sadhaka Jayanatha brings group out to the orchid mandapam area where they can to their hula

They decide to set up by the flagpole where they could face Iraivan Temple and the mountain

Kehaulani drums and chants while the group dances

The day ends with a beautiful orange sunset. Aum Namah Sivaya

}
];

transitionSpeed:150});