Ladies Working for Siva

While the monastery has no female residents, and non-monastic members (both men and women) leave the property by 6PM, the ladies are actively involved in Sivathondu in the public areas. They are in immense help to the monastery. Being clerks at the MiniMela and being temple hosts. They also help the Pilliyar Kulam with tags for items and other chores related to the Minimela.

The members take take turns dealing with the tide of visitors, which has grown to over more than 3,000 month every day from 9-12 noon. They have to answer questions of the wide-eyed tourists who know nothing about Hinduism, "What is that Dancing God?" Answer serious queries about the monastery from Hindu pilgrims, "What sampradaya does this temple follow?"

And act as polite policewomen. "No photos allowed the temple... Can you please put on a sarong? Don't put your feet out while sitting. No, you can't do go Iraivan, to do that come on a tour day...." This list of questions go on and on. They have become quite the diplomats.

All the monks really thank you all for this service. You have no idea how much it is appreciated! Thank you!

Here is Isani Alahan worked in the Mini Mela counter. They handle as many as 300 guests every day between 9 and 1 PM.

This to Kulamata Amala Seyon. Today host and guardian of Kadavul between 9-12.

Valli Ananda hosting on another day...

Valli Alahan in the Minimela...

Chamundi Sabanathan. She will make instant adjustments to the Rudraksha bracelet you have purchased. She is also a key proofer reader and editor of the pages of Hinduism Today before it does live.

Temple host for the day, Lilashakti Devi.

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