Iraivan Temple's Steps Come to Life!

Aum Namah Sivaya!

Last week, after months (and technically years) of careful planning, the concrete foundation for Iraivan Temple's front steps was finally poured. A team of local concrete experts flaunted their skills as they quickly constructed a complex wooden form in which to pour an exactingly engineered slab, which will eventually be cladded in granite. The team finished quicker than expected and unexpectedly–and almost without warning–called in the trucks and began the pour. The moment that these countless hours of careful planning, measuring, construction and chance all led up to you ask? None other than Mahasivaratri of course. Perfect timing! Aum Namah Sivaya!

Finishing touches are made during the cement pour for Iraivan Temple\

s front steps'

The main challenge was building a form which would allow for one giant concrete pour

It must be anchored to the compacted gravel underlayment and fastened to the existing foundation as well

The lines must be straight, allowing for a clean installation of the granite step pieces

You really have to know what you\

re doing to get something like this right. '

These side areas will be left open for the yallis and the large stones which sit behind them.

It has to be well supported against the pressure from many tones of concrete.

Now the detail pieces which define the steps are added

getting close

A large concrete boom pump arrives

The siplis continue to work on the step stones

An orchid has found its way over from the gardens

A giant plastic sheet is raised to protect the stones from splashing concrete

The boom helps by allowing the concrete to easily be poured evenly across the form

One of many concrete trucks arrive

It begins! Jai Ganesha!

Many trucks later, and the team is standing on top, smoothing out the steps

That space on the left is for the yalli

Once complete it was covered in plastic and now awaits the installation of the stones. Aum.

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