Lava Rock Plinth

Gurudeva loved the idea of a black lava rock plinth sitting below the almost white granite stones of the temple, making the impression (especially once the landscaping is in place) that the temple sits atop a small mountain. This sense of elevation and color contrast is part of the magic he envisioned.

Yesterday the team (originally from Turkey) removed the tent shelters on the East side of the temple, revealing for the first time the completed plinth. There is more to be done on the other sides in the months ahead. It was last May that this project began, after years of planning and fund-raising. So, ten full months of work, and a few more to go. We took some photos last May when it began and offer today a simple photo-timelapse of the project, including at the end some close-ups of the finished effect. Now you have to imagine bronze panels populating the 14" by 47" frames on the perimeter wall. Elegant is a word that comes to mind.

This shot was taken this morning, March 3

Last May all you could see was the concrete side of the massive foundation, oddly painted, unfinished with all the drainage pipes protruding.

Umut\

s team begins bringing in many loads of moss rock from the South side of the island. '

They begin to build shelters from the weather.

Tons and tons of rocks moved across the island and stockpiled near the site.

These tarps allow the team to work even during tropical rains, which come often here.

After months of work, disassembling the shelters to reveal the plinth.

Our first glimpse of the full length of the plinth. Wow!

Once the stone weathers, it will be much darker, virtually black.

Notice the fitting of the stones, much like a giant puzzle.

Each rock was agonized over, chosen, attempted, rejected and finally discovered. One visitor recently shared that he has been providing these stones for wall builders on Kauai for 45 years, and \"I have never seen quality like this.\"

Good job, Umut! Good job, Chenk! Good job, Tony! Good job, Inoke!

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