Our Spiritual Park in Mauritius

This morning, when Rajen Manick sent us the photos you are about to see, we could hardly believe our eyes. There was the Spiritual Park that Gurudeva founded in 1986 (Yes, 35 years ago). But it was not the land we have grown accustomed to in our mind's eye, a bustling seven acres full of hundreds and thousands of devotees plying the paths, lighting the lamps, offering their love and flowers. That space suddenly was silent, calm, somehow eternal. And so architecturally rich. The members and donors have spent the last few years building three major mandapams, all wood and thatch, spaces for classes on Saiva Siddhanta, for festivals and dance recitals and musical moments. Some of the monks (really, this happened) saw the images on our Big Screen and asked, "Where is that place?" so different it seemed than our memory. We offer you a 27-slide view of the Spiritual Park, Covid-19 style. You can explore more about its founding and mission here:

www.himalayanacademy.com/visit/missions/mauritius/ssc-mauritius

Inside the original mandapam with the 9-foot-tall Panchamukha Ganapati and photos of the Satgurus.

The main hall

The Sivalingam is bathed with water from a copper vessel. Just look at that design!

Two of the three mandapams in the island sun.

The main entry steps have been renovated, and protective coverings from the rains installed.

Anba Velayten is working to bring in more landscape palms and plants.

So quiet. So elegant.

Now devotees can sit in comfort.

Dakshinamurti also has a new roof.

Murugan is still in His pavilion looking out to sea.

Little wonder that crowds of 2, 3 even 10,000 come to fall at Ganesha\

s feet. '

Some areas are kept natural as a park should be.

The tropical sun can be intense, so it is filtered now.

Notice the tree timbers that replaced the old metal wall grates. Yes, those are Rudrakshas from Kauai seed!

Looking out at the entrance parking area.

Jai Ganesha! Jai Gurudeva! Jai Bodhinatha!

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