The Bengaluru Team Pushes Hard

Even in normal times, getting complex things done in India is, to be gentle about it, challenging. With the expected return of our silpis to Kauai in October, it has become critical that the last two containers be loaded and shipped. Trouble was, the craftsmen making key items for Iraivan Temple were dragging their feet. Promising but not performing. When Jiva and his sons, Thurai and Senthil, realized the urgency, they went to work, using the willower Gurudeva instilled in them for decades.

They took a three-day jaunt to Kumbhakonam, where the metal shop is located, and told the sthapatis they would not leave until Iraivan's items were finished. It worked! After three days all was in readiness to be shipped to Bengaluru. In this slideshow we see the results of their persistent push to get things done (remember, India is in the midst of a COVID rise).

Jiva Rajasankar holds one of the four yallis that will adorn the kodimaram. All of the items you will see have been gold plated.

An artisan holds one of the panels that go on the four sides of the base of the kodimaram.

One is Sadasiva.

And Dakshinamurti

Siva\

s Trisula.'

Lord Nataraja.

The shop is proud of its work and eager to show it off.

These spires are magnificant and will shine for decades in the tropical sunlight.

All four yallis on the table.

Up close

Jiva saw this Vel, loved it and had it gold-plated as a gift for Kauai Aadheenam.

Elegant. In addition to these metal items, there are many stone pieces we will share in the days ahead, all being prepared to ship to Kauai.

}

];