Iraivan Temple Gallery

Jai Mahalingeshwara

Please enjoy this gallery featuring the awe-inspiring twin temples of Kauai's Hindu Monastery: the Kadavul Nataraja Siva Temple and the Iraivan Temple on San Marga. Nestled within the monastery's property and within walking distance of each other, these temples are a testament to the beauty and grandeur of Hindu architecture and spirituality.

Aerial photo from January 2023

Monks gather on the steps, with the Nandi Mandapam behind.

The Maha Mandapam pillars

Namasivaya steps leading to the inner sanctum

The crystal Sivalingam, a svayambhu murti, called Mahalingeshwara.

Priests decorating the kodimaram in the Nandi Mandapam, March 2023

Thirty-five bronze panels on the perimeter wall, giving the history, philosophy and meaning of the temple.

The golden murti of Isani oversees the homas and pujas in the main hall.

Chains crafted from a single stone as among the temple\

s marvels. '

The chisels used to do all the carvings. No electric devices were used.

All by hand, one careful chip at a time.

Looking toward the Nandi Mandapam.

The temple is nestled in a lush tropical botanical garden.

The tower sculptures are gilded with 23-karat leaf.

Mahalingeshwara decorated on the first day of its installation, March 26, 2023

Sivachariyas conducted the six-day rites.

The pilgrims, priests and monks gather after the consecration.

Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami with the Sivachariyars

Golden light from the rising sun.

From high above, with the Wailua River flowing on the right.

A classic black and white shot.

Looking out into the garden beyond.

Inside the Maha Mandapam.

Satguru and the silpis

Detail of one of the four fluted Tara pillars.

The gilded Rajagopuram

Namasivaya steps leading to the garbha griha

The quarry in Bengaluru, India where all the granite was sourced

Silpis marking a stone for carving.

The vimanam with Mount Waialeale in the background

Photo of a Kauai sunset from the Media Studio.

We move now to our second temple, Kadavul, about 1,100 feet away. This is the temple pool with the lava clad Kadavul Temple behind.

A homa in the main mandapam.

An artist\

s rendering of the 6-foot-tall bronze Siva Nataraja in the sanctum, since no photos are allowed. '

Approaching the temple, one encounters Shanmugam in with massive banyan tree.

He has six faces and twelve arms.

Next one encounters the golden flagpole, called kodimaram.

The nine-foot-long Nandi sits at the entry, worshipping Siva night and day.

Wood carvings of Ganesha and Muruga greet pilgrims at the entrance.

Murugan...

Two large doors leading to the temple chamber.

Inside. 108 murtis of Siva\

s tandava dancie grace the walls '

Each month Gurudeva is worshipped at his shrine in Kadavul on chittra, the nakshatra of his Great Departure.

The 6-foot black granite Ganesha is on Siva\

s right'

And His brother Murugan on the left.

Milk being poured during abhishekam.

Followed by aarti.

Close up of a homa.

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