Sivalaya Deepam

Recently, the monastery held its evening celebration of Sivalaya Deepam, worshiping God Siva as a pillar of fire. This year, deepa lamps were placed throughout Iriavan Temple. Earlier in the day we observed the monthly krittika homa at Iriavan, and into the evening the deepas were lit, setting aglow Iriavan Temple's intricate architecture. After a puja to Mahalingeshvara, special flames were brought out to a pillar of wood, ghee and palm fronds, which was set ablaze. Aum Namah Sivaya. Sivaya Namah Aum.

As the sun began to set, small lamps were lit throughout Iraivan Temple

several monks and close devotees enjoyed a puja to Mahalingeshvara

The lamps lit the temple beautifully

Pravinkumar performs special chants for the occasion

Mahalingeshvara

Lamps are paraded around the sanctum and then to the Nandi Mandapam

The monks carry them to the pillar

They are placed beneath

Jai!

At had been raining much of the day, but it stopped for this event

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