New Peedams for Kadavul
When Nandi the Bull was installed at Kadavul Temple in 1985 there was a major story on Honolulu's KRON TV channel. They sent a film crew to Kauai and the famed Joe Moore opened the evening news (remember those days?) with the headline "16 Tons of Bull." You have to grab your audience, right? And he does weigh 32,000 pounds.
It was a marvelous accomplishment for the monastery, a monolithic bull kneeling before Siva day and night, the symbol of strength humbling itself before God. We managed to bend a giant crane while lifting it onto its peedam.
But when the dust settled, Gurudeva confided to the monks that he loved the Nandi but was disappointed in the base. It was without ornamentation, just plain raw stones. Gurudeva called it "A pile of rocks." And he softly indicated that one day, perhaps, we could make it right.
So last year we had Selvanathan Sthapati draw a proper Chola base design. Yesterday we received the first series of photos from Jiva and his sons in Bengaluru showing the progress, which is significant as the photos show.
In the not too distant future, Gurudeva's wish will come true, and Nandi will be seated atop an intricate base worthy of His devotion.
Aum Namasivaya!
2 Responses to “New Peedams for Kadavul”
From Our Gurus' Teachings
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September 7th, 2018 at 8:09 am
A beautiful story and inspiring start to the day. In humble service, expecting nothing, Nandi receives a beautiful Chola base and the Aadheenam glows effervescent more. Nandri for sharing these beautiful stories. Aum Namah Sivaya.
September 7th, 2018 at 3:18 pm
Lovely guru. These are the little wish he gives us cannot wait to see you நந்தி. (நந்தி.)