Iraivan Temple Sivalinga Installation Ceremonies
As most of you already know, the large crystal Sivalinga has been “temporarily” residing in Kadavul Temple since August 1987, awaiting its move to the Iraivan Temple sanctum. Our architect, Selvanathan Sthapati, has indicated that now that the Iraivan Temple structure is complete and the 11,000-pound panchaloha Avudaiyar base has been moved into the inner sanctum, we need to move forward with installing the Sivalinga. Actually, Sthapati was more colorful in his urgings, reminding us that the temple is a living being, with a conception (Gurudeva’s three visions), a birth and a lifespan. And, he offered, we have waited long enough, to the point that the temple is like a pregnant woman who is two weeks overdue, and we can no longer delay the event. Based on that instruction from our Master Builder and guidance from India’s Sivacharyas, Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami has set the Sivalinga installation rituals for March 21-26, 2023. These historic rites will be professionally filmed and livestreamed on our youtube channel for everyone to have a front row seat wherever you live around the world.
A just-uploaded trailer video for the ceremonies can be viewed here.
If you would like to plan ahead for watching the livestreams, here is the schedule of morning and afternoon streams:
March 21
Morning Ceremonies
8:00 AM Start
12:00 PM Distribution of Prasadam
Afternoon Ceremonies
3:00 PM Start
7:00 PM Distribution of Prasadam
March 22
Morning Ceremonies
8:00 AM Start
12:00 PM Distribution of Prasadam
Afternoon Ceremonies
3:00 PM Start
7:00 PM Distribution of Prasadam
March 23
Morning Ceremonies
7:30 AM Start
12:00 PM Distribution of Prasadam
Afternoon Ceremonies
3:00 PM Start
7:30 PM Distribution of Prasadam
March 24
Morning Ceremonies
8:00 AM Start
12:00 PM Distribution of Prasadam
Afternoon Ceremonies
3:00 PM Start
7:00 PM Distribution of Prasadam
March 25
Morning Ceremonies
8:00 AM Start
12:00 PM Distribution of Prasadam
Afternoon Ceremonies
3:00 PM Start
7:00 PM Distribution of Prasadam
March 26
Morning Ceremonies
6:00 AM Start
10:19 AM Auspicious Moment
12:00 PM Anna Dhaanam
Access to Iraivan Temple for these installation ceremonies will be through the monastery, with cars utilizing our existing parking lot of 37 spaces. Our maximum capacity of confirmed attendees for the event has already been reached, based on the existing facilities of the Aadheenam and Iraivan Temple. Permitting greater attendance would create substantial issues for us with our neighbors and the county over traffic and parking.
The good news is that starting on March 28th and thereafter, all Saiva Siddhanta Church sishyas and those on a prearranged pilgrimage to Kauai Aadheenam will be able to attend a daily puja at Iraivan Temple, something we have been waiting for all these years.
After March 28 visitors to the Aadheenam who are not formal pilgrims, Saiva Siddhanta Church sishyas or students of Himalayan Academy can still access the rudraksha grove and the monastery entrance areas, including Kadavul Temple, the Meditation Banyan and the MiniMela gift shop. But they will not have the opportunity to attend the Iraivan Temple daily puja until we fully establish additional facilities at the rudraksha grove entrance, thus meeting county regulations to have more parking and bathrooms to accommodate greater numbers of visitors before we can host large crowds. This development is still a couple of years away.
Pillaiyar Kulam Back Storage Room Progress
Siddhidata Kulam’s New Building Frame Takes Shape
Siddhidata Kulam New Building Parts Arrived
San Marga Path Earthwork
Iraivan Temple Tile Progress – Aerial Video
Jai Ganehsa!
Today we did a quick temple flyby with our drone to bring you this short aerial video. It shows the progress on the outer, red-granite tile that surrounds Iraivan Temple. Thus far, the tile has been completed along the north, west and eastern sides of the structure. All that is left is the southern tile which surrounds the Nandi Mandapam. In this video you can see the white sealant which the final tile will be placed over. Aum Namah Sivaya.
Power Generation Shed

New Shoe Pavilion for Kadavul Temple
The picture above tells the story. Pilgrims arriving, finding a place for their shoes before entering the temple. For many years we had a red and white canvas tent that sat right on the path. As part of the upgrade to Nandi Mandapam, we decided to bring up the shoe tent standard as well. This time we put the wood and aluminum structure to the side of the Tiruneri path, giving more room for the growing numbers of shoes, and also making the approach to the temple sweeter. Now you can see the kodimaram from a distance, and pilgrims don't have to shuffle through piles of other people's shoes on their way to Siva. Yesterday new shelves arrived and today is the first real day of use. Enjoy the tale of the making the new Shoe Pavilion.
For fun, we asked ChatGPT to rewrite our description. Here is the computer's unedited and enthusiastic offering:
Great news for all visitors to our sacred temple! A brand new shoe pavilion has been constructed to ensure the safekeeping of your footwear during your visit. The pavilion boasts state-of-the-art facilities and features ample space to store your shoes comfortably. You can now explore the temple without any worry or stress, knowing that your shoes are well-protected in a secure and organized manner. We hope that this new addition enhances your overall experience and makes your visit even more enjoyable.
Construction Updates and Outing
Yesterday’s Youthful Yurts
From Our Gurus' Teachings
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