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
Nandi Pitham Is Consecrated
For those new to our story, years back, around 1984, we installed a 9-foot-long black granite Nandi in front of Kadavul Temple. Gurudeva loved the sculpture, but was disappointed in the rough unfinished stones they provided for the base. He called it "A pile of rocks." That sentence lived in our minds all these years and finally we set about to make it right. New cladding was designed in Chola empire style and carved in India and the silpis spent all of November and December and part of January installing and refining it. Here we present some historic photos along with a BEFORE and AFTER slider that tells its own story.
Siddhidata Kulam New Machine Shop Foundation Pour
Iraivan Temple Granite Tile Update
Aum Namah Sivaya
Last summer, work began on the installation of the red granite tile which surrounds Iraivan Temple's main structure. Today, much of the work has been completed around the back and the two sides of the temple. The team is now focusing on the front area around the Nandi Mandapam. Projections are that after another month this tile project will be near completion. Aum.
Climbing to Siva’s Feet
The entrance stairway is just a couple of weeks away from completion. It has taken several months of concrete, rock and tile work, not to mention the installation of the massive elephants. One day, this will be the way most pilgrims approach Iraivan Temple. The most recent work is to tile the concrete treads with quartzite stone. This particular Brazilian stone is so hard and tight that it does not give a foothold for moss and fungus, so stays safe and non-slippery longer, and if you do pressure wash it, it looks like new even years later. Enjoy a short slideshow of today's progress.
Earthwork Preparing for Another Concrete Foundation
Kodimaram Stone
Nandi Mandapam Cladding Progress
From Our Gurus' Teachings
Archives are now available through 2001. Light colored days have no posts. 1998-2001 coming later.