Today at Kauai Aadheenam

Jai Mahalingeshwara!

For the past few months we have been facing a small issue where some visitors have walked up to Iraivan Temple while still wearing their shoes. They are not aware that the proper thing to do, is to remove them before walking up the entry steps towards the Nandi Mandapam. Since some people simply don’t know the protocol, we decided to put up a sign to inform them “No shoes or sandals beyond this point.” In some temples people are allowed to wear sandals within the outer structure. However, we must be strict because the consecrated Nandi Mandapam requires that people not wear their shoes around it. Today Kodiswara printed, laminated and installed the sign, which will be temporary until a more elegant, aluminium sign is created. Have a great day everyone! Aum!

Our Server Is Being Upgraded

Every few years it is necessary to change our server which is hosted by a professional company. On November 11 and 12 they will be porting our extensive data to new hardware and we will not be able to post TAKA for those days. We will return.

Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami gives his weekly upadesha in Kadavul Temple at Kauai’s Hindu Monastery in Hawaii. It is part of a series of talks elaborating on the inspired teachings of Satguru Śivaya Subramuniyaswami as found in his book Merging With Śiva.

“In concentrating on a flower, one of the sādhanas that you have been given, when awareness is held steady and only the flower exists within the mind, as well as outside your body, close observation and scrutiny of the flower can then begin. An intuitive flash will bring knowledge of the complete cycle of that particular form in all phases of its manifestation. This intuitive flash comes to those just beginning the processes of meditation. Later on, the process can be slowed down and sustained. We cannot be imaginative here or fantasize, for only through actually keying into the particular area in time and space does one begin to contemplate future and past in relationship to it.”

Vel Vel Muruga!

Yesterday was Skanda Shashti, for which we performed an puja and abhishekam to Lord Murugan in Kadavul Temple. Saravanathaswami officiated the puja, assisted by Sadhaka Shankaranatha and the monks. The puja was attended by Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami and many devotees, including those who joined in on the live stream (see previous post). The abhishekam included offerings of milk, yogurt, honey, panchamirtham, sandalwood water, coconut water from fresh coconuts, vibuthi and the rose water. Once finished with the abhishekam Muruga was elaborately decorated while devotees sang devotional songs to Lord Murugan, which created a powerful energy for everyone present. After the alankaram (decoration) the puja was finalized with the passing of flames, the chanting of Muruga’s 108 names and devarams sung by Yoginathaswami. The final arati was a very energizing day for everyone. Here are some of the pictures from the event for everyone to enjoy. Jai!

Vetrivel Muruganukku Arogara!

Starting at 3:00pm (Hawaiian Time) on November 6th, we will be celebrating Skanda Shasti. We will be conduction a puja and abhishekam to Lord Murugan in Kadavul Temple. The puja will be attended by Satguru, monks and devotees, including several from off-island. We will be Live Streaming the whole event for those who can make it in person. You can view the Live Streaming here in TAKA and enjoy the beautiful darshan.