Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami envisioned the Monastery, its temples and shrines as a “punya tirtha, a sacred destination for devout pilgrims who come with this one goal in mind, having received permission early on and begun preparing themselves far in advance through fasting, meditation and prayer in anticipation of receiving the darshana of Iraivan and performing daily sadhana on San Marga.”
Three Parts to a Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage has three parts: the preparation, the pilgrimage itself and the post-trip practices. All three are described in the “Sadhana Guide For Pilgrims to Kauai’s Hindu Monastery.”
As is common in any traditional pilgrimage, the preparation is as important as the pilgrimage itself. Devotees pilgrimaging to Kerala’s Sabarimala Lord Ayyappan Temple, for example, prepare for 41 days in advance through fasting, celibacy and self-denial. In the days or weeks before your journey to Kauai, perform additional daily study and spiritual disciplines to prepare yourself. Join with your family to intensify and renew your spiritual life. On the appointed day, fly straight to Kauai with only God on your mind, and God will be waiting to see you! See the sadhana booklet for specific suggestions for the preparation period.
The sadhana booklet gives detailed descriptions of seventeen sadhanas that can be performed during your time at Kauai’s Hindu Monastery. Not all of them will be available during your stay.
Post-trip sadhanas complete the pilgrimage experience. These sadhanas solidify personal achievements and strengthen the home shrine for the coming year. Again, suggestions are found in the sadhana booklet.
Those interested in participating in the formal sadhana program may contact us in advance to arrange their visit as more formal pilgrims.