Bodhinatha giving out vibhuti after his talk on Lord Murugan this morning in the temple.

Approaching Muruga hill…. Another magnificent day on Kauai… Lord Murugan is on our minds… some of the monks are fasting and some of the devotees have shaven their heads…

“The lancelike vel wielded by Lord Karttikeya, or Skanda, embodies discrimination and spiritual insight. Its blade is wide, long and keen, just as our knowledge must be broad, deep and penetrating. Aum Namah Sivaya.” — Gurudeva

Saravananathaswami performs the homa today.

Yogi Japendranatha writing prayers….

“All devas are under one of the Gods. When you write prayers to Lord Ganesha, some of His devas go to work in finding a solution for you. It is the same for Lord Murugan.” — Gurudeva

Kumar Katir has returned for a short break from basic training in the army. He is going into the field of heavy equipment operations and will soon be deployed in Germany.

Bodhinatha burns today’s prayers.

“Siva’s followers all believe in the Mahadeva Karttikeya, Son of Siva-Shakti, whose vel of grace dissolves the bondages of ignorance. The yogi, locked in lotus, venerates Murugan. Thus restrained, his mind becomes calm. Aum.”

Bodhinatha gave shared excerpts from his talks on Lord Murugan that he has been giving at temples while traveling.

Sivakatirswami videos Bodhinatha each Sun One

A number of pilgrims have remained after the Maha Samadhi week to continue their sadhana through Skanda Shashti. It is a very power, religious time of year for us all.

Gurudeva Mahasamadhi celebration took place on Wednesday, November 10, in the evening at the Ganesha Mandapam. At this time of the day there were no visitors present at the Park. The place looked quiet and uplifting for another spiritual encounter with the Satguru. After the chanting of Natchintanai by shishyas, the ceremony started with a silent pada puja to the Holy Sandals of the Gurudeva.

Brahmachari Vel Mahalingum assisted by Sivarathna Manick performed the ceremony while everyone silently enjoyed the darshan of the Guru.

It is always a special moment of spiritual joy for everyone during these Guru puja days…

The weather too, was ideal for the ceremony. It was not too hot despite the island now being in the heart of summer. Our ladies have their attention focused on the Tiruvadi.

Shishyas have come from all parts of Mauritius to attend the ceremony.

Everyone joined in the chanting of the 108 names of Gurudeva…

The Tiruvadi is beautifully decorated with flowers. A strong refined vibration could be felt around.

The peak moment of the ceremony was when everyone stood up for the final arathi to the Tiruvadi.

The darshan of the Guru could be felt….

After the arathi devotees rushed lovingly forward to pass their hands over the sacred flame…and receive other pure items used during the pada puja…

In the meantime other devotees are prostrating before Gurudeva’s Tiruvadi

It’s a wonderful moment for the shishyas to worship together with their thoughts on Gurudeva.

Kulapati Siven Koothan read a message from Bodhinatha on this special occasion. Shishyas listened carefully to the important points raised by Satguru Bodhinatha.

After the ceremony e
veryone sat on mats to traditionally enjoy a meal which consisted of chapatis, curries and green mango pickles. The children are chanting the food mantra before partaking the meal.

Everyone is happy to be in the Mandapam…specially these boys.