It is Sun One again and Bodhinatha gave a talk today to Tamil temples with a message on the Tsunami.

Saravananathaswami performs the homa.

Two-year old Putrika Shaila Pushpa Sendan, all bundled up to keep her warm, worships with concentration during the final arati.

If you have not noticed it… see the side bar link to a message by Bodhinatha on the Tsunami.

After months of rain, we have had very bright dry clear weather. Iraivan looks wonderful

The gold leafing of the top of the East Chinna Gopuram began in earnest today.

With it’s flat smooth surface, it will be a much easier job than the Vimanam stone

Kulapati Deva Rajan is here with Kulamata Gayatri Rajan from California to help.

Hitesvara Saravan from the Big Island of Hawaii came over to assist.

Jothi Sendan also on the job.

We have this message from Patrick Harrigan who finally made it to Tambuvil in Batticaloa… where he got a first hand look at the Thirunavukkarasu Nayanar Gurukulam of Tambuvil. Here he is approaching the main building which is still standing in the distance. He writes:

“Yesterday we managed to get across the causeway and reach Tambiluvil, as well as Tirukkovil, Komari, Urani. We stayed the night in Pottuvil, where I could not get onto the Internet. I just returned to Colombo a few hours ago. I am in Colombo only tomorrow and then I head back to Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts.”

Back view:

“The main Gurukulam, a recently constructed building, appears to be structurally intact….”

“It was well built. There was little or nothing between it and the sea; …”

“And yet there appeared to be only superficial damage to outside walls, doors and windows.”

Main entrance with broken gate…

These boys who are now staying at the Swami Vipulananda children’s home did indeed come from the Tambiluvil Gurukulam. In response to Patrick’s earlier message about them being stuck with donated Western outfits we already have veshti’s being sent now from India.

“Inside everything is strewn about and there is this smell of dampness in all the buildings.”

“If I did not photograph a room, it means that that room is not too badly damaged.”

” I think that the whole structure could be repaired and occupied again in a matter of some few months only.”

Upstairs there is no sign of any damage; the shrine room is intact as though ready for puja. I have photographed the structure from all sides and many of the room interiors as well.

The original gurukulam is another story. The only intact structures were the memorial for Tambiah Swamigal and the water tower by the road. “

“Everything else has been reduced to rubble.”

“Only the foundations are perhaps still usable. But there is still a lot of uncertainty as to the Government’s policy about rebuilding structures in areas that are now considered as ‘unsafe’ (after first declaring that nothing like this ever happened in the island’s 2,500 year history, now they are afraid that this will be a regular occurrence). This would be a major concern to you, as without government permission no one can return and rebuild or reoccupy their shops and homes. I will, of course, let you know whatever I hear about this aspect of the story.”

“You will not be surprised to learn that Tirukkovil Chittira Velayudha Swami Kovil was hard hit by the tsunami. However it was not as hard hit as some temples such as Kalladi Tiruchendur Murugan Alayam which was complete
ly destroyed. The wife of one of the priests was confirmed killed; I do not know about the whereabouts or condition of the others. But there is definitely no puja being conducted at Tirukkovil or at many other kovils that were situated close to the beach.”

Patrick Harrigan

To contribute to the Tsunami Relief effort, go to:

http://www.hindu.org/aid-relief/