It is a quiet day at the Aadheenam so we bring you a few lovely photos from Iraivan…

The Siddhidata Kulam gave a thorough report of their activities this past phase. New plumbing for the pool and publications building, upgrades to the nursery at the garden, clearing of falling tree branches.

A duck has moved into Rishi Valley. We call him Sambandar. A new addition to the monastery. He arrived about 3 weeks ago and is residing in the ponds on our Path of the Tamil Saivite Saints. Where did he come from? Well, we should not inquire into the origins of a wondering mendicant. Where is he going? “Who knows” as Yogaswami would say. But you are welcome to stay Sambandar!

Speaking of creatures ….part of today’s Siddhidata Kulam report was:

The Infamous Story of the Donkey!

Yes, someone drove in the back way and told us “You know there is a donkey tied up at your gate.”

We thought to ourselves, without saying anything aloud, a sweet smile on our faces….

[“Ah ha!… the old “donkey at your gate” trick… everyone knows that trick……we aren’t going to fall for it…” ]

“Really, believe me.. there is a donkey at your gate!”

Sadhaka Tejadeva sent these photos from his cell phone, after verifying there was indeed a donkey at our back gate. Actually, on closer inspection it was not a donkey… it was a mule! Eventually the owners were notified and retrieved him.

The lattice “window” of the East Chinna Gopuram of Iraivan…

If you take that bucket of water at the top and pour it in the trough…

The water will come rushing out the mouth of the crocodile…These stones will eventually go on the roof to handle the water flow during down pours.

Chains, carved from a single stone.

One of the silpis at work on the top of the West Chinna Gopuram..

The silent face of Dakshinamurthy