It is the last day of our phase and we had a powerful Tiruvembavai puja today in Kadavul. All the monks took the morning off to enjoy the ceremonies and talk with our guests.

No photos from Innersearch, but we have these short notes from Bodhinatha:

Yesterday:

A day of travel. We left the Dooralong Valley Resort at 5:30 pm, drove to Sydney, took a plane to Christchurch, New Zealand, a connecting flight to Queensland, NZ and then a two and a half hour bus drive to Te Anau and checked in at the Te Anau Hotel and Villas. It is right across the street from this huge lake, which is quite impressive. Everyone is charmed with the place already.

Today was an interesting all-day excursion to Milford Sound. The going and coming took about 5 1/2- 6 hours but was well worth it. Jagged rock peaks with small glaciers were seen along the route and other extraordinary scenery. The cruise on the sound was 2 1/2 hours, quite unique. The sound, which is really a fiord, was carved by a large glacier. The water in the lake is 1,000 feet deep. Pictures are needed to convey how interesting it is.

[Picture coming next phase]
Everyone in the group felt it was a special destination for sure.

This is one of the most holy days of the year. Lord Nataraja dance in Chidambaram on this day. We had full Nataraja Abhishekam in Kadavul. Photos are not allow of the Deities so we too this on of the giant painting of Pradosha Siva….

END OF PHASE
Today is the last day of our phase.
This edition of TAKA will remain posted
over our coming three-day retreat,
until Tritya Tithi, Sun One, Monday, January 16th

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The monks had the morning off to enjoy the puja. Yogi Japendranatha takes a moment to check email before going to the temple to help with the ceremonies.

We really want to thank Kulamata Isani Alahan and Brahmacharini Shama Kumara and Lila Shaktidevi for all their hard work hosting guests during the holiday season.

Isani is now fully trained “Mini-Mela” manager, clerk, sales lady… and takes care of all the sales. Someone was surprised to see her working on a hi-tech Mac and took picture of here there.

Smile for our camera!… It is tour day and very busy as people purchase books and religious items to take home.

In the middle is young 10-year-old Tristen and mother from Alaska, left and right, a retired couple from UK we asked to join the photo.

We made Tristen this promise: that when he went home he could go to January 12th on TAKA and find his picture and we promised to say:

Aloha, Tristen! Come visit again… Though young Tristen is an avid reader and picked up a copy of every free card, poster, picture, pamphlet and magazine we offered… A nice collection for him back home in Alaska.

This is a great series from Pancha Ganapati celebrations in Malaysia. I would say our mission there really knows how to have fun! Short captions come from our reporter there…

Everyone quietly assembled for the puja….

All the ladies in concentration…

Our young pujari, Nutanaya

Our guest of honour for the day, Lord Ganesha!

“And let the games begin!!!!”

Our talaivar being a great sport

This smart child won “guess the number of sweets” contest

Little Yajatadeva is “best-dressed” for the day

It’s time to bring out some ida currents from our pingala lot–the appa’s being dressed as ammas.

Our young designers hard at work

“errrr, amma, I think we need some help here”

Is that really Kulapati Sivajnani?

what is dressing up without some catwalk?

pretty tough looking “amma”

Amma, your smile’s excellent, but, err…watch your step!

Such humbleness….

“She” definitely looks confident on the runway

Brother Guna just couldn’t help looking at the mirror!

Kulamatha Amala wonders “Oh my, I wonder what they have instore for me?”

Oh! what now?

Getting all set for some action

Voila!The reincarnated “nearly” Ganesha.

Awww, isn’t he magnificent?

Wow, such a big belly! He must’ve eaten loads of modaka balls!

Magnificent!! Ganesha is so ecstasic that He dances the “Ganesha gautham” in joy!

Our next game – the wetter ur face gets, the better!

Of course, it’s time to tuck into some scrumptious lunch

Surprise, everyone! Ganesha has arrived to end our day with gifts!

Oh, thank you sooo much!