Sun One begins a new phase. Bodhinatha gave a talk on Lord Muruga that he has given several times in the past.

Yogi Jivanandanatha performs today’s homa.

Jothi and Vasuki Sendan are on hand with their newborn child, Shama who has her Namakarana today.

Bodhinatha signs the certificate.

The day before yesterday (Dec 24th) was the holy day of Ardra… but at this time of year it is much more… it is the Ardra called Tiruvembavai, when it is said that Lord Nataraja manifested and danced before the devotees at Chidambaram. One of our guests, Roopa Mayasandra, not even knowing about the festival, wanted to dance for Nataraja, which she did, following the puja.

Click here for a marvelous slide show of this the most holy day of the year for Lord Nataraja celebrated on the retreat– the 24th of December

Roopa’s husband, Shyam Mayasandra, and their son Vivek provide musical back up. Shyam was also an excellent male carnatic singer.

This festival is “rahasya” since all the magic occurs in the shrine of Lord Nataraja, which cannot be photographed. But, since this coincides with the holidays each year, it may be one of our biggest festivals in the future. As usual, many Hindu families are visiting Hawaii and the temple during the holiday season.

Roopa is an experienced dancer and teacher. Her perfomance was elegant and so precise!

It was certainly an auspicious moment for us all, a divine coincidence that Roopa would be here and able to offer her dance in the temple on the same day that Lord Nataraja danced for all the rishis of yore.

Mohana Vilashiny Murugesu, sends us a second installment, sharing the news of the sishya’s activities in Malaysia.

The 2nd Day of Pancha Ganapathi. Colour of the Day is Blue.

The celebration starts with Ganesha Puja. Milk Abhishegam for Lord Ganesha

….Honey coated Ganesha

The Sadhana for the Day is to offer apologizes and clear up any misunderstandings, ” explains Brother Kailasam.

Many young and energetic soul devotees joins in for the celebration.

The celebration is further graced with games. Here each team is working to assemble Lord Ganesha in a puzzle game..