This afternoon two giant crates arrived from Pakistan. Inside are six Chola-style artifact niches (our name), destined for the new Media Studio. Designed by the monks, they were crafted by a team that works with a Singapore shishya, who also teamed up with another member to cover all the costs.

There are three sets of two in the shipment. In pairs they will adorn the walls of the Media Studio, used to display sacred artifacts. So, for instance, a marble Nandi might be on display for a month, then changed out with a bronze trisula or a wooden Ganesha. the studio will have four of these displays, making it, in part, a Saivite spiritual museum.

Also in the crate is a 14-foot-long case which will span the Eastern wall of the Cedar Room. In it are 1008 rosewood cubes. Each will hold a small black river lingam.

Work continues this phase on the new entrance to the publications building, known now as the Media Studio (yes, we outgrew our old name, Press Shop). The entrance will be on the East side now, and begin with a covered portico held by eight massive redwood posts, trimmed with copper. Two 24-foot-long beams sit atop this, and these were just installed.

To make beams that long required a special piece of timber joinery, see the seventh photo in the slideshow. It's a traditional joint seldom seen these days. And it comes with an impressive name:

Stop-splayed skarf joint with under-squinted square butts and tapered traverse keys.

The French call it the "trait de jupiter" scarf joint

When you drive the pair of wedges (tapered traverse keys) in, they cinch the two beams together and hold them tightly.

The Media studio renovation is steadily coming along. Just recently the large glass window wall was installed. The Glass is very thick and heavy, so our professional team had to work hard to get it in, but they've done a wonderful job.

With all the footings in place the main structure for the panels was ready to go up. Yoginathaswami put in many hours making sure the first set was structured correctly, creating an accurate model by which the others could be easily built. The SK has been working hard, and will soon be ready to mount the panels.

Work continues on renovating the Mango Mandapam. Thought it is now without its mango tree, the mandapam is being greatly improved. It has a new wall around its base and has been made taller. Doug (left) has been working on the framing and supports, and today a large group of monks and some helpers lifted it up and rotated it into place upon its new footings.

Dr. Vladimir Paulon, concrete engineer originally from Brazil, assisted Professor Mehta in creating the formula for the first-ever fly-ash concrete foundation for Iraivan Temple. His last visit here was five years ago, and today he brought a friend from the days at University of Berkeley and was proud to show how there are no cracks.

Three generations of sevaks. Our Media Studio re-building project is currently being blessed with the hard work and precious professional knowledge of three generations of the Param family. On the right is patriarch Easvan, electrician. On the left is his son, electrician/lighting designer Chandran. And in the center is Chandran's son, 18-year-old Bhajana, a student. All are dedicated members of Saiva Siddhanta Church. It is our delight to have them with us for two weeks. Om.

Easvan, Chandran and Bhajana Param arrived at the monastery yesterday. They are here to install the electrical for the Media Studio renovation project. It's clear that they will be a great help. Easvan and Chandran both seemed confindent that the project should go smoothly.

Holika and his team have completed the new entry wall. It has been artistically plastered and dyed to look like stone. They have also been working on the base around the Mango Mandapam which is being renovated.