Aum Namah Sivaya,

Today, our taskforcer Yajatadeva brings us some photos of Iraivan Temple's current progress. The siplis have finished the detail work on the yalli handrails and are now engaged in the joining work for the wall section that was above the recently removed earthen ramp. While that is taking place, some of the siplis are working on the details for the front steps which will go between the yallis. A new foundation piece has been poured in front of the temple to support the steps and the drain pipes along the outside of the foundation are being completed, which will allow for the lavarock wall to move forward. Aum.

Aum Namah Sivaya

Recently, machine operator Pradeep, removed the dirt ramp which has long served as the route up to the Temple's foundation. With the front steps being worked on and the wall being completed where this ramp had been, we were finally able to dig it out. Now this area of the wall is open to its future lava rock cladding and the temple feels another step closer to its final form. Aum.

Aum Namah Sivaya!

Recently or Lava Rock wall team completed the sample section of Iraivan Temple's lava rock incline which encircles the Temple's foundation. For those who know lava rock, you'll know that this is excellent work, each stone fitted flawlessly with minimum shaping done to each piece.

Recently the monks of the Siddhidatta Kulam assembled scaffolding around Iraivan Temple's kodimaram. This will allow easy access for any and all work related to the temple flagpole. For example, now the temple's flag pieces can be added. These are three horizontal decorative pieces that point towards the temple's vimanam (central tower). Also, recent storms had blown off some of the protective covering, which needed to be replaced.

Aum Namah Sivaya

After testing several configurations of lava rock the wall test-section is now moving forward with a simple but elegant sloped design. This spot on the foundation gives us a sample of how both an inner and an outer corner will look in the final wall.

Aum Namah Sivaya

Today we enjoyed a dance for Lord Nataraja, performed by Kshama Swamy during the morning Siva puja in Kadavul Temple. Aum

Yesterday, the island team that will be building Iraivan's lava rock wall began their work. the project is to create a cascading lava rock finish around the entire foundation. Here you can see green forms that show the shape of the work to come. Strings are tied between them as a guide, block is formed underneath and then the lava rock coats the block in this tiered pattern. The company's name is Innov8. Their current plan is to fully build out this section. If we're happy with the results, they will continue around the whole temple.

Aum Namah Sivaya.

Today, Easan Saravan takes us on a photographic tour of Iraivan Temple. The siplis are still focused on finished the large Yalli handrails as well as the remaining work to be done for the perimeter wall.

"As I look into the future, I see Iraivan, fully completed, as a center where devotees will come to find the center of themselves. We will preserve it and maintain it so that it is the way Rishikesh used to be, a proper, pure, quiet place where devotees can go within themselves through the practice of yoga. There are very few such places left on the Earth now. Kauai's Hindu Monastery is one of them. I see Iraivan as a yoga citadel, a place of pilgrimage for the devout, sincere and dedicated. I see Iraivan as Indias message to the world on visitors day, when Hindus and non-Hindus alike come to admire the great artistry of the silpi stone carving tradition. I see Iraivan as a fulfillment of our lineage, our scriptures and our monastery. This is a place where you do not have to invoke God, for God is here, for this is where heaven meets the Earth." Gurudeva

Aum Namah Sivaya

Today we received these photos from Jiva at the carving site in Bengaluru. The initial carving of our new Nandi has been completed. Next, the team plans to do some more finishing work, after which Nandi will make his way to Kauai.

While the monastery has no female residents, and non-monastic members (both men and women) leave the property by 6PM, the ladies are actively involved in Sivathondu in the public areas. They are in immense help to the monastery. Being clerks at the MiniMela and being temple hosts. They also help the Pilliyar Kulam with tags for items and other chores related to the Minimela.

The members take take turns dealing with the tide of visitors, which has grown to over more than 3,000 month every day from 9-12 noon. They have to answer questions of the wide-eyed tourists who know nothing about Hinduism, "What is that Dancing God?" Answer serious queries about the monastery from Hindu pilgrims, "What sampradaya does this temple follow?"

And act as polite policewomen. "No photos allowed the temple... Can you please put on a sarong? Don't put your feet out while sitting. No, you can't do go Iraivan, to do that come on a tour day...." This list of questions go on and on. They have become quite the diplomats.

All the monks really thank you all for this service. You have no idea how much it is appreciated! Thank you!