The silpi’s just arrived from Bengaluru to begin the finishing work on Iraivan Temple.

Today our silpis began their work on the Iraivan Temple's Nandi Mandapam. The atmosphere at the worksite is buzzing with energy and divine grace as the site of Iraivan Temple awakens once more.

After months of visa coordination, on-site clearing, cleaning and preparation, the last batch of silpi artisans arrive on Kauai. Today they are getting settled in to their new home and start orientation tomorrow.

Yoginathaswami reports that the first objective will be to check where we left off all those years ago and measure critical markings on the Nandi Mandapam again so we can establish accurate continuity.

Much more to come from Iraivan in the days ahead. This is an exciting time to say the least.

The mighty Siddhidata Kulam are rounding up granite stones and moving them in place for the next batch of silpis who arrive in just a few weeks. The foundation of Iraivan is getting cleared for work, and that means moving some serious crate collections that have built up over the years. Luckily our monastic staff has forklifts, big-wheel trucks and gas-powered pressure washers to get the work done swiftly. Here's a small slideshow of their recent effort.

Yoginathaswami takes advantage of the sunny spell we have right now on Kauai and moves Iraivan stones into place. The temple is getting a good inspection for stone placement and soon everything will be ready for the next batch of silpis.

Iraivan Temple is built with chisels--there's no getting around that fact. This all important tool just got a facelift and the timing couldn't be better. With the last containers making their way to our island, and the last batch of silpis, the temple construction is coming to an end with a massive emphasis on final carving and polishing. Let's go through this chisel upgrade and explain what all the fuss is about.

After a long rest in Hawaii, Iraivan Temple construction picked up today with a new arrival of granite stones--one of the last shipments needed. Soon all of the stones will be here on Kauai and 40ft containers of granite will be a thing of the past. Our stone carvers are also expected to arrive in a few weeks to begin the final touches and placement of the Nandi Mandapam, perimeter wall and general spot-checks. 2018 is going to be an exciting year.

A new once-a-month cleaning routine has been activated for Iraivan Temple, and the first of the ongoing cleanings has been performed by Nirvani Tejadevanatha and Natyam Dayanatha using the new Genie Boom Lift Operator. A closeup of the control panel inside the lift cabin. Natyam Dayanatha is today's operator, while Nirvani Tejadevanatha operates the pressure washing wand—carefully cleaning the temple stone. The two monks run through a list of pre-cleaning protocols, checking safety measures and operator awareness. Here we go!   Up up and way, the two use the boom's powerful arm to get hoisted into the air and right up close to the stone. Amazing!   The cleaning begins. The temple is in much need of regular upkeep and input of energy. The soon-to-be arrival of stone carvers and this new cleaning routine is really feeling good and the Iraivan area is starting to feel that activity buzz once again. Jai! Thank you to all the donors who help support this giant project.        

Our local mission gathers once a month to make Iraivan's most profitable source of revenue--island grown rudraksha malas. The seva performed by these divine souls helps make Iraivan Temple a reality, supporting the shipping containers, labor costs, building materials and the endowment that will keep Iraivan funded for the future. From the core of our hearts, thank you. If you are reading the daily blog then show your support as well and let these amazing people know they are loved and supported by commenting down below.

Our Iraivan temple is glorious in the day, but at night the temple enjoys an entirely different vibration. Thanks to Rajkumar for spending the time to get this special shot.