For 48 days after a prana pratishtha, "Mandala Pujas" are performed to stabilize the newly created vibration. The final three days worth of pujas from May 8th afternoon through May 11th morning are more elaborate and preparations are in full swing for them. Ten priests will be here to perform them. New homa kundas are needed for those pujas, and a retired plaster specialist was sponsored to fly to Kauai and guide the process. He and our resident silpis are creating five new homa pits, each in a different shape and having a naga serpent slithering up the side, the head of which serves to hold the ghee container!

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presentation by Rajkumar Manickam

Iraivan Temple's naturally formed, 700-pound quartz Sivalinga murti was officially installed (prana pratishtha) by ten priests over the six days of March 21-26th, 2023. The whole event was livestreamed, resulting in many hours of footage. Enjoy here a brief highlight reel-- In the coming weeks we will also share a updated documentary of the whole Iraivan Temple project from beginning to present day.

Jai Mahalingeshwara

Please enjoy this gallery featuring the awe-inspiring twin temples of Kauai's Hindu Monastery: the Kadavul Nataraja Siva Temple and the Iraivan Temple on San Marga. Nestled within the monastery's property and within walking distance of each other, these temples are a testament to the beauty and grandeur of Hindu architecture and spirituality.

Following a temple consecration, a homa followed by abhishekam is performed daily for 48 days to help stabilize the newly generated shakti darshan and for the benefit of society and mankind in general. One of the priests, Vivek Sivacharyar, has stayed on to perform these "Mandala Pujas" along with the younger Praveen Gurukkal who will continue on as the Iraivan Temple priest for the time being. The final three days are extra special, during which several Sivacharya priests will return to participate. In the photos we see storage of homa/puja supplies nearby, and Vivek Sivacharyar just starting the homa for the day with a few devotees attending.

We share some images of when the crystal Sivalinga was initially placed in its pitha in the days before installation ceremonies. Next is a daytime and twilight image of the main mandapam during preparations, taken by a PTZ camera that was mounted up high for the livestreaming. Finally is a image of the Sivalingam from the PTZ livestream video on the final day of ceremonies in the late morning after kumbhabhishekam and decoration.

On the final day, March 26, all gathered on the entry steps for a series of photos, capturing the priests with Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, the monks with the priests and all present. Also one of the monks caught a rare image of Iraivan Temple with the lights on. Jai Gurudeva whose vision has now become a reality! Jai Mahalingeshwara!

We asked ChatGPT what AI knows about them and this is the reply from artificial intelligence:

Adi Saiva priests are a group of priests who follow the Adi Saivite tradition, which is a sect of Shaivism that originated in South India. Adi Shaivism is believed to be one of the oldest and most authentic forms of Saivism.

Adi Saiva priests are considered to be the custodians of the Adi Saivite tradition and are responsible for performing various rituals and ceremonies associated with the worship of Lord Shiva. They are highly respected in the Hindu community for their knowledge of the scriptures, their devotion to Lord Shiva, and their service to the community.

The Adi Saiva priests are known for their distinctive dress, which includes a rudraksha mala (a necklace made of rudraksha beads), and vibhuti (sacred ash) on their forehead. They are also known for their expertise in performing various rituals and ceremonies, including the worship of Siva lingam (an iconic representation of Lord Siva) and the chanting of Vedic hymns.
The Adi Saiva priests are considered to be an integral part of Hinduism and play an important role in preserving and promoting the Adi Saivite tradition.

SUNDAY MARCH 26TH, 2023 (FINAL DAY 6) 7:15 AM - 5:00 PM HST (Day 6 - Final Session) Vishesha Sandhi, Vara Siddhi Ganapathy Pooja, Punyahavachanam, Ankura Pooja, Siva Soorya Pooja, Mantapa Pooja, Vedhika Maha Kumbha Pooja, Shadhadhwa Nyasa Pooja, Agni Kaarya Saparya, Tattvarchana, Naadi Sandhanam, Sparshaahuthi, Vishesha Dravya Aahuthi, Maha Poornahuthi, Yaatra Daanam, Ghatoththaapanam, Moola Bimba Jeeva Nyasam, Murthi Samyojanam Maha Kumbhabhishekam, 10:07AM - 10:19AM - Vrushabha Lagnam The Kumbhabhishekam of Rajagopuram, Vimanam, Maha Kumbhabhishekam for Lord Iraivan in the form of Sri Sadha Siva at the Moolashanam, Parivara Kumbhabhishekam, Maha Abhishekam, Divyopachara Deeparadhana 12:00 PM - Prasada and break 3:00 PM-- 108 Kalasa Snapanaarchana, Snapanaabhishekam and Alankaram, Divya Upacharas 5:00pm-- Kumbhabhishekam ceremonies are complete

SUNDAY MARCH 26TH, 2023 (FINAL DAY 6) 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM HST (Day 6 - Final Session) Vishesha Sandhi, Vara Siddhi Ganapathy Pooja, Punyahavachanam, Ankura Pooja, Siva Soorya Pooja, Mantapa Pooja, Vedhika Maha Kumbha Pooja, Shadhadhwa Nyasa Pooja, Agni Kaarya Saparya, Tattvarchana, Naadi Sandhanam, Sparshaahuthi, Vishesha Dravya Aahuthi, Maha Poornahuthi, Yaatra Daanam, Ghatoththaapanam, Moola Bimba Jeeva Nyasam, Murthi Samyojanam Maha Kumbhabhishekam, 10:07AM - 10:19AM - Vrushabha Lagnam The Kumbhabhishekam of Rajagopuram, Vimanam, Maha Kumbhabhishekam for Lord Iraivan in the form of Sri Sadha Siva at the Moolashanam, Parivara Kumbhabhishekam, Maha Abhishekam, Divyopachara Deeparadhana 12:00 PM - Prasada and break 3:00 PM-- 108 Kalasa Snapanaarchana, Snapanaabhishekam and Alankaram, Divya Upacharas 5:00pm-- Kumbhabhishekam ceremonies are complete

Please also enjoy this article which explains some of the details of a Kumbhaabhishekam.

SATURDAY MARCH 25TH, 2023 (DAY 5) 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM HST (Day 5 - Morning Session) Vishesha Sandhi Anushtanam, Fourth Kala (4th Session) Sri Narthana Ganapathy Pooja, Punyahavachanam, Ankura Pooja, Siva Soorya Saparya,Mantapa Aaradhana, Vedhika Archana, Shadhadhwa Nyasa Pooja, Agni Kaaryam, Vishesha Dravya Aahuthi, Ashtabandhanam, Poornahuthi, Divyopachara Deeparadhana 12:00 PM - BREAK