A new pathway is being built near the Path of the Saiva Satgurus. It gives a formal exit to the path for future pilgrims who are returning to their cars at the Visitors' Center. Happily, it is being done by none other than Dennis Wong, who has worked for 40 years on the monastery land, building roads, ponds and gardens. Dennis arranged for the large equipment to be loaned to the monastery for free! Thank you, Dennis.

Click here for more photos of the homa at our Spiritual Park

http://www.saivasiddhanta.org/site/pg/news/view/mauritius-dharmasala/ssc-mauritius-mission_117

For those that love to listen to updeshas by our gurus, you might not be aware of this wonderful resource. It is our online Inspired Talk Index, and it includes all of our published talks by both Gurudeva and Bodhinatha, from as far back as 1959. You can also access these resources through the SivaSiva App. To view them in the browser simply go here: www.himalayanacademy.com/looklisten/talksindex

Aum Namah Sivaya

Aum Namah Sivaya

Yesterday, following our Siva Homa, the monks paraded out to the flagpole with Satguru to fly the flag for the new season. The old flag was lowered and the coral-pink flag of the Moksha Ritau was raised. Next, the troupe traveled out to Iraivan Temple for an arati in the inner sanctum. Aum.


From the Saiva Dharma Shastras:

112 Introduction
Beginning with Hindu New Year in mid-April, three seasons of the year divide our activities into three great needs of humankind--the learning of scripture in the first season, Nartana Ritau; the living of culture in the second season, Jivana Ritau; and the meditating on Siva in the third season, Moksha Ritau. Thus we are constantly reminded that our life is Siva's life and our path to Him is through study, sadhana and realization. In ritau one, we teach the philosophy; in ritau two, we teach the culture; and in ritau three, we teach meditation.

120 The Third Season: Moksha Ritau
The third period of the year, Moksha Ritau, the cool season, is from mid-December to mid-April. It is the season of dissolution. The key word is resolution. Merging with Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Metaphysics is the focus of study and intense investigation. The colors of this season are coral-pink, silver and all shades of blue and purple--coral for the Self within, silver and blue for illumination, and purple for enlightened wisdom. High above flies the coral flag, signaling Parasiva, Absolute Reality, beyond time, form and space. Moksha Ritau is a time of appreciation, of gratitude for all that life has given, and a time of honoring elders, those in the sannyasa stage of life. Moksha Ritau is excellent for philosophical discussions, voicing one's understanding of the path through an enlightened intellect. In finance, it is the time for yearly accounting and reconciliation. On a mundane level it is a time of clearing attics, basements, garages, sheds, warehouses, workshops and desks, getting rid of unneeded things, of pruning trees, of streamlining life on the physical plane--of reengineering.

A livestream of Kauai Hindu Monastery's Kadavul Temple. Today the monks celebrate the change of seasons from the fall harvest season to the winter season known as the "Moksha Ritau."

Aum Namah Sivaya

Today we bring you quick update on the status of Iraivan Temple's Lavarock wall, which encircles the temple's concrete foundation. This week Umut and his team have made steady progress along the eastern side of the wall, bringing the whole southeast corner to near-completion. At a distance and as you approach the entryway steps, it looks complete. Theres just a little row of rocks to set on top. Much of this side of the temple has reached this point. Aum.

Jai Ganesha!

Just ten days until we begin our celebrations of Pancha Ganapati!
Here is a refresher course, giving you the details of each day to you can prepare.

Pancha Ganapati is a modern Hindu festival of the Five-Faced (Pancha means "five") Mah Ganapati--Lord of Categories. This festival falls during the thirty days of the Markali Pillaiyar home festival and lasts for five days--from December 21 through 25.
The winter solstice has always been a festive time of year in all countries and religions, among Hindus especially, for it is a traditional season for the worship of Lord Ganesha. In Hindu Vedic Astrology this time of year marks the end of the sun's southward movement and the beginning of its movement north, the change from dakshinayana to uttarayana. Since Hindus do not celebrate Christmas, they often find it difficult to relate in a meaningful way to those who do. Their children are often embarrassed when asked why they do not receive gifts on December 25. Adults feel the need to give gifts and mail greeting cards as well as receive them from their relatives, neighbors, friends and business associates. Pancha Ganapati is a Hindu expression of this natural season of worship, gift-giving and celebration.
December 25 and the days that precede and follow it have truly become a special time of year for people of many religions, and for the non-religious as well. In fact, this season has become so universally popular that it has virtually become a secular cultural holiday in addition to its special observance by certain religions. Recognizing this fact, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Christmas a secular, social holiday. This is because it has become a time for everyone to rejoice, give and share their abundance, each in his own way.

CREATING THE PANCHA GANAPATI SHRINE
Pancha Ganapati is not a temple utsava; it is a contemporary home observance. Because of the importance of this festival as a new beginning and mending of all mistakes of the past, a festive shrine is created especially for the five-day event in the main living room of the home. At the center of the shrine is placed a large wooden or bronze five-faced statue of Lord Pancha Ganapati. If this is not available, any large picture of Lord Ganesha will do. The home shrine is decorated in the spirit of this festive season. Lord Ganesha is often depicted as coming from the forest; therefore, pine boughs (or banana leaves) may be used. Druva grass, sugarcane and garlands of sweet modaka balls are used to decorate the home shrine. Flashing lights, tinsel and colorful hanging ornaments may also be added.
Pancha Ganapati is dressed anew each morning, preferably by the children, in a special color for that particular day. His five Shaktis are loved and adored by all members of the family. He appears in golden yellow on December 21. A regal gown of royal blue is presented to Him on December 22 and one of ruby red on the 23rd. On December 24 He appears in emerald green; and on the final day Lord Pancha Ganapati comes forth in brilliant orange to bless all who visit Him, bestowing 365 days of wealth and abundance until returning again next year in the form of Pancha Ganapati.
Pancha Ganapati should be celebrated in a distinctly Hindu way. The items which should not be used are Christmas trees, Santa Claus or symbols of other religions. These symbols carry connotations that are to be avoided in Hindu worship. Season's greeting cards should be Hindu in design and content. Season's greetings to friends in other religions can continue with thoughts of Hindu wisdom or quotes from Hindu scripture. If properly chosen they will be appreciated and cherished.

PANCHA GANAPATI ACTIVITIES
Pancha Ganapati is a joyous time for the family and should include outings, picnics, holiday feasts and exchange of cards and gifts with relatives, friends and business associates. Each day a traditional offering tray of sweets, fruits and incense is offered to Pancha Ganapati, often prepared and presented by the children. Each day gifts are given to the children, who place them unopened before Pancha Ganapati, to open only on the fifth day. After each puja, the sweets are given to them from the offering tray as prasada. Gifts need not be extravagant or expensive; they should be within the means of each family. Handmade presents are by far the most precious. Ganesha does not want gift-giving to promote Western commercialism but to further the great Hindu culture. Clearly, killer games should never be given. Greeting cards, ideally made by the children, offer Hindu art and wisdom, such as verses from theVedas.
During each of the five days of Pancha Ganapati, chants, songs, hymns and bhajanas are sung in His praise. Each day a different family sadhana is focused upon. The first sadhana begins the morning of December 21 and the others begin each day thereafter until the fifth and final day, December 25.

DECEMBER 21, YELLOW
The family sadhana for the first day of Pancha Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among immediate family members. The day begins early, and the entire family works together to design and decorate the shrine with traditional symbols, rangoli, lamps and more. Then a grand puja is performed invoking the spirit of Pancha Ganapati in the home. The sadhana of the day now begins. The family sits together for the purpose of easing any strained relationships that have arisen during the year. They make amends one with another for misdeeds performed, insults given, mental pain and injuries caused and suffered. When forgiveness is offered to all by one and all, they speak of each other's good qualities and resolve that in the days ahead they will remember the futility of trying to change others and the practicality of changing oneself to be the silent example for all to witness. Gifts are then exchanged and placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati. As family harmony is important to all Hindus, this sadhana must be taken very seriously.
DECEMBER 22, BLUE
The family sadhana for the second day of Pancha Ganapati is to create a vibration of love and harmony among neighbors, relatives and close friends and presenting them with heartfelt. The sadhana of the day is to offer apologies and clear up any misunderstandings that exist. Relatives and friends in far-off places are written to or called, forgiveness is sought, apologies made and tensions released. Gifts received are placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.
DECEMBER 23, RED
The family sadhana for the third day is to create a vibration of love and harmony among business associates, the casual merchant and the public at large. This is the day for presenting gifts to merchants and customers and to honor employers and employees with gifts and appreciation. The sadhana today is the settling of all debts and disputes. Gifts received are placed unopened before the Deity.
DECEMBER 24, GREEN
The sadhana of day four is to draw forth the vibration of joy and harmony that comes from music, art, drama and the dance. Family, relatives and friends gather for satsanga to share and enjoy their artistic gifts. When the program is over, all sit together before Pancha Ganapati, Patron of the Arts and Guardian of Culture, discussing Hindu Dharma and making plans to bring more cultural refinements into each household. More gifts are placed before Lord Ganapati.
DECEMBER 25, ORANGE
The family sadhana for the final day of Pancha Ganapati is to bring forth love and harmony within all three worlds. Because of sadhanas well performed during the first four days, the family is now more open and aware of Ganesha's Grace, and their love for Him is now overflowing. On this day the entire family experiences an outpouring of love and tranquility from the great God Himself. His blessings fill the home and the hearts of everyone within it, inspiring them anew for the coming year. This exchange of affection between all members of the family and the Lord is invoked and perpetuated through the day by performing five special pujas. The first puja is at 6am. Before the puja, personal offering trays are prepared and placed before His shrine. After the puja, each one gives verbal testimony about prayers that were answered during the past year. Hearing testimonies strengthens the faith of everyone. Then vows of sacrifice can be verbally made. Vows should improve the quality of the life of the individual, such as giving up smoking or correcting other harmful habits.
The second puja is at 9AM, and the third at 12 noon. The fourth puja is held at 3PM.At 6PM the fifth and final puja of the day is held. These five pujas to Pancha Ganapati solicit help from His devas in the home and establish the patterns for improvement in family life. The overflowing love that is felt today will inspire generosity in the year to come, bringing in return abundance and good fortune. All gifts received during the day are placed unopened before Pancha Ganapati.
The evening puja, held at six o'clock, is the long-awaited time. The five sadhanas have been completed. Peace, love and harmony among everyone have been restored. After the puja and before the great feast that follows, Lord Panchamukha Ganapati Himself gives His final darshana and prasada to one and all. Gifts are distributed and joyously opened. Happy children. Happy parents. Happy God.

Jai Gurudeva!

This morning we celebrated our 255th chitra padapuja at Gurudeva's shrine in Kadavul Temple. Yogi Jayanatha and Nirvani Tejadevanatha performed the short puja and abhishekam while monks chanted Sri Rudram and enjoyed Gurudeva's darshan. Aum.

Recently, during the Krittika nakshatra, the monks held their humble observance of Krittika Deepam. This is a time when God Siva is celebrated as an infinite pillar of light, usually by lighting a large lamp. Many Murugan temples observe this festival since Muruga's energies are easily felt during the Krittika nakshatra. In some instances, most notably atop Arunachala, a bonfire is lit to represent the divine and all permeating light of Parashakti. For our version, several of the monks decorated Kadavul temple with many small deepas and then lit a large camphor lamp in front of Kadavul Temple's kodimaram.

"Now have I realized the path of Hara. In the past I sought Him in narrow paths and strayed. Lo! All the while He stood before me like a beacon light in firmament, guiding my voyage across the sea of my soul's longing. The path of Siva is the proven path. It led them to Hara. It is the royal path that renowned souls have walked, the path divine that took the devout to cosmic space. That path do seek, enter and persevere. Still your wandering thoughts, chant the sacred syllable 'Shi' and so persevere on the path of Hara. You shall envision primal light effulgent."
Tirumantiram 1562-1563