Jai Gurudeva!

We hope you enjoy this large collection of slightly belated photos from Kauai Aadheenam's recent Mahasamadhi Celebrations. On the second to last day of the festivities, pilgrims spent time at Iraivan Temple, learning about the project from Yoginathswami. Later they worked to set up for the next day's final event along with the installation of a stone stand for the installation of a granite murti of Gurudeva near the monastery entrance. On the final day, pilgrims had a class with Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami. Following class everyone paraded to Kadavul Temple and then to the entrance area with the granite statue of Gurudeva. Gurukkal performed the installation puja. That afternoon was the final homa. The kumbha, blessed with divine energies from the homa, was then paraded to Gurudeva's shrine in Kadavul Temple for the final abhishekam. Aum.

Jai Gurudeva! Following four days of events and classes at Kauai Aadheenam for our visiting pilgrims, Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, the monks and devotees all gather together for a homa and then a final abhishekam to Gurudeva to conclude our 2022 Mahasamadhi festivities. Kumar Gurukkal performes the ceremony with the help from the monks and Satguru. "The Self God is within all of this. It is beyond all bodies. It is beyond all form. It is beyond all intellect, beyond time, beyond space. That is the big realization on this planet, the thing that should be yearned for, sought for; all desires should be pointed in that direction. And then, once realized, you live out the life of the physical body and do what you can do in service to your fellow man, who is also coming along the same path that you have walked on before. All knowing also is right within you." - Gurudeva

Jai Gurudeva!

This week the monastery has been enjoying Gurudeva's 2022 Mahasamadhi celebrations. Each day begins with an early morning puja at Gurudeva's shrine in Kadavul Temple. Many devotees from around the world have come for these few weeks to celebrate Gurudeva's life and mission. Throughout the day attendees join in Kadavul for the Siva Puja, followed by an event or class. On the first day everyone gathered in the Media Studio for presentations about current projects that the publications team has been working on. Afterward they had lunch, cooked by the monks. In the afternoons devotees enjoy access to the 3pm Ganesha puja followed by time to wander the Aadheenam grounds to perform sadhana and take in the beauty of nature.

  Today is the official release of the monastery new virtual tour! View 98 unique locations around the monastery in a full 360 degrees of freedom. Look up! Look Down! If you are feeling adventurous you can even zoom in! This digital clone of our monastery is open 24/7 and you can even wear shorts. Come sit in Kadavul and listen to chanting, step into the banyan mandapam to hear a talk by Gurudeva, follow along to a guided meditation under the Shanmuga banyan tree, or see a beautiful photo collage created by one of our devotees at the temple builders pavilion. What are you waiting for? Click the link below to teleport! We hope you enjoy your visit and please leave any feedback or ideas you have in the comments. https://www.himalayanacademy.com/monastery-tour/

Jai Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami!

One of the rare and unique flowers in Siva's Sacred Garden is the Etlingeri corneri. It was discovered only 20 years back or so in the jungles of Thailand, and through an amazing story (which is told on the linked video), it came to the Aadheenam before anywhere else in America. We have four clusters now and they are all a bit hidden from view, so we thought to bring this gem forward today, as it is in full bloom during Mahasamadhi days.

https://www.himalayanacademy.com/tour/chola-gardens/

At his 80th celebration, Bodhinatha was presented with a marvelously inlaid chowki, a small table on which he places his lunch-with-the-monks each day. It was hand made with (we think) walnut and maple woods. If you look closely, the craftsman also made four matching coasters. Wonderful gift for our Satguru, one that he will use each day.

Three silpi craftsmen from India were supposed to return to Kauai a couple months ago, but could not due to visa issues. The issues have now been resolved and we expect them here shortly, so a team headed today to the house where they stay, for a second round of cleaning and food supplies preparation.