We are getting ready to attach granite ornamentation to the base of the Kadavul Nandi and adjacent flagpole. In order to do this work, the shakti needs to be removed and stored temporarily in kumbhas through a special homa/puja. The Agamas prescribe a yagasala structure to contain the shakti until the work is done and we are ready to reactivate the area. Priests are being flown in to perform the pujas on Sept 11 and 12. Here are some photos of progress in the yagasala construction by the Siddhidata Kulam in our Banyan Mandapam. The kumbhas will be stored in the central platform. In the last photo they are preparing to paint red stripes.

It is said in India that nothing makes a Śivabhaktar happier than being with other Śivabhaktars. So it will not surprise that the home of Suresh and Shanthi was aglow with love of Śiva filled with the sweet sounds of the Guru Parampara Vandanam. Tillainathaswami gave an astute tour of the seven dimensions of the mind, the five states, all to enhance a great talk he shared where Gurudeva speaks of the nature of odic and actinic force fields and how to manage them. Paramacharya shared some recent visual drone shots of the Aadheenam and activities there, then offered thoughts on karma, especially the importance on the spiritual path of accepting all things that happen to us as our own creation. He urged everyone to embrace karmas fully, and to not project our problems, our conflicts, our troubles into the outer mind, but to take them within and work them out inside ourselves. He offered that we can't change the world, but as Gurudeva said, the ability to change ourselves lies in the palm of our hand. On the way to the satsang, perhaps not coincidentally, there were two large billboards for some film, saying "The battle is won within." Most engaging were questions from the young ones, brave questions about karma and the soul and the Hindu view on various ethical issues. All enjoyed a South Indian feast afterwards. Stay turned for the further adventures of our swamis on the Very Big Island!

Paramacharya Sadasivanathaswami and Tillainathaswami flew off this morning for the west coast in the US mainland. They plan to spend time with formal and informal devotees at satsangs in California and Oregon, visit the construction site of the Shiva-Murugan Temple's new traditional building in Concord, California, and visit the bronze foundry team in Colorado who cast our Hanuman and shilpi metal statues.

Jai Gurudeva! Our monthly padapuja to Sivaya Subramuniyaswami was performed at Kadavul temple we hope you enjoy the photos we took as well as some curated photos of Gurudeva from our collection. Take a quiet minute to absorb the darshan. "We are all dancing with Śiva, and He with us. Ultimately, we are Śiva dancing." - Gurudeva

When noble souls pilgrimage to the Aadheenam, they pack, along with their great love of God and guru, their lifetime toolbox of skills and knowledge. Often they want to help the Satguru's global mission, and such is the case with Madan Ganesh Velayudham who was here for ten days recently. Of course, his first priority was his sadhanas and spiritual progress. But he also has immense skills in the digital universe, and worked with the Ganapati Kulam, bringing a high-end expertise we seldom have access to. Then, before flying back to his home in Bengaluru, he set forth some plans to enhance the monastery websites, improve and promote our apps, translate Tamil texts and more. Mikka nandri, Madan. And thank you family--Sumathi, Oviaa and Guru Saasta--for letting you venture to the other side of the planet.

Join us today at 3:00pm Kauai-time for Kauai Aadheenam's humble abhishekam for Ganesha Chaturthi! For more information about this important annual celebration visit: hinduismtoday.com/magazine/april-may-june-2010/2010-04-festivals-ganesha-chaturthi/

Aum Namah Sivaya!

Recently work has begun on the landscaping immediately surrounding Iraivan Temple's foundation. For the most part this means preparing the ground for the hardy grasses that will surround the temple. In other areas, the landscaping is growing in lush and full. Below we present to you some aerial footage of the plants and streams along Rishi Valley, to the west of the temple.

"God is with us always, even when we are unaware of that holy presence. He is His creation. It is an extension of Himself; and God is never apart from it nor limited by it." - Gurudeva

Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami gives his weekly upadesha in Kadavul Temple at Kauai's Hindu Monastery in Hawaii. It is part of a series of talks elaborating on the inspired teachings of Sivaya Subramuniyaswami as found in his book Merging With Siva. Here, Satguru discusses "The Eternal Now," based on a series of talks given in 1961.