The landscaping of the future Iraivan entrance is actively underway, as shown in this aerial photograph, with palm trees and tropical plants recently added to six new rock terraces;
Bodhinatha’s Message:
Namaste and Aloha!
The last twelve months continued the trend of a steady flow of visitors, many of whom enjoyed a personal tour of Iraivan Temple and the surrounding San Marga Sanctuary. They marveled at the recent landscaping, including the area around the Svayambhu Lingam, where Gurudeva’s 1975 vision of Lord Siva took place. Even though Iraivan is currently a construction site and no formal pujas are performed, its sanctity and serenity deeply impress all who pilgrimage to our remote island. So, it’s natural that many who have been here before came back this year to worship, meditate and perform other sadhanas. Many time their visit to attend the popular and powerful monthly abhishekam of Lord Nataraja in Kadavul Temple on Ardra nakshatra.
The last twelve months continued the trend of a steady flow of visitors, many of whom enjoyed a personal tour of Iraivan Temple and the surrounding San Marga Sanctuary. They marveled at the recent landscaping, including the area around the Svayambhu Lingam, where Gurudeva’s 1975 vision of Lord Siva took place. Even though Iraivan is currently a construction site and no formal pujas are performed, its sanctity and serenity deeply impress all who pilgrimage to our remote island. So, it’s natural that many who have been here before came back this year to worship, meditate and perform other sadhanas. Many time their visit to attend the popular and powerful monthly abhishekam of Lord Nataraja in Kadavul Temple on Ardra nakshatra.
Thanks to the generous donations of our global family of temple builders, much was accomplished in the last twelve months. Last year’s goal was $780,000 ($65,000 per month) while actual donations were a little more: $897 255.01. The goal will remain the same for the coming twelve months. Additionally, two major ongoing projects—landscaping around the temple, and the creation and installation of the life-size bronzes in the Temple Builders’ Pavilion—are being funded separately by donors dedicated to those artistic efforts.
I am inspired to share a quote from Gurudeva: “Most importantly, Iraivan, with Lord Siva facing south, is a moksha temple. This means that being in the presence of its sanctum sanctorum brings the pilgrim closer to freedom from rebirth on this planet. The vibration of the temple wipes away the dross of the subconscious vasanas and simultaneously heals the wounds of psychic surgery. It takes away encumbrances and releases the pristine beauty of the soul. As pilgrims leave the San Marga Sanctuary, they are escorted back the way they came, along San Marga and through the Rudraksha Forest with a new self-image and clear understanding of the purpose of life on planet Earth.”
With blessings for a bountiful family life and spiritual progress,
—Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami
Gurudeva’s Sacred Vision:
Located in the heart of a traditional Hindu monastery complex reminiscent of ancient mathas and aadheenams of India, Iraivan is more than a temple; it is a pilgrimage destination, a place of sadhana and spiritual rejuvenation. Iraivan Temple is a living edifice that brings ancient tradition into the 21st century, a stable anchor sustaining and strengthening Hindu dharma for our children, their children and generations to come.
above image shows the silver naga, specially made in India, awaits installation of the crystal Svayambhu Sivalingam.
For Other Questions Email to contact@hindu.org
Mailing Address:
Himalayan Academy
Kauai’s Hindu Monastery
107 Kaholalele Road
Kapaa, HI 96746-9304
Phone: 1-808-822-3012
Fax: International: 1-808-822-4351
Minimela Gift Shop:
Email: books@hindu.org
For Telephone orders (24/7): 1-877-255-1510
Customer service (Hawaii daytime): 1-808-822-7032, ext 103
Hinduism Today Magazine:
Letter to the editor: www.hinduismtoday.com/letters
Subscriptions: www.hinduismtoday.com/subscribe
Telephone: (toll free from USA and Canada): 1-877-255-1540, (international): 1-808-822-3012.
Fax: (toll free from USA and Canada): 1-888-217-3108, (international): 1-808-822-3152
Hindu Heritage Endowment:
Email: hhe@hindu.org
Telephone: 1-808-822-3012 ext. 0
Fax: 1-888-217-3108 (within USA and Canada) or 1-808-822-4351 (international)