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Siva’s Will and the Wonder of Iraivan

A SOJOURN OF DIVINE CONNECTIONS

The journey began at Kauai Aadheenam in late October 2024, where I joined the four-day festival commemorating Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami’s (Gurudeva) Maha Samadhi. Standing before the majestic Iraivan Temple, I once again marveled at its magnificence. It became clear to me that this temple was always meant to be—a natural and inevitable part of the cosmic order. It is as though Iraivan was already manifested in the inner worlds, seen by the seers and Gurus of our Parampara (lineage), awaiting the right moment and the right hands to bring it into physical form.

The final vision came to Gurudeva, who took it upon himself to make this sacred edifice a reality in the physical world. As Yogaswami so eloquently said, “It is all finished long ago.” Every stone, every carving, and every pillar stands as a testament to this timeless truth.

From the Mango Mandapam overlook, and every time I stand before the all-white granite temple, it reveals itself to me not merely as a physical structure but as a living deity—an embodiment of Gurudeva’s vision of Siva’s perfection brought to life in the outer world.

Iraivan is far more than a temple for prayer; it serves as a mirror reflecting the inner temple we strive to build within ourselves. This grand edifice began with Gurudeva’s vision in 1975 and came to life through the unwavering dedication of the resident Swamis and monks, the inner circle of disciples, and the collective support of devotees and temple builders from around the world, steadfastly guided by the mission-driven leadership of Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami.

Iraivan Temple: Divine Connection and Gratitude

My pilgrimage to Kauai Aadheenam for Gurudeva’s Maha Samadhi observance was planned, as it is a festival I eagerly anticipate each year. However, the serendipitous encounters that unfolded during the subsequent journey to India and Malaysia transformed it into an extraordinary pilgrimage of gratitude. Meeting many of the key individuals behind the creation of Iraivan Temple felt like stepping into a divine play orchestrated by Siva Himself—a profound reminder that the order of the universe is perfect and every step in our journey is guided by His will.

As a Saiva Monk beautifully expressed in his poem:

“Siva, My Lord, the doer of it all,

In macro massive and in micro small.

Far galaxies sail and near quantums sing

His name, Sarvakarta, creation's King.”

(Sarvakarta: “He who does everything”)

With this profound sense of gratitude, I set out on the next leg of my journey, to India and Malaysia.

Bangaluru: Kailas Ashram and the First Stone

From Kauai, my journey led to Bangalore, where I stayed at Kailas Ashram for nearly two weeks, participating in a cleansing program under the personal guidance of Sri Sri Jayendra Puri Swami. Adjacent to the ashram, the Raja Rajeshwari Temple holds profound significance in Iraivan Temple’s history. It was here, under the blessings of His Holiness Trichy Swami, that the first stones for Iraivan Temple were carved—an essential step in laying the foundation for this sacred endeavor. His Holiness’ unwavering support, along with the collaboration of many devoted individuals, was instrumental in making Iraivan a reality.

Gurudeva and Trichy Swami

For over 25 years, the extended grounds of the ashram in the village of Madananayakali, along with the collaboration of its join-patrons, including Sri Sri Bala Gangadaraswami, served as the birthplace of this monumental project.

At Kailas Ashram, I had the opportunity to express my deep gratitude. Visiting and reconnecting with Jayendra Puri Swami, the revered successor of Trichy Swami, was both humbling and inspiring. Swamiji’s visit to Iraivan Temple in May 2024, after the consecration ceremony, completed the cycle of blessings, serving as a profound testament to the enduring legacy of this sacred space.

Jiva Rajasankara: A Family Legacy

In Bengaluru, I visited the home of Jiva Rajasankara, who managed Iraivan’s construction for almost three decades. Jiva’s unwavering dedication, alongside his family’s sacrifices, ensured the temple’s progress through countless challenges.

Meeting his sons, Thurai and Thiban, now accomplished temple builders themselves, reinforced the generational legacy of devotion and skill that brought Iraivan to life. Their stories spoke of the profound impact of Gurudeva’s vision on their family and their craft.

Karaikudi: Reuniting with the Silpis

The next stop was Karaikudi, where I reunited with the Silpis who had carved the intricate stones of Iraivan Temple. At Manikandan’s home, I was warmly welcomed by several craftsmen, including Perumal and a former apprentice who has since become a Sthapati. These artisans, with their generational mastery of stone carving, played a vital role in transforming Gurudeva’s vision into reality.

It was especially meaningful to reconnect with some of the Silpis I had worked alongside 28 years ago at the carving site in Bengaluru, where I spent nearly a year witnessing their artistry and dedication firsthand. Seeing them again after so many years, now with Iraivan Temple completed, was both nostalgic and deeply fulfilling.

Seeing their pride and joy in Iraivan’s completion was deeply moving. Every chisel strike, every carving, was an act of devotion. These Silpis were not merely craftsmen; they were channels of Siva’s will, bringing divine beauty into the physical world.

Chennai: A Chance Encounter with Selvanathan Sthapati

As if guided by divine hands, my journey next brought me to a beach in Chennai, where I experienced the most serendipitous moment of the trip. While walking along the shore at sunrise, I encountered Selvanathan Sthapati, the chief architect of Iraivan Temple.

Selvanathan, who had taken over the project from his uncle, the legendary Ganapati Sthapati, was standing at the water’s edge, watching the sunrise and performing his Surya Namaskara. What are the chances, in a country of over 1.4 billion people, to meet the very architect of Iraivan Temple at this precise time and place? It felt as if this meeting had been divinely arranged, a moment orchestrated by Siva’s unseen hand.

In that moment, I expressed my heartfelt gratitude for his and his team’s unwavering dedication to manifesting Gurudeva’s vision. I also honored the memory of his uncle, Ganapati Sthapati, whose legacy of excellence lives on through Selvanathan’s work.

Malaysia: Honoring the Supporters

The journey concluded in Malaysia, where I had the privilege of meeting several of the many temple supporters and well-wishers who played pivotal roles in spreading awareness and gathering resources for Iraivan Temple. These heartfelt meetings reminded me of the vast global community that came together to manifest this sacred project into reality.

This monumental achievement stands as a collective offering to Siva, made possible by the countless hands and hearts that contributed—from the skilled Silpis and architects to the contractors, landscapers, suppliers, and shippers. Each role, no matter how big or small, was a sacred act of devotion, weaving together the tapestry of Iraivan’s creation.

Reflections on Siva’s All-Encompassing Will

Now, back home in the Central Colorado Rockies, I hold these reflections close, reminded that Siva truly is all, and does all. The essence of this journey, as beautifully expressed in the poem “Siva Is AllAnd Does All,” is that everything in the cosmos flows from Siva’s divine will—a truth that continues to unfold in every moment.

"It's all Siva's magical work." - Gurudeva
👉🏽 Return to Today at Kauai Aadheenam (TAKA)
Created By
Raj Manickam
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