(Above: Model of Temple)

Press Release April 9, 1995

Foundation Stones Laid in Auspicious Ceremony for San Marga Iraivan Temple in Hawaii

Will be the first all-stone Hindu temple outside of Asia

There is nothing like it outside of India, and certainly it is a remarkable addition to the considerable beauties of Hawaii. On April 4th and 5th the Hawaiian island of Kauai witnessed an historic event as ceremonies were completed for the laying of five white granite foundation stones brought from India for the San Marga Iraivan Temple. This imposing 35-foot high, 108-foot-long Siva temple is being built entirely of white granite, the first such hand-carved stone Hindu temple ever to be erected outside of Asia. Enshrined in the inner sanctum will be the world's largest single-pointed quartz crystal-a 700-pound, 39-inch-tall, six-sided natural gem, called a sphatika Sivalinga, acquired in 1987. The Sivalinga is the simplest and most ancient symbol of Hinduism's great God Siva, especially of the transcendent Parasiva, God beyond all forms and qualities. All 32 million pounds of the temple's granite are being painstakingly chiseled by hand in Bangalore, India-a process which will take several more years, and when completed will add, according to its founder Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, another color to Hawaii's already brilliant multicultural rainbow. It is, in part, a monument to the similarities of the human spiritual experience, a commonality that transcends, but does not deny or diminish our important religious differences. It is a temple, in short, that is both a celebration of unity and an affirmation of diversity. It is a sacred site brought at the end of the old age to live more than a thousand years beyond the waning of the new age into a prophesied time when religion will have no name, for all will realize that there is truly "One God, One World,"-the theme carved in all world's languages within this temple's entrance hall.

The temple is located on the banks of Hawaii's most sacred river, the Wailua, at the international administrative headquarters of Saiva Siddhanta Church, the first Hindu Church on planet Earth founded in 1949, in Wailua Homesteads, five miles from Mt. Waialelale, the wettest spot on earth. This is the home of world renowned Hindu leader and teacher, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, and his monastic disciples. Subramuniyaswami is building the temple on Kauai as a spiritual sanctuary and an international place of pilgrimage for Hindus around the world, dedicated to the theme of "One World, One God." Over one hundred church members came from all over the world for the ceremonies-from Malaysia, Mauritius (near Africa), Scotland, England, Canada, Singapore, Australia, Sri Lanka and the mainland. Guests were visibly enthralled with the multicultural richness of the event.

Subramuniyaswami (above) expressed his deep feelings of affinity for his island home of 25 years. "The Hawaiian Islands is a multicultural community, which has been likened to a beautiful rainbow. It is our hope we can be one of its many colors in bringing Hindu pilgrims from many nations and many traditions to our Garden Island."

"I see a multicultural group here. And that's the spirit of Hawaii, the beautiful rainbow. And we hope we can be just a little color in it to bring to Kauai the East and the West merging and nothing can be expected but that which is the best. We realize that this 51-acre garden sanctuary is near a residential area and therefore we are careful not to disturb the neighborhood and have our gatherings within the center of this acreage. We also realize that this was an ancient temple site established by one of the relatives way, way back of our dear friend Hawaiian priestess Leimomi Lum who is here with us today. So we consider this a very sacred land, and we all walk down the path along the edge of the lake and our great river, walking the land the old Hawaiians called Pihanakalani, "where heaven and the earth have merged." Remember, not only we live here, but divine beings in the inner worlds also live here. With that in mind, we approach every little bit of it with awe and wonder and expectation. We discovered a few years ago 25 ponds and lakes hidden away in the marshes and ravines which today are a wildlife and bird sanctuary, rich with tropical plants and sacred plants from Hinduism's 6,000-year-old tradition.

"Each of the great religions of the world has places of pilgrimage for its followers, holy sanctuaries that hold within them mystery and blessings for the people. Islam, Judaism and Christianity have many places of pilgrimage. And so does Hinduism. San Marga Iraivan Temple is a sanctuary in the center of Kauai's Hindu monastery. It is not a public temple. It is a destination of pilgrimage for the astutely devout. Being a moksha temple, meaning freedom from rebirth, it is approached only by those seeking the highest of the high on pilgrimage. Pilgrimage begins at home, by fasting, praying and preparing oneself and then traveling a long destination to the sought-for destination, all the while forgetting the past and trying to live in the eternity of the moment. Gathered with us today are pilgrims from the countries of Canada, mainland USA, Sri Lanka, England, Scotland, Singapore, Mauritius, India, Australia, and 35 pilgrims from the country of Malaysia.

"Every Hindu is obligated to perform worship in their own home once a day, preferably two hours before dawn. They are obligated to attend temple ceremonies once a week with their entire family. And to pilgrimage to a distant sanctuary with their family once a year.

"About 20 years ago immigration laws were changed by our president, the late John F. Kennedy. As a result, the Indian Hindu community, which had been restricted from entrance for so long, could now come to the United States. They came in great numbers, and have become the wealthiest ethnic community in the US. In North America today there are over a million and a half Hindus. Many are born here, and their parents come from India, Sri Lanka and other parts of the world. They have built multi-million dollar temples in nearly every major city in this country. This San Marga Sanctuary is their place for sincere and profound pilgrimage, for those who come in the right spirit, having performed the traditional preparations beforehand.

"The over 300,000 Hindu religious leaders, sadhus, swamis, mahatmas, as well as heads of government and members of parliament all look at this beautiful temple being carved in Bangalore as one of the outstanding creations of India and a gift of India to the West.

"We want thank you all, your excellencies, friends, religious leaders, neighbors and old acquaintances for coming and adding your blessings to the land at this most auspicious time."

The two-day ceremony, detailed in the ancient Hindu scripture, is called Pancha Shila Nyasa, literally, "Touching the Earth with Five Sacred Stones." It was conducted by two eminent Hindu priests from India-Sivacharya Sambamurthi and Sivacharya Bhairava. Sambamurthi is one of the head priests of the Adi Saiva priests, who are specially ordained to conduct worship in temples dedicated to Lord Siva. Also present was Sri Vaidyanathan Ganapati Sthapati, India's foremost traditional temple architect, who since 1981 has been guiding the design and carving of this ornate temple-designed to last a thousand years.

The priests fasted and observed silence (except during the chanting rites) during the rituals. A series of fire ceremonies were performed over a 48-hour period to purify the site and to invoke the blessings of God, Gods and the local Hawaiian and Hindu guardian spirits. On the first day, April 4th, specially invited local guests joined the proceedings at the usually cloistered monastery. They included the Honorable Maryanne Kusaka, Mayor of Kauai, Hawaiian priestess Leimomi Mo'okini Lum, Kahuna Kahu Abraham Aua'ia Makiole, former Kauai mayor Joanne Yukimura and Wendall Silva, Director of State Culture and Arts for Hawaii. At 10:00am, dignitaries were led in colorful procession with drums to the temple site, there to witness the fire ceremonies in progress, give speeches, bless the foundation stones, watch a Bharata Natyam South Indian dance performance and enjoy a traditional South Indian feast.

Mayor Kusaka offered her kind support and blessings to the entire group: "I am very humbled to be included in this ceremony. I have known it was here for a long time but have never come. I feel that it is a sacred place and that one must be embraced before entering. My impression today is one of peace and humility. I witnessed great devotion, discipline and respect here. I am extremely impressed by the children, who are so peaceful and quiet. It is evident they live in a realm of love. Only goodness can come from that. I shall carry this memory of this day in my heart and draw strength from it. I thank you for including me in this ceremony. I truly am honored."

Leimomi Lum told the audience, "Today was a very auspicious day. It was a day that I let my people out of bondage. They have been in bondage for years-many, many years. The temple that I have [on the Big Island] is over 1,500 years old. In over 1,500 years, there have been six high priestesses, and I am the seventh. In order to lift everything, I brought them out of bondage. I called them. I called them by name and I asked them to come. I asked them to embrace you-all the kahunanuis that walk the site and the people that come, so that we can be one-as I said to Gurudeva. One God, One World. May there be peace among our people and mostly among our children of tomorrow. This is my commitment. It's a long road. There are many big rocks along that road. But I have learned to either kick them to the side or rise above it and keep going. And that is why it is, I think, a very auspicious day that I am able to bring my people out of bondage." She brought with her two leis that had been especially tied by children on Oahu with many different flowers to represent the theme of harmony.

There is a special affinity between Hinduism and the Hawaiian religion (and all indigenous religions). The beliefs in God and the Gods are often the same or similar. The importance of ritual worship is recognized and practiced. It is accepted that God is everywhere and in all things.The Hindu monastery and temple are located on the ancient site of a Hawaiian Ku temple, the fifth temple from the sea up the Wailua River. It was Leimomi's ancestor, Kuamo'o Mo'okini who founded this very temple in 480ce. The area is known as Pihanakalani, "where heaven touches the earth." There is a traditional hula (done by Roselle Bailey's school) which tells the story of the place. Both Subramuniyaswami and Leimomi feel the presence of Hinduism (with 850 million followers worldwide) on the islands will help the on-going revival of the Hawaiian religion. In fact, Subramuniyaswami has advocated that the major heiaus be reopened, and the ancient rituals performed again.

India's master builder, Ganapati Sthapati, explained the significance of the foundation laying ceremony, which he likened to planting a seed. From this seed, the temple grows, not as a building of mere stone, but as the living body of God.

After the addresses everyone proceeded to the center of the foundation pit. The Hindu and Hawaiian priests each chanted and blessed the site with sanctified water, salt and other offerings. Leimomi and her nephew, Wendall Silva, Director of State Culture and Arts for Hawaii chanted and invoked the blessings of the Hawaiian Gods.

Kahu Abraham Aua'ia Makiole, a Hawaiian kahuna or priest who lives on Kauai, performed a powerful Hawaiian chant to open the local spirits to the presence of the new temple, to ask them to accept the temple and its celestials.

Following the ceremonies and speeches the guests were treated to an exquisite Indian dance performance by three young ladies of the church followed by a sumptuous Indian rice and curry vegetarian lunch. Few of the island guests had ever seen the bharata natyam dance, which was performed in a most professional way.

Former Kauai mayor Joanne Yukimura commented after the event, "I feel that Kauai is so blessed and privileged to be the site of this work, and the temple that is coming forth. It fits with the idea that Kauai is to be a model for the world-One God One World."

The final rituals were performed the following morning beginning at 5:30, in ceremonies only open to Hindus. The priests concluded the rituals culminating in Subramuniyaswami's setting of the five sacred stones in a crypt underneath the northeast corner of the temple's future innermost sanctum sanctorum. At this high point the heavens opened and rain spontaneously poured down for a short time demonstrating nature's blessing of the ritual from the Gods and devas. He enjoined the devotees to think of Sri Tiruchy Mahaswamigal and Sri Balagangadharanatha Swami and all the saints and Mahatmas of India who were helping with the temple project.

Along with the five brick-shaped granite stones brought from India and especially inscribed in Sanskrit, Tamil and English, Subramuniyaswami placed into the pit beneath the sanctum floor the contents of eleven trays carried by the Order's eleven swami priests. These included precious gems, gold and silver offerings sent by devotees from all over the world, sand, stones and earth from sacred sites from all nearly every country, notably India, Europe, Australia, mainland USA, Russia, and ancient Mayan and Incan holy sites in Central and South America. Sacred water from the rivers of India and many other countries of the world was poured over the stones. Vibhuti (holy ash) was offered that had been gifted by the sadhus at the Kumbha Mela held in January in India, including the Sankaracharyas of Sringeri and Kanchi, Swami Chidananda Saraswati and many others.

With so many people of all nationalities and races present there was a truly unique spirit of loving multi-cultural fellowship. The sentiment of Hindu devotees on their stay in Kauai was summed up by the elder priest from India, world famous Dr. Sambamurthi Sivachariya, president of the South India Priests Association, high priest of a large temple in Madras, India, who presided as chief priest for the two days of ceremonies. The learned but remarkably modest 71-year-old liturgist said, "I am too old to go on pilgrimage to the holy sites in Indian Himalayan mountains, where, according to Hinduism, God Himself resides and gives His grace to pilgrims. That was a life-long dream of mine. But now that I have come to the most beautiful place in the world, Kauai, to this sacred land, I feel my dream has been fulfilled. I have come to the home of God. In my life I have traveled all over the world and performed over 2,000 ceremonies for new Hindu temples. But I have never experienced the love, the depth of auspiciousness and sanctity that I have experienced while performing these ceremonies here on Kauai."

The temple carving has been underway for several years in Bangalore, India, under the watchful eye of Sri Sri Sri Tiruchy Mahaswamigal, Sri Balagangadaranatha Swami and Sri Sivapuriswami. Gurudeva and his acharya swami stewards of Saiva Siddhanta Church have built a small village in India on an 11-acre site (generously provided by Sri Balagangadaranatha Swami) where the 75 sculptors and workers live with their families and have been working daily for four years. About a third of the stones have been intricately carved, and now await shipment to Kauai. The next work on Kauai foundation is to pack three feet of gravel into the foundation pit, then pour a single mass-slab of concrete three-feet thick, 82 feet by 188 feet in one continuous pour expected to take 108 cement trucks and 24 hours to complete-the largest single pour in the history of Hawaii. This unusual construction process is necessary because of the huge weight of the stones and the fact that, due to the brittleness of the hard granite, the foundation cannot be allowed to settle even a fraction of an inch. The stone temple is being engineered to last one thousand years and will be the only structure from the 20th century to exist on Kauai after the next millennium. Address: Saiva Siddhanta Church, 107 Kaholalele Road, Kapaa, Hawaii, USA 96746.

Photos:

1. A traditional Bharata Natyam-South Indian dance performance-was given by members of Saiva Siddhanta Church. Island resident and owner of Aloha Computer, Janis Boyer, praised the girls' professional presentation. (Left to right) Meenakshi Devi Palani, 14, of Concord, California; Shivani Rajan, 12, of Canyon, California; and Vasuki Alahan, 16, of Concord, California.

2. Community elder Tirumati Sivagnanam (left) leads the group in bhajan, traditional songs in praise of God. Originally of Sri Lanka, she now lives in Edmonton, Canada. In the middle is Miss Rogini Shunmugam, originally of Mauritius, and now leaving in Montreal, Canada. In front is Priya Alahan, age 6, of Kauai.

3. The Honorable Maryanne Kusaka, Mayor of Kauai, addressing the congregation and guests. At left is temple founder Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, founder-president of Saiva Siddhanta Church.

4. The large excavated foundation site, ready for the placing of bricks under what will be the temple's main sanctum (beneath tent area).

5. Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (center) offering the wreath brought by Hawaiian high priestess Leimomi Mo'okini Lum from the Big Island (second from right). At right is Wendell Silva, Director of State Culture and Arts for Hawaii, who performed elaborate Hawaiian chants of blessing. At left is Sivacharya Sambamurthi of Madras, India, chief priest of the ceremonies. Second from left is Mrs. Jothiswarar of Ulubehrang, Malaysia. With Subramuniyaswami are two resident monks of the Kauai monastery, Sadhaka Omkaranatha on his left and Sadhaka Tyaganatha on his right, both from Mauritius. Sadhaka Omkaranatha holds the silver scepter, symbol of the monastery's authority within its 2,000-year-old Hindu lineage. Sadhaka Tyaganatha holds the koa wood scepter, sacred symbol of the Hawaiian priesthood, presented years ago to Subramuniyaswami by Leimomi as a symbol of mutual respect and support. Her ancestors built a Hawaiian temple near this site hundreds of years ago.

6. Chief priest Sivacharya Sambamurthi and the temple's chief architect, V. Ganapati Sthapati of Madras, India, pour the blessed water into the foundation chamber. In a ceremony the following morning five sacred bricks were placed in this crypt, officially commencing the construction of the temple. In addition to the bricks celebrants placed gold, silver, gems, water from each of India's seven holy rivers, and sand and stones sent by well-wishers from all over the world for the sacrifice.

7. Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami with the honorable Mayor of Kauai, Maryanne Kusaka, Leimomi Mo'okini Lum, eighth priestess in her 1,500-year-old lineage, and other dignitaries being led in procession to the temple site.

8. Church member Kulapati Manon Mardemootoo, prominent attorney in Mauritius, explains the proceedings to the honorable mayor, Maryanne Kusaka. At his left is former Kauai mayor, Joanne Yukimura, and at far right is Leimomi Lum.

9. At the completion of the fire ceremonies, Sivacharya Sambamurthi passes out the sacraments to devotees. Assistant priest Sivacharya Bhairava is a right. The ceremonies were performed under a traditional cajan (woven palm frond) roof laboriously and lovingly made for the occasion by Church members on Kauai.

10. Hawaiian high priestess Leimomi Mo'okini Lum pours sanctified water and salt into the foundation chamber as Wendell Silva and Subramuniyaswami look on. She explained during he rites, "Water is life, salt is the preservation of life."

11. Hawaiian kahuna priest, Kahu Abraham Aua'ia Maki'ole of Kauai, kneels before the pit as he recites Hawaiian chants and makes the traditional offerings of salt.

For further information contact: Arumugaswami 808/639-1029 Fax: 808/822-4351 email: htoday@aloha.net