kauai monastery tour

Kauai's Hindu Monastery

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Kauai’s Hindu Monastery

One traveller's experience.

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Kauai's Hindu Monastery and Himalayan Academy

Saiva siddhanta church headquarters.

I am not the first to visit Kauai in search of something uniquely special. Face it, we travel to Kauai because we love the idea of an untouched Garden Island.

While 1.2 million visitors come each year for the stunning sunsets, 50 miles of white sand beaches, and an abundance of sea turtles, there remain the curious inner-explorers who are still yearning to see the 90% of the island which cannot even be reached by road.

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Very quietly nestled away on the banks of Kauai’s Wailua River is an oasis in the truest sense of the word—Kauai Aadheenam—also known as Kauai's Hindu Monastery. Years ago, when I first attempted to navigate my way to the monastery, I found myself driving by local ranches and residences and then suddenly along a short muddy road. There was no signage but I did eventually find the monastery's small parking lot; it looked as though it was being swallowed by the massive trees that surrounded it. Many years later that road now bears a sign, but not much else has changed. A GPS will easily direct you there, despite all.

At the entrance I learned that I needed to cover my legs before continuing—I was wearing shorts—and a sign suggested I use one of their sarongs to cover up. The dress code encourages traditional Hindu clothing, though modest clothing is permitted. No shorts or tank tops are allowed. Sarong in place, I ventured onto the property with no idea what was ahead. After all, many of my favorite travel moments are the ones least expected. I came upon a giant banyan tree with a granite sculpture of Lord Shanmuga, the six-faced deity, in the center. What a sight!

A sign welcomed me to meditate under the green canopy. Further wandering brought me to the Kadavul Temple where monks and visitors were sitting inside on floor pillows, saying prayers. This daily worship ceremony is called puja and I was told that visitors are welcome to join. While Hinduism is not my religion, I felt compelled to go inside and say a prayer for my family's health and happiness. It was surreal.

Feeling totally nestled among the tropical landscape, I took a peek out beyond the gardens and was floored at the breathtaking vista of the Wailua River with its pond and the Wailua waterfall . Signage indicated that Hawaiians named this natural pond and waterfall Nani Kaua, which means "beautiful rain," in tribute to the stunning falls that follow heavy rains. The lookout offers a distant view of the still-under-construction Iraivan Temple and beyond that, you can see the extinct volcano, Mount Waialeale. After a heavy downpour, it is said that this exact spot offers views of over 54 waterfalls, some over 1,000 feet tall!

A morning here has now become one of the many reasons I look forward to returning to Kauai . Public visitors are invited to enjoy the peaceful settings for appreciation, meditation, or reflection. Lush gardens cover most of the monastery's 382 acres and they include 250 cultivars of ti plants, 500-600 kinds of palms and many plants from India that are important to the Hindu tradition. These, along with sculptures and buildings surrounded by tropical foliage, are a great example of harmony between humans and nature.

Recently I was admiring beautiful orchid plants at the monastery, some of which had small flowers the size of a thumbtack. It was then that I had a brief discussion with one of the monks, Paramacharya Sadasivanatha Palaniswami. He is not only the senior counselor to the monastic community here but also the man who designs and propagates the cactus and flower gardens on his days off. He said, “Once you’ve embraced with both arms the life we have on this island, and the life we have in serving our faith and exploring the depths of our own humanity and our own consciousness, you realize it’s a pretty good trade-off. You couldn’t invent a life that is more perfect."

The monastery was established in 1970 as a spiritual headquarters for the Hindu religion in Hawaii and today it serves as a base for the 19 monks from 5 nations who reside here entirely self-sufficiently. They even grow their own food, including exotic fruits. The mountain retreat is also the headquarters of the Himalayan Academy and their global religious outreach programs, including the publication of the "Hinduism Today" magazine, books, websites, and videos.

Helpful Tip

If I could offer one practical tip for optimizing your visit, consider visiting in the morning hours. Enjoy a self-guided tour anytime from 9 AM to noon, or better yet, join a guided 2-hour tour which begins at 9 AM once a week. You can call them to find out what their tour schedule is and make your reservation. That is by far the most comprehensive way to see the glorious property and all the work being done to preserve Hindu traditions on Kauai.

Kauai’s Hindu monks aspire to live with compassion, understanding, and love, and to transform the world with goodness. I have immense respect for them. I would hope that compassion, understanding, and goodness are traits that we all share, and perhaps can reaffirm them after a morning at Kauai's Hindu Monastery. For more information please visit  himalayanacademy.co m .

About the Author

Suzette Barnett

Suzette Barnett is a travel writer and lover of nature and the outdoors whose goal is to inspire you and encourage you to try something new. Check out her personal travel recommendations at TrySomethingFun.com  and connect with her on Instagram .

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Kauaʻi's Hindu Monastery

Top choice in Wailua

Serious pilgrims and curious sightseers are welcome at this Hindu monastery, set on 70 acres and surrounded by verdant forest above the Wailua River. The property was an old inn, until the monks bought it in 1966. Now it's a blend of organic and botanical gardens, cascading streams, and sacred temples and shrines devoted to Ganesha, Nandi and Shiva.

While visitors can access a limited area on their own, more detailed guided tours are offered for free once a week – call or check the website for details. Modest dress required: no shorts, T-shirts, tank tops or short dresses. If you're not dressed properly, you can borrow sarongs at the entrance.

The Kadavul Temple (which visitors may not enter, except to attend a 9am daily worship service) contains a rare single-pointed quartz crystal, a 50-million-year-old, six-sided shivalingam (representation of the god Shiva) that weighs 700lb and stands over 3ft tall. Monks have performed a puja (prayer ritual) here every three hours around the clock since the temple was established in 1973.

107 Kaholalele Rd

Get In Touch

888-735-1619

https://​www​.himalayanacademy​.com​/

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Kauai Hindu Monastery

Posted on Last updated: March 22, 2023

Home » Places » Kauai Hindu Monastery

The Kauai Hindu Monastery is a traditional Saivite Hindu temple/monastery located in Kapaa, Kauai. The monastery is situated on a particularly beautiful spot on the Wailua River eight miles from Mount Waialeale. The grounds include 382 acres of ponds, paths, fruit orchards, hardwood forests, a river and two temples. The monastery is popular with both tourists and Hindus who travel from around the world to visit this unique sanctuary in paradise. Beautiful and mystical, the monastery is a transcendent destination where spirituality and nature are one.

The monastery is located in Kauai’s Wailua Homesteads neighborhood above Kapaa, past Opaekaa Falls , and on the way to the Keahua Arboretum . Visitors are encouraged to drive slow through the neighborhood on approach to the monastery. A small shaded parking lot greets visitors and a welcome pavilion introduces visitors to the grounds. Admittance is free.

Kauai’s Hindu Monastery 107 Kaholalele Rd Kapaa, HI 96746

Phone: (808) 822-3012

Location at Google Maps On the Web: www.himalayanacademy.com

Open daily 9AM to 12PM.

A formal guided tour of the grounds and temples is conducted every six or seven days. Call 1-888-735-1619 for tour dates and to make a reservation.

The Grounds

The welcome pavilion introduces visitors to the monastery.

Visitors are reminded the monastery is a sacred religious site and not a tourist attraction. Visitors wearing shorts, short dresses or tank tops are required to wear a sarong. Sarongs are provided free of charge at the welcome pavilion. Hindu dress is welcome. Umbrellas are recommended due to frequent rains in the area.

ABOVE: The entrance to the monastery grounds.

Meditation Banyan Tree

Near the entrance is an expansive Banyan tree that surrounds a statue with six heads and twelve arms. This statue is a representation of Lord Shanmuga, the diety of yoga, spiritual effort and healing. Found within the unique branches of the tree that grow into the ground are several spots for meditation. Follow the path through the branches to reach the statue. Though the tree appears to be ancient, it was actually planted in 1959.

Kadavul Hindu Temple

After the Banyan tree you will find the Kadavul Hindu Temple, one of two temples on the grounds. This temple, established in 1973, is where monks worship and meditate each morning. The temple is open daily to members of the Hindu faith for puja from 9AM to 12PM. (Photos are not allowed inside the temple.)

Below: A sixteen ton Nandi bull sits at the entrance to the temple.

Scenic Overlook

Above: Nani Kaua

Kaduval Temple Tank

The serene Kaduval Temple Tank features a Tamil “Aum” symbol on the bottom of the tank. Aum is the most holy sound which is the source and essence of everything, explains a sign near the tank. This sacred tank is used for ceremonies and for devotees to wash their feet.

Iraivan Temple

The crown jewel of the monastery, the magnificent San Marga Iraivan Temple is America’s only all-granite Hindu sanctuary. Nearing completion at the time of this writing, the temple has been meticulously crafted over many years using only simple hammers and chisels. The temple features gold-leafed domes, rose and red granite, 35 bronze panels, lion pillars, exquisite landscaping and an impressive Hawaiian lava rock wall around the foundation.

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Kauai's Hindu Monastery

Plan your visit

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Kauai's Hindu Monastery (Kapaa, HI): Address, Phone Number, Attraction Reviews - Tripadvisor

To attend worship at Kadavul Hindu Temple make a reservation here FRONT GROUNDS ARE OPEN DAILY FROM 9AM to 12PM WITHOUT A RESERVATION

Kauai's Hindu Monastery

{where hinduism meets the future}.

• Previous Slide

A Virtual Tour

Become a Monk

A Museum of Spiritual Art

Pillars of Iraivan

Documentary

Introductory video.

Guru's Wisdom

Hinduism In a Nutshell

Hindu History Song

What hindus believe, taka: our daily blog, bell tower roofing.

This week, Acharya Kumarnathaswami has been working to add the tile roofing to the Redwood Bell Tower. As you may know, this hand-built masterpiece will house the granite bell that was carved with Iraivan Temple. Visitors will be able to ring the bell with a wooden mallet. See this post for earlier work on the […]

Our Guru Lineage

Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami

Once in a while on this Earth there arises a soul who, by living his tradition rightly and wholly, perfects his path and becomes a light to the world. Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (1927-2001) was such a being, a living example of awakening and wisdom, a leader recognized worldwide as one of Hinduism's foremost ministers. He hailed from the Nandinatha Sampradaya's Kailasa Parampara, a line of gurus dating back 2,200 years, and passed the continuity on to his successor, Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, who now heads the monastery and all of its activities worldwide, including Saiva Siddhanta Church, Himalayan Academy Publications, Hinduism Today magazine and Hindu Heritage Endowment.

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Kaua‘i’s Hindu Monastery

Hidden among the rolling green hills and lush forests of the Wailua River valley on Kauai’s Coconut Coast, Kaua‘i’s Hindu Monastery ( Kaua‘i Aadheenam ) is 363 acres of tropical gardens, peaceful reflecting pools, elegant ponds, stylized murtis (carved statuary of Indian persons or deities), and iconic temples. This oasis of tranquility and spiritual sanctuary is also a functioning monastery, home to swamis, yogis, and sadhakas from across the globe. Despite – or perhaps because of – its isolation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, pilgrims and tourists travel here throughout the year to visit two traditional Savite Hindu temples. Visitors are welcome daily from 9am until noon in the temples and 6am to 6pm in the gardens.

Sacred Gardens of Kaua‘i’s Hindu Monastery

Guests to  Kaua‘i’s Hindu Monastery  and its redolent grounds are welcome to observe the monastic lifestyle of the resident monks, and those interested in learning about the history and culture of Hinduism will find plenty to keep their interest here. One of the main attractions is the traditional Hindu sacred garden, home to exotic flowers, medicinal ayurvedic plants, and tropical fruits. Centered on a natural rock pond in a small river bisecting the grounds, the garden is home to towering stands of bamboo over 100’ high, orchids of every color, and brilliant plumeria in vibrant shades of red, orange, purple, and yellow. Walking one of the named paths like the Straight Path to God, Rishi Valley, or Bali Hai Falls, you can explore unique micro-environments bursting with fields of hibiscus, tropical fruit trees, gargantuan banyan trees, and sacred plants like bilva, neem, betel nut, and curry.

A Temple for Hawai‘i

Founded in 1970, the monastery is the spiritual and social center for Hindus in Hawai‘i, and It is home to the Himalayan Academy and Hinduism Today magazine. The renowned Kadavul Temple is the centerpiece of the monastery, but the San Marga Iraivan Temple, a rare Chola-style temple carved entirely of granite, is a close second. This beautiful stone edifice is currently being carved in Bangalore, India, and the individual pieces assembled on site in breathtaking fashion here in Kaua‘i. The monastery’s peaceful confines are in perfect harmony with the natural landscape, including the only Rudraksha forest in the Western Hemisphere. This unique tree, with its exotic white wood and other-worldly cobalt-blue fruits (they are one of only two living organisms that exhibit their color by refracting light, rather than reflecting it), was planted in secluded groves in 1984 and is a perfect spot for visitors to commune with nature.

Located just a few miles from Līhu‘e and Kapaa, is off of Highway 580 and Kahoalele Road on Kaua‘i’s east side. Kaua‘i’s Hindu Monastery offers guided tours which are available, and visitors are welcome at the daily 9am puja worship ceremony in the main temple.

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• WAILUA VALLEY AND WATERFALLS TOUR

Single Tour

About The Tour

Kauai is also called the Garden Isle, and for good reason -- its green landscapes are formed from tropical jungles and lush mountain ranges. On the Wailua Valley and Waterfalls Tour you’ll uncover the history of Hawaii’s oldest island at historic sites, hiking trails and waterfalls. Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour! •⁠ Hike Sleeping Giant Trail •⁠ Check out Wailua Waterfall •⁠ Snorkel at Lydgate Beach Park •⁠ Meditate at Kauai’s Hindu Monastery (closes at noon) •⁠ Check out ‘Opeaka’a Waterfall •⁠ Visit the Fern Grotto at Smith's Tropical Paradise •⁠ Take a stroll at Kehua Arboretum KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Recommended Start Time: 8:30 a.m. Tour Starting Point(s): Lihue and Kapa’a Direction: Loop, ending where you began All Shaka Guide tours come with customer support and a satisfaction guarantee. Tours never expire.

Sample Tour Audio

Kapa'a town intro, mo'ikeha railroad bridges, optional left turn - japanese lantern monument, preview audio.

Pono Market

Konohiki Seafoods

Sleeping Giant West Hike

Keahua Arboretum Trail

Kuilau Ridge Trail

Ho'opi'i Waterfalls Hike

Kauai Hindu Monastery

Lydgate State Park

Opaeka'a Falls

Rising Sun Heiau and Hauola Heiau

Holoholoku Heiau

Birthing Stones

Poliahu Heiau

Wailua Falls

Views of Sleeping Giant

Kapa’a Town

After you’ve finished learning about the history of some of Kapa’a’s landmarks, you can pull over into a nearby parking lot (we’ll guide you there) and stop for a bite to eat. We recommend Pono Market for poke or a plate lunch, but we’re sure you’ll notice all the cute little cafes and restaurants in Kapa’a. Take your pick!

This spot specializes in items like poke and plate lunches, but they have some pies, mochi and spam musubi as well.

If you’re starting the tour in Lihue, we recommend you pick up some snacks and water here, there are limited spot  s to grab food until you reach Kapa’a where you’ll have tons of choices. Not hungry? Just skip this spot. 

The restaurant recently re-opened, so it may only be taking call-ahead orders for curbside pickup. Check its website for updates.

Open daily 7am - 2pm

Technically, Sleeping Giant has three hikes of varying difficulties, but our tour takes you to the Sleeping Giant West Trail, which is the easiest. This trek is just over 2-miles round trip, and once you reach the top, you’ll be amazed by the sweeping views of Kauai’s coast and Kapa’a Town.

This is technically more of a leisurely walk than a hike. Here, you’ll see local plant species like monkeypod trees. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a rainbow eucalyptus.

The Kuilau Ridge Trail is a relatively flat trail with a broad shaded path through an old growth forest. It’s actually quite long, but we recommend just hiking the first mile or so.

This is the most accessible and easy hike on this tour (except for Keahua Arboretum, which is more like a stroll). But it’s not just a good, easy hike. There is a reward of 1 (and 2 if you’d like) waterfalls at the end of the hike.

To the first waterfall:

The hike to the first waterfall is about 2-mile round trip. after entering into the trail, take the main trail and hang a right at the stream. Then just follow the river for about 10 minutes. when you hear the waterfall, take the second path down to the waterfall. It is a little steep, but the roots kinda act like stairs. The first path is much steeper, though leads to the same place.

To the second waterfall:

From the first waterfall, return back to the main trail then continue for about 30 minutes or so. Close to the trail’s end the trail forks to the right, then you have to climb up a small hill before getting down to the base of the waterfall where you can swim. The second falls plunge into a wider pool with a rope swing. When done, just return back the way you came.

Just so you know, if you decide to check out the second waterfall, you may see signs that say “no trespassing,” but the land is actually state land. However, the access path is leased by some farmers. Occasionally the farmer may discourage going further, and if so, you need to respect their wishes. But mostly, no one minds as long as you respect the area and pick up your trash.

Direction to Trailhead:

Go to the end of Kawaihau road, the trail starts next to the last house on the left. There is no sign and might be overgrown with grass. But you’ll find a worn-out path that leads you on the trail.

Drive slow in the residential neighborhood.

Use good judgements as usual.

Do NOT go if recently rained or there is flash flood warning.

RESPECT the residential neighborhood.

Please note: the Kauai Hindu Monastery closes at noon. 

Nestled on the outskirts of Wailua State Park, you’ll find a 363-acre Hindu monastery that’s considered one of the holiest sites in the Hindu religion. This Kadavul Temple is home to the largest quartz crystal on earth surrounded by 108 golden statues of the Hindu god Siva. At the monastery, you can also walk through the site’s sacred garden where you’ll see rudraksha trees, a shrine to Ganesha, and a Hindu demi-god in the form of an elephant. 

Reservations are required; email [email protected] to set it up.

There’s no entrance fee but donations are welcome.

Lydgate Park is a is a really cool place for kids both young and old alike. Here you will find a gigantic Kalamani playground perfect for little kids. There are also rock-enclosed pools that make swimming safe and fun. The protective pools were constructed so that reef fish can still come and go as they please. You can also find picnic tables, and even a restroom here. 

Located in Wailua River State Park, Opaeka’a falls is a spectacular 150-ft waterfall that flows over volcanic basalt rocks. This is another stop for a photo op right next to the parking lot, as there’s no hike to the falls. If you have the time, follow the path here and cross the road for a nice view of Wailua river. 

At this point in the tour, there are a few historical sites one after the other, and we recommend you stop and listen to the stories of each! These sites include four heiaus, which are ancient Hawaiian sacred spots, and birthing stones where mothers would come to birth future chiefs. Here are the spots, and how much time you should expect to spend at each: 

• Rising Sun Heiau - 10 minutes 
• Hauola Heiau - 10 minutes 
• Holoholoku Heiau - 10 minutes 
• Birthing Stones - 10 minutes 
• Poliahu Heiau - 5 minutes 

At this point in the tour, there are a few historical sites one after the other, and we recommend you stop and listen to the stories of each! These sites include four heiaus, which are ancient Hawaiian sacred spots, and birthing stones where mother’s would come to birth future chiefs. Here are the spots and how much time you should expect to spend at each: 

Wailua Falls is the first waterfall we will visit on this tour. It is one of the largest and most accessible waterfalls in Kauai. Dropping 200 feet below (although some say 80 feet), this waterfall offers a very remarkable view.

The name Wailua in Hawaiian means “2 waters”. Some say that this represents the two forks of this great river, or the meeting of 2 waters – fresh water & salt water, at the river mouth. but some historians suggest that Wailua was named after the great 14th century chief, Wailua Nui Aho’anu.

Standing below Mt. Kawaikini and Mt. Wai’ale’ale, which is the wettest place on earth, Wailua Falls flows year round with an abundant supply of water. If you are lucky, you will see a rainbow over the falls. It is a real treat.

Pull over into a parking lot to learn about Sleeping Giant and view the mountain from a completely different vantage point. 

Kapa’a Town is a seaside neighborhood with cute restaurants, a few hotels, and some historic landmarks. During your visit, walk around the town to visit local shops or try some delicious Hawaiian food.

For the landmarks in Kapa’a Town, we’ll have you pull over to listen to stories about these sites.  Here’s what you’ll find: 

• Kapa’a Library and Mo'ikeha Railroad Bridges
• Japanese Lantern 
• Hee Fat Building 

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• SUNRISE AT HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK TOUR
• CLASSIC ROAD TO HANA TOUR
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• SUNSET AND STARGAZING HALEAKALA TOUR
• WEST MAUI COASTLINE TOUR
• HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK TOUR
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• KONA BIG KAHUNA TOUR
• GRAND CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR
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• mindy leary
• 2 months ago

What a wonderful app! Such a breeze! Drive slow so you don't miss the stops! You can toggle the music on and off. I did waimea canyon and it was spectacular!

You must get this app!

• 4 months ago

I cannot say enough good things about this app for tours in Hawaii! My husband and I are in Kauai and followed two of the audio tours. You get the app for free and then you pay for the audio tours – – $19.99 for one or $29.99 for the bundle of three. If you visit all the islands, you can bundle, all of the islands for, I think, $69. We followed one up the north shore and visited little-known beaches and hikes, had the best poke bowl I’ve ever had, and heard stories of legends, culture and history. My husband did the Waimea Canyon tour and loved it as well! This is a great way to explore the island at your own pace doing what you want to do. The guide is knowledgeable and fun to listen to!

Perfect tour for our trip to Hawaii

• LVParker119
• 5 months ago

Downloaded the tour for Waimea Canyon and was very glad I did! The tour was excellent. The guide was a little silly. Overall, a great day in Kaua’i.

How to see Wailua Falls?

Drive to Wailua Falls viewpoint - you can’t hike to the falls, but the viewpoint offers the perfect vantage point to take in this stunning waterfall. Get turn-by-turn directions to Wailua Falls on Shaka Guide’s Wailua Valley and Waterfalls Tour.

How many waterfalls are there on Kauai?

Kauai boasts about 100 waterfalls. Kauai is also known as the Garden Isle for its lush landscapes. From rugged coastal cliffs to abundant rainforests - Kauai’s diverse scenery is a sight to behold.

What are the best Waterfalls in Kauai?

Of Kauai’s many waterfalls - Opaekaa, Wailua, and Ho'opi'i Falls are some of our favorites. You can visit all three on Shaka Guide’s Wailua Valley and Waterfalls Tour.

What is an Audio Tour Guide?

Think of us as your personal tour guide in an app. Our tours provide everything a guided tour does, but with the freedom to explore on your terms. Here’s how it works:

• GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk.
• Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
• GPS triggers audio narration to play automatically as you drive or walk. Listen to stories, get local insights, visit must-see stops and get turn-by-turn navigation.
• The app works offline so even with spotty service we’ll get you where you need to go.

Pretty cool huh? We think so! Check out our tours and let’s explore together.

Where does the tour go?

The tour begins in Lihue or Kapa’a and is completed in a clockwise loop ending where you began. Most of the tour is spent exploring the rainforest area of Wailua valley.

Here are some of the popular spots you can explore on the tour!

Kapa’a Town 

Wailua Waterfall

‘Opeaka’a Waterfall

Sleeping Giant Hike

Smith's Tropical Paradise

For help planning your day check our Wailua Valley and Waterfalls suggested itinerary  and here's everything you need to know before you go !

What should I pack and budget?

• Sneakers & hiking clothes
• Bathing Suit & sandals 
• Sunscreen 
• Sun Glasses and/or Hat
• Car Charger
• Cash (see budget below)

How much you spend really depends on the activities you choose to do along the tour route, but here’s a breakdown of some costs. 

• $14.99: Shaka Guide’s Wailua Valley & Waterfalls Tour 
• $15.00 per person: Lunch 
• $5.00 per person: Local snack
• $10 for adults; $5 for children: Entrance to Smith’s Tropical Farm
• The Hindu Monastery is free to enter, but donations are accepted

Can I join the Reverse Road to Hana tour along the route?

Yes! Feel free to join the tour along the route. Just make sure that you follow the numbers in chronological order from where you are starting from.  If you don’t begin at one of the tour starting points you’ll miss a few stories, but you’ll still have a great experience.

Can I take the tour in the opposite direction?

No, this tour can only be done in a clockwise loop. 

Other Questions? Contact Us!

Do you have other questions that we didn’t list here? 

Feel free to message us through the in-app chat box,  Facebook Messenger , our  email ,  or give us a call at (808) 201-8138. We will be glad to help and answer your questions as soon as possible!

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A Spiritual Sanctuary on Hawaii's Garden Island

Iraivan Temple

This is the crown jewel of Kauai’s Hindu Monastery, being constructed first and foremost as a destination for devotees on annual pilgrimage. Hindus revere a sanctified edifice like Iraivan not only as a temple, but as the very body of God. Iraivan is an ancient Tamil word for God, meaning “He who is worshiped.” This temple was inspired by a series of mystical visions of Siva that came to Gurudeva early in the morning of February 15, 1975, in which he saw Lord Siva seated on a large boulder that was later discovered on the then overgrown property. These visions inspired him to begin this exquisite temple, unlike any in the world. Since that day, pujas have been held daily at that swayambhu (self-created) Lingam (mark of God), which will one day be sheltered within an elegant open-air pavilion.

Iraivan Temple’s Pillars

Gurudeva decreed that the temple be “a library in stone,” and had 24 of the pillars carved with sacred and cultural symbols. At the bottom are 24 of the traditional forms of God Siva. In the middle are depicted cultural and philosophical images. The top of each pillar has sacred symbols and plants, half from India and half from Hawaii. The pillars have much to teach about our spiritual tradition. Visit our web app, “ The Pillars of Iraivan ” to learn of the mystical symbolism carved upon each one.