A Sanctuary for Both Spiritual Seekers and Nature Enthusiasts
The Sacred Rudraksha Forest is a significant spiritual and botanical landmark associated with the Kauai Hindu Monastery on Kauai. This remarkable forest is home to numerous Rudraksha trees (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) which are revered in Hinduism and other spiritual traditions for their meditative and healing properties. The forest is part of the 363-acre property of the monastery and is located about a five-minute drive from the monastery.
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (known as Gurudeva by his followers) established the Kauai Hindu Monastery in 1970. The connected Rudraksha Forest was developed as part of the monastery’s mission to create a spiritual sanctuary that embodies the principles of Hinduism. The planting of Rudraksha trees was initiated in the 1980s, inspired by the desire to cultivate a grove that would produce the sacred beads used in Hindu prayer and meditation.
The grove of Rudraksha trees is a highlight of this serene place. The trees, considered sacred in Hinduism and native to India and the Himalayan region, produce a rounded blue fruit (resembling beads) that are used to make prayer necklaces and other jewelry.
Visitors to the property are greeted by a 13-foot tall bronze statue of the monkey Diety Lord Hanuman. The sculpture took four men seven years to complete in India, then another year in Colorado where 29 master craftsman fashioned the bronze.
An enchanting feature of the Sacred Rudraksha Forest is the bamboo corridor that leads to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity known as the remover of obstacles and the god of new beginnings. This pathway, a symbolic Entrance to the First World, is lined with towering bamboo, creating a serene and sacred ambiance for visitors as they approach the revered deity.
For practitioners of Hinduism, the Sacred Rudraksha Forest is a place of profound spiritual significance. It offers a tranquil environment for meditation and reflection, away from the distractions of everyday life. The presence of the forest reinforces the connection between nature and spirituality, a core tenet of Hindu philosophy, providing a sanctuary for both spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts. Through its preservation and care, the forest continues to inspire and nurture the souls of all who visit.
Read more about the Sacred Rudraksha Forest in our Summer 2024 Issue of Kauai Magazine.
Visit the Sacred Rudraksha Forest
- Open Daily 8:00 am-4:00 pm
- Admission: Free
- Address: 7345 Kuamoo Rd, Kapaa, HI 96746
- Location: Google Maps
