Swami Bhajanananda performed an elaborate Shiva puja before Kali Mandir’s Baba Dakshineswar, the outdoor Shiva lingam under the holy tree.  Lovingly carved by the late Giri Wescott and installed on July 4, 2005, this lingam over the years has become a pilgrimage attraction for many devotees.  On several occasions, devotees took an oath and walked on foot for hours from their home to worship Baba Dakshineswar.   Lots of love is poured into this Shiva.  Every Monday, Bharat and Rita lovingly wash and oil the lingam and, every day, devotees come and pour water over this hole emblem.

Swami Vivekananda, who was a veritable embodiment of Lord Shiva, liked the 4^th-of-July festival.  In fact, he took his own liberation on this day from his earthly duties in 1902.

A large crowd of devotees attended this year’s 4^th of July anniversary function.  While Swami Bhajanananda bathed Shiva with many substances, holy waters and fragrances, Kali Mandir’s kirtan group made sure that Shiva heard ecstatic chants.  When the little kids started dancing, we all knew, God was pleased.  Jai Shiva Shankara hara hara bombom.

We took a lot of photos.  Check out the 4^th of July photo album.