The Temple
Somaskanda Ashram is a public multi-faith place of worship high up in the mountains. The main murthi (statue) is of Somaskanda, a large Shiva Lingam and Yoni towered by a three-headed Nag (snake), representing both male and female aspects of the Divine. Idols from various religions (mainly Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism) are worshipped in the temple. Read more about the history of the temple.
The temple is available to all, irrespective of their cultural and religious background. The doors open three times a day for the pujas (worship) led by the Swamis (priests) from Skanda Vale: at 06:00, 12:00 and 19:00. The lunchtime puja with its daily abishekam (special ritual) is the main service of the day.
We celebrate many special events: full moon and new moon, Nandi puja, Navagraha puja, and many Hindu festivals as well as the main Christian and Buddhist Holidays. Please check our calendar for more information.
![Somaskanda Murthi A large black granite statue or murthi of Somaskanda](https://somaskanda.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Somaskanda-Murthi-v2.jpg)
Somaskanda Murthi
![Christian shrine A Christian shrine featuring images of Christ and St Francis with candles](https://somaskanda.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ChristianShrineRetouch.jpg)
Christmas
![Buddha Wesak](https://somaskanda.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_7409-Buddha-1200px.jpg)
Buddha Wesak
Visiting the temple
- Attend our daily worship. Come for a day or just for a single puja.
- Take time for yourself and stay at the Ashram for your personal retreat. Experience everyday life at the Ashram and help with tasks at hand – be it finishing details in the temple or helping with the running of the house.
- Find out more about visiting the temple by checking our visitor information and the calendar.
![Lord Nataraj](https://somaskanda.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Shiva14_HRjpg.jpg)
Images of Lord Nataraj
![Mother Kali](https://somaskanda.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Kali01b_hr.jpg)
Mother Kali
Special pujas
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Nandi puja
2. August 12:00 - 13:00
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Subramanium festival
4. August 12:00 - 14:00
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New moon
4. August 12:00 - 14:00
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Subramanium festival
5. August 06:00 - 07:30
![Lord-Murugan-Murthi A metal statue or murthi of Subramanium / Murugan with flower garland](https://somaskanda.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Lord-Murugan-Murthi.jpg)
Lord Muruga
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