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A Globetrotting Guide to
the Internet The Temple at Puukohola
As ruler of the greater part of the island of Hawaii, Kamehameha had but one rival, Keoua-of-the-Flaming Cloak. Keoua's first armed attack against Kamehameha had failed when his army was crossing the Ka'u desert. Kilauea had erupted and the army fell dead from the poisonous gases. Their footprints can still be seen today. The people saw this as an omen that Pele was favoring Kamehameha. The belief of the day was, "Those favored by Pele will win." Kamehameha's advisors urged him to seek the advice of a learned priest on Molokai as to how Kamehameha could complete the conquest. The priest replied that a temple should be built to the war god Kukailimoku, and on the sacrificial alter must be laid the body of a chief. The new temple would be built above an ancient one, above Kawaihae Bay. The temple would be named Puukohola. Thousands of workmen from across the island worked from early morning to late at night. Chiefs and commoners worked side by side, and among them toiled Kamehameha. The only person not permitted to participate in the construction of the temple was Keliimaikai, the younger brother of Kamehameha. He had be selected by the king as the one to be kept spiritually clean. The mana of the gods would enter the temple through him at the time of dedication. The only sound to be heard was the chanting of the priests as they searched the skies for omens. Once the temple was completed the thunder of the sharkskin of the drums announced the moment to the people. Three days of celebration followed. The carving of the images of the gods came next. Kamehameha was joined by priest and skilled workmen as they traveled into the mountains in search of the perfect ohia tree. Once found, a pig was buried as a sacrifice at its base and Kamehameha took the first blow to fell the tree. The priests continued chanting as the wood would remain sacred and worthy of its purpose. Twelve days were required to complete the rites of purification, on the last night before the new moon, following a purification of olena water. a procession, headed by priests carrying the sacred images climbed the hill for the final ceremonies. The leading priest carried Kukailimoku, Kamehameha's war god. None but the highest blood were ever allowed to look upon it's image. Kamehameha was immediately behind the priests with his brother Keliimaikai, who was worthy of receiving the mana of the gods. The high chiefs came next, and at last the commoners. Ceremonies within the temple were only witnessed by the highest of blood. Kukailimoku and the other images of the gods were placed in niches which had been prepared for them. Throughout could be hurt the chanting of the priests and the beating of the drums. The Heiau o Puukohola was now ready for the sacrificial offering. Continue Encounter With Keoua-of-the-Flaming-Cloak
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