Saiva Siddhanta Church Sishya Family on Pilgrimage
A couple days ago, Vandana received Vishesha Diksha, the second of two dikshas that Saiva Siddhanta Church sishyas prepare for. Below is the description from Gurudeva's 1995 Saiva Dharma Shastras book, slightly updated for the current context.
Vishesha diksha,"distinguishing" initiation, marks the sishya's formal entrance into the Sri Subramuniya Rishi Gotra, our lineage's select assembly of followers, affectionately known as chelas. After this initiation, the devotee is obligated to personally, daily perform the Saiva Atmartha Puja, which now has new power. This worship is performed during the early morning, followed by scriptural study and 108 repetitions of the Panchakshara Mantra. The puja obligation of vishesha diksha is not fulfilled by attending the puja performed by the head of the house in the shrine room. Each member who has received this initiation performs the puja privately (the long, medium or short version) and then attends the family puja as well. Vishesha diksha is also the empowering to perform yoga, to worship internally and undertake serious austerities. This diksha opens access into inner realms heretofore not accessible. As part of the diksha, the sishya voices and signs the following solemn vow binding herself and her family line to the Sri Subramuniya Rishi Gotra. Vishesha diksha brings the devotee more deeply into the study of Shum, my magical language of meditation, through the Shum Tyaef Lexicon.
Vishesha Diksha Vrata
"Prostrations to the holy feet of Lord Ganesha! Aum Sivaya! I pledge my loyalties to the Saiva Swami Sangam of Saiva Siddhanta Church, to the monistic Saiva Siddhanta theology of Rishi Tirumular and, most importantly, to the holy feet of my satguru in this life, Bodhinatha Veylanswami, as I enter the Sri Subramuniya Rishi Gotra. In doing so, I rededicate myself to the Santana Dharma and now bind myself to the congregation of devotees of Saiva Siddhanta Church, those who uphold the Saiva Dharma--Dancing with Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism and the Creed for Saivite Hindus--and seek to remold the Saiva karma by doing penance for the entire Saivite world as it moves from an agricultural into a technological era and on into a new age of space. As I sit before Guru Mahasannidhanam and the Saiva swamis and the gotra of devotees, I bow before the holy feet of Lord Nataraja, pledging my allegiance as a soldier of the within and a silent minister, emissary of duty to be well performed. I have enjoined my three bodies--soul, mental and physical--to propel new members into our fellowship and make them comfortable in our congregation. May Lord Ganesha bless me, may Lord Murugan bless me, may Lord Siva bless me. May Satguru bless me in this and from inner worlds as I join for all time as a Sivathondar the great congregation of Saiva Siddhanta Church and irrevocably blend my karma with its dharma. Anbe Sivamayam Satyame Parasivam." -------------------------
After the diksha, Kavish and Kapil read and signed pledges to perform the "Ten-Minute Spiritual Workout" and follow the yamas and niyamas to the best of their ability.
The eldest son, Tarun, will be staying on to serve with the monks for five or six months before embarking on university studies.
16 Responses to “Saiva Siddhanta Church Sishya Family on Pilgrimage”
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August 19th, 2023 at 3:46 pm
Great step forward… we are happy the Nathoo family made it toKauai Aadheenam! Aum.
August 20th, 2023 at 4:30 am
Congratulations Vandana for receiving the Vishesha Diksha, and children for the pledges to perform ten minutes spiritual workout. An exemplary family!. Aum .
August 20th, 2023 at 9:35 am
Pranams to you, the Nathoo family for your ’round the world pilgrimage to Siva’s Garden Island to God, Gods and Guru! This photo essay, a potent remembrance for years to come. All God’s blessings!
August 20th, 2023 at 4:46 pm
“AUM”!.
August 20th, 2023 at 5:07 pm
Wish you and your family a profound and fulfilling spiritual path but above all, may you inspire families to embrace spirituality in their daily life.
August 20th, 2023 at 5:13 pm
Congratulations to Vandana & Family.
August 20th, 2023 at 6:02 pm
Such a blissful spiritual achievement. Really happy for you all as it mustn’t have been easy to reach here. You have been blessed for all these long years of Patience, sacrifices, service and dedication. Congratulations. God bless you all.
August 20th, 2023 at 11:01 pm
Aum Shivaya ! Congratulations Roshan, Vandana Nathoo, Tarun, Kavish and Kapil!
Our prayers and wishes for the whole family.
Thiruchitrambalam. 💐🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
August 21st, 2023 at 1:26 am
Aum Shivaya and hearty congratulations to Vandana and family, a great achievement indeed.
August 21st, 2023 at 7:29 am
Congratulations to Vandana and her family! Well deserved for her years of sadhana, devotion and dedication to the SSC and nurturing her sons to follow the teachings of saivism. Aum Namah Shivaya.
August 21st, 2023 at 3:41 pm
Congratulations to this beautiful family! Aum Namasivaya
August 21st, 2023 at 7:52 pm
Very inspiring journey! So proud of you Vandana , Roshan and family Keep up the good work and hope others too get encouraged to join the spiritual path. God bless you all🙏
August 21st, 2023 at 9:36 pm
What a blessing for the whole family.
The family that prays together stays together.
August 22nd, 2023 at 5:16 am
Congratulations Dearest Vandana and family- For staying steadfast and supporting each other on the path! Kudos to all of you. Aum Namasivaya
August 25th, 2023 at 6:53 am
Jai Jai Shree Maha Ganesh
Congratulations to the whole family and wishing you all the best as you travel the spiritual path. May the Gods, the Satguru and all the Swamis guide you on this wonderful journey!
Aum Namasivaya
Sivayanama Aum
August 25th, 2023 at 7:13 am
Jai Ganapati!
Congratulations and thank you for the inspiration. What blessings.
Aum Namah Sivaya