Today is Gurudeva’s 97th
Happy Jayanthi, Gurudeva...
For decades January 5 has held a special place in our lives, the day we would fall at Gurudeva's feet and joyously wish him Happy Birthday.
In 1998, we held a special island-wide surprise party to honor his 72nd birthday. He regarded the 72nd as specially significant, entering the fourth stage of life, the sannyasa ashraa. The event was called "It's a Beginning!" Over 500 island residents were invited to the Kilohana Mansion for an evening of adventures. As the day approached there was much planning, but we only shared the minimum with him, so when he went out to get in the car, we kept walking and put him (amazed!) into a helicopter waiting in a field where Iraivan now sits for the five-mile flight to his party. Hawaiian hula dancers and chanters greeted him, and Hindu ladies offered the traditional arati at the entrance.
Inside, Gurudeva was brought to the stage where he danced with Kauai's Mayor, Maryanne Kusaka; he showing her Manipuri dance, she tutoring him in hula. We weighed him on a homemade scale and gave him a check for what his weight in gold was that day. A giant painting by Indra Sharma, a famed Indian artist, was unveiled to raucous applause. Butterflies were released; elders were honored by children (something Gurudeva stressed often); songs were sung and tearful testimonies shared; and a grand veggie dinner was served.
Today would mark his 97th birthday.
Happy Birthday, Gurudeva, as you continue to guide us in this and the inner worlds of light. Our offering today is not so social as that 1998 party, but our love, if anything, is stronger, and we place that as our gift at your feet today.
8 Responses to “Today is Gurudeva’s 97th”
From Our Gurus' Teachings
Archives are now available through 2001. Light colored days have no posts. 1998-2001 coming later.
January 5th, 2024 at 4:37 pm
“JAI GURUDEVA”!.
January 6th, 2024 at 12:50 am
It has been 26 years since I fell in prapatti at Gurudeva’s Lotus Feet during Gurudeva Jayanti 1998; I have never been “I” since as I-I then merged with Gurudeva in Oneness. Gurudeva is with me always in the lotus of my heart. Aum Namah Sivaya.
January 6th, 2024 at 1:21 am
Happy Birthday Gurudeva !
With lots of lots of love and gratitude!
Anbey Sivamayam Satyamey Parashivam !
January 6th, 2024 at 1:42 am
Jai GURUDEVA!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
January 6th, 2024 at 2:44 am
Happy Birthday Gurudeva, we love you!!
January 6th, 2024 at 3:03 am
Aum Namasivaya!
Jai Gurudeva!
Aum! Happy 97th Jayanthi Day Gurudeva!
Aum! Your Spiritual Guidance & Leadership are being
a GREAT ASSET for the World of HINDUISM,
which is Wholeheartedly acknowledged & Benefitted
by the Religious World! It would be for ever, in future too!
Many Thanks Gurudeva!
Aum! I am so delighted to Observe the Jayanthi Day of GURUDEVA,
which is in concurrence with the 114th Birthday of my beloved Mother,
THAIYALNAYAKI AMMA!
Amma was very much Blessed by Our PARAMA GURU THAVATHIRU YOGASWAMI,
in her Life time! She had been so humble , fortunate & prepared “THIRU AMUTHU” (Lunch)
& served to Our beloved PARAMA GURU, for 47 years! At the end of each meal at our Home,
Swami used to say few humble words , with HIS BLESSINGS that,
“Amma Thaaye! you have served a very tasteful, lavish food to me,
a poor Sannyasin (“Parathesi”), with Sincere Prayers ! Great!
You are Blessed for ever!, with fullness!”
A Great experience with Our Great Parama Guru YOGASWAMI!
Aum Siva, Siva!
Aum Shanthi!
Aum! Mikka Nanri. (Thank You).
Aum! Anpudan (With Love),
Siva,
( Thillaiampalam Sivayogapathy),
Toronto.
January 7th, 2024 at 5:59 am
Thillaiampalam Sivayogapathy’s testimony brings the “then” to NOW. Gurudeva’s landing in that helicopter was symbolic in so many ways that day. It is amazing how difficult it was and is when Great Souls, our Gurdeva left physical form. It did occur to me the other day that Gurudeva’s inner presence is so vibrant these days, more alive than ever and everywhere you turn at Kauai Aadheenam. I am sure those who can “see” – see Him not only in dreams, but walking the paths, standing at Iraivan, and meandering through the gardens. Iriavan no doubt speaks to His life energy and what he predicted so many years ago as its power is being unleashed and like Gurudeva did so many times, transforming life as we know it.
January 12th, 2024 at 3:14 am
I cherish every word of The Master Course and I am excited to have put Gurudeva’s birthday on my Google calendar. In order to do that, one must add the individual (Jai Gurudeva!) into your Google contacts. I already have the Gurudeva app and now I have our sweet Gurudeva in my phone as a contact. I feel closer to the temple every day. Thank you!