In 2023, our family embarked on a spiritual journey to Malaysia to seek the blessings of our Guru, Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami. We were eager to visit the places where our Gurudeva, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, had traveled, inspiring countless souls to realize their divine potential. Malaysia is home to one of the largest communities of devotees and shishyas of the Kauai Hindu Monastery.
The towering skyscrapers of Malaysia greeted us warmly. We checked into a flat on the 20th floor, where the elevated view gave us a serene, mountain-top perspective of the bustling surroundings. Our itinerary included visits to Pattu Malai Muruga Hill and the Kottumalai Vinayagar Temple.
While on this sacred pilgrimage, our minds occasionally drifted to our children’s preparation for their board exams. This journey reminded us of the importance of being present in the moment, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience and appreciate its spiritual significance.
Sacred Experiences
We were blessed with darshan at both Pattu Malai Murugan and Kottumalai Vinayagar temples. Each deity radiated unique energies and showered divine grace upon our family.
A few months later, I returned to Malaysia for another special occasion: to celebrate my birthday and seek blessings from Paramacharya Sadasivanathaswami. This time, I stayed near the Kottumalai Vinayagar Temple, attending the 5 a.m. darshan and abhishekam daily. This temple uniquely performs sangu (conch) abhishekam every morning and evening—a rare and sacred ritual.
At first glance, the Lord Ganesha murti may appear small, but upon closer observation, one realizes its immense spiritual presence. The garlands adorning the deity are three to four times the size of the murti itself. The temple’s triangular structure exudes powerful vibrations, enhancing its divine aura. The acharyas performed every puja with utmost authenticity and devotion, making it a must-visit temple for anyone seeking spiritual solace.
It was heartwarming to see people from diverse faiths seeking blessings from Lord Ganesha, reaffirming the wisdom of our sages: The destination is one; the paths may differ. I was fortunate to participate in multiple sangu abhishekams, and the temple’s priest lovingly gifted us a picture of Kottumalai Vinayagar as a token of divine blessings.
A Climb to Grace
Climbing Pattu Malai was an adventure in itself. Playful monkeys, adept at snatching eatables, added a touch of mischief to our journey. Navigating through them, we reached the temple where the abhishekam to Velayudham was a mesmerizing experience. After adorning the vel, Lord Muruga appeared resplendent, radiating divine grace. Meditating in the serene caves of Pattu Malai brought an unparalleled sense of peace and power.
Temples Beyond
I also had the opportunity to visit a Sri Lankan-style Murugan Temple, a beautifully authentic Saivite shrine, and the Mariamman Temple in downtown Malaysia. It was heartening to witness how well-maintained these temples were, thanks to the sincere devotion and support of the local community.
Divine Connection
Though far from India, the temples and the devotees of Kauai Aadheenam brought me closer to the divine. This journey was a profound reminder of the unity in diversity that underpins our spiritual traditions.
Aum Namah Sivaya.
