Continuing from Part 1 of Satguru Bodhinatha (link here) and Nandhi Bhagavan (link here), let me share more of my experience meeting Satguru Bodhinatha in person.
As I stepped out of Lihue Airport, I was surprisingly greeted by a rooster! A rooster at the airport—this must be Kauai, Hawaii. Such a lovely place! Before the pilgrimage, Satguru gave me several sadhanas to complete. In our guru lineage, it is believed that it is no easy task to visit the Kadavul Temple. Yet, the journey went smoothly, though my heart was pounding as I arrived on Kauai Island. The kind soul Rishipathi Deva picked me up from the airport and brought me to Sivamayam Hermitage, where I was welcomed with great warmth.
Rishipathi Deva and Amala Amma are true role models for us, embodying Gurudeva’s teachings. I hope that one day, we can offer the same kind of selfless service to God and to all devotees of Siva.
The next morning, Rishipathi slowly guided me to the Monastery. My heart pounded even harder. Dressed in full white—kurta and pajamas—I tried to maintain a brave face. At 8 a.m., we rang the bell of Ganapathi Kulam to meet Paramacharya Sadasivanathaswami. And then, something magical happened within me. Paramacharya said just three words: “I know you.” Suddenly, tears poured out like a waterfall; I was completely overcome, barely aware of where I was. It took me a few minutes to return to earth. Sensing my state, Paramacharya kindly said, “Hey Siri, open the window for Madan to show Iraivan.” The curtain lifted, revealing the breathtaking view of the Iraivan Temple, Wailea Mountain, and river—pure, pristine nature! I was still immersed in bliss and happy tears.
Two days later, on Sun 1 Upadesa, I received Satguru Bodhinatha’s darshan. Satguru gives upadesa in front of the grand, awe-inspiring Nataraja Murthi and Crystal Lingam at Kadavul Temple. To see these all in a single view is truly a lifetime blessing.
That afternoon, I was granted a one-on-one meeting with Satguru. Can you imagine meeting the Mahasannidhanam of Kauai Aadheenam? That night, I could hardly sleep, mentally preparing what to ask, what to say. So many questions filled my mind: Will he like me? Will he smile? Will he remember my name?
I waited near the Guru Peetam, but the sadhaka-to-be in front of me took quite a while! With the sun shining directly on me, I felt its intensity. Holding all the gifts I had brought from India, which were quite heavy, I stood there, tested in patience. The 15-20 minute wait felt like two years! I felt just like a lover waiting to propose for the first time.
At last, I entered the magnificent, serene, and sacred Guru Peetam where Satguru sat, welcoming me with warmth. “Here you are,” he said gently, putting me at ease. True to his nature, Satguru spoke few words, and in my excitement, I found myself rambling about many unrelated things—a young devotee, after all! Finally, Satguru asked, “Do you have any questions?” Complete silence. I forgot everything!
So I replied, “I am waiting for your orders,” and Satguru smiled, saying, “No orders today.” That was my first meeting with Satguru Bodhinatha.
Later that week, I invited Satguru to visit our home in Bangalore. To my surprise, he responded quickly, confirming that he would visit in January 2023! This is truly a lifetime blessing for my entire family.
