Continuing from Part 1 of Building Sivalayam, let me share how benevolent Lord Siva is and how thoughts truly become things.
When we built our house in 2013, after navigating through several karmic consequences, we named it “Happy Nest.” Owning a home is a dream for many, and we feel blessed to have realized this dream in this lifetime. After my Kauai pilgrimage in 2022, Satguru Bodhinatha graciously agreed to visit our home in Bengaluru. To prepare for the arrival of our beloved Guru, we began renovating our house.
I had no prior experience in this lifetime of receiving a Guru into our home. Thankfully, our Rishipathi/Sthapathi in Bengaluru kindly guided us through the process, including placing the kumbam, chanting Om Namah Karmana hymns, and following the necessary divine protocols.
In 2021, the BWSSB undertook extensive projects in our area, leaving almost all roads in a deplorable state. Despite numerous complaints, nothing was resolved. Some of you may recall Rajinikanth’s movie Baba, where the protagonist, initially a skeptic about God’s existence, receives five boons that make his wishes come true. In one instance, he wishes for the roads to be repaired overnight, and miraculously, authorities transform the area within a day.
A similar miracle unfolded for us. Just before Satguru’s visit, the roads around our area were completely remade, smooth and pristine. It was a magical reality that we all experienced. As renovations continued, things started falling into place, one by one. We installed beautiful fabrications depicting Nandi, elephants, peacocks, and other Saivaite vahanas. In front of our house, we added a magnificent carving of a Banyan tree.
A couple of days before the visit, my daughter and I went to the hotel where Satguru would stay to meticulously plan the timing, ensuring that everything went smoothly for the arrival of the Great Satguru Bodhinatha. Satguru represents the culmination of the entire Guru Parampara—our lineage beginning from Sadasiva, Nandhinatha Rishi, Thirumular, Kadaitswami, Chellappaswami, Yogaswami, Gurudeva, and now, Bodhinatha. Satguru represents Lord Siva. Guru is God.
Satguru Bodhinatha Visit
January 6, 2023, was the day—an auspicious Arudra day, the holiest of days. On this day, we went to the hotel, picked up Satguru Bodhinatha and Sannyasin Shanmuganathaswami, and drove them to our home. We lovingly welcomed Satguru with all the divine protocols we had learned. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and though our hearts were overflowing with emotion, Satguru’s presence put us at ease.
My wife and daughter prepared a delicious meal for the Swamis. We performed Maheshwara Puja with full devotion. The Swamis blessed us with a gift that read, “Home Sweet Home.” We were over the moon. Our children also took Brahmacharya Vrata, committing themselves to a virtuous path.
Later, friends and family joined us for a short satsang led by Satguru Bodhinatha. Satguru emphasized the importance of positive parenting and the role of family values in spiritual growth. Everyone present received Satguru’s blessings.
As the day concluded, we drove the Swamis back to their place, our hearts brimming with gratitude. It was not just a fulfilling day for our family but a divine moment for our entire community to witness the presence of such a great soul.
Jai Kailasa Parampara! Jai Gurudeva!
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