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.

At his 72nd Jayanthi party at Kilohana, Gurudeva takes photos with those who joined the dinner party, some 500 in all!

His helicopter lands and the monks play drums to welcome him to the party.

Parading to the entrance to the sounds of Hawaiian chanting.

Aarti is offered at the door.

A small floor greeting in colored rice.

Inside all take their seats for a grand evening.

The mayor had agreed to surprising Gurudeva with a dance duet, Indian and Hawaiian.

They made a great team.

Gurudeva sits on a special platform as his weight is measured on stage, using gold (painted) bricks.

Fast forward to 2024, and in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, the orphans held an all-day jayanthi celebration for him. Complete with pujas, songs and chanting.

Jai Gurudeva!

In India a devotee was moved to sketch a pencil drawing telling Gurudeva his mission and teachings are more active than ever.

We end with Gurudeva weeding the path at the aadheenam, just as he removed the unneeded blemishes and obstacles from our path in life.

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