Sadgurudev
“Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah”
(From Rigveda Samhita, Mandala 1, Suktam 89)
Translation: Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions
Today is no day to slack artistically through my words, especially when it comes to conveying the heart of this matter. Here is what I intend to unfold: a brief reflection on how it all began for me, who my Guruji is, and how I found him.
It all starts with my mother. She continues to be the greatest influence in my life, and under her loving canopy, my spiritual path has taken shape. Since the day I was born, she has ensured I was raised in devotion and reverence toward all deities, especially toward Lord Krishna. Without Lord Krishna, there would be no Bhagavad-Gita, and without the Gita, I would not have discovered the true meaning and purpose of human life.
I grew up watching Aastha TV, an Indian spiritual channel, where I was regularly exposed to teachings on how to lead a spiritual life. Among them, I found myself particularly drawn to the teachings of Osho. I would listen to his discourses, even though, at the time, I did not understand a single word (I was only 7 years old!). Still, I was spellbound by the way he used his eyes and hands, and this piqued my curiosity even more. I started reading his books, even though they made little sense to me back then. (I revisited them during my adolescent years.) Alongside this, my mother guided me through the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, helping me grasp its verses until I was old enough to read it on my own. I began reading the Gita independently at the age of 15, and even now, I return to it from time to time, finding deeper meaning with each reading and living life more consciously. When I was 13, my mother came across a website on mantras and tantras. It was through that website that my mother found my Guruji, and through her, I found him too.
My Guruji is Sadgurudev Dr. Narayan Dutt Shrimali ji. In his ascetic form, he was known as Swami Nikhileshwaranand Maharaj, the great master of Siddhashram and the chief disciple of Paramhans Swami Satchidanand ji, who is the chief controller of Siddhashram. Although he chose to depart to Siddhashram, he transferred his spiritual energies to his three sons, who have since taken on the responsibility of guiding disciples and continuing his work after July 3, 1998. I am personally practicing all deekshas and sadhanas under the divine guidance of Gurudev Arvind Shrimali ji. (Among many, it was under his guidance that I received the Varahmihir Deeksha, a step toward my pursuit of becoming an astrologer.)
I have previously spoken about the importance of having a guru in the pursuit of Tantra. To succeed in any Deeksha or Sadhana, it is essential to cultivate a deep sense of trust and surrender towards one’s guru. I emphasize trust because, in a time when many self-proclaimed gurus lack genuine spiritual grounding, it is wise to begin with trust that is rooted in discernment. Trust allows room for curiosity and supports rational inquiry, free from ego and shallow doubt. An unwavering sense of faith is the next step in becoming a true disciple. Faith that is blind tends to be misplaced and is dangerous—which can lead one astray through misguided instruction. It is our responsibility to exercise due diligence—to research, reflect, and ensure that the guru we choose is not only authentic but also currently alive and accessible for continued guidance. Understanding the guru parampara of the one we seek as our guru, offers valuable insight into their spiritual lineage. Only then can faith naturally blossom.
Now that I have shared who my Guruji is, it is natural for questions to arise about the authenticity and integrity of a guru. As a disciple, it is my responsibility to share that the role of my Guruji is not to claim divinity or speak of power in abstract terms, but to act as a true guide. He helps his disciples cross the riverbanks that lead beyond material pursuits and attain the spiritual force necessary to progress toward nirvana. Rather than declaring himself almighty or a manifestation of the divine, he humbly and purposefully focuses on his true task: to directly bestow and transmit the energies required to initiate and support a disciple’s journey into Tantra.
Speaking from my own experience, I have felt the power of deekshas and sadhanas and witnessed their manifestations in my life. What makes this journey even more accessible is that my Guruji is still alive. Anyone seeking clarity or connection can visit him directly at his facility in Jodhpur or attend one of the many sadhana camps he organizes to experience it firsthand. Or better yet, take a deeksha yourself and witness the power unfold.
I am attaching the link to the official website for those who wish to explore further.
In the next post, I will dive deeper into the topic of the Shatkarmas of Tantra and the different types of mantras so I can explain clearly what deekshas and sadhanas are and why they hold such importance. Until then, happy exploring!