Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, also known as Gurudeva, was a highly revered Hindu spiritual leader and teacher. He was born on January 5, 1927, in Oakland, California, and was given the name Robert Hansen. At the age of 22, he had a life-changing encounter with the Hindu saint and mystic, Ramana Maharshi, which led him to embrace Hinduism and take the name Subramuniya.

Gurudeva spent many years studying and practicing Hinduism, particularly the Saiva Siddhanta philosophy, under the guidance of his guru, Siva Yogaswami. In 1949, he was initiated into the monastic order by Siva Yogaswami and given the title "Sivaya", which means "one who knows Siva". He then spent the next 12 years living as a wandering monk, traveling throughout India and Sri Lanka, deepening his spiritual understanding and sharing his teachings with others.

In 1961, Gurudeva founded the Himalayan Academy, an educational institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the ancient wisdom and practices of Hinduism. He also established the Kauai Aadheenam, a monastery and spiritual center, on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Here, he lived and taught for over 30 years, until his passing in 2001.

Gurudeva was a prolific writer and published over 30 books on Hinduism, including the renowned trilogy "Dancing with Siva", "Living with Siva", and "Merging with Siva". He also founded and served as the publisher of Hinduism Today, a global magazine that continues to spread the message of Hinduism to people of all backgrounds.

As a spiritual leader, Gurudeva was known for his deep understanding of Hindu scriptures and his ability to communicate complex spiritual concepts in a simple and relatable manner. He emphasized the importance of personal spiritual practice and encouraged his followers to cultivate inner peace, love, and compassion. He also emphasized the unity of all religions and the importance of respecting and learning from different spiritual traditions.

Gurudeva's teachings continue to inspire and guide people around the world, and his legacy is carried on by his successor, Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami. He is remembered as a wise and compassionate teacher, who dedicated his life to spreading the message of Hinduism and helping people connect with their inner divinity.

In conclusion, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami was a highly respected Hindu spiritual leader who dedicated his life to the study and practice of Hinduism and sharing its teachings with the world. His legacy continues to inspire and guide people towards a deeper understanding of themselves and the divine.