Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (1927–2001) was an American-born Hindu spiritual master in the Saiva Siddhanta tradition, recognized as a satguru and Jnanaguru, an enlightened spiritual preceptor. Born Robert Hansen in California, he underwent a profound spiritual transformation that led him to the path of Shaivism. He became a disciple of the Sri Lankan sage Jnanaguru Yogaswami of Jaffna, who initiated him into the Nandinatha Sampradaya and gave him the name Subramuniya, placing him firmly within an ancient lineage of Saiva siddha yogis. Within this paramparā, he came to be regarded as a successor in the transmission of Shaiva Siddhanta teachings and disciplines.

His external life’s work reflected this inner realization in concrete institutional forms. He founded the Saiva Siddhanta Church and later established Kauai Aadheenam, also known as Kauai’s Hindu Monastery in Hawaii, which became a central hub for traditional Shaivite monastic life outside India. Alongside this, he created the Himalayan Academy and founded and served as editor of Hinduism Today magazine, which grew into a widely respected international Hindu publication. Through these institutions he initiated many into Hinduism, ordained swamis, and offered a structured path of practice for both monastics and householders.

Subramuniyaswami’s teachings emphasized Saiva Siddhanta theology as a complete way of life, uniting temple worship, meditation, yoga, and strict personal discipline. He stressed the importance of preserving traditional Hinduism while making it accessible to seekers in lands far from its historical heartlands, especially those in the diaspora. His guidance consistently pointed devotees toward self-realization through devotion to Siva, adherence to scriptural principles, and participation in the living culture of temple worship and monastic discipline. In this way, he sought to demonstrate that authentic Hindu practice could flourish in new cultural settings without losing its spiritual rigor.

A prolific author, he composed a trilogy of major works—“Dancing with Siva,” “Living with Siva,” and “Merging with Siva”—which systematized his exposition of Hindu philosophy and practice. These texts, together with his broader writings and institutional legacy, present a comprehensive vision of Saiva Siddhanta as both metaphysical doctrine and daily sadhana. His life and teachings continue to be revered by many who see in him a bridge between ancient Shaivite wisdom and the spiritual aspirations of modern seekers. He attained mahasamadhi at Kauai Aadheenam, leaving behind a living lineage, a monastic community, and a body of teachings that continue to guide those drawn to the path of Siva.