About Getting Back Home
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami shared the vision and practice of Hinduism through a carefully woven combination of teaching, writing, institution-building, and personal guidance. Central to his work was an extensive body of publications: he authored many books, including the well-known trilogy *Dancing with Siva*, *Living with Siva*, and *Merging with Siva*, which present Hindu philosophy, practice, and temple worship in a systematic and accessible way. He also created educational materials and catechisms for Hindu families and temples, thereby giving structure to daily practice and religious education. Through these writings, Hinduism was articulated in clear English while remaining rooted in traditional Saiva Siddhanta.
His message was further embodied in the monastic and temple institutions he founded. He established Kauai’s Hindu Monastery and the Kadavul Hindu Temple in Hawaii as living centers of worship, study, and pilgrimage, and he trained and ordained monks who continued to share his teachings worldwide. These institutions functioned not only as places of ritual but also as gurukulas, where close guidance and disciplined practice could shape both monastics and householders. In this way, the philosophical vision expressed in his books was anchored in a visible, daily religious life.
Temple building and the revival of authentic worship formed another strand of his work. He oversaw the construction of the Iraivan Temple in Hawaii, using traditional South Indian temple architecture and ritual standards to demonstrate the continuity of ancient Saivite practice in a modern setting. He also supported temple construction and renovation projects in various countries, encouraging proper ritual, devotion, and scriptural fidelity. Through this emphasis on temples, he affirmed that Hinduism is not only a set of ideas but a living, sacramental culture centered on sacred spaces and forms of worship.
His outreach extended far beyond any single region. Through world tours, lectures, and seminars, he visited Hindu communities across many countries, engaging in dialogue, offering initiation to committed seekers, and strengthening Hindu identity in diaspora settings. He participated in interfaith gatherings and religious conferences, presenting Hinduism with clarity and dignity while fostering mutual respect among different traditions. By combining global travel, interfaith engagement, and the training of dedicated disciples, he ensured that the teachings of Saiva Siddhanta could take root in diverse cultures while retaining their traditional core.