The Soul
Guru Yogi Shivan, is a disciple of Swami Shivajyothi Dharmananda whose roots go deep in the Sidha Yoga tradition.
Guru Yogi Shivan is the beacon of hope and faith at Indimasi. His satvik life and his infinite love for fellow human beings drive him to help people recover from their ailments and daily stresses. He spreads his knowledge chiefly to bring about a better world and a better living for everyone. Anyone can lead a happy and healthy life through balanced diet, asanas, pranayama and meditation. It is the fear of disease, anxiety and depression that keeps people away from a composed life. According to Guru Yogi Shivan, the route to a better life has long been laid down by the ancient Rishis and truth seekers. He only guides people to use this route and find their inner self and its abundant power to refine and reform them. Indimasi is all about connecting this ancient wisdom with the people for a better life.
Childhood
Shivadasan (Guru's Poorvashrama name) was born as the sixth child of Shri. Sisupalan and Smt. Sarada in Vakkom village in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. From childhood itself, he never knew the meaning of fear and anxiety. His father, who was an expert in traditional Ayurveda, wished his son to be strong both physically and mentally. His motivation encouraged Shivadasan to learn Kalaripayattu and Karate. Kalari channels one's energy into a positive direction through yogic stretching and Karate equips one to combat without weapons and is about being self-disciplined.
Education
Shivadasan did his elementary schooling in Prabodhini, Vakkom and went on to do his high school at SSPBHS, Kadakkavur. He completed his graduation in geology from SN College, Kollam. Shivadasan mastered both Southern and Northern styles of Kalaripayattu and attained a black belt in Karate. After mastering these two martial arts, he went on to learn Bharatanatyam and Kuchupudi, two main classical dance forms of South India.
Younger Age
In 1989, he moved to Oman in search of work and became a martial arts and yoga instructor. There, he worked with wealthy individuals who, despite their immense riches, lacked health and happiness. He observed the frustration and sorrow of those who could buy anything with money but still couldn't find contentment. These experiences led him to realize that material wealth alone could not bring true fulfilment, inspiring him to search for something beyond the physical and mental realms.
The Journey
His thirst to learn more and discover his real self grew stronger during his days in Oman. His heart always chanted that “This is not the end, and I have far to go…” Being in this quest, he came across the book “Raja Yoga” by Swami Vivekananda, which kindled the yearning to find a Guru. He felt that the book reflected his real self and thus commenced his journey of self-realization. Shivadasan left all his comforts back in Oman after serving there for three years and came back to India in search of a Guru, to guide his spiritual quest.
Guru and Guidance
He started his search for his Guru, which involved a daunting journey through the length and breadth of India. His mission was accomplished after he found himself at the feet of Guru Shivajyothi Dharmananda at Sree Kanthimutt in Kerala, his homeland itself. Shivadasan’s heart accepted Shivajyothi Dharmananda as his Guru and bowed before him. As the Buddhist proverb says, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears”. Shivadasan got his Deeksha from his Guru Maharaj. This led to the death of Shivadasan and the birth of Yogi Shivan after he mastered the art of awakening the Kundalini Sakthi with his Guru’s guidance.
Who, am I?
Why does this keep happening to me?
Why should I endure such suffering?
We turn to god for solutions to these questions brought forward by the myriad problems of life. At times we may catch a glimpse of the guiding light, only to become entangled in a web of thoughts. And we fall flat again on our basic problems. Confusion sets in once the prayers get unheard or the belief system turns futile. We call God by different names we had been accustomed to, or based on our upbringing but nothing helps. In case of a weak mind, diseases creep in like creepers on a strong tree turning weak. Diseases, either mental or physical develop in you. You slowly succumb after your powerful consciousness is overpowered by diseases. Is this you? If so, the mind is the connecting link to make you realize your true potential.
Guru Parampara
AGASTYA MUNI
Agastya Muni is one among the most revered seven rishis (Saptarishi) of ancient India and the first of the Siddhar tradition. He was the first Siddha and guru of the tradition, which had a total of 18 renowned Siddhars. The word Agastya translates as the one who is sitting inside. In other words, there is a sage within everybody whose amazing potential can be unleashed by practicing Siddha Yoga. Agastya Muni is considered to be the named author of several hymns of the Rigveda, the oldest known Vedic Sanskrit text estimated to be written between 3000 and 2000 BCE. Maharishi Agastya is also regarded as the founder and patron saint of the southern style of Kalaripayattu and Silambam. Agastya Muni is mentioned to have appeared numerous times in all the four Vedas, great Indian epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata and various Puranas. There are many temples, ashrams of his lineage spread over South Asia.
KOMBAI SIDDHAR
The samadhi of Kombai Siddhar is located in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. Vel Dhalavoy, born 350 years ago into a Tamil family, spent his childhood as a shepherd. One day, he noticed a cow, which never gave milk, regularly visiting a cave. Curious, he followed the cow and witnessed a man in the cave milking the cow and drinking the milk. This man later became his guru. As a young boy, he journeyed to the Himalayas, where he was initiated at the Vashista cave. It is believed that he lived as an avadoota for many centuries before eventually moving to the Kanyakumari district and later to Nagercoil. In his early years, he was found wandering as an avadoota in Dihambhara, where people initially drove him away. However, upon realizing his spiritual power, they sought his guidance. He relocated to Ethamozhi about three years before his samadhi, where he resided beneath a grove of Punnai trees. In 1925, he attained samadhi at Kombai. He had mastered yoga and was known to have exhibited Nava kanta siddhi many times. One of his most famous sayings, “Meenakshiku thee pidichadey” — meaning “Meenakshi is burning” — was uttered when his clothing caught fire. Coincidentally, a minor fire occurred at the Madurai Meenakshi temple around the same time. Among his few disciples were those who preserved his samadhi at Kombai, having been present during his attainment of samadhi.
SRI SWAYAM POORNA SWAMI
Sri Swayam Poorna Swami was instrumental in the traditional setting and austeries for the Mahasamadhi of Sri Kombai Swamikal (Ethamozhi), Sri Neelakanta Gurupathar (Chenkottukonam), Sri Aadimayi Amma (Kanyakumari). Sri Swayam Poorna Swami from his early childhood was interested in learning yoga and other allied techniques. Over the years, he became scholarly in yoga and the essence of spirituality. Although he joined the military services of Travancore, he continued his ardent Sadhana towards excellence of spiritual pursuits. He has exhibited many siddhis and his British superior officer felt guilty of his late realization of his potentials and bestowed him with many recognitions. A Sri Krishna Swami temple was constructed at Pangode military camp and Swamiji consecrated the deity and set up the daily poojas. He was well versed in diagnosis and healing solutions, with his spiritual aura. His caring, compassionate, commanding and courageous existence provided inspiration and guidance to all who visited him for material and spiritual progress. After his retirement from the military, he visited Aranmula and later he returned to Poojapura following his inner voice. He was regularly in discussions with Swami Swaroopananda, Sri Kochu Swamikal, Sri Krishnapillai Swamikal, and Sri Sadhasiva Swamikal. Based on the discussions and interest expressed by them, an ashram was planned and built on the land contributed by Sri Kesava Pillai. On October 14, 1966, he took Nirvana Maha Samadhi as Shiva Yogi in (Kundalini Yoga). On the very next day, the then senior disciple Shiva Jyothi Swami upholstered the Mahasamadhi of Poorna Swamikal. The first disciple of Swayam Poorna swami, Swaroopananda Swami became the head of Madom who embraced Mahasamadhi on 24 Jan 2009.
SHIVA JYOTHI DHARMANANDA
Purushothaman was born in 1924 at Odanavattom village in Kollam district of Kerala state. From an early age itself, he was interested in spiritual practices. After graduation from the Government Ayurveda college, he worked as a doctor in various government hospitals for 18 years. Purashothaman attained Deeksha from Swayam Poorna Swamikal in Siddha yoga tradition and changed his name to Shiva Jyothi Dharmananda. He had led more than a thousand disciples in this unique means of salvation. He attained Mahasamadhi in 2001.
