Sri Gadadharanji Brings Sri Swamiji’s Vision to America
Devotees in North America are extremely fortunate to welcome Gadadharanji, disciple of His Holiness Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji, who has recently been sent by Sri Swamiji to
strengthen and invigorate satsangs across North America. He arrived in Houston, Texas, USA on Jan 28, 2024.
Gadadharanji (also known as Gadayiji) is a young, eloquent speaker and skilled proponent of our Itihasas and Puranas. A graduate of Sri Swamiji’s Shuddha Premika Vidya Kendra, he has studied for several years directly under Sri Swamiji. He will be based out of Namadwar Houston, and apart from performing worship of North America Sri Aishwarya Srinivasa Perumal at the sanctum there, Gadadharanji shall also travel around the USA, connecting with devotees and sharing Sri Swamiji’s teachings to inspire us all in the path of devotion and faith.
We had an opportunity to have a conversation with Gadadharanji about his journey under Sri Swamiji’s fold, and are sharing some excerpts here to enable us to appreciate the immense blessing that Sri Swamiji has bestowed on North America.
Gadadharanji’s spiritual journey began in 2007 during the Kalpataru Day Mass Prayer at Kamarajar Arangam in Chennai, where he attended alongside his family. Soon after, his mother took him for Sri Swamiji’s darshan, sparking a connection that would only grow stronger.
From then on, Gadadharanji became a frequent presence at Premika Bhavanam, Sri Swamiji’s place of satsang in Chennai, accompanying his mother whenever possible. “I cannot pinpoint what specifically attracted me,” he confesses, “I only know that I was simply pulled towards Sri Guruji. I would say it is a blessing for me that Sri Guruji just pulled me to His side.” As he spent time with Sri Swamiji, whether during satsangs or traveling, a profound inner transformation began.
By 2010, after completing 10th grade, Gadadharanji’s connection had deepened. Sri Swamiji’s grace provided an opportunity to be in His presence more consistently. Outside of school hours, evenings were spent attending satsangs at Premika Bhavanam, and vacations were dedicated to staying at the ashram. During this time, Gadadharanji willingly embraced Sri Swamiji’s guidance in joining Sri Ahobila Mutt Higher Secondary School for 11th and 12th grade, and later, also graduated in Electronics and Communication Engineering from SASTRA University in Thanjavur.
While still young, Gadadharanji embraced a simple principle that would guide his path:”Whatever Sri Guruji says, I will follow.” This unshakeable faith continued to shape his life, even as the path diverged from the conventional. Upon graduating from college, Gadadharanji faced a pivotal decision. A job offer from the multinational company TCS presented the possibility of a corporate career, yet his heart was already drawn elsewhere.
“I surrendered myself to Sri Guruji,” Gadadharanji explains, “I had no specific goals of my own, so it was easy to accept the path He showed me.” Without hesitation, Gadadharanji declined the TCS offer and embarked on a new chapter.
He began to study at the Shuddha Premika Vidya Kendra in the holy village of Senganur in Tamil Nadu. Along with a small group of chosen students, he learned and studied for years, directly from Sri Swamiji as well as from other experienced disciples of Sri Swamiji, the depths and beauty of Srimad Bhagavatam, Srimad Ramayanam, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, and many other shastras, bhakta charitrams, commentaries by mahatmas, and more. Apart from these, he also learned the Samskritam language and other subjects required to enhance the right understanding and appreciation of our shastras, its bhaavams, and the path of Bhagavata Dharma.
Under the guidance of Sri Swamiji, Sri Gadadharanji then began to conduct Srimad Bhagavata Saptahams, Srimad Ramayana Navahams, and other discourses and satsangs in several places all around India, while also continuing to personally serve Sri Swamiji.
A new chapter unfolded in his life when Sri Swamiji called upon him to travel to the United States. “While it was a blessing to do as per Sri Guruji’s will, leaving India held a bittersweet feeling,” he admits. “Naturally, there was sadness in being away from Sri Guruji, but understanding this as part of His divine work and vision brings a sense of immense joy.”
Gadadharanji recognizes the importance of his role in the United States, a land brimming with satsangs and Sri Swamiji’s monumental projects of devotion like the Sri Aishwarya Srinivasa Perumal temple under construction at Namadwaar Houston. Gadadharanji has witnessed firsthand the commitment of devotees, “I could see how people around the country dedicate their lives to serving Sri Guruji and our organization G.O.D. I was very happy to see their dedication.” His main objective is clear, “To connect with all the satsangs throughout North America. To inspire them in the path of Bhagavata Dharma, and encourage them to be a constant part of Sri Guruji’s ever-expanding mission.”
While it’s still early in his travels, the dedication and enthusiasm of those he has met resonates deeply. Gadadharanji plans to travel across the USA, and spread the message of Sri Swamiji through Bhagavata Dharma. Gadadharanji’s journey from a young boy drawn to Sri Swamiji’s presence to a dedicated disciple carrying His teachings to a new land exemplifies the transformative power of surrender and devotion. His unwavering faith serves as an inspiration, reminding us that a life guided by a higher calling leads to a path filled with both profound meaning and unexpected possibilities.
Compiled and written by: Harish Raman, Richmond, VA
Click here to go back to the March 2024 newsletter page:
https://godivinity.org/newsletters/nama-dwaar-newsletter-march-2024/
