“Spirituality isn’t about feeling blissful — it’s about showing up, even when it’s hard.”
Q. In today’s time, many people—especially the youth—are beginning their spiritual journeys and feeling drawn toward Lord Shiva or other deities. For someone who’s just starting, what is the right way to begin this path?
Shiva, the divine, or God — is no different than oneself. That’s what Advaita Vedanta teaches us. Brahma Satyam, Jagat Mithya — the whole world is an illusion, and Brahman is the only truth.To truly connect with Shiva or the divine, one must first connect with oneself. And it all starts with the breath.
If you notice, the only life we really have is between each inhalation and exhalation. Anything beyond that is not in our control. So, to connect with the divine, we must become aware of our breath. And by breath, I don’t just mean the physical act — I mean awareness of each moment.
If we start living each moment with presence and mindfulness, that itself becomes a form of worship. Advaita Vedanta reminds us that there is no duality — no “you” and “I.” Everything and everyone is just a different expression of the same truth. Some call it Shiva, some Brahman, some the Divine.
So start with the breath. That’s where the divine is — not somewhere outside, but right here, in this moment, within you. It doesn't need a temple or a mountain top. That sacred space is already inside you — available in every moment you choose to be present.
So start with the breath. That’s where the divine is — not somewhere outside, but right here, in this moment, within you. It doesn't need a temple or a mountain top. That sacred space is already inside you — available in every moment you choose to be present.
When the mind settles, even for a second, you’ll see — the divine was never separate. It was always quietly waiting, within the rhythm of your own being.
Let your sadhana be this simple: breathe, be aware, and remember — Tat Tvam Asi — you are that.
Q. In what ways can exploring ancient temples deepen one’s connection with yoga and Indian spirituality?
Indian temples were never just religious places — they were built with deep yogic science in mind.
Let your sadhana be this simple: breathe, be aware, and remember — Tat Tvam Asi — you are that.
Q. In what ways can exploring ancient temples deepen one’s connection with yoga and Indian spirituality?
Indian temples were never just religious places — they were built with deep yogic science in mind.
Every aspect had a purpose. Take the sanctum, for example — it’s called the Garbha Griha, which literally means “womb chamber.” It’s not a prayer hall. It’s symbolic of the womb — the womb of the universe.
Just like the womb is where life begins, the Garbha Griha is considered a portal — a space where one can experience subtle realms and energies beyond the physical. The whole structure of a temple is meant to support that inner journey.
Now look at the deities — the diversity in their forms, their expressions, their stories. Each one represents a different energy, a different doorway into the same truth. Often, Hindus are looked down upon for having “too many gods,” but we forget — this diversity is our strength. It’s not confusion, it’s inclusion.
The divine is infinite — so why limit it to one form, one story, one face? These countless forms help different people connect in different ways. That’s the beauty of it. Temples were not about belief. They were about experience. And that experience was always meant to take you inward.
Q. What message would you like to share with fellow Shiv Bhakts who look up to your journey?
Don’t seek from him — seek him. There’s a big difference. Baba knows everything. He sees what you can’t. He would never do anything that isn’t right for you, even if, in the moment, it feels otherwise.
Sometimes you feel like he’s giving you nothing — but that’s only because you’re seeing from one limited dimension. You don’t yet see the whole picture. That’s where surrender comes in.
Let go. Drop the need to understand everything. Shed the intellect, the ego, the sense of “I did this,” “this is mine,” “this should’ve happened.” Hold on to nothing. Own nothing. Let every breath, every action, every moment be offered to him. Receive whatever comes your way as prasadam — not just food, but life itself as his offering to you.
And while you're at it, remember — he is not far away. He is not someone sitting out there judging your journey. He is your journey. He is the stillness behind your thoughts, the presence in your breath. Sometimes he tests you not to see you fail, but to help you dissolve — so that what remains is just him, through you.
He is the sweetest. The most silent. The most patient. And the most intimate presence you’ll ever know. And he is no different from you.
Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham.
Q. There are varying opinions about who can perform certain rituals or chant mantras like Om Namah Shivaya. What is your perspective on inclusivity in devotion, especially for women?
Just like the womb is where life begins, the Garbha Griha is considered a portal — a space where one can experience subtle realms and energies beyond the physical. The whole structure of a temple is meant to support that inner journey.
Now look at the deities — the diversity in their forms, their expressions, their stories. Each one represents a different energy, a different doorway into the same truth. Often, Hindus are looked down upon for having “too many gods,” but we forget — this diversity is our strength. It’s not confusion, it’s inclusion.
The divine is infinite — so why limit it to one form, one story, one face? These countless forms help different people connect in different ways. That’s the beauty of it. Temples were not about belief. They were about experience. And that experience was always meant to take you inward.
Q. What message would you like to share with fellow Shiv Bhakts who look up to your journey?
Don’t seek from him — seek him. There’s a big difference. Baba knows everything. He sees what you can’t. He would never do anything that isn’t right for you, even if, in the moment, it feels otherwise.
Sometimes you feel like he’s giving you nothing — but that’s only because you’re seeing from one limited dimension. You don’t yet see the whole picture. That’s where surrender comes in.
Let go. Drop the need to understand everything. Shed the intellect, the ego, the sense of “I did this,” “this is mine,” “this should’ve happened.” Hold on to nothing. Own nothing. Let every breath, every action, every moment be offered to him. Receive whatever comes your way as prasadam — not just food, but life itself as his offering to you.
And while you're at it, remember — he is not far away. He is not someone sitting out there judging your journey. He is your journey. He is the stillness behind your thoughts, the presence in your breath. Sometimes he tests you not to see you fail, but to help you dissolve — so that what remains is just him, through you.
He is the sweetest. The most silent. The most patient. And the most intimate presence you’ll ever know. And he is no different from you.
Chidananda Rupa Shivoham Shivoham.
Q. There are varying opinions about who can perform certain rituals or chant mantras like Om Namah Shivaya. What is your perspective on inclusivity in devotion, especially for women?
From the highest perspective of Sanatan Dharma, the soul (Atman) is neither male nor female. It is eternal, unchanging, and divine — untouched by the limitations of the physical body or societal designations.
The Shakta parampara, one of the key streams within Sanatan Dharma, centers the feminine divine. The shaktas see woman as the embodiments of Shakti, the creative power of the universe.
The Shakta parampara, one of the key streams within Sanatan Dharma, centers the feminine divine. The shaktas see woman as the embodiments of Shakti, the creative power of the universe.
How then can one deny them the right to worship, to chant, or to realize the Self? Yoginis like Akkamahadevi, Andal, Mata Anandamayi, and others stand as living examples that devotion knows no gender. These women not only worshipped the Divine, they became it.
The idea that women cannot chant certain mantras or perform certain rituals stems more from cultural patriarchy than from any spiritual truth. The essence of Sanatan Dharma is inclusivity — it teaches that the Divine resides in all beings, and the journey toward the Self is open to everyone.
To limit access to God on the basis of gender is not just unjust — it is adharmic.
Q. What spiritual insights or realizations did you gain during your time at the Mahakumbh?
One realization that gripped my heart was this: the path is ancient, but it becomes new in every step taken with sincerity. I had read about surrender, but here, watching old women with trembling hands offer a single flower to the Ganga with tears in their eyes—I felt what surrender truly means.
To limit access to God on the basis of gender is not just unjust — it is adharmic.
Q. What spiritual insights or realizations did you gain during your time at the Mahakumbh?
One realization that gripped my heart was this: the path is ancient, but it becomes new in every step taken with sincerity. I had read about surrender, but here, watching old women with trembling hands offer a single flower to the Ganga with tears in their eyes—I felt what surrender truly means.
It is not grand or loud. It is soft, quiet, and complete.
There were moments of real exhaustion too—sleepless nights on thin bedding, walking barefoot for miles through the crowd, queuing for a simple meal. But in the middle of this something deeper inme felt wide awake. Without the usual comforts, I started noticing the smallest things: the warmth of chai after a cold dip, the kindness of strangers offering space to sit, the way a bhajan sung off-key still reached the heart.
It’s like the body was being stripped down so the soul could breathe a little more freely. I realized that spirituality isn’t always about feeling peaceful or blissful. Sometimes, it's about showing up tired, unsure, even annoyed—but still bowing your head, still taking the next step with sincerity.
There’s something deeply spiritual about not running away when things get hard. Just staying, watching, being—without needing to name it. In those moments, I didn’t feel the need to “understand” anything. I just belonged.
There were moments of real exhaustion too—sleepless nights on thin bedding, walking barefoot for miles through the crowd, queuing for a simple meal. But in the middle of this something deeper inme felt wide awake. Without the usual comforts, I started noticing the smallest things: the warmth of chai after a cold dip, the kindness of strangers offering space to sit, the way a bhajan sung off-key still reached the heart.
It’s like the body was being stripped down so the soul could breathe a little more freely. I realized that spirituality isn’t always about feeling peaceful or blissful. Sometimes, it's about showing up tired, unsure, even annoyed—but still bowing your head, still taking the next step with sincerity.
There’s something deeply spiritual about not running away when things get hard. Just staying, watching, being—without needing to name it. In those moments, I didn’t feel the need to “understand” anything. I just belonged.
Q. If you could pass on just one message to every seeker walking the path of devotion and self-discovery, what would it be?
Don’t overcomplicate. In a world flooded with information, advice, and endless methods, try to keep your sadhana as simple as you can. When you close your eyes and think about your Ishta, it’s just you and him — nothing else matters in that moment. It’s your personal relationship, one that doesn’t need to be proven, explained, or perfected.
Rules, rituals, techniques — they’re tools, not the essence. They can support your practice, but they should never replace the simplicity of surrender. Real connection isn’t about doing everything “right,” it’s about showing up honestly — even if you don’t have all the answers, even if some days feel empty.
And yes, some days will feel dry. You’ll sit for practice and feel nothing. That’s okay. Keep sitting. Keep showing up. Because devotion isn’t about chasing experiences — it’s about building a relationship. Quiet, steady, and sincere.
Don’t worry if your sadhana doesn’t look like someone else’s. Don’t try to force intensity or imitate another’s path. The divine meets you where you are, not where you pretend to be.
So breathe. Sit. Call his name however it comes. That simplicity is your strength. That’s where the real bhakti begins — in that raw, honest place where nothing is performed and everything is offered.
Bio
Rules, rituals, techniques — they’re tools, not the essence. They can support your practice, but they should never replace the simplicity of surrender. Real connection isn’t about doing everything “right,” it’s about showing up honestly — even if you don’t have all the answers, even if some days feel empty.
And yes, some days will feel dry. You’ll sit for practice and feel nothing. That’s okay. Keep sitting. Keep showing up. Because devotion isn’t about chasing experiences — it’s about building a relationship. Quiet, steady, and sincere.
Don’t worry if your sadhana doesn’t look like someone else’s. Don’t try to force intensity or imitate another’s path. The divine meets you where you are, not where you pretend to be.
So breathe. Sit. Call his name however it comes. That simplicity is your strength. That’s where the real bhakti begins — in that raw, honest place where nothing is performed and everything is offered.
Bio
A dedicated Yoga Sadhak and Shikshak, Hitesh Mahawar blends the essence of Sanatan Dharma with the discipline of daily Sadhana. As the founder of the @shala.yog community, he guides thousands on the path of inner stillness, mindful living, and spiritual awakening.
Through his immersive 6-day Sadhana retreats at Kasar Devi and his growing online presence, he continues to inspire seekers to reconnect with their roots and lead conscious, balanced lives.
With over 300,000 followers on Instagram, he continues to build a conscious digital family that values simplicity, mindfulness, and purpose. His community initiative, Hitesh’s Hamlet, with thousands of members, reflects his vision of collective growth through shared practice and honest reflection.
Through every post, retreat, and interaction, Hitesh reminds us that yoga is not just a practice — it is a way of life.
Instagram
With over 300,000 followers on Instagram, he continues to build a conscious digital family that values simplicity, mindfulness, and purpose. His community initiative, Hitesh’s Hamlet, with thousands of members, reflects his vision of collective growth through shared practice and honest reflection.
Through every post, retreat, and interaction, Hitesh reminds us that yoga is not just a practice — it is a way of life.
Website
Interviewed by Hannah Gauhar
Interviewed by Hannah Gauhar
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