A Personal Encounter with the Conflict

The Sri Lankan Civil War led to immense suffering for the Tamil Hindu population. Thousands of temples, some with histories dating back centuries, were reduced to rubble. Many priests and devotees were either killed or forced to flee. The war also resulted in the loss of sacred scriptures, artifacts, and traditional knowledge systems. With displacement and destruction, Hindu rituals and festivals, which played a crucial role in sustaining community bonds, faced disruption.

One terrifying experience from my childhood still lingers in my memory. It was during Shivaratri in 1988, when my family—my parents, my two siblings, and I—visited a Shiva temple near our home. At that time, Indian peacekeeping forces were deployed in Sri Lanka. On our way back from the temple, our car was suddenly stopped at a checkpoint. Without provocation or explanation, the armed forces began to beat our driver mercilessly, smashing his face against the steering wheel. We sat frozen in terror, fearing for our lives.

By a stroke of divine intervention, a sudden call from inside the post distracted the soldiers, and they moved away. Seizing the moment, our bleeding driver started the car and sped off without stopping, his wounds unattended. Had that call not come at that exact moment, I doubt any of us would have survived. That night, as a 15-year-old, I felt the full weight of fear, violence, and helplessness. The trauma of that moment was so deeply ingrained in me that for 30 years, despite moving to Canada and traveling frequently to India, I never set foot in Sri Lanka again.

It was only after the grace and healing of THE SPH Bhagavan Sri Nithyananda Paramashivam, that I finally returned in 2023, visiting our family temple for the first time in decades. Standing there, memories of running to shelter from shelling and bombing flooded back—memories of seeking refuge in bunkers while war raged outside. The fear had kept me away for so long, but now that I was reborn, and stepping into that sacred space once more, I realized how vital the preservation of our spiritual and cultural heritage truly is.

The Role of the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora in Hindu Revival

As the war forced thousands of Sri Lankan Tamils to flee to different parts of the world, their struggle to settle in foreign lands took a toll on their ability to preserve and practice authentic Hindu traditions. The pressure of adapting to new cultures, coupled with the lack of structured spiritual guidance, resulted in a weakened connection to Hindu scriptures and rituals.

I personally experienced this shift—I was born and raised in a Hindu family, but it wasn’t until I started following SPH Bhagavan Nithyananda Paramashivam’s countless hours of discourses, freely available on YouTube, that I truly began to understand the depth of the Upanishads and Agamas. These teachings not only gave me clarity about the scriptures but also helped me live their essence.

Now, as part of the Kailasa Toronto temple ecosystem, I see firsthand how Swamiji’s teachings are shaping the next generation of Hindus. Young children growing up in this ecosystem are learning the true essence of Hinduism and feeling proud of their roots. They are not just memorizing scriptures but are experiencing their spiritual power through daily rituals, meditation, and temple activities.

SPH Bhagavan Nithyananda Paramashivam’s Contribution to Hindu Revival

One of the significant forces in the global Hindu resurgence is SPH Bhagavan Nithyananda Paramashivam, who has been tirelessly working to restore the sacred traditions of Sanatana Hindu Dharma. His Kailasa nation is contributing to this resurgence by:

• Rebuilding Temples and Restoring Rituals: Efforts are underway to reconstruct temples that were lost during the war, ensuring that traditional rituals and festivals can continue uninterrupted.
• Reviving Hindu Knowledge: Through online and in-person teachings, Swamiji is making Vedic wisdom accessible to Hindus worldwide, especially those in the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora.
• Empowering the Diaspora Community: Kailasa temple ecosystems around the world provide a space where Sri Lankan Hindus can reconnect with their spiritual roots and pass them on to future generations.
• Creating a Global Hindu Renaissance: By reviving ancient Hindu traditions worldwide, Swamiji is ensuring that Hindus—whether in Sri Lanka or across the diaspora—can live and celebrate their faith with confidence.

A New Dawn for Hinduism in Sri Lanka and Beyond

The revival of Hinduism in Sri Lanka is not just about reconstructing temples but about restoring a way of life that was deeply wounded by war. With continued dedication and spiritual leadership, the Hindu community in Sri Lanka and across the world is steadily reclaiming its heritage. The efforts of SPH Bhagavan Nithyananda Paramashivam, through the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora and Kailasa ecosystems, offer hope for a future where Hinduism flourishes once more—stronger, prouder, and more vibrant than ever.