Shreedhar

Shreedhar Raj

August 2, 1977 - October 14, 2025

2:39 pm departed

JAYA GURU DEVI

As quickly as Shreedhar entered my life, he left it just as suddenly.

Today, I’m looking at his Facebook page, seeing posts filled with his family and TriYoga family—many beautiful photos I hadn’t seen before. While I never saw his everyday life, I met him whenever I visited the ashram of Sri Datta Prabhu, Sri Swamiji, in Mysuru. Almost every night after the ashram programs, I’d turn around to find him there, often with his wife Nalini, son Ali, and his father. Shreedhar would always ask how I was and if they could see me. Occasionally, he’d offer me a ride on his scooter. He and his family often stayed in my room until the night manager announced the building was closing.

Many TriYogis who visited the ashram met Shreedhar and his family. He had a love marriage, which is somewhat unique given that many marriages in India are arranged. They met at a gathering where their parents were attending, and love blossomed between them. Nalini’s parents were hesitant due to Shreedhar’s Type 1 diabetes, fearing it would be difficult for her, especially if he passed before her. However, Nalini insisted that she wouldn’t marry anyone else. They married soon after, and each time I saw them, their love was evident, as if it were always their wedding day. I can only imagine how Nalini is feeling today.

Nalini and Shreedhar had a son, Adi, who a few of us visited shortly after his birth. To our amazement, the baby was so still that we grew concerned, but the family was perfectly at ease. As the years went on, Adi appeared quiet and shy. However, on one trip to Mysuru, he surprised us with his intuition. His parents would blindfold him multiple times, and he could still see without opening his eyes.

A few examples of ways we tested him: placed 3 different currencies in front of of him and with a wave of his hand, he could tell us if US, Euro or Rupee. He could also read the long digit number on the bills without ever making a mistake. We could think of a word and he could write it down. We’d give him our phone with photos and again with a wave of hand, he’d tell who was in the photo. Adi demonstrated this for us whenever we asked up until recently. He continues to explore his inner eye vision. Recently Adi began college where he is allowed home for one day a month as he studies physics, chemistry, biology, Sanskrit and English. His father was concern how he’d pay for his education. He was so proud of Adi.

In May 1996, before meeting Shreedhar, I was packing to return home when I felt the intuition that someone working at the hotel desk needed money. I asked Jasmin to take $100, the last money I had. She and Nandi took it to him and this was Shreedhar.

Shreedhar asked if he could meet me to express his thanks personally. Shreedhar entered my room with a profound sense of gratitude, and said, “You saved my life.”.

He explained that he was working at the reception to afford his insulin. Living with Type 1 diabetes, this medication was essential for his survival. His mother had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly, his earnings had to cover not only his insulin but also his mother’s cancer medication. Each cost $50 a month, and his job was the sole source of income. His funds would be depleted by the weekend.

We created a karma yoga page, inviting people from our community to contribute to his cause. Among them was Don Handyside, who generously committed to assisting for several years.

Years ago when I was visiting Mysuru, I offered the yearly donation to Shreedhar. He expressed, “I no longer need the donation. I’ve found a new job, and it pays me $100 a month. I can manage now. I only want one thing now. It is for you to be with me until my last breath.”

Last week on October 10, his family reached out to me with news: Shreedhar had collapsed and was in the hospital, suffering from complications related to his diabetes. They asked for our prayers.

That night, I was suddenly awakened at 4 a.m. and instantly recalled what I had seen in a dream-vision.

A golden, majestic, wise lion was walking confidently up the steep mountain. Around 3/4 quarters up, the lion suddenly fall backwards falling quickly to the ground. On a nearby mountain, a beautiful lioness was lying alone in the cove.

I realized that the majestic golden lion symbolized Shreedhar, and the lioness represented his wife, Nalini. I understood that the lion's fall signified Shreedhar's passing, and I shared this insight with a few others nearby. There was nothing more that could be done; he had gone as far as he could, with Type 1 diabetes for over 30 years.

A few days later, we received the news that K. Shreedhar Raj was no more. I felt as if I was with him during his final moments, having witnessed his last breath in the vision. He had shared this wish with me several times: “Be with me until my last breath.”

One day, Shreedhar, we will effortlessly meet again. The blessings of MJL shower upon you. Jai Guru Mata

Kaliji

In Loving Memory of my dear friend Shreedhar

So sad that I won’t be able to see you again when I return to Mysuru.

Since my first visit in 2006, there was never a time I came to Mysuru without seeing you, Shreedhar. The last time we met was in February 2023.

I still see you riding your bike to the Ashrama, coming to join Sri Swamiji’s program, to visit Kaliji, and to greet all who traveled with Her.

I still see the love in your eyes: for Kaliji, for your dear wife Nalini, your beautiful son Adi, and the entire TriYoga family.

I still see you in your home. I still see you happy, grateful, always helpful, full of humor and care for everyone around you.

I still see you always eager to learn, and to create every opportunity for your beloved family. I still see you proud, yet always humble, to be blessed with such a beautiful life.

And above all: I still see you so deeply grateful for everything life gave you. Your time on this earth feels far too short. But I know: though you have left your body, your presence remains. You are just the same, now on the other side. Shreedhar, you are always in my heart. 💕

Eva-Maria

Shreedhar is a very special and shining soul, I could not believe I will not see him next time in India with the huge smile on his face and would not hear all the great stories. So humble and happy, ready to help and support. Very smart, intuitive and with a positive energy. Shreedhar was taking care of the wonderful family - beautiful sweet beloved Nalini and magical talented son Adi surrounded by love. He adopted very special and dear baby tigers and has been supporting them and taking care during their short journey on the planet.

I have been missing our amazing time together with TriYoga brother Shreedhar.

JGD

Ekaterina

Heart-felt condolences
for the passing of dear Shreedhar
to Nalini, Adi, family and friends.

Such a great soul, always smiling and ready to help in any way he could.

We met at the hotel he worked at next to the ashrama. He was young, tall, soft spoken and very patient with our many questions.

It was a pleasure to see him over the years, and hear about his many accomplishments. - Friend to All - This is how I will remember Shreedhar

Jasmin

It was very sad for me to learn that my TriYoga brother, Shreedhar, has left his body.

I have known Shreedhar since May 2005, during my very first trip to India. We stayed at his sister Latha's home in Bengaluru, and then I met him and Nalini in Mysuru upon our arrival there.

The first thing I noticed about him was his kind, beautiful smile — and his presence was just as warm, kind and radiant.

The last time I saw him and Nalini in person was around the end of 2012, when Adi had just been born. It was very special to be a part of that joyful moment!

Over the years, we stayed in touch online, as his entire family attended my weekly TriYoga classes on Zoom.

My deepest heartfelt condolences to Shreedhar's sister, to Nalini, and to Adi. 💓🙏

Shreedhar will always remain in my heart. 💓🙏

Jaya Guru Devi
Katya Yani

Shreedhar was a dear TriYoga family member and cherished friend. His kind nature and pure heart were evident in everything he did. Always gentle and friendly, he was deeply attentive to the well-being of his family and completely, wholeheartedly devoted to Yogini KALIJI.

I have many fond memories with him—walking through SGS Ashram, sitting together in Mata Jaya Lakshmi’s room, and riding through the rainy Mysore night on the back of his scooter. Shreedhar, you will be sorely missed. It’s hard to imagine visiting Mysuru without seeing you there.

My heartfelt condolences to Adi, Nalani, and all of his family. I offer my gratitude to Shreedhar for many beautiful memories and for being an inspiringly devoted TriYogi. Jaya Guru Devi 🙏

Jaya Guru Devi 🔺
Matanga

My deepest condolences to Nalini, Adi, and all his family and friends on the passing of dear Shreedhar.

I first met Shreedhar in Mysore in 1996, when he was a young man. From that time on, we shared a close bond as TriYoga brother and sister. I cherished the beautiful times spent with him whenever I visited India with KALIJI. He always felt that he was her son.

Over the years, I came to know his dear family and later his wonderful wife, Nalini. I met their son, Adi, soon after his birth and watched him grow into an extraordinary young person with many talents. The love and strength within their family were always evident.

I last saw Shreedhar a few years ago, and I remain deeply moved and grateful to have been part of his life.

He will always live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Nandi

Hari Aum Pujya Kaliji,

Your divine vision fills my heart with awe and reverence. The golden lion you saw so gracefully symbolizes Shreedhar’s soul—steadfast, noble, and ever striving upward on the mountain of sādhanā. His ascent and release mirror the journey of a true seeker returning to the Source.

The lioness in your vision, serene within her cave, reflects his devoted wife—left in this world to carry his memory and strength forward in quiet dignity.

Kaliji, your intuition once again reveals the mystic bond between Guru and disciple, transcending the barriers of time, space, and form. It is a divine reminder that the Guru’s inner sight sees what eyes cannot, and that every heartbeat of a true devotee resonates within the Guru’s consciousness.

May Shreedhar’s soul rest in the eternal rhythm of TriYoga.
May your divine presence continue to guide us all toward liberation and light.

With folded hands and pranāms,
Jaya Guru Devi
Raghavendra Pai

I first met Shreedhar, in this life, in November 2003 during my first visit to India. I had met Yogini Kaliji just nine months prior, and before the trip Kaliji told of Shreedhar. He was working at The Village, next to Datta Avadhoota Peetham ashrama in Mysuru, and from the moment we saw each other and his face lit up with the joy of meeting TriYoga family, I knew we were brothers. A few days later he arranged a sightseeing tour outside of Mysuru—six adults riding in his friend’s auto-rickshaw for the hour-long drive to the mughal palace in Srirangapatna. We had a blast. The camaraderie, sweetness and generosity of that day was an instant, lifelong memory.

It was nearly seven years before I returned to India, this time on tour with Kaliji, and now Shreedhar was married to Nalini and Adi was a newborn baby. From then on I traveled to India about once a year, and so got to visit with Shreedhar and family regularly. After evening programs at the ashrama, always there would be Shreedhar and Nalini and Adi waiting to walk back to Arka Ganapathy with Kaliji.

My last visit with Shreedhar was in 2023. We joined for dinner at the Village, and reminisced about our first meeting there 20 years before. We laughed a lot—Shreedhar was a very funny guy, and we always enjoyed each other's humor. At one point a staff member respectfully approached Shreedhar and introduced himself. I asked about this, and learned that Shreedhar was a bit of a legend at The Village among the staff, for having been a great and fun manager. I really treasure this moment, a new touching insight into Shreedhar’s life and how other people knew him.

His passing is a great shock. It is easy to take life for granted—it is hard to imagine that the next time I am in Mysuru, Shreedhar will not be there. My heart goes out to his family, especially sweet Nalini and his amazing son Adi.

Farewell, dear brother, until we meet again.

Jaya Guru Devi
Love
Rishi

My dear Brother Shreedhar

I first met him in 2003 on my first visit to Mysore-- though he didn't know me yet, he welcomed me as a family member, knowing our shared love of and devotion to Kaliji, and from that common source, a deep connection grew.

So many times since, I have turned around to see him appear at just the right moment-- sometimes with his father, and then with beautiful wife Nalini and then their remarkable son Adi. I remember when he introduced me to Nalini, and their love reflecting, mirroring each others. And then the pride and joy he shared when Adi arrived, grew, and thrived: their family shared such a touching love and admiration, each one watching the other with pride and encouragement, each one feeling so keenly their good luck in each other.

It has been such a treasure to watch him succeed in his career and family life, and such a sorrow to hear of his sudden illness and passing.

I see his sweet, shyly joyful smile still shining in my heart, and wait to see it again on his son's face when next we meet.

My deep condolences to his beloved Nalini, his special son Adi, and to his sisters to whom he was both little brother and guiding light.

JAI GURU DEVI
Santoshi

I first met Shreedhar in 2015, when I arrived in Mysore at 4 a.m., alone and without knowing anyone. It was my very first journey to India, and Shreedhar opened his home and heart to me. He gave me shelter, warmth, and kind hospitality so that I could rest before continuing my journey to the SGS ashrama. His care and simplicity touched me deeply... it was true example of the divine kindness that lives in Kaliji's devotees.

Years later, in 2023, we met again, together with Kaliji, Shreedhar, and his wonderful family. I remember the joy and light of that day. Shreedhar shared about his son’s extraordinary abilities, and I felt such admiration watching the beautiful bond between father and his children. As a father myself, I was moved by his example full of love, wisdom, and gentle strength.

Shreedhar was a great and kind man. His presence carried peace and sincerity. I am so sorry that he has left his body, but I know his soul continues its journey in the light. I hope, in another lifetime, our paths will cross again.

With Love,
Shiva Code

Jaya Guru Devi 🙏

JGD 💜🙏💜

I met Shreedhar on my first trip to India with Kaliji in 2004. I remember his smile reflecting a kind, humble, loving soul. I remember going to his home with Kaliji and meeting his dear family, all of them as kind and loving as Shreedhar. I remember Shreedhar and dear Nalini coming to Kaliji for blessings on their marriage. I never met their son, Adi, but through photos one can see that he carries the light of his dear father Shreedhar. I am grateful to have known Shreedhar.

My deepest condolences and love to his family.
Tarini Devī