In 1987, when Gurumayi ji visited Udaipur, it was Shri Devendra Paliwal, who was the host for the
satsangs. He also conducted programs in the local language (Mewari), as Shri Gurumayi wished. Siddha Yogis in Udaipur always eagerly awaited Shri Devendra Paliwal`s visits to his home town. He was always able to find time to meet with the
sadhakas, listen to them patiently, and support them on their spiritual path.
We miss his benign presence. We console ourselves, knowing full well that now he is at the feet of our beloved Baba ji.
His parents are blessed and most fortunate to have had such a great son, who dedicated his life completely to
guruseva. Blessings to the whole family, particularly to Mrs. Paliwal and Manish, and to Hansita and Manav, and their baby who will arrive soon. May all the Siddhas shower blessings on this great family.
Udaipur, India
I met Shri Devendra Paliwal for the first time when he was a Siddha Yoga meditation teacher at a Pilgrimage to the Heart Retreat held at Gurudev Siddha Peeth. Paliwal ji was looking after the early morning meditation sessions. The way he guided and encouraged us impressed me deeply, and stimulated me to grasp the significance of this practice. When we saw him gliding smoothly into deep meditation, we were also able to move to a state of peace and serenity. Even now, while I am meditating, his smiling face often flashes in my mind, and I thank him for strengthening my practice of meditation.
Udaipur, India
My sweetest memories of Paliwal ji are from our time serving on the Gurudev Siddha Peeth management team. Paliwal ji was constantly looking for ways to make the facilities in the Ashram work more efficiently. And he was up early and stayed up late too, yet he always seemed so relaxed and at ease.
Beneath all of the activities of the
seva he offered was a calm river of intention to offer his life in service. And to keep offering, no matter what challenges came before him.
When I was transitioning from Gurudev Siddha Peeth, he came to say goodbye and, with his characteristic goodness, he made a point to remember the times when we had found solutions together to seemingly impossible challenges. We shared our experience of a glorious recitation of
Shri Guru Gita that we had just participated in, and we recalled all of the many details of the Ashram daily schedule that had fueled the
seva we offered with energy and grace.
With fondness I remember how his eyes danced when he would tell me that Hansita was coming to visit or that Manish had just finished exams so he would be coming soon. He loved his family so much and that is also one of his gifts—to love and serve them too.
I thank Mrs. Paliwal ji for sharing his time with us, for being so patient and generous in supporting his service. To her, to Hansita, Manav, and Manish, I send my most tender love and blessings. And I look forward to someday meeting Hansita’s new spark of life that she is carrying.
To Paliwal ji, I extend my love and heartfelt blessings as you move forward on your soul’s remarkable journey.
Texas, USA
Shri Devendra Paliwal ji—a truly good man, an extraordinary sevite, a most dedicated and devoted disciple.
I had the great honor to serve in Gurudev Siddha Peeth for ten years, and during that time Devendra ji and I offered
seva together on the management team. We worked closely together on many occasions, and I have wonderful memories of walking around the Ashram with him, examining and discussing how we could best take care of the areas of the Ashram for which our respective departments were responsible.
Devendra ji loved every part of the Ashram, and his intention was always to give his best and to perform the
seva he offered in the most practical and resourceful way. Always putting the Ashram first, he was a great sevite and gave fully of himself. At Management meetings, whenever extra help was needed in various departments, he always stepped in willingly to take on more responsibility and to accept more
seva. I used to wonder how it was possible for one person to handle so much and to take care of everything as he did. His contribution to Gurudev Siddha Peeth was immense: he did the work of several people put together. He was truly a loyal and hard-working sevite, and I am sure he will be sadly missed.
My fondness and respect for Devendra ji extended to my friendship with his family. He loved his family very much and spoke about them often. Whenever we met, he would update me on their news and was very happy with their accomplishments and how they were progressing in their lives. He told me that he and his wife were very much looking forward to being grandparents, and planning to be with Hansita for the birth of this special baby. Whenever Devendra ji was excited about something—in his calm and gentle manner—he would give a big smile and his eyes would light up as he spoke. I can still see how his eyes sparkled with joy at any mention of his grandchild.
Blessings to dear Mrs. Paliwal ji, to Manish, and to Hansita and Manav and their special baby who will arrive soon. May your baby inherit Grandpa’s fine virtues.
Dearest Devendra ji, wherever you are now, I know you are happily smiling down on us! Thank you for the great
seva you offered so fully and lovingly to Gurudev Siddha Peeth and the Siddha Yoga mission. Thank you for being a part of my life—I miss you.
Hong Kong
I remember you so well, Devendra Paliwal ji, with a lot of affection and respect. We offered
seva together on the management team in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. I always admired your calm and steadiness and your quiet sense of humor. You had such a nice and beautiful presence, and you were always there for everyone. At times, I would glance at you across my desk and think, “Oh yes, Paliwal ji is very quiet, but he knows everything. He can’t be fooled.”
I am sending my love to your dear wife and dear children. I feel for them, as I know it is hard to lose a loved one. May their present and their future shine brightly.
London, United Kingdom
I met Mr. Paliwal ji at Gurudev Siddha Peeth. He was such an enthusiastic and calm person. He always encouraged everyone to offer their best to
guruseva and
sadhana. I still remember one incident with him when I was offering
seva as a visiting sevite in the Accommodations Department.
Paliwal ji visited our office and asked each person there the same question: “What will you take with you from Gurudev Siddha Peeth when you go back home?” Different people answered different things. When he asked me the question, I spoke from my heart and replied, “I learned my Guru’s teaching here, and that is what I am taking with me.” Paliwal ji laughed loudly and said, “That’s what I am expecting from everyone!” Then he gave me a big box of chocolates to take home as
prasad. I really learned a lot from Paliwal ji .
May God grant him rest and peace. My love and blessings to his family.
Baroda, India
Paliwal ji was a great example for me here in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. He was one of my
sadhana circle members, and I saw that he was very regular in attending our meetings, no matter how busy he was as a manager of Gurudev Siddha Peeth.
Paliwal ji’s Siddha Yoga studentship always inspired me and the whole group. I remember during the last
sadhana circle on June 20, 2014, he shared a lot about the importance of a healthy body, and he also said we must take care of our bodies through exercise. His advice is still with me.
Thank you, Paliwal ji, for your contribution to the Siddha Yoga mission.
I offer my salutations to you.
Gurudev Siddha Peeth
Thinking of Paliwal Uncle brings to my mind my most recent interactions with him.
At one time, we spent a morning pause together in Amrit. I was in conversation with another sevite, and seeing us together, Paliwal Uncle joined us. In our conversation, what really stood out for me was his natural inclination: his longing and love for
satsang. No sooner had he joined us than he began to share about God, the Guru, and how he saw the hand of grace in everything that happened in his life. He shared that it was due to the Guru’s grace that he was able to come to Gurudev Siddha Peeth to offer
seva long-term. From his sharing, I could see that to him
seva was the greatest blessing in his life. He was so clear about the fact that no matter how big or prestigious a role one may have in professional life, receiving an opportunity to offer
seva is the highest blessing from the Guru.
Although I did not interact with Paliwal ji too often, whenever we saw each other, he would step forward and inquire, “
Kaise hain, sab theek hai naa? How are you? Is everything fine?"
I still remember the day that he shared one of his poems with me, which he had recorded on his mobile phone. I was touched to see this poet-contemplator aspect of him, which I had not known or seen before.
I offer my love and respect to Paliwal Uncle, and many blessings to Paliwal Auntie, Manish, Hansita, and Manav, and to the new soul who is soon going to join us on this planet.
Gurudev Siddha Peeth
One day I was sitting in Dakshin Kashi and Paliwal ji came up to me and asked, “How are you doing?” He saw that I was feeling sad and moved closer. Then he pointed to the sun that soon was going to set. He said, “Live like the sun, shine like the sun. Live knowing that you have a flame in your heart; keep a smile on your face like a flower.”
Paliwal ji would teach me all the time about knowing my inner power and staying in touch with my heart. He would say things like, “Don’t think that Gurumayi doesn’t know how you are doing. She knows everything. She lives in your heart all the time. And each time you offer a prayer, she listens. So be happy.”
I know Mrs. Paliwal, Hansita, Manav, and Manish from seeing their shining faces around the Ashram. I know that Baba will give lots and lots of blessings to this family in this moment.
Indore, India
I remember Shri Paliwal ji from the days when he was a Siddha Yoga center leader. He was such a dedicated sevite: a humble and beautiful soul.
When I visited Gurudev Siddha Peeth last year for the first time in many years, he came up and spoke to me very warmly, which made me feel as if I had never been away from the Ashram. Paliwal ji always had kind words, and he remembered every member of the Bangalore Siddha Yoga
sangham and enquired about each one of them.
I am sure he is in a beautiful place now.
Bangalore, India
I met Mr. Paliwal last year in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. He was a Manager of the Ashram holding an important leadership
seva position
. He was so humble, so kind, and so understanding, I loved him.
I offer condolences to his family. And much, much love to you, my dear Mr. Paliwal.
Lampeter, United Kingdom
I remember Shri Devendra Paliwal ji very well. I had the great good fortune to serve on the Gurudev Siddha Peeth management council in 2001 as a young adult. He was the embodiment of soft-spokenness, gentleness, and devotion to Shri Guru and the Siddha Yoga Mission.
I recall that at the time, all of us were serving to make the Pilgrimage to the Heart Retreats the best possible experience of deep
sadhana for all the Siddha Yogis attending from around the world. There was much to be done—so many tasks to complete in order to prepare the retreat site, accommodations, and Ashram facilities for our guests. I fondly remember that Shri Paliwal ji was ever willing to take on any task in this
seva, always ready with a "Yes
, hojaye ga, bilkul!" That translates as, "Yes, I will take care of this—it will happen, definitely!” The facilities at Gurudev Siddha Peeth were shining under his leadership. He really was devotion in action. I feel lucky to have served alongside such a great soul. My love and blessings go to his family.
I also feel so much gratitude to Shri Gurumayi for teaching us in such a direct way how to turn our grief into something higher, how to acknowledge and recognize others’ greatness, and how to send blessings. Her own example continues to inspire me as a student walking this path. Siddha Yoga is truly a path of realizing
bhukti and
mukti. I am ever grateful to Shri Guru for her compassion toward those who serve and those who love the path.
Washington, USA
All of us teens in Nasik grew by observing our “Paliwal Uncle” offer
seva. Through his actions, he always taught us how
seva should be performed, and with what attitude.
I remember the days when Paliwal Uncle was in Nasik. He guided all the key sevites, creating new leaders and helping them develop their leadership qualities. He also taught us how to conduct meetings.
A few months ago, I was in Gurudev Siddha Peeth for a
seva project. I was sitting alone having breakfast. He came before me with his smiling face and had breakfast with me. During our conversation, he asked me about the centers and sevites in Nasik. I told him, ”The whole Nasik
sangham is still missing you with your leadership qualities. You were able to accomplish so much.”
He smiled and replied politely, ”It was
seva.”
Then he gently asked about my family members and advised me to be vigilant about my
sadhana in each and every situation of today’s busy life.
This was my last talk with Paliwal Uncle.
Salutations to a great being, a great soul.
Nasik, India
Paliwal ji used to say, "
Aakhir tak seva karte raho aur kya chahiye." (Offer
seva till the end. What else do you need?) And he lived up to his words. His heart’s desire was to serve. These were the first words that came to my mind when I heard that he had left this physical plane.
My heart sank with the thought that he had not waited to meet his first grandchild. And I wondered how his daughter, whom he is so close to, felt. And then I recollected Paliwal ji’s calm, steady, and smiling face, and I felt more at ease .
I met Paliwal ji while I was serving as a long-term Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. He was an example for me of a person with immense trust. No matter what the outer circumstances were, he would be at ease, poised, with a smile that I understood as coming from surrender to the Guru, and from living the Guru’s teaching of allowing people to walk at their own pace.
Above all, he was a role model of a householder: serving the Guru, maintaining his spiritual practices, fulfilling his worldly obligations, and living in the Ashram.
I thank you, Paliwal ji, with all my heart.
I thank Paliwal Aunty ji, who supported him in pursuing this journey, and send my love and blessings to Hansita, Manish, and Manav.
Vancouver, BC, Canada
It was always a pleasure to serve along with Paliwal ji on the Management Team of Gurudev Siddha Peeth. I remember his sweet childlike innocence, playfulness, witty nature, and the softness with which he spoke. He never lost his calm nature and was never perturbed while dealing with difficult situations. I still remember the expression of calmness on his face when I visited him in the hospital.
We remember his kind presence in Gurudev Siddha Peeth.
Gurudev Siddha Peeth, India
I have lots of memories of Shri Devendra Paliwal, and I can say that all the memories are good; not a single memory is bad. This is all because of his good and loving nature.
Paliwal ji was really a dedicated sevite. A small example of his dedication in
seva is something I heard about when he lived in Udaipur. He had only one day off from his professional work life, which was Thursday, and that day he dedicated to offering
seva for the weekly
satsang. I remember that after he left Udaipur, whenever he returned he would always attend weekly
satsang, and always offered
seva before and after
satsang. No matter what else was happening in his life, on
satsang day his first priority was always
satsang.
I loved Paliwal ji’s way of talking. He had a magical way of speaking so that everyone could easily understand what he wanted to say. Everyone loved to offer
seva with him.
He was such a responsible sevite. Whenever I asked him to stay a few more days in Udaipur, he would say that he could not stay longer because,
“Ashram mai bahut seva karni hai.” His presence was important for all of us.
I thank Devendra ji for establishing the Siddha Yoga meditation center in Udaipur. He was a vehicle for Gurumayi’s grace to reach us in Udaipur.
Devendra ji, we will remember you always.
Udaipur, India
Shri Devendra Paliwal will remain forever in our hearts and in the fondest memories that we have of him.
For me, Paliwal ji was like a father figure. Not only because of his nature, but also because I came to know him through my dear friend Hansita. So I always addressed him as "Uncle" or "Paliwal Uncle." At the time when Paliwal ji came to stay long term in Gurudev Siddha Peeth, Hansita and I were both already serving as long-term Gurukula students. Coincidentally, our families shared an accommodations place. My husband, who was the Operations Manager and on the management team of Gurudev Siddha Peeth with Paliwal ji, and I were on the ground floor and Paliwal ji’s family stayed upstairs. This remained unchanged for 12 years until my husband and I transitioned from the Ashram.
So, in addition to meeting or seeing Paliwal ji in and around the Ashram, we used to meet him at our residence as well. Many times Hansita and I would be chatting in one room, and Paliwal ji and my husband would be discussing
seva in another room. When we were all together, we used to have wonderful, animated conversations about
sadhana and share great laughter.
Every time I saw, met, or shared a candid moment with Paliwal ji, I would experience him as someone very close to my heart. The bonding I shared with him was of pure respect and unconditional love whether it was at our residence, sitting at an Amrit table, during the music
purvabhyaasa practice, where Paliwal ji and I used to offer
seva together at times as lead chanter and harmonium player respectively, or in any other location or situation.
My husband and I carry the greatest and sweetest memories of our dearest Paliwal ji. We miss you, Uncle, and just as Gurumayi requested, we’ll share the happiness and love you would have felt for your soon-to-be-born grandchild.
Thane, India
When your heart is filled with gratitude and love, it becomes difficult to know how to begin and where to end. That is my state at this moment, but I do want to write.
In the beginning of the last decade, a whole lot of youngsters of my generation served in Gurudev Siddha Peeth as long-term Gurukula students. We all had one wish in our hearts: to serve our Guru and the Siddha Yoga path. Most of us had completed our education and were about to begin our professional life, but none of us really wanted to leave the Ashram; we all just wanted to continue to serve. It was around that time that Devendra Paliwal ji came to the Ashram as a long-term Gurukula student on the management team. He came with vast experience in construction and maintenance from one of the premier hotel chains in India.
Devendra Paliwal ji and my father were center leaders in Rajasthan—in Udaipur and Jodhpur, respectively—in the early 1980s, and they were also "great-timers" and great friends. So when I met him in the year 2000, I felt a deep bonding with him of respect and love; he was like a father figure to me. He instantly became a role model for me of Siddha Yogis who have come to dedicate their lives to serve the Guru. His attitude toward
seva and toward the Guru’s command, his personality, and his virtues of humility, commitment, enthusiasm, and discipline have always inspired me. He set an example for students like me, who wish to offer our lives to the Guru’s work, of going out into the world and acquiring skills and experience so that we can contribute to the Siddha Yoga path in a more constructive manner.
In the last many years, whenever I visited Gurudev Siddha Peeth, I made sure to meet Paliwal ji. To my sheer delight, every time he looked ever young and calm; that’s the power of selfless
seva I saw in him. Two years back, when I again started offering
seva in Gurudev Siddha Peeth as a project sevite, I would interact with Paliwal ji on
seva-related matters; I learned a lot from his experiences of serving in the Ashram, and from observing him as he offered
seva. His temperament in dealing with all kind of situations was remarkable.
In our last few conversations, including one just two days prior to his illness, I experienced a deep calmness in his voice and a lot of peace in his overall state. He entrusted a few
seva projects to me and I feel very honored to have spent some quality moments with him, sharing and learning, just before he decided to move on.
As I write, I am recalling so many memories of Paliwal ji that I could go on and on, but I will conclude simply by expressing my deepest love, respect, and gratitude to him for being such a great role model. I would like to convey to him that we are there to carry on the
seva from where he left off.
I send my deepest love and blessings to Paliwal Aunty, Hansita, Manish, and the entire family.
Dhanyawad, Paliwal ji!
New Delhi, India
For me, Paliwal ji was an example of high moral and leadership qualities.
I remember when Paliwal ji was in Nasik in the late 1990s. He organized the
seva in Nasik City Center for community programs. He helped the sevites understand how to offer seva in an organized way and how to take responsibility for different areas.
Paliwalji gave me the opportunity to offer
seva as a facilitator in community programs. He was my first coach. I was very much impressed with his simplicity, and he coached me with great joy and enthusiasm. He had great commitment.
Palliwal ji helped me to get strong enough to shoulder larger responsibilities in
seva. In 1999, a major satsang entitled
Krupa Ki Lahre was organized in Nasik for about 22 centers. Paliwal ji asked me to organize the logistics for this whole event. It included the arrival of sevites, their food, accommodations during the event—all of it. This was something very big for me, but he made it very light by asking me many times, “Do you need any support? Are you comfortable?”
In 2000, when the regional structure for Siddha Yoga Sangham of India was announced, I was fortunate to offer
seva under his coordination, as Paliwal ji was our Siddha Yoga Regional Coordinator.
Whenever I used to come to GSP, at least once during each visit we would have dinner together. Paliwal ji always used to ask about Nasik, and we would discuss and share about the sevas we offered. He always used to say,
“Mast jio, khub seva karo aur kya cahiye!” “baar baar ate rahena,” “Aakhir tak seva karte raho aur kya cahiye!” And truly he offered
seva with great dedication, love, and commitment until the end.
What a great being he is! Paliwal ji, you are always with me.
Nasik, India
I met with Devendra Paliwal ji last year around this time when I went to Gurudev Siddha Peeth for
darshan after many years. It was raining, and I was talking to a friend of mine. As we finished, I saw Devendra Paliwal ji walking towards me. He seemed happy and we chatted for a bit. He shared with me about Hansita and Manish. He shared that both of them were doing well. He was smiling constantly and looked happy and content.
Devendra Paliwal ji was a great sevite and a very humble soul. I came to know him when I was offering
seva in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. It is wonderful to come across such great beings who enhance the purpose of our lives—which is offering
seva with complete commitment!
Devendra Paliwal ji, thank you for your generous
seva. I am sending love and light to you.
And I am sending love and light to Mrs. Paliwal ji, dear Hansita, Manish, and Manav. Take care of each other. Know that Papa is with you and with us—on a different level
London, United Kingdom
