The Shenoys
Raghunath Shenoy with folded hands near Baba’s head.
I now choose to share the grace experienced by the Shenoy family.
The Grace of Five Generations: The Shenoy Family’s Unique Connection with Bhagavan Nityananda
The Shenoy family holds the remarkable distinction of being one of the few families to experience the grace of Bhagavan Nityananda across five generations. It began with Sitaram Shenoy, who first had darshan of Bhagavan, and extended to his grandfather Anant Shenoy, his father Cherdappa, his son Prabhakar, and his grandson Shri Ramchandra. Each generation was blessed with direct experiences of Bhagavan’s divine presence.
Shri Sitaram Shenoy
Sitaram Shenoy had four brothers—Vitthal, Raghunath, Ramakrishna, and Venkatesh—and a sister, Gulabi. All the brothers and many of their sons received Bhagavan’s darshan. Among them, Kamlakar, the youngest grandson of Sitaram, had the unique privilege of being last in the family to be named by Bhagavan in 1958. This extraordinary connection spanned approximately 45 years, with the family living near Bhagavan and receiving his blessings.
Ratnakar, son of Shri Sitaram Shenoy marriage ceremony at Bhagavan’s Feet
Sitaram Shenoy, born in 1898, is believed to have met Bhagavan for the first time in 1915, as a young teenager. Kamlakar’s naming by Bhagavan in 1958 marked the continuation of this divine association into the next generation. Of all the brothers, Sitaram and Raghunath (my father) were most closely bonded with Bhagavan, remaining devoted to him until their last breath—Sitaram passed on November 1, 1949, and Raghunath on June 6, 1986.
Grandson of Shri Sitaram Shenoy – Ramchandra (ex-Chairman of Trust)
I have shared how Shree Sitaram Shenoy met Bhagavan Nityananda in Mulki when he was young and living with his parents and siblings in Padubidri in South Karnataka. Sitaram’s grandfather, Shri Anant Shenoy, was having severe abdominal pain. Sitaram approached Bhagavan, who gave him a handful of grass as medicine for his grandfather’s abdominal pain. The grass was boiled in water, and its extract was given to Anant Shenoy, my great-grandfather, who got immediate relief. Anant Senoy got Darshan of Bhagavan when Bhagavan visited our home in Padubidri. Though it was Sitaram Shenoy who first met Bhagavan Nityananda, my family received His grace right from my great-grandfather to my cousin Ratnakar’s son, Kamlakar (born 1958), spanning over 5 generations.
Both Sitaram and Raghunath were recipients of Saguna Paduka from Bhagavan. I have shared elsewhere how Suvarna Saguna Paduka came to my father, Raghunath. Bhagavan Nityananda often visited our home in Girgaon, Mumbai, before settling in Ganeshpuri, and his presence graced the final moments of Sitaram’s life. Though Raghunath passed away 25 years (1986) after Bhagavan’s Mahasamadhi, he maintained an unshakable bond with him.
Suvarana Paduka given by Bhagavan Nityananda to Shri Raghunath Shenoy during World War ||
Sitaram’s youngest brother, Ramakrishna, was also a devoted disciple. He practised meditation and learned pranayama directly from Bhagavan. All three—Sitaram, Raghunath, and Ramakrishna—received initiation and mantras from Bhagavan himself. Among the grandchildren, Sitaram’s son Prabhakar was similarly blessed with a mantra. Sitaram’s wife, Shushila, also received a mantra from Bhagavan in 1949.
Shri Sitaram Shenoy and his wife Susheela, and H Devrai Pai.
My grandfather, Shri Devrai Pai was one of the first devotees of Bhagavan from Kanhangad. My grandfather was the Headmaster of the local school in Hosdurga.
Shri Devrai Pai, Headmaster and Mrs Pai. The two foremost devotees, Shenoys and Pais, were brought together by Bhagavan Nityananda
My mother, Sunita, experienced Bhagavan’s care in a deeply personal way. As a schoolgirl in Kanhangad, she served Bhagavan his daily breakfast and lunch.
My mother Sunita (nee Janavi)
Bhagavan reciprocated her devotion with maternal affection, looking after her as if she were His child.
Gopalkrishna (1960) on the lap of Shri Shivram (ShreeKuttiram Swami)
Bhagavan bestowed names upon many children in the family, including my brother, Shree Hari and me, Gopalkrishna. This unique bond, woven with blessings, teachings, and divine grace, has left an indelible mark on our family, keeping Bhagavan’s presence alive through generations.
Bhagavan Nityananda gave His blessings to endorse Shenoys as His devoteeswhich reflected that He was an integral part of our lives.:
Visiting our homes in Mumbai at Banaman Lane several times
Family altar in our Vajreshwari home, where the walking stick that Bhagavan gave Sitaram is placed
Ever present in the home of Raghunath Shenoy as a life-size picture of His
Garlanding Ratnakar, son of Sitaram and holding him in His arms
In the form of Sandalwood Krishna
Presiding over the marriage of Ratnakar Shenoy with my aunt Meenakshi Devrai Pai nee Jaisheela
Travelling all over Mumbai with Raghunath Shenoy
Going out of way to wear Kafni stiched by Raghunath’s daughters – Kusum and Lata
The first visit to Vajreshwari was made with Sitaram Shenoy. Later Sitaram built his house at Vajreshwari
Giving Suvarna Saguna Padulka to Raghunath Shenoy during World War II
Offering Sitaram Shenoy the place where Samadhi of Machendranath and Gorakshanath is in Vajreshwari
Imprints of Bhagavn’s both the palms in sandalwood paste are kept here
Offering various wooden and clay toys to the children of Raghunath Shenoy
