Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, also known as Gurudeva, was a Hindu spiritual leader who dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of Hinduism and promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the religion. He was born in Oakland, California on January 5, 1927, to a family of devout Hindu practitioners.

Gurudeva's parents, Shanmugam and Nagammal, were originally from Jaffna, Sri Lanka, and had migrated to the United States in the early 1920s. They were deeply religious and instilled in their children a strong sense of devotion and reverence for the Hindu deities. Gurudeva's father was a priest and his mother was a homemaker who also taught her children about Hindu scriptures and traditions.

Growing up, Gurudeva was exposed to a multicultural environment in California, where he interacted with people from different backgrounds and faiths. However, he always remained deeply connected to his Hindu roots and spent a significant amount of time studying and practicing the religion. He was particularly drawn to the teachings of Saivism, a branch of Hinduism that focuses on the worship of Lord Shiva.

At the age of 19, Gurudeva embarked on a spiritual journey to India, where he studied under the guidance of various gurus and sages. He spent several years traveling throughout the country, immersing himself in the rich spiritual and cultural traditions of India. During this time, he also received formal initiation into the Saivite monastic order and was given the name Sivaya Subramuniyaswami.

In 1949, Gurudeva returned to the United States and continued to deepen his understanding and practice of Hinduism. He founded the Himalayan Academy, a nonprofit educational institution, in 1957, and began publishing the magazine "Hinduism Today" in 1979. Through these platforms, Gurudeva shared his knowledge and wisdom with the world, and his teachings gained a widespread following.

Gurudeva's upbringing and background played a significant role in shaping him into the spiritual leader he became. His strong foundation in Hinduism, coupled with his exposure to different cultures, allowed him to present the teachings of Hinduism in a way that was accessible and relevant to people from all walks of life. He was a visionary leader who worked tirelessly to promote interfaith harmony and spread the message of love, peace, and unity.

In conclusion, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami's background and upbringing were deeply rooted in Hinduism, which influenced his spiritual journey and his contributions to the religion. His legacy continues to inspire and guide countless individuals on their own paths towards spiritual enlightenment.