Bhagwan Nityanandji traveled all through South Kanara in his youth. This is the South Western part of Karnataka, where most of the hoteliers in Mumbai are from. So when Bhagwan settled in the Ganeshpuri area in the early 40’s, most of the hoteliers who already knew of him from South Kanara began to visit him in Ganeshpuri. Getting to Ganeshpuri was no easy task in those days. It was only after Bhagwan made developments and finally in the 1970’s that it became more convenient to get there.

Still, devotees would visit Ganeshpuri for darshan of Bhagawan every now and then, especially on Thursdays. Amongst them were Mr. Sheena Shetty and his elder brother Mr. Krishna Shetty. As their relationship with Bhagwan grew, he sent the seeker Swami Muktanandaji to stay at their restaurant in Mumbai. This started the long relationship of Swami Muktanandaji and Mr. Sheena Shetty, whose real name was Shrinivas, but known to everyone as Sheena, Seth (owner) or Jai Gurudev.

Sheena loved sadhus and wished to become one himself. But Swami Muktanandaji (Babaji) insisted that he should get married. Babaji personally attended the wedding. The fruit of that wedding is history and known to everyone.

Bhagwan took samadhi in August 1961, after which the bond of Babaji and the family of Sheena became even stronger. Many people became regular visitors to Babaji on weekends and on Thursdays.

Sheena ran the restaurants in Mumbai along with his brothers until the early 60’s, and then went on his own. His wife, Devaki, and first daughter, Malti, who were living in the village, moved to Mumbai in 1960. After the birth of the 2nd daughter, Rani and first son, Subhash, Mrs. Shetty was instructed by Babaji to come every weekend to Ganeshpuri.

Sheena was a free spirit and would go to Ganeshpuri whenever he was inspired. He along with others would help cook for the thousands who came for big festivals at Babaji’s Shree Gurudev Ashram, now know as Gurudev Siddhapeeth. He also traveled with Babaji whenever he could, assisting wherever possible.

During the 60’s Sheena brought many people to meet Babaji. It was Sheena Seth who first took Venkappa Shriyan to Babaji at Ganeshpuri. Venkappa became a life long devotee of Babaji and was most instrumental in the development of the Gurudev Siddha Peeth as it is known today. He remained there until his own death a few years ago.

The Devi and both the Gurus remained the most important part of Sheena’s life. He had set up the pooja for them not only at home but also at his restaurant. He had done several havans even at the restaurant. He would worship and chant to them everyday. It was not difficult to track the time in his household because the bell for worship was rung by Seth punctually each morning at the same time. He rarely spoke but at any time could be observed repeating the mantra or a sacred verse quietly to himself.

Sheena attributed everything in his life to the Devi, Bhagawan and Babaji. Nothing else was important to him but this connection. There are no words to describe what great grace or blessings were shown to Sheena, as he left his body on Thursday, the Guru’s day, the fruit of his life long worship.

Everyone visited the body on Friday, while the Vishnu Sahasranam was chanted continuously. On Saturday morning everyone gathered at the house in Mumbai to offer flowers and join the procession as the body was taken to Ganeshpuri.

The procession stopped for a moment at the gate of Shree Gurudev Siddhapeeth as a mark of respect to Babaji's shrine and at the Bhadrakali temple. From there it was carried to Bhagwan’s shrine. His body was laid outside the steps of the temple, where holy water from Bhagwan’s Abhishek that morning and a garland were offered to the body. The women were asked to pour water into his mouth and say good-bye. They then bathed in the hot springs and went to chant the Guru Gita at Bhagawan's temple, while the men carried the body to the cremation place by the river.

All the final rites have been completed. The 10, 11 and 12th day final ceremonies will be held from June 12 to 15 at Ganeshpuri to be performed by Shri Anant Lavar and the younger son Sanjay Shetty. For the 13th day ceremonies on June 15, a Bhandara will be held for all the local people of Ganeshpuri.

Sheena Seth was a loving and inspiring soul to whoever and whenever one visited him. All who knew him will miss his presence. We offer in remembrance our pranams and salutations.

Jai Gurudev!