A Sacred Journey Across the Pacific

Swami Avatar Puri Ji’s Tour of Fiji, New Zealand & Australia

The recent international tour of Pujya Maharaj Swami Avatar Puri Ji through Fiji, New Zealand and Australia was a deeply uplifting spiritual journey – a living expression of satsang, devotion, yoga and guru kripa.

Across nations, cultures and landscapes, bhaktas and seekers gathered in unity, receiving the timeless teachings of Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda – Vishwaguruji – and the sacred OM Sri Alakhpuriji Siddha Peeth Parampara.

From temple rituals and ocean-side reflections to meditation retreats and interfaith dialogue, this journey carried the message of inner peace, awareness, and universal unity.

Fiji: Bhakti, Sacred Rituals & Nature’s Grace

The tour began in the serene islands of Fiji, where Swami Avatar Puri Ji was warmly welcomed by devoted bhaktas in Savusavu, strengthening the intimate bond between guru and disciple through darshan, satsang and heartfelt connection.

Satsang & Temple Blessings

At the local temple, devotees immersed themselves in beautiful satsangs filled with soul-touching bhajans and prayers. The divine energy flowed effortlessly, bringing peace, love and unity to every heart present.

In Labasa, Pujya Maharaj Ji, together with bhaktas from Fiji and abroad, received sacred darshan at the powerful Naag Mandir. With deep reverence, abhishek, puja and aarti were performed. A special yagya was conducted with prayers for:

• The good health, swift recovery and long life of Sri Vishwaguruji.
• Peace, harmony and unity among devotees worldwide.

The atmosphere was filled with devotion and the protective grace of Naag Devta – a moment of pure bhakti and guru kripa.

At Shree Hanuman Mandir in Labasa, the group received a blissful darshan of Lord Hanuman Ji. In this sacred space, hearts overflowed with devotion as prayers resonated in the presence of Bajrang Bali – embodiment of strength, loyalty and divine service.

Yoga in Nature

A truly enchanting morning was spent at the Vuadomo Waterfall near Savusavu. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the group practised yoga according to the Yoga in Daily Life System, drawing vitality from cascading waters and fresh mountain air. A refreshing dip in the natural pool and a peaceful forest walk created a harmonious blend of wellness, spirituality and collective bhakti.

From Fiji, Pujya Maharaj Ji continued his journey to New Zealand.

New Zealand: Unity, Reflection & Living Wisdom

In New Zealand, the tour unfolded across Auckland, Wellington, Kāpiti Coast and surrounding areas – offering satsangs, workshops, retreats and sacred ceremonies.

Auckland: Happiness, Fulfilment & Inner Peace

In Auckland, beautiful satsangs explored themes such as:

•  The Yogic Way to Happiness and Fulfilment
• Yoga for Inner Peace & Joyful Living
• Peace & Joy through Mantra – A Journey of Sound & Stillness

Through bhajans, kirtans, mantra practice and Yoga Nidra, seekers were guided toward balance, awareness, and harmony in daily life. Quiet moments by the sea and a reflective visit to the Sky Tower symbolised the importance of perspective – both outer and inner.

Wellington: Dharma & Interfaith Harmony

In Wellington, an Urban Retreat offered yoga, meditation, chanting and spiritual discourse – providing practical tools for living with awareness amidst the challenges of modern life.

During the satsang, Swami Avatar Puri Ji offered a simple yet profound reflection on impermanence and the eternal nature of the Self:

“The blue sky that we see above is us, and the clouds are our problems.
Sometimes the sky is clear. Sometimes there are white clouds, sometimes slightly grey, and sometimes heavy rain clouds. 

But did you notice one thing? Do the clouds stay there permanently? No.
The sky is permanent, but the clouds always pass.

Whatever comes into our lives will also pass. Happiness comes – it will pass. Sadness comes – that too shall pass.

The Atma is permanent, but the body is like clothes. This body is not permanent; we are not permanent in this form.

And when the Atma unites with Paramatma, that becomes the greatest union – and that is what we are all moving toward.”
- Swami Avatar Puri Ji

Another meaningful highlight was the interfaith panel discussion at the Wellington Ashram titled:

• All in One, One in All.

Representing the sacred parampara, Pujya Swami Avatar Puri Maharaj Ji was joined by respected speakers from Yogananda’s lineage, Sufism, Buddhism and Christianity, with long-term local devotee, Gyananand Ji chairing the discussion. The evening reflected unity beyond differences, concluding with a shared meal and heartfelt connection.

Kāpiti Coast

At Sri Devpuriji Ashram in Raumati Beach, Swami Avatar Puri Ji shared profound spiritual insights, illuminating essential teachings of the yogic and Vedantic path. His discourse touched on several timeless principles, including:

• The importance of the guiding light of a spiritual master
• The sacred union of atma and paramatma
• The deeper meaning of dharmo rakshati rakshita – dharma protects those who protect dharma.
• The wisdom of tat tvam asi and other essential Vedantic teachings

Reflecting on the role of awareness and guidance in life, Swami Avatar Puri Ji shared:

“Every choice we make shapes our life. No one forces us. No one pushes us. But without guidance, we often repeat the same mistakes.”

His words gently reminded listeners that spiritual guidance helps illuminate the path, allowing seekers to move forward with clarity, wisdom and conscious responsibility.

Sacred rituals, including Shiva Abhishek and a yagya, were performed for world peace and the well-being of Sri Vishwaguruji at the Strathean Retreat Centre.

The tour concluded in New Zealand with heartfelt farewell satsangs filled with gratitude and devotion.

Wellington, NZ Capital City: Interfaith Dialogue and Cultural Exchange

Pujya Maharaj Swami Avatar Puri Ji was graciously invited to an official reception hosted by Her Excellency Neeta Bhushan, High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, at the High Commission of India in Wellington.

During the event, he presented the book The Hidden Power in Humans, Chakras and Kundalini by Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda, Vishwaguruji, symbolising the wisdom of yoga, self-realisation, and inner potential.

He also met with distinguished leaders, including:

• Mr Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Mr Andrew Little, Mayor of Wellington
• Ms Janet Holborow, Mayor of Kāpiti Coast District
• Dr Parmjeet Parmar, Member of the New Zealand Parliament

The event was beautifully coordinated by Naginbhai Neil G. Patel Ji, a devoted bhakta of Sri Vishwaguruji for over 22 years.

Swami Avatar Puri Ji also attended the homage ceremony at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in front of Wellington Railway Station on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day, together with Her Excellency High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan, members of the Pujya Mahatma Gandhi Birth Centenary Celebration Committee (PMGBCC), and community leaders.

Members of the local community also gathered to pay their respects to the Father of the Indian Nation. The solemn tribute reflected the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, which continue to inspire and guide India and the world toward peace, non-violence and harmony.

Australia: Satsang, Meditation & Sacred Connection

The Australian leg of the journey carried the same spirit of warmth and devotion in Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Launceston and Melbourne.

Sydney: Self-Inquiry & Inner Stillness

Upon arrival in Sydney, Swami Avatar Puri Ji was warmly welcomed by bhaktas. Evening satsangs, devotional singing, and shared meals created a joyful beginning.

A profound self-inquiry meditation session encouraged participants to observe the mind and rest in pure awareness. A deeply restorative Yoga Nidra followed, balancing contemplation with conscious rest.

Sunshine Coast: Meditation & Nature

At the Sunshine Coast Ashram, satsangs were vibrant and uplifting. Niranjan Ji led a powerful meditation session using the sacred techniques given by Sri Vishwaguruji. Swami Avatar Puri Ji offered guidance on meditative states, reminding seekers that true happiness arises not from outer achievement, but from inner alignment and awareness.

A peaceful visit to Mapleton Falls National Park provided time for reflection amidst nature’s beauty.

Brisbane: Joy of Satsang & Shiva Abhishek

In Brisbane, satsangs were filled with heartfelt connection. Swami Avatar Puri Ji shared:

“When people, beautiful souls like you, unite and come to satsang, then joy, energy, happiness – this all automatically comes. That is inner peace. That is inner joy.”

A sacred Shiva Abhishek at the Brisbane Ashram brought devotees together in prayer, mantra and remembrance of Lord Shiva, creating a deeply divine atmosphere.

Tasmania: Remembrance & Guru Bhakti

In Launceston, Tasmania, satsangs and meditation sessions fostered warmth and sincerity. A special gathering included touching reflections on the guru–shishya relationship, reminding everyone of the depth of spiritual dedication and grace.

Melbourne: Reunion & Reflection

The Melbourne programs were marked by joyful satsangs, meditation, and heartfelt reunions. Devotees gathered in calmness and unity, sharing reflections and gratitude.

On the final evening, satsang and prayer at a local Hindu temple concluded the Australian journey. Quiet moments in the city offered time to reflect on the blessings of the tour.

A Journey Beyond Borders

Filled with love and blessings from Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, Pujya Maharaj Swami Avatar Puri Ji returned to India – to the sacred land of Sanatan Dharma and to the lotus feet of Sri Vishwaguruji.

This international tour was not merely a sequence of events; it was a living current of guru kripa flowing across oceans and nations. Through satsang, meditation, sacred rituals and shared devotion, countless hearts were reminded of a simple and eternal truth:

Peace and joy arise from within – through awareness, devotion and alignment with the eternal Self.