Shankar was a Hindu, and a devotee of the Hindu god Hanuman. He was also an "ardent devotee" of the Bengali Hindu saint, Sri Anandamayi Ma. Shankar used to visit Anandamayi Ma frequently and performed for her on various occasions. Shankar wrote of his hometown, Benares (Varanasi), and his initial encounter with "Ma": Varanasi is the eternal abode of Lord Shiva, and one of my favorite temples is that of Lord Hanuman, the monkey god. The city is also where one of the miracles that have happened in my life took place: I met Ma Anandamayi, a great spiritual soul. Seeing the beauty of her face and mind, I became her ardent devotee. Sitting at home now in Encinitas, in Southern California, at the age of 88, surrounded by the beautiful greens, multi-colored flowers, blue sky, clean air, and the Pacific Ocean, I often reminisce about all the wonderful places I have seen in the world. I cherish the memories of Paris, New York, and a few other places. But Varanasi seems to be etched in my heart!Dunn, Jerry Camarillo (2009). My Favorite Place on Earth: Celebrated People Share Their Travel Discoveries. National Geographic Books. p. 213. Shankar was a vegetarian. He wore a large diamond ring that he said was manifested by Sathya Sai Baba. He lived with Sukanya in Encinitas, California.
Shankar was a Hindu and a devotee of the Hindu god Hanuman He was also an "ardent devotee" of the Bengali Hindu saint Sri Anandamayi Ma Shankar used to visit Anandamayi Ma frequently and performed for her on various occasions Shankar wrote of his hometown Benares (Varanasi) and his initial encounter with "Ma" Varanasi is the eternal abode of Lord Shiva and one of my favorite temples is that of Lord Hanuman the monkey god The city is also where one of the miracles that have happened in my life took place I met Ma Anandamayi a great spiritual soul Seeing the beauty of her face and mind I became her ardent devotee Sitting at home now in Encinitas in Southern California at the age of 88 surrounded by the beautiful greens multi-colored flowers blue sky clean air and the Pacific Ocean I often reminisce about all the wonderful places I have seen in the world I cherish the memories of Paris New York and a few other places But Varanasi seems to be etched in my heartDunn Jerry Camarillo (2009) My Favorite Place on Earth Celebrated People Share Their Travel Discoveries National Geographic Books p 213 Shankar was a vegetarian He wore a large diamond ring that he said was manifested by Sathya Sai Baba He lived with Sukanya in Encinitas California