Sri Seshadri Swamigal

E-Book from Kanchi Periva Forum
The Essence of Hindu Tradition and Culture

Sri Kamakoti Seshadri Swamigal
A touching write-up by Sri Baraneedharan
translated by Sri Sridhar Thiagarajan
Translated by Sri. Sridhar Thiagarajan

(Above drawing by Sri Narayanan Bala)
Volume 47 - Special Edition

Hasta Nakshatram, Mahalaya Amavasya, Start of Navaratri
__________________________________________________________________________________________
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Sri Kamakoti Seshadri Swamigal by Sri Sridhar Thiagarajan (original in Tamil by Sri Baraneedharan)
Sri Kanchi Maha Periva Thiruvadigal Saranam

INTRODUCTION
Hari Om! Namaskaram from the Kanchi Periva Forum community.
We are extremely fortunate and lucky to be publishing this special edition ebook on Sri Kamakaoti Seshadri
Swamigal. This book came as an unscheduled surprise collation by one of our respected members Sri Sridhar
Thiagarajan who was inspired to do this translation by our respected moderator Sri Narayanan Bala
(anusham163). There are many interesting coincidences with us getting this book out, and especially on this
particular date. Sri Seshadri Swamigal is praised by our Maha Periva as sakshaat-Ambaal Swaroopam. And we
are lucky to get this book out at the start of Navaratri, which is our special way of worshipping Ambaal.
Also, Sri Seshadri Swamigal avataram happened in the Hastam star (Nakshatram), and we are publishing this
book on one such day - when Hasta Nakshatram is present and ruling. It is also another interesting thing to note
that Sri Swamigal is noted for His wonderful blessing across Tiruvannamalai he is known as the one with
Golden Hand which translates to Swarna Hastam appears that He came down to earth on the Hastam
nakshatram to indicate this too.
This book is a wonderful treasure for all devotees of Sri Maha Periva and of Sri Seshadri Swamigal at the same
time, as we have good collection of insight and information about Sri Swamigal which would have otherwise
remained unknown. Full credit for bringing out this information goes to the great writer Sri Baraneedharan.
More than just being an acclaimed, prolific writer, he is an extremely humble human being and is an ardent
devotee of Sri Maha Periva.
Our special thanks to Sri Narayanan Bala (anusham163) for having spent so much of time in supporting and
encouraging Sri Sridhar Thiagarajan to come out with this title in fact, Sri anusham163 has spent lot of time in
reviewing the translation and helping to make it better, aside from providing us his beautiful paintings to be
used in this ebook. Our sincere thanks and namaskarams to both Sri Baraneedharan and Sri Narayanan Bala for
this outstanding effort.
On behalf of this Forum and our respected members, I would also like to specially thank Sri Sridhar Thiagarajan,
and pray to Periva to bless him such that he can come out with lot more interesting works in the future as well.
We humbly submit this e-book edition at the lotus feet of Sri Maha Periva. Though this book is for restricted
circulation among like - minded members of the society, this is a free publication which can be downloaded
from http://www.periva.proboards.com/. Feedback may be sent at kanchiperiva@gmail.com
Administrator
Kanchi Periva Forum
Jaya Jaya Shankara, Hara Hara Shankara!

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CONTENTS
Introduction .............................................................................................. 1
TRANSLATORs NOTE ................................................................................ 3
Chapter 1 - Birth ........................................................................................ 4
Chapter 2 Golden Hand .......................................................................... 7
Chapter 3 Navaneetha Krishnan ............................................................ 9
Chapter 4 Fathers demise ................................................................... 11
Chapter 5 Mothers demise ................................................................. 13
Chapter 6 Miracle child ........................................................................ 16
Chapter 7 Marriage talks ..................................................................... 21
Chapter 8 Sanyasam............................................................................. 23
Chapter 9 The Mystery Of Vanishing ................................................... 25
Chapter 10 Journey Begins................................................................... 27
Chapter 11 Seeking Arunachalam ........................................................ 32
Chapter 12 Sanyaasippaarai (The Sanyaasi Rock) ............................... 36
Chapter 13 Resident Of Tiruvannamalai.............................................. 39
Chapter 14 Sri Ramanar And Sri Seshadri............................................ 43
Chapter 14A Additional Information ................................................... 49
Chapter 15 Seshadri and Vallimalai Swamigal .................................... 53
Chapter 16 Sri Kamakoti Seshadri Swamigal Nivas ............................. 58
TRANSLATOR S NOTE
Om Namo Bhagavathe Kamakoti Chandrasekaraaya..
A month or so ago, sometime in September 2015, I had the good fortune to read the English
Version of Anbe Arule by Sri. Narayanan Bala (BN, also known in this Forum as Anusham163)
through the Forum. After having read through it, something spurred me to contact him to
request if I could participate in his noble effort of translating Sri Baraneedharans book. Since
he had already started off on that work, I was not lucky enough to be a part of that.
Then, it so happened that I had an old translated (Sanskrit to Tamil) version of Kamakshi
Maahaatmyam with me and tried translating that to English. That was when I realized my
limitation of Tamil and English. To understand that language and to convey that spirit was an
uphill task. I have with great audacity sent it to Sri BN for his review. I still continued to request
him to give me an opportunity to participate in his work and that was when he let me try the
first chapter of Sri Kamakoti Seshadri Swamigal again by Sri. Baraneedharan.
Though I have been going to Ramanashramam and Tiruvannamalai quite a few times, I never
knew so much about Sri Swamigal and this book was a god send. The interesting connection I
could make during this work was, Sri Baraneedharans original name is Sridhar, which happens
to be the name of yours faithfully as well. The connection from that Sridhar to this Sridhar,
happened through none other than Narayanan himself.
I consider this opportunity as a great blessing from Maha Periva, and Swamigal and thank Sri
BN for having given this chance to be a part of the endeavor. He has also spent time to review
my work before publishing. In spite of his commitments, the fact that he has spared time for
reviewing this, deserves to be thanked not just in words but also in spirit.
It has been difficult to bring out the essence of the original in the translation as sometimes I feel
English lacks the elegance of diction in certain contexts as is possible with Tamil and this I agree
is only due to my constraints with the language.
Mahaperivaa Padham Charanam ! Sivan Sir Paadham Charanam !
Sridhar Thiagarajan
CHAPTER 1 - BIRTH
Sri Adi Sankara established certain methods of worship of
goddess Kamakshi and in order to ensure that these are
properly followed, he brought with him thirty Devi
Devotees along with their families from the banks of
Narmada to Kanchipuram.
They had Sri Kamakshi as their family deity and were
responsible for the spread of Srividya Upaasana. They
were called as Kaamakotiyaar. All those who belonged
to the lineage of Kaamakotiyaar are devotees of
Kamakshi.
In the tradition of Kaamakotiyaar, about 200 years ago, a great person was born under the
Ashtasahasra Subsect. He was named Kaamakoti Sastrigal. Apart from being a devout and great
follower of the Srividhya method of worship, he had acquired great proficiency and scholarship
in all the shastras even at a very young age.
As he had in-depth knowledge in Vedas and Vedanta, many would come to him to seek
clarification about their doubts.
However, for his lineage to thrive, Sastrigal was not blessed with a male child. He was the father
of Seshammal, a girl, his only child, but he loved the children of his elder brother, Chidambara
Sastrigal as his very own. Chidambara Sastrigal had two sons and two daughters.
Of them the pampered youngest was Maragatham, and she resembled an incarnation of
Goddess Ambikai herself. She was bestowed with beauty, good character and a beneficent
nature.
Maragatham was of marriageable age. Kamakoti Sastrigal was looking for a suitable match for
his daughter. Finally he decided that his disciple, Varadarajan will be the most suitable match.
On an auspicious day, Varadarajan married Maragatham, with Lord Agni as witness to the
occasion.
A life as peaceful and tranquil as a clear placid lake, was disturbed by grief. Varadaraja Sastrigal
and Maragatham were yearning for a male child to let their family lineage prosper and continue.
O Goddess of the Universe, Ocean of Compassion, your divine grace will bring a dead tree to
life; that being the case please bless us with a child- so they prayed to Ambikai with tear filled
eyes.
The family deity showered kindness on them. That night, Mother Kamakshi, appeared in the
Sastrigals dream and instructed Offer butter to couple, a child of wisdom shall be born.
Is not the mothers prasad nectar? Maragatham conceived. Friends and relatives rejoiced. The
Divine child grew as the waxing moon in her womb. All the religious functions like Valaikaapu,
Seemandham were conducted.
All the ladies, enjoyed decorating Maragatham with flowers. The virtuous lady carrying the wise
one, was glowing like the full moon, and she shone like a statue made of ivory.
Days passed. With the heavenly deities blessing and the mortals on earth receiving the
blessings, Maragatham delivered a boy child comparable to Sri Krishna.
On a Saturday, 22 January 1870, under the auspices of the star Hastham, a boy child was born
as Kamakshis prasadam. He was named Seshadri.
All the signs of a great soul which would shine in the future was seen in the child as it grew.
Being a gift of Parasakthi, to be immersed in the thoughts of the almighty and to be involved in
prayers and worship was but natural.
Sitting in his mothers hip, during visits to temples, even as a child, Seshadri used to pray like
others with palms pressed in front of his chest. Immersed in a sea of devotion, when mother
Maragatham was rendering the devotional songs, Seshadri was initiated into music as he
listened to these songs losing himself in them.
Even before he was 4 years of age, she had taught him devotional chants like Krishnashtakam,
Ramashtakam, Mookapanchasathi, Gurusthuthi etc: Even as he toddled and fell as a child while
learning to walk, Seshadri would be murmuring the slokas.
Varadaraja Josiyars joy knew no bounds. While he was yearning for a child at one stage, he
was thrilled to have been blessed with a child of wisdom, and would think of some past deed of
virtue he had done to be blessed thus.
While teaching his disciples he would keep his son in his lap. Seshadri used to attentively listen
to Vedanta lessons as well.
Seeing his father sit and meditate with eyes closed, the child Seshadri also would sit in similar
posture with Chin Mudra as if he was also meditating.
People who saw this were amazed and awestruck.
Note: Above painting is done by our Sri Narayanan Bala (anusham163)
CHAPTER 2 GOLDEN HAND

Seshadri, who shone like a golden doll, had completed 4 years of age. One day, along with his
mother he went to the Sri Varadarajaswami temple. That was the season of festivities. A
merchant had bought a sack of idols of Balakrishna, (baby Krishna) to sell in the market during
this season.
On seeing that, Seshadri begged his mother to get him one of them (the idol of Balakrishna*).
Mother paid no heed to his cries, but the shopkeepers heart melted on seeing the child cry.
Amma, your child resembles Krishna. He is desirous of this toy and wants it, let him take it
said the shopkeeper and called Seshadri nearby and asked him to take one with his own hands.
Thrilled at the prospect, the child dipped its cute tender hands into the sack and picked up one
toy and ran away with unbounded joy. Maragatham tried to pay for the toy. The shopkeeper
however refused to accept it.
What a wonder! By that evening all the bronze toys he had bought were sold out.
The next day, on seeing child Seshadri with Maragatham, the shopkeeper, overcome with
ecstasy, with tears of joy brimming in his eyes, came running and fell at her feet and worshipped
her. Maragatham was clueless.
Looking at the shopkeeper who stood up shivering, Ennappa? (What is it dear chap?) she
enquired gently.
The shopkeeper was sobbing uncontrollably and crying. Amma, your child is not an ordinary
child. This is a lucky child. The moment he touched (my bag of dolls) brought in such good
tidings that all the toys I brought yesterday were sold out.
I have been to many functions, and I would never be able to sell even 100 toys. Yesterday every
toy got sold. This is a golden hand golden hand said he, filled with emotion and held the
childs hands to his eyes reverentially and kissed them.
The 4 year old was dumbstruck. Mother was filled with pride.
This news spread fast. Everybody called him Golden Hand Seshadri.
This golden hand, in later days brought good fortune to the traders and businessmen in
Tiruvannamalai. The shopkeepers would anxiously wait with the sole desire and thought - Will
he not enter my shop, will he not touch our goods with his golden hands. All that were touched
by the golden hand prospered.
*Now this Balakrishna idol, is with the grandson Sri. N. Ramakrishnan, of Swamigals Brother
Narasimha Josiyar at Old No. 3, New No. 4/3, Eswaran Nagar, Opposite Pallavaram North
Railway gate.
CHAPTER 3 NAVANEETHA KRISHNAN

For many days, Seshadri kept that Navaneethakrishnans idol in his Pooja. After becoming a
renunciate on attaining the knowledge of the truth and leaving his home, his brother Narasimha
Josiyar continued doing Pooja to that idol. After many years, I had the good fortune of having
a darshan of this idol at his relatives house in Triplicane.
On seeing that Balakrishnan, it seemed to me to have seen Bala Seshadri himself. Seshadri,
born of the grace of Kamakshi who appeared in the dream and said Give butter, you will be
blessed with a child of wisdom and the divine child Krishna crawling with butter in His hands
as a sign of consummate wisdom, were not different to my eyes but one and the same.
Somehow, I had the strong desire to immediately carry that Balakrishnan in my arms and show
to Sri Maha Periva. I asked Devakunjari Ammal. With great joy, she gave the idol to me.
It was night time. At the entrance to Kanchipuram KollavaarChatram, Mahaperiyava was
resting. Srikantan, who was rendering services to Mahaperiyava, went and whispered to
Mahaperiyava that I had come with the idol and was waiting. I also went and stood near
Acharya.
After a minute, Swamigal without opening his eyes, extended his holy hands towards me.
Intently I observed those palms, which were like a lotus in full bloom. The hands that had
performed Chandramouleeswara Pooja for more than sixty years, the hands that had performed
more than sixty VyaasaPoojas, the hands that blessed and graced all those who came
surrendering unto them, the golden cradle which sustained Dharma, in them I let the idol of
krishna worshipped by the golden hand Seshadri to crawl and in that one second I subsumed
myself into the bliss of having achieved the sole objective of my life, and attained the realms of
no births.
Without opening His eyes, moving Krishna to his left hand, Swamigal caressed him. He touched
every part of his golden body and rejoiced. With great love and affection he caressed the tuft
in his head, his nose, lips, neck, hands, the ball of butter, waist, legs that crawl, the soft soles of
his feet, tender fingers. Kannan was lost in the loving caress of Mother Yashodha.
True to the adage, the future crop is known in the seed VilayumPayirMulaiyileyetheriyum,
even in his 4th year, Seshadri by his mere touch had shown his divine munificence and
greatness. At the age of five, on an auspicious day, his parents had initiated his education
according to the formal process. The great Mahaan, KamakotiSastrigal, wrote the Saarasvatha
Mahaabija Mantra on his tongue with a Dharbha grass. He also initiated him into the
Panchaksharam and Ashtaksharam.
As he was the blessed child of Ambikai, goddess Sarasvati served him with all humility. As a
result, Seshadri mastered the North Indian language very easily. He learnt the epics and plays
in that language with ease. He showed a precocious interest in studies. Whatever he learnt
remained etched in his memory and he also had a thirst for Tamil. He learnt Kambaramayanam,
Thirukkural, Nannool, Naidatham also. He learnt Carnatic music from his mother.
CHAPTER 4 FATHERS DEMISE

Kamakoti Sastrigal performed the Upanayanam ceremony for Seshadri when he was 7 years
old.
He imbued in the young lad, the importance and necessity of performing
Sandhyavandhanam and the significance and greatness of Gayatri Mantra. He enrolled him in
the Vedapatashala and formally inducted him into the study of Vedas.
After mastering the arts of Tharka Shastram, Vyakaranam, he advised Seshadri to come and
learn the secret of the self and knowledge of secrets of mantras from him. According to the
instructions of his grandfather, Seshadri immersed himself in the sea of Veda Sastras and
emerged enlightened with wisdom. Five years passed.
One day, on the way to the patashala he came to prostrate before his father Varadarajar and
seek his blessings as was his routine. On seeing his beloved son, his father, overcome with
emotion, embraced him with affection. He was speechless, choked with emotion and tears
were brimming in his eyes.
Seshadri stood perplexed. Maragatham, who at that time happened to pass by was overcome
with worry on seeing this and her heart pulsated rapidly.
What sorrow has come over you suddenly? Why are you quiet? Should you hide your worries
even from me? she asked, rightfully as befits a wife. Tears rolling down his cheeks, Varadarajar
replied, I dont know what to say Maragatham.
I was thinking about the words of praise heaped on our son by the people of the town regarding
his conduct, character and intellectual sagacity. At that time he came and fell at my feet. The
joy welling up inside me manifested as tears, nothing else. As he said this, Seshadri
circumambulated his parents and went to the Veda patashala.
In the evening, Varadarajar called Maragatham and gently whispered,
By the grace of Kamakshi you became my wife. You have given me limitless happiness through
your love and affectionate observances (services). It is my good fortune that Seshadri was born
of you. However, am not blessed with the good fortune to see him live with fame.
Kamakshi is calling me. I take leave of you. I will depart before tomorrows sunrise. You stay
for some more time, and after observing the glory and fame of Seshadri come and join me.
Hearing these words from her husband, Maragatham was shocked and fell down unconscious.
Varadarajar was very worried and upset. Sprinkling some water on her face he retrieved her,
and consoled her saying Maragatham, are you such a coward? Nothing will change by crying
and wailing. Whatever has to happen, shall happen. The husband spoke from the perspective
of wisdom while Maragatham, entangled in emotions was lost in heartwrenching sorrow.
Varadarajar called Seshadri close to him, who was shedding tears unable to bear the grief, and
embraced him. My Child, god has blessed me with peaceful death. Till the last moment, I will
not lose conscience nor awareness. Such a death is not easily granted to even great yogis. Am
happy about that. Here, at my feet, death is waiting.
Till such time he takes me, without wasting time am going to meditate, but before that I would
like to tell you something. Regardless of the number of shastras you learn, experience is the
most important. Knowledge through experience alone is supreme. Dont forget this, having
said thus Varadarajar closed his eyes and meditated.
Maragatham sat next to her husband transfixed. But does death have eyes? or does he have
ears? Carrying Varadarajars life he walked away without turning back.
Maragathams life, deprived of all auspiciousness suddenly seemed empty.
CHAPTER 5 MOTHERS DEMISE

Even the wise and knowledgeable Kamakoti sastrigal could not bear the sight of the languishing
Maragatham and the trauma she was undergoing. Hoping that a change of place might help in
alleviating her grief, he took her and the child to Vazhur.
Seshadri was just 14 years old at that time. Shining as he was like a beacon of wisdom and
intelligence, his grandfather taught him the Upanishads, Brahmasutras and Bhagavadgita. He
initiated him into the secrets of mantras that were unique to his lineage. He taught him the
Vedanta Shastras. He transferred all his knowledge to the shining scion. A new Jyothi (light)
emanated from the present Jyothi.
After the demise of her husband, Maragatham had deprived herself of food and sleep, and with
the demise of her foster father she hardly took any food. She fasted for many days in a month
and devoted more time for Japam and meditation.
Seshadri was running 17, she used to call him and make him sit near her and ask him to chant
the slokas she had taught him. She used to enjoy the pleasure of listening to his chanting of
vedas in his shrill voice. She would enjoy unparalleled bliss listening to his explanation of
vedantic themes and would discuss with him on Bhakti, and Gnana Yoga.
Both of them would sing KamakotiSastrigals compositions on Devi together. As far as Seshadri
was concerned Kamakshi and his mother were one and the same, he saw no difference between
them. He had such steadfast devotion, love and affection towards her.
Maragatham, who became weak physically and mentally and was dying gradually, wanted to
get her son married.
Aunt Venkatalakshmi who was living in Daamal had a daughter by name Kaakini. She had a
strong desire to get this girl married to Seshadri. One day Venkatalakshmi came to
Kanchipuram. She slowly started the conversation with brother Ramaswamy.
However, Ramaswamy Josiyar, nipped this thought of his sister in the bud. He categorically said
Venku, I have thoroughly gone through Seshus horoscope. That horoscope has Sanyasa
Yogam. That is why I said like that. It is better you look for another alliance
Listening to the conversation between her brother and sister in the hall, while doing her japam
inside the house, Maragatham felt heart broken. All her dreams of her son were reduced to
rubbles. Aiyo, you have loaded me with such a disastrous news, so saying she fell unconscious
on the floor.
Seshadri returned from the temple and approached his mother who had recovered
consciousness but was looking stupefied and gently enquired What is wrong with your health
Amma? Is it possible to explain this to a son? She just sidestepped that question and convinced
him somehow.
Within 10 days, the marriage was solemnized between Kaakini and Tirupathur Venkatraman in
Daamal. Nobody from Kanchipuram attended that marriage.
Maragatham was consistently fasting and torturing her body. Her body withered like the abaca
fibre (vaazhainaar) and she remained bed ridden. She refused to take medicine. Grief stricken
Seshadri, along with his brother Narasimhan, was offering garland of tears at the feet of his
mother.
That was an auspicious Ekadasi day. Calling Seshadri by her side, Maragatham embraced him.
Mother and son, together in perfect harmony sang Kamakoti Sastrigals composition Amba
Sive with heartfelt devotion. After that Maragatham chanted the following stanza from
AdiSankaras BhajaGovindam, patting Seshadri 3 times on his heart;
Sat Sangathve Nissangathvam
Nissangathve Nirmohathvam
Nirmohathve Nischalathathvam
Nischalathathve JeevanMukthihi
Mother indicated the path of salvation to the son. She imparted the subtle knowledge of the
ultimate (Brahmagnana) to her son.
Then keeping her hand on her sons heart chanted thrice the slokam in Sanskrit which meant
Darshan of Chidambaram bestows Mukthi
Being born in Tiruvarur bestows Mukthi

Death in Kasi bestowsMukthi
Thought of Arunachala bestows Mukthi.
That sound pierced Seshadris heart as the Sound of Arunachala. Maragatham uttered thrice
Arunachala, Arunachala, Arunachala. The very thought of Annamalai opened the doors to the
kingdom of Salvation for Maragatham. The cosmic gods were in attendance to gain the good
fortune and punya by virtue of the darshan of the supreme mother who gave birth to Seshadri.
Seshadri held his mothers divine body close to his chest. Despite being deeply rooted in the
yoga of dispassion and vairagya, Seshadri was deeply shaken at that particular moment. Having
lost his mother, Seshadri sought refuge in the divine grace. He spent most of his time in Pooja.
There, in his Pooja, along with Mother Kamakshi, Sri Rama, was the picture of Arunachala with
five peaks. He had never seen the Arunachala mountain in person. His mothers words, which
were deeply embedded in his heart and remaining etched in his thoughts, he visualized the
same and made a picture of it and had it in his Pooja.
CHAPTER 6 MIRACLE CHILD

Entering the Pooja room by 5AM, he would lock it from inside and would come out only around
1 or 2PM in the afternoon. He would be chanting Arunachalesa Shonadrinatha loudly always.
The entire night he would chant the DurgaSuktham.
He had forsaken food and sleep completely. His chittappa (fathers younger brother) and chitti
(aunt) were very worried. They often used to tell him Seshu, if you undertake fast like this and
deprive yourself of sleep, it will affect your health. For your age, such intense upasana is not
required, please reduce.
As restrictions at home increased, Seshadri started spending more time at temples. In the
mornings he would sit at Chakrathaazhvar Sannidhi in Sri VaradarajaPerumal temple and do
Japam. In the evenings he would circumambulate Kamakshi temple.
Sitting in the sanctum he would repeatedly chant the Mookapanchasathi with tears brimming
in his eyes. He would remain prostrated in front of Ambal.
Sometimes he would never come home for two days in a row. Ramaswamy Josiyar, would go
searching for him all over town and find him in the outside verandah (thinnai) of a house, or in
a temple Mandapam, and talk to him in kind words and bring him home. With implicit
obedience to his uncle he would stay at home for 2 or 3 days and again leave home.
It would wrench the heart of people to see young Seshadri roaming the streets with a vacant
blank look on his face, clad in rags, hair dry and unkempt, unshaven face, with a big kumkum on
his forehead and lips constantly murmuring something. Relatives and people in the town were
constantly complaining about Seshadri to RamaswamiJosiyar.
He is getting worse day by day. He prostrates in front of anybody walking in the street. He
keeps looking at the sun and prays. Like a water cormorant, he dips frequently into the tank
and takes bath. He keeps on blabbering. I felt ashamed yesterday at the kamakshi temple
complained one relative and felt sad.
Yes, I also saw. Day before yesterday he was sitting and doing japam at the Mandapam of
Ekambranathar temple. What are you doing Seshu? I asked. Am doing Japams to renounce
all my karmas mama, he said.
What Japam I asked. Immediately he said KaamoKarsheeth Japam and he made me sit and
explained the meaning of the mantra in detail. Oh! What knowledge, and what wisdom, I was
pleasantly surprised and shocked.
Mama, I have already chanted this mantra 100,000 times, I need to chant another 50000 times,
you also chant. Only then will we be free of karmas. Only when we are free of karmas, shall we
attain Moksha. Dont you have the desire to attain Moksha? he asked.
He talks well. He is not mad. It is just precocious (prematurely developed) wisdom, nothing
else said another family friend in a consoling manner to Josiyar.
A young boy came running with excitement and called Josiyar saying Mama, Mama Varadaraja
Swami Procession has started and our Seshu is cleaning the streets of spent leaves (plaintain
leaves left after eating food). He is talking something to himself. Everybody is laughing at him.
He knocked on his forehead in frustration. He felt sad thinking that the one who is supposed to
be a beacon to the world has now become an object of ridicule.
Two weeks passed. Seshadri stopped going to the temple to do Japam. In the mornings and
during the day time he would stay at home. In the evening he would leave home and return
the next morning only.
Nobody knew his whereabouts for the night of where he went and where he slept. Ramaswamy
was very worried. He enquired with Seshadri. No use, without any reply he would walk off
nonchalantly.
The mystery unfolded ten days later. Josiyar felt very sad when he heard that Seshadri went to
the burial ground in the nights and did Japam. Unable to tolerate the nuisance caused by people
Seshadri went to the burial ground seeking solitude.
One day his uncle pleaded with him.
Appa Seshu, please dont go to the burial ground. Instead of going to the impure and unclean
place cant you do your Japam either at home or temple itself?
Seshadri smiled. Is that an impure place? It is RudraBhoomi. If Japam is done there, Easwaran
will reward at the earliest. The fruits obtained by chanting a mantra thousand times outside
can be obtained by chanting just once there. As he said this, Ramaswamy Josiyar got angry.
That evening he locked Seshadri in a room preventing him from going out.
However, the unexpected happened. Seshadri locked from inside and immersed himself in
Japam and meditation. He didnt come out for 4 days. He refused to take food as well.
Ramaswamy became apprehensive seeing Seshadris fasting and Satyagraha. If he died of
hunger the blame would fall on him. Without any recourse, he unlocked the door. Seshadri
resumed his Japam at the burial ground.
He immersed himself into intense upaasana. He undertook intense fasting. He further tortured
his body. Enlightenment shone in him and reflected in his face and the world was taken by
surprise.
His Chittappa however did not like his ways. At every opportunity he would express his anger.
It was a Saturday when everybody at home took oil bath. It was 10o clock in the morning and
Seshadri had not returned from the burial ground.
Ramaswamy Josiyar was in a fit of uncontrollable anger. On whom can he express it? He refused
to take oil bath and went and sat in a corner frustrated.
Seshadri came. It was a practice that he would apply oil for his chittappa. He took the cup of
oil and went to Josiyar. He never looked at him. His aunt kalyaniammal said, Seshu, it seems
your chittappa is not going to have oil bath today.
Why Chitti? asked Seshadri surprised. He is worried about you. Nowadays you dont listen
to him said Chitti.
Oh, why so? Why should he be worried about me? Am in myself, if everybody remains in
themselves there will be no problem in the world replied Seshadri with a smile and approached
his chittapa.
Are you angry with me Chittappa? he asked with a tinge of humor as he applied oil on his
head. Suddenly Seshadri stopped applying oil and came to the open- to- sky area (Mittham in
old houses) and looked at the sky and returned to the room. What did you see in the sky?
asked Ramaswami.
Nothing Chittappa. Heard the Devathais singing in the sky as they went, so I went and saw
he replied casually and went on to tap his chittappas head applying oil.
Ramaswamy Iyer thought that Seshadri was talking incoherently and asked sarcastically Are
only Devathais going or are the Gandharvas also?
Oh, Gandharvas are also going, some have wings too. They are so beautiful. The songs of
Gandharvas are so melodious.
What ragam are they singing?
Bilahariit is beautiful
You have become mad. Why is it that only you can hear their music? Why cant I hear that?
asked his chittappa mischievously.
Seshadri smiled gently. Chittappa, those who are enmeshed in the karmic life cannot hear
them, only those who are free and remain as the self can hear them said Seshadri and went
away.
Ramaswamy came to a definite conclusion that his sons madness had reached its peak. He
having shared with a few others that Seshadri heard Gandharva music, and that news spreading
all over town, the whole of Kanchipuram concluded that Seshadri was mad.
*****************
CHAPTER 7 MARRIAGE TALKS

Everybody started commenting on Seshadris condition depending on their mental maturity and
understanding and offered different suggestions for treatment. Some suggested if the boy
gets married his madness will be cured. Somebody came and conveyed that to Ramaswami
Josiyar.
Please dont mistake me for telling you this Josiyar, but you are responsible for his present
condition said he, which came as a shock to Josiyar.
Am I responsible? asked Josiyar staring at the visitor.
Yes, you said something and stopped his marriage. Saying that he has Sanyasa yogam is
all utter nonsense, if his marriage had been performed, his fate would have been completely
different. Since his marriage was stopped he has lost his mental balance.
What you did is a big mistake. His father wouldnt have done something like this. First find a
suitable girl and perform his marriage and his situation will completely change.
Josiyar shared his grief with Seshadri one day. He felt sad thinking about the bad reputation he
had amongst the people in the town. Seshadri consoled his Chittappa.
Chittappa, why are you unnecessarily feeling sad? People will pass comments as they choose.
You will have to be blamed only if I feel sad that I am not married. I, on the other hand have no
interest whatsoever in marriage.
You dont need to make any effort for my marriage based on peoples comments. If you compel
me to marry, then I will never come home and I will leave this place said Seshadri with complete
clarity without any ambiguity.
Appa Seshu, dont talk like this again. My heart palpitates. You dont need to get married.
Remain at home that is enough. If you go anywhere, I will not be alive even for a minute
sobbed Josiyar.
One day, a relative by the name Parasurama Sastrigal who came from Daamal, cautioned
Seshadri saying Going to the burial ground and doing Japam there is not correct. It is against
the Shastras. Stop it.
Seshadri argued that what he did was right. Finally he asserted, I am a Naishitika Brahmachari,
upaasakan (devotee).
Such restrictions do not apply to me. Sastrigal got angry and
admonished strongly saying, Regardless of what you say, going to the burial ground and
entering into the house is against the aachaaram.
OK, I will not enter into the house said Seshadri and walked out. From that day, he spent his
time in temples, near ponds and under the trees. He never returned home.
CHAPTER 8 SANYASAM
During that time, a yogiswarar from Haridwar had come to Kanchipuram. His name was
BalajiSwamigal.
On seeing BalajiSwamigal, giving darshan and blessing the devotees at Sarvatheerthakarai,
Seshadri, overcome with emotion and tears in his eyes, fell at his feet and sought his blessings.
Lost in the graceful sight of the Gnaanaguru, he chanted the Dakshinamoorthy Ashtakam in a
resonant voice unaware of tears flowing from his eyes. That great soul, looking at the young
devotee, in a voice filled with solace, told him in Samskrit Child, dont feel sad, sit down.
Seshadri, like a charmed snake sat beside him. From that moment he became his ardent
disciple.
The two of them discussed matters related to Shastras for a long time. Gurus grace filled
glance was showering kindness on the disciple. Paramahamsar had imparted all the knowledge
with his very glance.
In spite of being permitted to leave by the Swamigal, Seshadri did not move from that place. At
that instant he became his fifth disciple and started attending on him.
Seshadri had a friend named Pattannaa.
He had offered himself in the services of
BalajiSwamigal. One day, both of them fell at Swamis feet and requested him to grace them
by giving Upadesam. Swamigal initiated Pattannaa to Devi Mantra.
On seeing Seshadris dispassion (Vairagya) he considered him to be fit for GnaanaSanyasa and
gave him Sanyasa and initiated him to the Veda Mahavaakyaas.
Seshadri, who had become a Sanyasi by heart already formally accepted the Sanyasa ashram.
Renouncing all worldly desires, he was one with the Supreme bliss, as a Jeevanmukthar,
Yogasidhar, brimming with wisdom, rooted in his true self and voluntarily enjoying himself in
the blissful waters of Brahmanandam.
CHAPTER 9 THE MYSTERY OF VANISHING

It was the day of annual ceremony (Sraardham) for VaradarajaJosiyar. Chithi Kalyani wanted
Seshadri to attend the ceremony. The previous day she begged her husband to somehow try
and search for Seshadri and bring him home from wherever he was.
Ramaswamy Josiyar who went in search of Seshadri, finally located him on the streets and with
the help of two people brought him home. The whole town was watching this incident
inquisitively.
All along the way Seshadri came reluctantly, shouting, I am a sanyasi, all my karmas are
exhausted. Sanyasi doesnt have any of these karmas.
Nothing doing. This is your chittis command. You have to stay at home the whole day. Come
what may, am not leaving you said Ramaswami Josiyar and pushed Seshadri into a room, and
locked it keeping the key with him.
In the afternoon, it was around 2o clock. At the end of the ceremony, it was time to complete
the ritual of circumambulating the forefathers thrice and seek their blessings. Josiyar opened
the door to call Seshadri to participate in this. Neighbors had gathered to watch this. The
Vaidikas (Sastrigals) were also eagerly waiting.
Ramaswamy Josiyar unlocked the door and entered the room. Checked all around and in all
corners of the room. Seshadri was NOT TO BE FOUND there!!!
From inside the locked room, somehow Seshadri had disappeared.
The news of Sri Seshadri Swamigals disappearance from a locked room spread all around the
town like wildfire. Everyone was talking about that miracle.
Ramaswamy Josiyar and Kalyaniammal regretted that they had, without comprehending the
childs Yoga Sakthi, behaved in a manner that hurt his feelings.
CHAPTER 10 JOURNEY BEGINS

They searched the entire town to locate Seshadri, who had disappeared from the house. He
was not to be found despite searching in temples, ponds, under trees, burial grounds,
mandapams, and choultry.
Chittappa and Chitti were heart broken. They were deeply aggrieved thinking of the blame that
would fall on them when everybody would say it is because of their strict attitude that the child
ran away.
A few days later news reached that Seshadri was in Kaveripakkam. Nobody knew how Swamigal
reached that place which was 20 miles to the west of Kanchipuram. Sundarakka alias
Sundarammal, Swamikals Periamma lived in that town. A few other relatives also lived there.
Swamikal, however did not go to their houses. He stayed in the Mukteeswarar temple in that
town. His cousin brother Seshu, who was younger to him, on seeing Swamikal went home and
said elder brother is in the temple.
On hearing this, all of them ran to the temple and felt extremely sad on seeing his plight. Despite
their calling him to go with them, he refused to go home. Hence, they used to bring food to
the temple daily and offered him.
One day, Seshadri was circumambulating the temple along with his younger brother. At that
time, a snake hissing loudly, came out of the Punnaitree from near the northern wall of the
temple. Brother Seshu, on seeing that screamed Anna, Paambu, Paambu (Brother, Snake)!
Seshadri, on the other hand, was calm, and in a loving voice addressed the snake saying
Come here and just as a child runs with joy to its loving mother on hearing her call, the snake
crawled towards him, climbed on to Seshadri, wound itself around his neck and spread its
hood above his head.
Young Seshu was sweating with fear. He ran out scream Aiyo, Anna has been bitten by a
snake.
In a short time a huge crowd had gathered. Sundarakka was beating herself in anxiety while the
relatives stood there transfixed not knowing what to do.
Shortly, the snake slowly slithered down from Seshadris body and disappeared.
The temple graced by Sri Muktheeswarar with his consort Sri Alankaravalli is famous since
Puranic times.
It is believed that, in this temple Seshadri performed austere penance and Sri Alankaravalli
appeared and graced him with immaculate wisdom.
Seshadri remained in meditation (Nishtai) for many days without food in the Navarathri
Mandapam in the Muktheeswarar temple.
One day, his periamma, Sundarakka invited him home for food. Swami told her to bring curd
rice and tamarind rice. Sundarakka complying with that brought him the same and Seshadri
made a lingam of the curd rice and did Pooja to the lingam (archanai) using the tamarind rice.
Then, carrying the lingam in his hand he went into the pond, and remained neck deep in the
water for two days doing tapas.
On hearing this, his Chittappa Ramaswamy Josiyar and Chittikalyani came from Kanchipuram.
Seshadri opened his eyes, and emerging from the sea of bliss, cast his graceful glance on all
those who were standing there. He also saw his Chittappa and Chitti standing next to him, their
eyes moist. However in that look, there was no sign of attachment but only the shine of
dispassion.
Ramaswamy Josiyar spoke very loudly as if in a trance: Child, please forgive us. Not realizing
your greatness we have troubled you. Please dont leave us. We cannot live without you and
prostrated at Seshadris feet.
Appa seshu, did your mother leave you in my care to see you in this form? Ever since you left
home we have not been able to eat food or drink water. It has been long since we slept. Please
come back with us.
You, who should be much better-off, are now roaming like a vagabond, ill- clad without proper
food. You would look like a king, but now with sunken cheeks, eyes deep in your socket, and
unshaven face, you look like an orphan.
As long as we are alive, why should you be like this? Comestart now itself, sobbed
Kalyaniammal in a voice filled with anxiety and distress.
Seshadri laughed. He said, henceforth , there was neither family nor a life for him to be spent
at home. He consoled them with words. He pleaded with them to go back.
Nonetheless, they who were enmeshed and trapped in the materialistic (samsaric) life, were
trying repeatedly to bring that Brahmagnaani into their fold.
As talks proved to be futile, Seshadri undertook a vow of silence (Mounaviratham). Will the
childs mind not change, will he not return home? these were the desperate thoughts running
in their minds, but finally after a long time both Ramaswamy Josiyar and kamakshiammal
returned to Kanchipuram disappointed.
People from neighbouring villages kept coming to Kaveripakkam to have a darshan and
seek the blessings of Seshadri, who was performing severe penance. As the crowd increased
day by day, Seshadri left that place in search of solitude.
Two to three months passed. Nobody knew the whereabouts of Seshadri. I saw him in this
place, I saw him in that place information just kept coming in at random. He is in
Chengelpet some would say, and if you go there, they would say that he had left for
Vandavasi.
But in Vandavasi, one could hear people saying Saw him in the temple this morning, but
dont know where he went after that. Thus Seshadri by his yogic powers would appear in and
disappear from many places.
After wandering in many places, he finally arrived at Dindivanam. He had undertaken a vow of
silence at that time. He wouldnt speak to anybody. If there was anything important, he would
only write and show. Everybody used to call him MounaSwamigal .
One day, MounaSwamigal, told his devotees there, that he wanted a quiet place of solitude for
meditation. Person named T.K. Kannaiyar, requested Sri Kuppuswamy Gurukal, the priest of
the Thinthirineeswarar temple, to open the temple Yaagasalai. The priest also obliged.
Seshadri went inside the room. He told them to lock it from outside and to open after a month
and sat in meditation. His devotees followed his instructions.
Four days passed, and on the 5th day KuppuswamyGurukal got worried. He was worried
thinking on these lines, He is meditating without food, what if something happens to his life?
Will that blame not fall on me? Not only that, if he dies the temple will become impure, and
who will pay to conduct the ceremonies to be performed to wash off that impurity? Finally, it
is I who has to suffer. The worry turned to fear. He requested the devotees to take the
Swamikal elsewhere.
Kannaiyar, without any recourse, finally opened the door. Inside, Seshadri sat like a log of wood
in deep meditation. People from the town had gathered to witness that. Half an hour later,
Seshadri came out of his trance and opened his eyes.
Kannaiyar expressed Gurukals
apprehension to him. Immediately Seshadri left that place.
CHAPTER 11 SEEKING ARUNACHALAM

Devotees and disciples followed SeshadriSwamigal. This is going to Thiruvannamalai, wrote
Swamigal and showed it to them, and walked fast. While walking through Maarchettikulam, he
asked the people who accompanied him to pick some Kalaakaai (berry) from the tree on the
banks, and they did.
Tasting some of them, Swamigal reached a village named Aiyanthoppu. Since it was morning,
the three people who came with him went to take bath. Before they could return, Seshadri
Swamigal mysteriously disappeared.
For the next few months, Swamigals whereabouts were not clear. As news spread that he was
at the Pandava caves in ThoosiMamandur, a village south of Kanchipuram, people thronged to
that place. Swamigals brother, NarasimhaJosiyar also ran to the place eager to meet his
brother. It was not possible to meet Swamigal there. By then, he had gone somewhere else.
Next, he was seen in Tirupathur in North Arcot.
There he spent some time at the
Muthukumaraswamy temple and Brahmeswaraswamy temple at the Kottai Street. (fort street).
The reason for which SeshadriSwamigal went to Tirupathur is not understood.
It can only be attributed to fate that SeshadriSwamigal went to Tirupathur where his aunts
daughter, Kaakini was living with her husband.
Once the talks about her marriage with Seshadri failed, she got married to Venkataramana Iyer
and had been living in Tirupathur ever since.
Seshadri on the other hand, after renouncing family life, roamed aimlessly in so many places,
and finally reached the same Tirupathur.
In a letter to his sister Venkalakshmis son-in-law, Ramaswamy Josiyar from Kanchipuram wrote
If you happen to see Seshadri in Tiruppatur, inform me immediately.
VenkatramanaIyer,
who saw Seshadri in the market place, spoke to him in gentle words and took him to his home.
He showed the letter written by his chittappa (RamaswamyJosiyar) to him. He then invited him
to come into the house.
Seshadri, however strongly refused to enter the house and sat in the verandah outside.
On seeing his worn out face, shriveled shrunken stomach and unkempt hair, Venkatalakshmis
grief knew no bounds. With scant regard to her relationship as his aunt, his replies were very
nonchalant to her questions and this left her very sad.
Controlling her brimming tears, come inside son she said. Without even listening to that,
Seshadri smiled, staring unblinkingly at the street.
Kaakinis heart palpitated. She also felt inconsolable grief on seeing her Ammanji (uncles
son) who was to have been her husband, sitting on the verandah like Parabrahmam (The
Absolute). Her heart wilted, looking at his pitiable condition.
She felt she had to enquire something of him. Fearing that talking to him would be a mistake,
she remained quiet. Seshadri did not even look in the direction where she was standing.
They brought him some food. Seshadri ate that and lay down in the verandah itself.
Venkatramana Iyer also lay down next to him.
Early morning, when Venkatalakshmi came out to wash the front yard with water and to draw
the kolam, she was shocked to see Seshadri missing.
Venkatramanaiyer also got up and searched all over the place. SeshadriSwamigal had left
Tirupattur. He was going towards Arunachalam.
Sri SeshadriSwamigal, after leaving Tirupattur, desirous of having a darshan of Sri Renuka Devi,
crossed the Javvadhu hills forest, walked through paths strewn with thorns and stones, finding
his way through swamp and marsh land, finally reached Padavedu, where he remained in the
loving care of the mother for two days.
Seven miles from Padavedu, is a small village named Aathuvaampadi. If we travel 4 miles after
Kelur, which is 8 miles from Polur, we can reach this village. Next, Swamigal went to that village.
Sri SehsadriSwamigals elder aunt was Lakshmi Ammal. Her son, was VenkataramanaSastry. He
was the Village Munsif in Aathuvaampadi. Swamigal, however, did not go to his house. While
passing through the village, Sastry happened to see him.
Renouncing family and home, enroute to Tiruvannamalai, though Swamigal passed through the
places where his relatives lived, he neither went to their houses nor patronized their
relationship. The inner meaning of that was not understood.
In Aathuvaampadi village, there is a pond named Aayakuttai. One day, the Village Munsif
Venkatramana Sastri was taking bath in the pond. At that time, SeshadriSwamigal was walking
along the road swirling a stick in his hand.
Noticing his Ammanji Seshadri, VenkatramanaSastri called him clapping his hands Seshumy
child. Swamigal turned and saw him but didnt stop. He continued walking fast.
VenkatramanaSastri, hurriedly dried himself, came out of the pond and almost crying, pleaded
desperately with Seshadri to come home. But he firmly refused to oblige.
Venkataramana Sastri invited him affectionately saying It has been a long time since I saw
you. You dont need to stay for a long time.
Since you have come this far, please come and have some milk and then go..please come.
As if bound by and subservient to affection, Swamigal followed him up to his house but did not
enter; he stood outside on the road itself.
By the time Sastry went in and fetched the milk, Swamigal had left. Since he could not run
with the vessel of milk, he called the Thalaiyaari (headman of the village) and hurried him
saying, Go fast and somehow get him here.
Thalaiyaari walked fast but Swamigal walked away faster than him!
CHAPTER 12 SANYAASIPPAARAI (THE SANYAASI ROCK)

I had read that Sri SeshadriSwamigal had gone to Thurinjikuppam, a village adjoining
Aathuvaampaadi, and had darshan of Sanyaasipaarai, the Samadhi of a holy person.
When I
went
to Aathuvaampaadi, I
enquired about that with the grandson of
VenkatramanaSastry. Whenever I think of his narration about the holy person, tears well up
in my eyes.
About 350 years ago, a Sanyasi left for Kasi yatra from the Chola kingdom. From his earlier
Ashrama he had a daughter. She lost her husband at a young age.
That girl fervently requested him to take her also along. He refused stating that it was not in
accordance with the Ashrama Dharma he had undertaken. The girl cried. The person who
renounced the world couldnt renounce his affinity towards his daughter; he acceded to her
request. On the way to Kasi, both of them reached Thurinjikuppam.
At that time there were many families residing in that village. Thinking that they could live off
the alms from the families living there, he built a hut at the foot of the hill and stayed there.
Slightly away from his hut, he built another hut for his daughter. Daily he would go to the streets
where the Brahmins lived, begged for food (Bhiksha) and he and his daughter lived off it.
One day when he went with his bowl, he observed that the doors of all the houses were closed.
He was surprised that people who would happily give rice daily were remaining indoors on that
day.
Hungry, he returned to the foothills and sat, when a few boys who were herding their cattle
approached him and asked Why Swami, today nobody gave you food ?
Yes sonall the doors were closed. I dont know why, but nobody came out even after
hearing my voice.
One boy said, I know Swami. It seems you are keeping (with a wrong connotation) a Brahmin
girl (Pappaathi) with you. So nobody is going to feed you it seems. Yesterday they were all
talking. Little realizing the grave consequences of the serious accusation, the boy innocently
spoke.
He who was leading a life of Dharma was troubled deeply by this. The person, following the
path of truth on hearing this was heartbroken. Immediately he came to a decision. There has
to be an act of penitence immediately for this accusation.
He told the young boys to bring dried flat cow dung pieces (varatti) and some dry sticks. He
built a pyre out of it. He told his daughter to lie down on that.
Raising high the staff held in his hand, he chanted a mantra. Lord Surya came down as a ball of
fire. Within a second, he burnt her to ashes, she who was the cause for the stain on the
impeccable truth and disappeared.
That place where the girl was consumed by fire is even today called as PappathiKulam. After
her demise, the holy saint, entered a dry lake there. He told the boys to dig a pit there. The
playful boys did accordingly. The elderly person went down into that pit.
He told the boys to roll all the nearby stones over him and to take handful of the sand lying
around with them and go. As soon as they did that, sand became peanuts and sugar candies.
Thinking of this as a pleasantly surprising game, the kids went back happy.
How will they realize the two acts of sacrifice which happened there, very thought of which is
excruciating and heart rending?
As a proof of the sanyasi having attained Jeevasamaadhi, the Sanyasipaarai can be seen even
today.
In the month of Aadi, the people of that area, offer poojas with great devotion and sincerity.
Immediately on conclusion of Pooja, it seems it rains, heavily flooding the entire area.
No member of the families, responsible for casting aspersion on that great soul, lives in
Thurinjipuram now.
With the help of a resident of Aathuvaampaadi, in scorching heat, after walking through fields
and hillocks, we had a darshan of Sanyaasipaarai.
Standing in the sanctum of the great person who sacrificed his daugthers and his life to preserve
the sanctity of truth, I felt a unique sense of thrill and bristling all over.
CHAPTER 13 RESIDENT OF TIRUVANNAMALAI

Only after having had a darshan of this rock which spreads the radiance of truth, did Sri
SeshadriSwamigal reach Tiruvannamalai which spreads the radiance of The Absolute. The word
Arunachala uttered by mother Maragatham in her death bed echoed in the sons heart as the
primordial sound of Omkara.
Guided by that primordial sound transmuted into wisdom of inner radiance and spreading
into the entire universe, SeshadriSwamigal reached Lord Arunachala and sought refuge in
Him, the one who bestows grace.
On seeing the great mountain in front of his eyes, the one which he imagined, and painted as
a picture in his thoughts, and prayed by intensely meditating on it, he realized his true self and
dissolving the I, he became That.
Sri SeshadriSwamigal lost himself in devotion on seeing Arunachala, manifesting as the
mountain, in the auspicious and divine form of Ardhanaareeswarar, presiding in the temple as
Annamalayaar with Unnamalai Amman. He would keep enjoying the darshan of the mother
and father, always. He would sit in samaadhi in the temple like a Sivalingam.
In a flash, he would get up and roam the streets like the UtsavaMoorthy(form of the gods taken
in procession during festivals). Renouncing the world, oblivious to his bodily existence , totally
intoxicated, seemingly lunatic but engrossed in the wisdom of the self, he remained in a state
of silent penance.
Chittappa Ramaswamy Josiyar and Chitti KalyaniAmmal were worried about the son who had
identified himself with Arunachala. They were constantly worried about him thinking, Where
is he living? Did he eat? Did he sleep? Having showered more affection on him than his
biological mother, Kalyaniammal was very worried unable to bear the separation.
Thinking of Seshadris situation, she grieved and suffered in silence, overcome by despair. She
lost sleep, became physically and emotionally weak, and was surrounded by her grief stricken
relatives as she lay in her death bed fighting for her life. At last, Death showered his grace of
kindness. He departed with Kalyani without any delay.
To Ramaswamy Josiyar, having lost his wife, heartbroken, and with none to console, a letter
from his Aththaan( uncles son), Aathuvaampadi VenkatramanaSastri gave him some solace
and relief.
In that letter he had mentioned that Sri Seshadri was moving around in
Tiruvannamalai.
Immediately, he decided to go there and regardless of the effort to be spent, wanted to bring
him back to Kancheepuram. Next day, Ramaswamy Josiyar along with Seshadris younger
brother NarasimhaJosiyar left for TIruvannamalai. They searched for him in temples, ponds,
and choultries.
Seshadri was not to be found. Finally they saw him in a street. His appearance deeply upset
and saddened Ramaswamy Josiyar. His brothers eyes turned moist.
On seeing Seshadri dressed in rags, his hair uncombed and unkempt, with shrivelled stomach,
walking around like a mad man murmuring something to himself, Ramaswamy Josiyar, was
overwhelmed with grief and hugged him dearly and cried in the middle of the road without
feeling any sense of shame despite people on the road watching and pleaded, Seshu Kanna,
your chithi has passed away.
She is fortunate. That great lady passed away without having to see you in such a state.
I do not know what great sins I have committed that I am still living..Appane, my sonplease
come with me to Kanchipuram immediately. I will be alive only for a few more days. After that
you go anywhere as you please. Will I be able to eat when you are roaming like an orphan?
Comeplease listen to my words.
NarasimhaJosiyar on the other hand, embraced Swamigal crying, Anna..Anna. He caressed
his cheeks, tightened the dhothi which was loose, and affectionately caressed his head.
SeshadriSwamigalthough was least affected with emotion. His eyes blankly staring into empty
space, lips were murmuring something. To him, who had renounced familial ties, affection and
love showered by his relatives weighed like iron chains on him. Escaping from their hold, he
started walking aimlessly.
People on the street, stood watching. They didnt understand anything. They sympathisingly
commented, So unfortunate. The boy looks smart and good. Seems to have left his house and
ran away in a state of insanity. Will the parents not be afflicted with grief? That was the first
day when the people of Tiruvannamalai realized that such a soul was walking their streets.
Ramaswamy Josiyar had bought some snacks from the shop, which he affectionately offered
to Seshadri Please eat this at least. Partaking a small portion from that, he wiped his hands
on his dirty dhothi, and quickly walked away.
When the Divine has its own plans, will the plans of mere mortal parents succeed?
Finally losing hope, both of them returned to Kanchipuram. Just before leaving, Ramaswamy
Josiyar requested the person-in-charge of the Anna Chatram (food choultry) to provide
sumptuous food for Seshadri whenever he came. The world is definitely concerned about the
hunger of people who have incarnated to assuage the spiritual hunger of the commoners.
With this, the troubles from relatives ended for Swamigal. The problems from the local people
increased as his fame spread. What a difference between the world where he lived mentally
and the physical existence.
His thoughts, words and action were in perfect harmony with the mental world he saw and
relished. The world however, easily confers on such great men the title of Mad. Those great
men however pity this mad world.
Such a Wise lunatic, vanished from our eyes after spending 40 years in this world, performing
miracles and making people realize his true form.
Having descended in Kanchi 130 years ago, and crawling in the lap of Parasakthi,
circumambulating Arunachalam as a renunciate, remaining as a beacon of light and knowledge
to the world and sea of compassion, his grace still shines upon us.
CHAPTER 14 SRI RAMANAR AND SRI SESHADRI

Sri SeshadriSwamigal, came to Arunachalam at the age of 19, in the year 1889. Seven years
later, in the year 1896, on the 1st of September a young boy of the same age as Markandeyan
came from Madurai to Tiruvannamalai.
He also followed the call of Arunachala in his heart and came there in search of the source.
After remaining for 50 years in the loving embrace of the father, he shed his mortal coil and
merged with the great Jyothi of Karunyam.
7 years before Ramana Maharishi came to Tiruvannamalai, people of Tiruvannamalai were
aware of Seshadri roaming the streets like a mad man. THIS ONE is also mad like the OTHER
ONE. THAT roams in the streets and THIS remains anchored in the temple, perhaps that is
what they thought. The new entrant was given a name as well, ChinnaSeshadri.
ChinnaSeshadri was driven to PeriyaSeshadri by the boys of the town. They, unknowingly
performed a good deed .
The disturbances to the young yogis meditation in silence increased. Finally, as the trouble
caused by the young boys crossed all limits, Ramanar took refuge in the Paathala (underground)
Lingam in the 1000 pillared mandapam in the temple.
VenkatachalaMudaliar, who happened to pass by that way saw this. He was furious. Wielding
a stick in his hands he drove the boys from there.
At that moment, he saw SeshadriSwamigal come out of the paathalalingam, Venkatachala
Mudaliar was shocked. Why is he coming out of here? What is he doing here?
Only a realized soul recognizes another. Recognising the Bala Yogi who, listening to the voice
of Arunachala, and seeking Arunachala had become one with Arunachala, Seshadri had come
there to protect his penance from being disturbed.
He received the stones thrown by the boys on his body. When Parasakthi was doing penance
in Tiruvannamalai, Lord Kumara (Karthik) offered support and protection.
This is
ArunachalaPuranam.
Later, Seshadri who was the manifestation of that Parasakthi provided protection to young
Ramanar who was a manifestation of Lord Kumara. This is the greatness of Arunachala.
Approaching SeshadriSwamigal who came out of the Paataalalinga, VenkatachalaMudaliar
politely enquired, Swami, did the stones thrown by the boys fall on you?SeshadriSwamigal as
was his habit, laughed aloud and shook his head.
Devotees who thronged Ramana Maharishi, in search of guidance from his limitless wisdom
never returned disappointed. Recognising the presence of this glory, it was SeshadriSwamigal
who first announced this to the world.
A lady named Lakshmi Ammal, came to Tiruvannamalai, and offered respectful and devoted
service to Ramana Maharishi and after a week was planning to go back to her place. She
however felt sad that she had to leave without the darshan of SeshadriSwamigal.
Next day while going to Ramanashramam, Lakshmi Ammal went to the temple. On seeing
SeshadriSwamigal there, she fell down prostrating at his feet. Deep in her heart she felt sad
thinking, I am not fortunate enough to offer any service to this mahaan.
That was it, SeshadriSwamigal who possessed the powers to read others thoughts said How
does it matter if it is HERE , or THERE? and left.
How explicitly had he stated that he and Ramanar were one and the same!
A devotee from Chidambaram was addicted to Ganja (a narcotic drug). He was of the opinion
that consuming that would help him to revel in spiritual enquiry. Ramanar, coming to know of
his habit, advised and explained to him that it was wrong.
Not paying heed to his advice, one day the devotee was suffering a great deal after consuming
it. Instead of attaining a state of supreme bliss, he became a slave to baser thoughts and
tendencies.
Not knowing what to do, the devotee went and stood in front of SeshadriSwamigal who was
sitting in the temple Mandapam. Looking at him swamigal said, I told you at that time itself to
refrain from taking it, did you listen? Why are you suffering like this after consuming?
That devotee was surprised beyond limits. Prior to that, SeshadriSwamigal had never given him
such advice. Only Maharishi had told him. It is not surprising for the devotee to have realized
that Swamigal was conveying that Ramanar and he are one and the same.
The two renunciates met often. When Ramanar was in Virupaksha cave, SeshadriSwamigal used
to come there. Both of them would eat together. Many devotees have been fortunate to have
seen the two great souls communicating through just their eyes.
Once, a person named VasudevaSastri was fortunate to listen to the two of them talking to
each other.
In the initial stages, SeshadriSwamigal, who was intently observing Ramanar who was in
complete silence, could not fathom his thought process. Pointing to Maharishi he said, What
is THIS thinking, it is not clear.
However, Maharishis silence remained uninterrupted. Seshadri continued, Paying Obeisance

to Arunachala will result in salvation.
At that time Maharishi, coming out of his silence, asked Seshadri Who is the one who pays
obeisance and to whom? Seshadri laughing out loud like thunder said that is what remains
incomprehensible.
After that Ramana Bhagawan spoke about the philosophy of Advaita for an hour. He explained
that World, God, Jivatma are all Brahmam and there is no second to it. Listening to all this,
SeshadriSwamigal said, Somehow I dont understand all this. To me Bhakthi is the most
important. I will prostrate to God, and he stood up and offered 15 prostrations to the peak of
Annamalai and then walked down from the mountain.
Pointing out to this incident, it cannot be said that SeshadriSwamigal did not have the
knowledge of Advaita or the experience of the self. Just like Maharishi, it is beyond doubt that
he also considered all forms living and inert, as a manifestation of Brahmam and remained
immersed in the bliss of Satchitananda.
A small incident clarifies this truth.
Walking along the Agraharam of Tiruvannamalai, SeshadriSwamigal suddenly stared intently at
a buffalo tethered there. A passerby asked What is Swami watching?. Am watching this
replied Seshadri. Is Swami watching this buffalo? he asked mockingly. Immediately Seshadri
asked another person standing there Can you tell me what this is? He said, this is a buffalo.
On hearing that, he said Is it a buffalo? Oh no..know it is Brahmam and walked off quickly.
Natanaanandhar, also known as NatesaMudaliar was a primary school teacher. He had come
to Tiruvannamalai in pursuit of knowledge.
He surrendered to Ramana Maharishi, but he didnt get the grace of the guru. He was not
blessed with the teachings that he desired. He was heartbroken when somebody told him,
First have a darshan of SeshadriSwamigal and seek his blessings.
He will never let anybody approach him. Will drive them away. If you get his blessings, then
you can consider that as an auspicious sign and then approach Ramanar.
After many days spent in searching, NatesaMudaliar finally went and met Swamigal and
expressed his desire.
SeshadriSwamigal on hearing that said, Child, why do you keep worrying? What is Gnaanam?
If you are able to remove whatever is Anityam(that which is not permanent) with the help of
your intellect, that which remains uneffaced is Gnaanam. It is madness to think that Gnaanam
can be obtained only in mountains or caves..dont be afraid, go and blessed him.
Only after this, was NatesaMudaliar blessed with the teachings by Ramanar.
SeshadriSwamigal showed a lot of concern and grace on Echammal who used to bring food to
Ramanar daily.
In the evenings, when Echammal used to come down from the mountain he would ask Has
food been given to Ramana Swamigal? If it got dark in the evening he would accompany that
lady till her house.
Once Echammal asked Swamigal about the Vedanta Mahavaakyaas. Seshadriswamigal lectured
to her for 4 hours on different aspects of Vedanta for the sole reason that she was a devotee of
Ramana.
Quite often SeshadriSwamigal used to indirectly hint that Arunachala, Ramanar and he were
one and the same.
Many have heard him saying, There are 3 sivalingams in Tiruvannamalai. One is the Arunachala
Mountain as Jyotirlinga, second is Ramana Swami, third Seshadri.
CHAPTER 14A ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

(Here is some additional information I gathered from Sri Arunachalam)
Sri SeshadriSwamigal would look as if he was mentally unbalanced. However, everybody
revered him as a great soul. Whatever he touched, flourished. Whatever he said came true.
He knew the past, present and the future. He would read our thoughts and tell us. Everybody
used to eagerly wait with great anticipation, with the thought, Will the mahaan not set foot
in our house?
Mahaan Seshadri, when walking through the market place, would suddenly enter a hotel. He
would scatter the eatables kept there. The owner would be very happy. His business that day
would be excellent.
He would enter a shop and open the till (box where cash is kept), and throw the cash outside.
The owner of the shop would prostrate in front of Mahaan. He would make a great profit that
day.
He would enter a cloth shop. The shopkeeper, would take pity on him and remove his old
clothes and give him a new dhothi. Next day, Swamigal would make it dirty or sometimes he
would remove his new dress and give it to a beggar.
Sometimes, he would tear them into strips and tie them on to the tail of a cow or donkey and
take pleasure and clap his hands laughing on seeing it run in fright. Sometimes, somebody
would catch him and make him sit.
Halfway through he would run. With a half shaven face, he would roam around oblivious to his
body as Parabrahmam.
Swamigals words came true. One day he entered freedom fighter TilakSastris house. He told
Sastris brother, Mani, you know mani, he will die within a week and left the house. Within
a week, Mani who was playing and healthy died.
Arunachalams father was in death bed and his health condition was very bad. He went and
prayed from the depths of his heart to the Mahaan. He said nothing.
Swamigal took two bananas lying there and said, take this, take this. Arunachalam took that
prasadam and offered to his father. Next minute the severity of his disease tempered down
and he recovered.
At any time, there would be a place ready for Swamigal to rest at Murugan Sannithi in
Arunachaleswarar temple, Anna Chathram (food choultry), Mutts of Sadhus, and in the
Verandah of Echchammals house. After roaming in many places he would come and sleep
somewhere.
If he wished he would eat, if not for many days he would not even turn towards it. He would
keep rotten fruits, and spoilt kuzhambu rice and eat them as if they were nectar whenever he
felt like it. The rotten smell from them would be disgusting to people sitting nearby.
Visits to all the places referred above as mentioned by Arunachalam where SeshadriSwamigal
used to rest, added to my virtues.
At the Anna Choultry, I asked an old Sadhu, Have you seen SeshadriSwamigal in person?
No, I have heard about him. Swamigal who used to stare at empty sky or the sun, one day
looking at the sky in the morning said, There! Vittobha is going, Vittobha is going. Nobody
understood anything. Two hours later news reached us from the Vittobha Ashram near Polur,
that Vittobha attained Samadhi. There is nothing the mahaan didnt know he said.
From the Anna Chathram, we went straight to Chinna Gurukals house in Sannidhi Street. It
was in the verandah of that house that SeshadriSwamigal attained Samadhi.
Shedding his mortal coil in which he roamed for 40 years, he left voluntarily. ChinnaGurukals
daughter-in-law, Parvathi was aged about 60 years. She remembered the incidents from 40
years ago with excellent clarity.
Swamigal used to come suddenly and go straight into the kitchen and if there was anything to
eat, he would take them and eat without seeking any permission from anybody. One day
evening he came into the house and drank the coffee kept for Gurukal and said If he comes,
tell him I drank it and left laughing like a child.
The verandah where Swamigal slept is not there anymore. Due to partition of the property,
that verandah was demolished, said Parvathi.
During his final days, Swamigals body was afflicted with fever. Devotees were themselves the
cause for this. Devotees had a desire to take a picture of Swamigal, shaved, bathed and well
dressed. One day they caught him and performed the Pattabishekam. When called to take
bath, Swamigal first refused.
Dont, I will catch fever he cautioned; in spite of it, they performed the abhishekam near the
well opposite ChinnaGurukals house. Water was also brought from the Sivagangai in the
temple. People performed Abhishekam to their hearts content to Swamigal who sat still like a
Sivalingam. Everybody considered that to be a moment of great sanctity in their lives.
After that, they dressed him in clothes, applied Vibhuthi, adorned him with Rudraksham and
made him sit in a chair in ChinnaGurukals house and took a photograph. ParvathiAmmal
searched the entire house to show that photo to us but couldnt find it.
As Swamigal said, the next day after abhishekam he was afflicted with fever. He however did
not seem to be bothered by it. He roamed the place without food despite the fever. His body
became weak and thin. His walk which was always as fast as the wind, slowed down. Finally he
came and sat in ChinnaGurukals house, lay down motionless and went into Yoga Nidra.
Parvathiammal, described Swamigals final days with tears in her eyes. Despite requests he
never consumed medicine, or water or food and remained motionless like a log. On seeing him
it seemed as if he was in Tapas and not like a person who suffered from disease. After his
Mahaasamaadhi, people who came from other towns and locally, cried.
Some rolled on the ground crying, with inconsolable grief. Some, unable to bear that shock
remained stunned. That day Gurukals house was shrouded in a pall of gloom. ParvathiAmmal,
described the confusion and chaos that prevailed after that as people competed with each other
in wanting to perform the final rites with honors fit for an emperor.
Sri SeshadriSwamigal attained Mukti at the age of 59. During the final rites, Sri Ramana
Maharishi was present there totally silent and remained there till the very end.
Sri SeshadriSwamigal was elder to Ramanar by 10 years. He had come to Arunachalam before
him. Despite the differences in age, their ways of life were the same when it came to Wisdom.
That is why devotees used to call Seshadri as PeriaSeshadri and Ramanar as ChinnaSeshadri.
Both these Seshadris made the world realize the greatness of Arunagirinathars Tiruppugazh.
**********
CHAPTER 15 SESHADRI AND VALLIMALAI SWAMIGAL

In the year 1870 Vallimalai Sachidananda Swamigal incarnated on earth. From the next year
after the birth of this great soul (1871), who was born by the grace of god to spread
Tiruppugazh across the world, a devotee of Lord Muruga, by name Sri Subramania Pillai
involved himself in the work of collecting all the Tiruppugazh songs.
Once, while serving Sri Ramanar on top of the hill, Bhagawan ordered VallimalaiSwamigal to
Go down. Swamigal could not comprehend this. Swamigal continued to sadly ponder but
without an answer, What mistake have I done? Why is Bhagawan ordering me to go? Then,
with due respect to Gurus orders, he came down from the mountain.
At the foothills, a bull was stirring up the slushy pond. Seshadri, who saw the omnipresent
Brahman even in a bull, was embracing it and absorbed in eternal bliss. Despite his body being
covered in slush and muck, the entire surrounding was engulfed in the wafting perfume of
sandal.
SeshadriSwamigal looked at VallimalaiSachidanandaswamigal, who had come down from the
mountain with a heavy heart as Ramana Bhagawan had told him to go down.
He
(SeshadriSwamigal) came running and embraced him. Sitting down, he made him sit on his lap.
The slush on him rubbed off on him as well. The sweet perfume permeated all around with a
multifold increase in intensity.
Sri SeshadriSwamigal, the Brahmagnani, who was aware of the trinity aspect of time,
immediately recognized the Swamigal who had incarnated to spread the nectar of Tiruppugazh
with bountiful munificence.
Sri SeshadriSwamigal accepted him, the future benevolent saint of Vallimalai as his disciple and
initiated him into the AatmathvamGirijamathi which is one of the 5 slokas composed and
rendered by Sri AdiSankara in the name of Sivamaanasa Baja.
Meaning of the Sloka:
O Lord, you are my Jivatma. My intellect is Parvathidevi. Prana and the other Vayus form part
of your paraphernalia. My body is the temple in which you reside. The matters that I enjoy and
the equanimity of mind that I experience are poojas that are duly offered to you.
My sleep is the state of Samadhi. Whenever I walk, I circumambulate you. All the words that
emanate from
my mouth are paeans of your glory (Stotras). All the work that I do, are my
propitiations to you.
Gurunathar blessed him saying, When no action is done with selfish interest, and if you lead a
life by offering all your thoughts, words and action to the one Supreme Being that created us,
the illusionary differences of I, Mine, You, Yours will vanish and you will attain the supreme
state of Brahma Tatva (the changeless, imperishable subjective essence).
Then looking at the disciple he said Your forefathers have also lived as Sanyasis. Your life as a
renunciate will attain eminence.Tiruppugazh is the great Manthiram (chant) for you and as
soon as he said this, SachidanandhaSwamigal, was overcome with emotion, and stood shivering,
his palms together in prayer.
Later, SeshadriSwamigal after explaining the subtle meaning of Sri AdiShankaras slokam asked
him, Are there songs in Tiruppugazh conveying the same meaning? Immediately, the disciple
sang the Tiruppugazh,
Enadhu Yaanum Veraagi, Evarum Yaadhum Yaanaagum, IdhayaPaavanaatheetham

Arulvaaye( Please grant me the mindset which will remove the thoughts of ME and
MINE from me
and think of every one and every thing as me)
and explained its
meaning also.
SeshadriSwamigal, who was not very conversant with Tiruppugazh songs said, I feel, compared
to Veda Mantras, subtle concepts have been explained in a much simpler way in Tiruppugazh.
You are born to spread Tiruppugazh. That mahamanthiram itself is enough. You dont need
any other mantras.
You dont need to learn the Veda Sastras. It is enough for you to keep chanting the Tiruppugazh.
You go to Vallimalai, later I will also come there, so saying he blessed Swamigal and sent him.
Arunagirinathar was born in Arunachala and he gave the Tiruppugazh to the world. Bhagwan
Ramana, who was an incarnation of Lord Muruga, sent Vallimalai Swamigal who was born with
the sole purpose of spreading Tiruppugazh, to SeshadriSwamigal who was a manifestation of
Parasakthi.
With an incomparable motherly kindness, SeshadriSwamigal took him in his fold, blessed him
with teachings and sent him to Vallimalai. Is there an end to the greatness of Arunachalam,
The permanent subjective truth, whose beginning and end are unfathomable? It continues.
Once, an old man came to the cave where VallimalaiSwamigal was staying and asked, Am
hungry, please give something to eat He drank the porridge that was kept in a vessel and went
away.
Swamigal sent a few disciples to find out the identity of that intriguing person who could drink
3 padis(1 padi approximately equal to 1.5 kgs in weight)in one breath. However despite their
best efforts they could not find him. He had just vanished. From the next day, he started
keeping food for the old man in the ashram.
A mongoose used to come regularly and eat the food kept for the old man. It was understood
only later that it was SeshadriSwamigal himself who was coming in the form of the mongoose
and eating the food.
It was habitual for SeshadriSwamigal who was wandering in Tiruvannamalai to spend most of
his time in the burial ground. The caretaker (groundskeeper who burns the bodies, digs graves)
there had great affection towards Swamigal. Swamigal also reciprocated the kindness.
If anybody in town gave him a new dress, he would bring that and give it to the caretaker and
leave wearing his rags.
When SeshadriSwamigal attained Mahasamaadhi, the caretaker was one among the thousands
of people who suffered inconsolable grief. Thinking of and yearning for Swamigal always, he
could not forget Swamigals radiant eyes, rejuvenating smile, and kind words.
One day SeshadriSwamigal appeared in his dream and affectionately embraced him. He assured
him with words of consolation saying, My son dont grieve thinking you are not able to see me.
Am in Vallimalai. Go there and I will give you darshan
The very next day the caretaker left for Vallimalai. He explained the reason for his visit to
Swamigal and others. He waited the whole morning for a darshan of SeshadriSwamigal.
In the evening he went to see the food being kept on a rock for the old man. At that time, a
mongoose reached the spot. People nearby sang the Tiruppugazh. The mongoose enjoyed the
food mixed with jaggeri and ate it.
The next second, the mongoose vanished and SeshadriSwamigal gave darshan to all who were
present there.
The caretaker intoxicated with devotional bliss started crying,
Sami..Samiwhy did you leave me alone and come here Sami? Shortly tears of joy flowed
from his eyes. He was thrilled with joy realising that Swami had invited him to Vallimalai and
given Darshan.
Once, VallaimalaiSwamigal went to Tiruvannamalai and sang Tiruppugazh in the presence of Sri
Ramana Maharishi. Then, he searched for SeshadriSwamigal, found him and spent some time
talking to him. Finally, he sought permission to leave for Vallimalai the next day.
At that time when SeshadriSwamigal said, Dey, even I will come to vallimalai, take me also with
you vallimalaiswamigals happiness knew no bounds. Suspecting that gurunathar had asked
him thus playfully he left and the next morning he went and affectionately asked Shall we go
to catch the train? Oh yes, I will come said SeshadriSwamigal and started with a spurt of
energy and enthusiasm. Guru and Disciple went to the station and sat in the train.
The train left. In a trice, SeshadriSwamigal jumped from the train. VallimalaiSwamigal was
disappointed. He felt sad that Gurunathar had suddenly changed his mind. Seshadriswamigal
said, Dey, dont feel sad, go I will come to Vallimalai and ran away laughing.
As soon as he reached Vallimalai Ashram, he performed Pooja for Mother Pongi (Valli) and when
he turned around he was shocked and stunned to see SeshadriSwamigal standing and
smiling..he fell at his feet chanting, Gurunatha, Prabho and got up.
Gurunathar was not to be seen, on the contrary he saw a squirrel there running happily.
Yogasiddhas have the incredible power to manifest in any form they choose even when they
are alive in human form. Only a few blessed people can have their darshan.
*************
CHAPTER 16 SRI KAMAKOTI SESHADRI SWAMIGAL NIVAS

While reading the history of Sri SeshadriSwamigal, the episode which described his vanishing
from the locked room thrilled me. A strong desire arose in me to have a darshan of that room
and house where he performed that divine supernatural act. I went to Kanchipuram and
enquired with many people. The location of that house was not known to anybody.
I enquired with all the elderly and aged people. It was, however of no use. A friend, pointed
to the house opposite Kollachatram and said It was said that this is where SeshadriSwamigals
family lived. I went inside and saw that house. Truly it was a very old house, but how to
confirm that SeshadriSwamigal lived in that house?
Straightaway, I went to KanchiPeriyavar. Where else could I go?
Gradually I started the conversation, I was not able to exactly locate the house where Sri
SeshadriSwamigal lived. If Periva knows..
Swamigal became pensive.
I asked, They refer to the house opposite, would it be that?
Shaking his head as if to say Cant be that, he was lost in thoughts again. (Later I came to
know that Sri NarasimhaJosiyar, brother of Sri SeshadriSwamigal lived in that house).
It is enough to ask Acharya Swami the question and wait patiently. Somehow the answer will
come .
That has been my belief from experience. I waited faithfully.
Slowly Swamigal started to talk, Behind Upanishad Brahma Mutt there are five or six small
houses. In one of those houses, a purohit named Ranganathar is living. He belongs to the
Ashtasahasra subsect. You go and ask him. He may probably know.
Kanchi Periva generally performs miracles only through such simple conversations. He will
merely give pointers and indicators. If we follow them and search patiently, we can see the
light of truth unveiling the darkness.
Due to some urgent work I had to leave Kanchipuram on the same day and hence could not
meet Sri Ranganathar on that day. I was able to meet him after two months only.
Sri Ranganathan asked, How did you manage to come in search of this poor man? When I
informed him that Swamigal had sent me to enquire him, his eyes turned moist.
He said It is his greatness, compassion and mercy that he has considered even me of some
value and sent you to me. It is only because of that Mahaan, that it still rains and overcome
with emotion and choked, remained speechless for some time. Only after I reminded him
again of the intention of my visit did Sri Ranganathar speak.
I am not sure about the house where Sri SeshadriSwamigal lived. I have heard from my elders
that it is in ChinnaKanchipuram in YaanaiKatti Street. It supposedly had a big garden and grove.
Beyond that he did not know anything. Thanking him, we left directly for Chinnakanchipuram.
We were informed that there was no such place or house in YaanaiKattiStreet. Despite that I
didnt lose hope.
The local resident Padmanabhan who accompanied me, took me to an elderly person named
Nallappaa Jeeyappangaar. His face shone with the wisdom of education and courtesy.
A great character, who was an epitome of hospitality and desirous of helping others. We asked
him about the topic we had come in search of. He, who was lying down, got up enthusiastically
and sat down . He told us also to sit.
The house which am referring to is at the east end of the south street. It has changed 4 hands.
Many years before one of my friends was living there. He informed me, the house in which
am living is the house where SeshadriSwamigal lived.
That is why I am so certain about this. Come, I will show you that house he invited us.
Without any further delay we went.
Pointing to a single storied house, Jeeyappangaar Swami said This is the house I was
mentioning. This is where my friend lived
We went to the house and knocked on the door. Since there were no elders other than 4 or 5
children we could not enquire further. We went and saw the backside of the house.
It was a dense coconut grove. Based on the indications given by Sri Ranganathar we concluded
that this must be the house. In spite of it, there was a lingering doubt. I was not fully satisfied.
Adjoining that single storied house, to its east there was a house with tiled roof (OttuVeedu). I
Had a doubt if that could be the house.
Next to that small house was a vacant plot. Next to that was a small verandah. An old man lay
curled on that verandah.
An old lady said, Ask him. He is also from here. He is aged more than 90 years, perhaps he
might be knowing..
We woke up the elderly person. He slowly got up and sat. It took him ten minutes to understand
us and our question.
Periyavare, do you remember who lived in this neighbouring house?
Which one? That one storied house? I built that house. That belongs to Panchaangakkaara
Iyer he said.
That elderly mans name was KrishnappaMudaliar; he worked as a mason.
Who lived in that house next to that?
Even in that house their relatives lived. The senior person in the family died.then they sold
the house and went somewhere
There was a person named Seshadri in this house, have you seen him?
The old man tried to jog his memory, but he could not recollect any names.
It seems he became a Sanyaasi at a young age, do you not remember.?
From somewhere like a spark, his memories slowly revived.
There was a boy, fair and lean..heleft the housethen the elders also died..others sold
the house, grove etc; and left.
After that I saw Iyer twice. He said he was living in PeriaKanchipuram. I didnt pay much heed.
My instincts were telling me that SeshadriSwamigal must have lived in that tiled house referred
by the elderly person, so we entered the house again.
The front door was slightly open. An elderly person was lying down just beyond the entrance.
We woke him up and said that we wanted to see the house. He immediately got up and let us
pass.
The front portion of that house was demolished and reconstructed. I peeked into the room on
the right side.
Was SeshadriSwamigal locked up in this room by his uncle Ramaswamy Josiyar? Did he vanish
mysteriously from this room, as I was lost in these thoughts I felt a shock as if hit by a jolt of
electricity.
We went inside. The second portion of the house was in ruins. There was a well in the opento-- sky area (Miththam).
Seeing the broken bricks and the peeled flakes of limestone paint, I felt that this house must
have been built a hundred years ago. The thought that Sri SeshadriSwamigal must have lived in
this house gained root in my mind.
The person there said, They are going to demolish these also and reconstruct.
I was shocked. I felt sad thinking that heritage sites are being demolished.
For us it is history to be revered, for them it is just a building.
After taking pictures of the ruins, I went directly to Kollachatram and reported to Swamigal all
that we saw and heard. Was it that house for sure? a streak of doubt was still bothering me.
Swamigal silently listened to all that I said with a smile on his face. Realizing my state of mind,
he said It should be that house and thus brought an end to all my doubts.
One night when staying at KollachatramSwamigal started a conversation by asking, Shall we
buy the house where SeshadriSwamigal lived? (Any grand scheme of Periyava starts in such a
humble way) and subsequently, based on the advice of Swamigal a committee was constituted.
We spoke to the owner of that house Sri Sivaprakasam. The house numbered 6 on South Street
changed hands to the committee. According to the blessed instruction of Swamigal,
GopalaDikshithars family started living there.
Homams were performed daily. A portrait of Sri SeshadriSwamigal was unveiled, the rear side
of the house was reconstructed and rooms were built for elderly people to stay.
As per the advice of Swamigal, the procedures for the Aaradhanai in Margazhi month Navami
were laid down and that responsibility was given to Sri Dikshithars family.
The huge portrait of SeshadriSwamigal currently kept in the mandapam, is by courtesy of Sri
Arunachalams son-in-law who was performing poojas in the Tiruvannamalai Adhishtaanam.
Fortunately he had preserved the negative of the photo that he shot. When he was informed
that KanchiPeriyavar, desired to install a full size picture in the kanchipuram house, generally
being a strict and intractable person, he volunteered to enlarge and frame the picture and
accordingly on completion came to Chennai and handed it over to me and went.
After the portrait was installed, Mahaswamigal graced the house and stayed there for 3 days
thereby adding to the auspiciousness.
Later after a year, he ordained to perform Swamigalsjayanthi in the month of Thai on the day
of Hastha Nakshathram.
Arrangements were made to host music programs with Vocal, Violin, Veena and flute concerts.
Two years passed. Early morning when I went to Srimatam to submit the Jayanthi invitation,
and when I narrated the details of my visit to the Thyagaraja Aaradhana, Mahaswamigal
instructed to conduct Unjuvriththi as is performed in Tiruvaiyaaru.
Pointing out to Sethuraman who was standing there Perivaa instructed, He resembles
Thyagayya. Take him for Unjuvrithi. Start from this year itself.
I hesitated thinking, it is difficult to organize for a Bhajanai group at such short notice and he
graced by saying You go ahead of him chanting, Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Kamakshi, Jaya Jaya
JayaJaya Kamakoti, Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Seshadri in all the Maadaveedhis.
This is how the current UnjuvrithiBhajanai which is performed with the chanting of Jaya Jaya
was started.
Next in 1977, in the holy presence of MahaSwamigal, based on his advice, the rules and
regulations for the trust were drafted. Four people referred by Swamigal became the initial
trustees.
Subsequently, Periyavaa blessed stating that a Manimandapam be built in the ground where
the house was, and gave instructions and advice regarding how it had to be executed. The
necessary finances were organized. As planned, Manimandapam, Sanctum (Sannithi) and

Vimanam were completed to the fullest satisfaction.
It was named Sri Kamakoti Seshadri Swamigal Nivasam by MahaSwamigal himself.After the
completion of construction of the NivasaMandapam, in the year 1989 on 27th of January when
the
Jayanthi
function
was
inaugurated,
Bala
Perivaa
Sri
SankaraVijayendraSaraswathiSwamigal graced the occasion according to the instructions of

MahaSwamigal.
During the Jayanthi function the following year, Sri KamakotiPeedathipathi, Sri
JayendraSaraswathiSwamigal attended and graced the function.
Beyond doubt, the underlying reasons for devotees surging love, affection and devotion from
all parts of our holy country are the greatness of Sri SeshadriSwamigal to describe which mere
words are not enough and the devotion of KanchiMahaswamigal towards him and his grace.
I seek permission from all of you to let me describe the incident (already written) about the two
great saints of wisdom of the last century, which has left an indelible mark in my body and soul.
On receiving the full size picture of Sri SeshadriSwamigal, I took it to Thenambakkam to show
Sri Periyavar.
Sitting very close to the picture Periyavar looked at it very closely with great attention. Then,
as depicted in the picture, folding his legs, left hand on the chin and with a gentle smile adorning
his lips said, This is how Swamigal is sitting isnt it?
For a second I couldnt observe any difference between Sri SeshadriSwamigal and Periyavaal.
Having had a darshan of this rare sight, I was moved and ecstatic at the same time, and
prostrated to both of them simultaneously and got up.
Later one day, while explaining SeshadriSwamigals state of the Ultimate Being, Kanchiperiyavar
asked me a question which resulted in my unceasing and steadfast devotion towards Swamigal:
Dey..Will I become like SeshadriSwamigal? Will that state come to me?
My eyes moist, I just stood there speechless.
*****************
Sri Kamakoti Seshadri Swamigal a tribute to the holy feet of Sri Kanchi Maha Periva.
*****************
Above photo: Sri Maha Periva & Sri Seshadri Swamigal

Sri Seshadri Swamigal

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E-Book from Kanchi Periva Forum

The Essence of Hindu Tradition and Culture

translated by Sri Sridhar Thiagarajan

Translated by Sri. Sridhar Thiagarajan

Volume 47 - Special Edition

Sri Kanchi Maha Periva Thiruvadigal Saranam

Jaya Jaya Shankara, Hara Hara Shankara!

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Note: Above painting is done by our Sri Narayanan Bala (anusham163)

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CHAPTER 2 GOLDEN HAND

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CHAPTER 3 NAVANEETHA KRISHNAN

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CHAPTER 4 FATHERS DEMISE

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CHAPTER 5 MOTHERS DEMISE

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Being born in Tiruvarur bestows Mukthi

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CHAPTER 6 MIRACLE CHILD

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CHAPTER 7 MARRIAGE TALKS

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Such restrictions do not apply to me. Sastrigal got angry and

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He had offered himself in the services of

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CHAPTER 9 THE MYSTERY OF VANISHING

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CHAPTER 10 JOURNEY BEGINS