The Wisdom of The Saints: by Shri P. R. Gopalakrishna Iyer (Pasumalai Swami)

THE WISDOM OF THE SAINTS
by Shri P. R. Gopalakrishna Iyer (Pasumalai Swami)
Published on Shri P.R.G’s 17th year since Mahasamadhi calling to the date of September 1, 1980
Translated, revised, and expanded on March 20, 2020
In memory of Shri R. Vaidyanatha Iyer who was deeply influenced by Shri P.R. Gopalakrishna
Iyer and attained the lotus feet of his Guru, Shri Lalithananda Saraswathi at Pasumalai in
November 1999
FAMILY TREE
Tree showing partial details of P.R.G’s ancestors and family members. The names of the three
children born to Rajam Iyer and Mangalam are not known. In the line of P.R.G’s brother, a daughter
whose pet name was Kinga was born to Shesha Iyer and his first wife who passed away early.
Four other daughters were born to Shesha Iyer and Jayalakshmi. Ordered from the eldest to the
youngest, they are Mayee, Papa, Chellam, and Dolly. These were their pet names. Papa’s real
name was Savitri, the grandmother of the translator.
3
Contents
Prologue 4
I The Saints Whom I have Seen 6
Foreword by Shri. P. Ramakrishna Iyer 7
Foreword by Shri. Pon Paramaguru 7
Preface 8
1 Biography of the Author 12
2 The Saints I have Seen 24
3 Brief Biographies of some of Saints that Shri P.R.G met 41
II About My Guru 42
Foreword 43
4 Introduction 45
5 The Saint of Pasumalai 48
III Reminiscences about the Author 51
6 My Will 52
7 Gandhiji 53
8 God’s Good Man 55
9 My Father Shri Swamiji 57
Epilogue 65
4
Prologue
How I started writing
5
Part I
The Saints Whom I have Seen
6
Foreword by Shri. P. Ramakrishna Iyer
From the time of Alexander the Great, the Gñānis (knowledgable saintly people) of India
have fascinated seekers of religious knowledge who came to India from various parts of the world.
Many will recall how Paul Brunton who came to India in the first half of this century; seeking for its
holy men was led to the Sage of Kanchi and to Shri Ramana Maharishi. We have Paul Brunton’s
account of the holy men he met in India in his book ”Search in Secret India” which became a best
seller.
But India herself has produced from her enlightened sons men who devoted the greater
part of their lives to the same quest. In the following pages Shri P.R. Gopalakrishna Iyer, has given
a fascinating account in simple language, of holy men he came across in the lands and by-lands
of South India. The area covered by his experience stretches from Ganjam in the north to Tuticorin
in the south. In his official life he worked in the Indian Salt and Customs Department retiring as
Assistant Commissioner, and this gave him an invaluable opportunity to travel.
But opportunity for travel and curiosity to meet and talk to Gñānis do not exhaust the equip-
ment needed to find out the genuine saint from pseudo ones who may turn out to be charlatans
in disguise. The seeker should himself have deep insight, born out of piety and faith, aquired
through spiritual discipline. These essential requisites Shri Gopalakrishnan possessed in abun-
dant measure. In the long galaxy of holy men whom he met and whose interviews he seems to
have recorded then and there in the form of a diary, there is much that is real gold, and practically
very little that can be called tinsel.
Among the holy men he met must be mentioned a personage of outstanding spiritual stature
whom inlater life Shri Gopalakrishnan seems to have adopted as his spiritual preceptor ”Swami
Lalithnanda Saraswathi”. Swami Lalithananda’s Samadhi is situated at the foot of the Pasumalai
hills in Sengi taluka, and close by is also the samadhi of Shri P.R. Gopalakrishnan.
I will close this reference by mentioning an incident at Tuticorin, to a Moslem Saint whom
he met at that place, the autor seems to have referred to his limited knowledge of the sacred texts,
and lack of opportunity to perform poojas. The holy man replied: ”There are some people who
speak like a Gñāni but there are also others who live like Gñānis.” There is a great deal in this
work from which one can infer that the author during his life lived the life of a true Gñāni.
A word must be mentioned about the person who has taken great pains to rescue the
manuscript of this work from the family archives where it laid unnoticed all these years. He is my
good friend Shri D.S. Sivaramakrishnan who was a devotee both of Swami Lalithananda and Shri
Gopalakrishnan. He has undertaken this work as a labour of love and devotion, and his effort to
get the manuscript printed and published deserves warm commendations.
Shri. P. Ramakrishna Iyer

(Retired ICS)
7
Foreword by Shri Pon Paramaguru
A mother clothes, feeds, and teaches the ways of living to the child. A father shows the child
the direction to the school to help gain good knowledge. A teacher opens the world of knowledge to
the child helping him/her a good citizen who can survive and contribute meaningfully to this world.
However, only the all-knowing Saints Gñānis who have obtained the grace of God can guide men
to both betterment in this life and reveal the secret knowledge to attain the feet of the Lord in the
end. The Saints, who are God’s branches in this world, save men who are being washed away by
the great flood of material life by guiding them to the safe shores of the worldly river. As the rivers
channelize the waters that originate in the mountains to the safety of the oceans, the Saints and
Siddhas channelize the thoughts in men towards taking the shelter of God.
Who is a Siddha? Is a difficult question to answer. Swami Kārasiddha states the character-
istics of a Siddha.
Siddhi is not a magic trick or some accomplishment or a dark art or a scientific theory.
Siddhi means to become one with God. The one who becomes the living force (jeevan) by attaining
God is a Siddha, a Siddha!
Lord Shiva becoming Shiva is Siddhi. A person who understands himself, due to which he
understands God is a Siddha. They understand that this body has formed due to the good and
bad activities and have overcome death by remaining in constant bliss of God-consciousness. The
Siddhas do not get disturbed by the sufferings of this body, knowing the reasons behind them, and
remain firm in their consciousness.
The sound is the seminal force. Researching this seminal force leads one to understand
the root-cause of that force (Moolam in Tamil). The one who knows the root is called a Munivar.
The one who transcends the root is a Gñāni. The one who knows the basis of the root-cause is a
Siddha. They have are not different from the supreme.
Shri Gopalakrishna Iyer has written about several such Gñānis (Saints), descendants of
the ancient divine culture, whom he has personally met and about some whom he has heard from
his forefathers in this book entitled, The Saints Whom I have Seen. He has given his humble
reasoning behind taking up this task as, ”In the current difficult times, many do not believe in the
existence of God. Hence, it is difficult to fathom the existence of God’s representatives, the Saints.
However, I feel the strong urge to tell my grand children about the Saints whom I have met to
enlighten their lives.” With this humble desire he has written this book with great love and devotion
so that we may all read and derive benefit from it.
Pon. Paramaguru
MA, BL, IPS
Inspector General of Police
8
Preface
Obeisances to the true Gurus of the World
In 1939, I was working as a revenue collector in a small village named Melolakkur located
in the Gingi (Sengi) Taluka of South Arcot district. On outskirts of that village, on the foothills of a
small mount named Pasumalai (evergreen hills), I met a great Saint, Shri Lalithananda Saraswathi
Swamigal. In a short time I became close to him. Many suggested that he is an enlightened
person, but because I could not really understand him I lacked the conviction in accepting his as
my perceptor and used to wonder whether I will make any spiritual progress. I was trying to find
out more about Swami Lalithananda, when on Thaipoosam day in January 1940, I saw a wise
man of golden complexion and his aging mother get down from a car at the foot of the Pasumalai
hill. People told me that he is Shri P. R. Gopalakrishna Iyer, the assistant commissioner of the
Salt and Customs Department. I met Shri Gopalakrishna Iyer after he had spoken briefly with
Swami Lalithananda. As soon as we made our acquaintances, he spoke about the greatness of
the Swami and cleared all the doubts that I had about his personality and informed me that the
Swami looks upon me with kindness. After that incident, I became an ardent disciple of the Swami
and started making progress in my spiritual life. Only because of Shri Gopalakrishna Iyer, my
devotion towards Swami Lalithananda increased and became firm until his Mahasamadhi in 1951.
After this event, Shri Gopalakrishna Iyer became the refugee for all devotees of the great
Swami including myself. He consoled several devotees who were in shock following the sudden
disappearance of Shri Lalithananda Swamigal. He also ensured that a proper temple is built at
the place of the samadhi and daily ritualistic worship to the late Guru is conducted properly. In
doing so, Shri Gopalakrishna Iyer provided the devotees a chance to serve their Guru and obtain
his grace. He also personally guided several devotees, including me and my family. Right from the
time we met at Pasumalai, he continued to enquire about my family’s welfare and guided me in my
spiritual quest. Shri Gopalakrishna Iyer’s Mahasamadhi in 1963, caused me unbearable pain and
sadness. From 1939 till 1963, for a period of 24 years, I always took his guidance on all matters.
Especially during the latter 12 year period (1951—1963), he was my sole guide. His loss left a
great void in my heart, where he has found a permanent place. Following his disappearance in
1963 in Pasumalai, his body was interred close to Shri Lalaithananda Swami’s samadhi, a simple
shrine was built and daily pooja is carried out under the guidance of ”Shri Lalithananda” Bhakta
Samajam, started by a congregation of the Swami’s devotees.
People in the states of Andra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu may have heard about Shri Lalith-
ananda Swami who also had several devotees in these states. There have also been a few pub-
lications in local languages in these regions that provide information about him. However, not
many know about Shri P. R. Gopalakrishna Iyer even within Tamil Nadu. Hence, I had a desire
to write about his life for the past several years, but could not do so because I was not able to
put in words the spiritual depth of Shri Gopalakrishna Iyer. I wanted to understand his devotion
towards our Guru and the purports of several ancient texts on palm-leaf scrolls that he preserved,
but could not find the opportunity to do so. During this time, a few years ago, his family mem-
9
bers came across a booklet written by him for his grand children, titled Nān Kand.a Gñānigal. (The
Saints whom I have seen), and gave the same to me. In that he had written about 40 or so Saints
whom he had met during his life. However, it contained only brief excerpts about the lives of those
exceptional Saints. Hence, I felt that printing the booklet as it is, without gathering more details
about their lives, would not be of much use.
These events occurred when I was residing in Tapovanam at Shri Gñānānandagiri Swami-
gal’s Ashram. After Shri Gopalakrishna Iyer’s disappearance, I was deeply influenced by this great
saint and upon his order had shifted my residence permanently to Tapovanam. However, Swami
Gñānānanda also attained liberation in January 1974. A few days after this event, Yogi Ram Surat
Kumar, who resides in Tiruvannamalai and visits Tapovanam often, asked me to read from Shri
Gopalakrishna Iyer’s booklet. After hearing for some time, he asked me to print this book at the
earliest for the benefit of the people. He also asked me to carefully preserve the original copy.
After this, I put in efforts to get this book published. I also decided to add details about Shri
Gopalakrishna Iyer’s life to the publication and requested for the same from his family members.
Important among these materials were his autobiography, which he had written for his grand
children in English. This was an interesting read, but did not give a rounded picture of his life in
a chronological order. In his autobiography, he has written about events connected with his life,
which on careful analysis reveal his humble and divine characteristics and the travails he would
have gone through. Hence, with the permission of his family members, I have written about the
most important events from his autobiography. I have also written about some events from my
personal interaction with him that I felt would be useful to the readers. In addition, two English
manuscripts that Shri S.S.T. Chari and Shri P.R. Subramaniam (who writes with the pen name
of Subbu) gave me, proved extremely useful in presenting a rounded picture of PRG’s (as Shri
Gopalakrishna Iyer is referred to in those manuscripts). To the readers of this publication, I wish
to state that I am not a professional writer. Hence, there may be sections of this work that contain
grammatical errors or lack of proper usage of the underlying language. I request the readers to
take the essence that will be of use to them and tolerate such errors.
I am grateful to the family of Shri PRG for giving the manuscripts that they held and giving
complete support to ensure that this work is published. I am deeply indebted to Shri PRG’s
daughter Shrimati Pankajam Sivaraman and her son (PRG’s grandson) Shri Ramachandran for
their support of this project. I also thank Shri S.S.T. Chari and Shri P.R. Subramaniam who gave
me their manuscripts on Shri PRG’s life.
A Gñāni’s (a knowledgeable saintly person) greatness can only be completely measured
by another Gñāni. People who have descended from Gñānis will naturally follow a Gñāni. Shri
Pon Paramaguru, who is the son of Shri Ponnaiyya Swamigal of Tirunelveli, is one such person.
He read this manuscript with eagerness over many days and was aptly qualified to compose a
Foreword, which he did taking time out from his busy schedule. I thank him from the bottom of my
heart for his contribution towards this publication.
This publication would not have seen the light of day without the monetary support of Shri
A.R.P.N. Rajamanikkam. I heartily thank him for this timely help, which I would never forget. In
addition, I thank the many people involved in ensuring that this work was published in a timely and
10
orderly fashion. Especially, I thank the great Yogi Shri. Ram Surat Kumar of Tiruvannamalai with
devotion in my heart. I also thank the workers of Shivakami Nadar press and their manager Shri
S.S.D. Shanmugam from the bottom of my heart.
If those who read this get something that will enrich their spiritual lives, I would feel that
the purpose of this publication has been achieved. In any case, I was inspired to bring out this
publication by the order of a great soul. Hence, I pray and have faith that the blessings of two
great souls, Shri Lalithananda Saraswathi and Shri Gopalakrishna Iyer, will shower on the people
who read and think about the spiritual imports of this work. I humbly bow down to the divine order
by which I was inspired to take up this task, to the many devotees of Swami Lalithananda, and
offer this publication at the feet of the great Saint who started it all, Yogi Ram Surat Kumar of
Tiruvannamalai.
Servant of the servants,

Lalithananda Dasan
(Shri D.S. Shivaramakrishnan)
Shri. Gñānānanda Tapovanam
15 July 1980
11
Chapter 1
Biography of the Author

Typically a person’s biography is written to convey the excellence he or she achieved in a

particular sphere of life. This sphere may be in the field of arts, about his or her character, about
wealth, world renown, politics, or divinity. It may also be about his or her collective accomplish-
ments in several of these spheres of activity. Among these spheres of activity, Shri Gopalakrishna
Iyer who is lovingly remembered as P.R.G. fits the narrative of a divine, spiritual, and truly pious
person. In my first meeting with him I was granted a glimpse of his spiritual nature and his guid-
ance on spiritual matters continued throughout our acquaintance. Hence, I decided to publish the
manuscript that he had compiled and left behind, titled, ”The saints whom I have seen” with the
intent of helping the readers of the work benefit from his spiritual insights. However, I wanted
the publication to also contain a biography of the man himself. Based on the materials that were
collected, this chapter has been compiled.
This biography has also been compiled from many of his own writings regarding his life. He
has written about his life in a humble manner using third person to refer to himself making it difficult
for a casual reader to understand. However, if a reader carefully scruitinizes the content, he will
readily appreciate the inborn divinity and a spiritual hunger that has driven Shri P.R.G throughout
his life. His spiritual quest started at a young age and continued through his married life, which
he took up in a sage-like manner to perform his essential duties. Later on he took up a hermit’s
life and guided people both in awakening their minds towards god consciousness and in tackling
the problems of life. We believe that his biography will be of use to at least some of the people
interested in spiritual matters.
His Ancestors
At the beginning of the 19th century in Udaiyarpalayam of Tiruchinapally district there was
a lawyer named Shri Krishna Iyer. Apart from being a brilliant lawyer, he was a person who cared
for people, conducted himself with grace, and was deeply spiritual. During the period when Shri
Krishna Iyer’s father was a temple trustee of the erstwhile Zamindar of Udaiyarpalayam, the Kanchi
Kamakoti Peetham had to be shifted because of constant warfare with Muslims. Shri Krishna Iyer’s
father made arrangements for the stay and daily upkeep of the presiding Shankaracharya of Shri
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham1 at Udaiyarpalayam. It has come to our knowledge that successive
Shankaracharyas of Kanchi had contacts with this family over subsequent generations. At a later
1
The Kamakoti Mutt’s records state that the shift occurred during the Carnatic wars (First, 1746—48 and Second,
1749—54) and after temporarily living in several places including Udayarpalayam, they moved to Tanjavur around
1760, and then permanently settling in Kumbakonam. The Mutt records also state that the 62rd Shankaracharya,
Chandrashekharendra Saraswathi V (1746—1783) made the move. Furthermore, the Brindavanam’s of the 62nd ,
12
date, the Shankaracharya moved to Tanjavur (Tanjore) and subsequently to Kumbakonam, where
a branch of the Kanchi Matham was established and continues to function to this day.
Shri Krishna Iyer lived his life performing his spiritual and material duties unfailingly with
proper discipline and gained esteem among the people of Udaiyarpalayam. His grandson, Shri
P.R.G2 has written about two incidents from Shri Krishna Iyer’s life in his autobiography. Shri
Krishna Iyer was known for his practice of finishing his daily court-related work by evening and
returning home on time to perform the evening Sandhyavandanam3 . Despite this well-known
behaviour, once a Muslim judge began the hearing of a case for which Shri Krishna Iyer was an
attorney at 5:30 pm and passed a judgement of ”Exparte” in his absence. On learning this Shri
Krishna Iyer did not react, but the next day the judge confronted him and criticized his act as
”Professional Default”. After patiently listening to the judge’s argument, Shri Krishna Iyer, with the
judge’s permission, asked him a question: ”Sir, as per the Koran, if you neglect your prayers to
Allah at the prescribed times of the day, would you be considered to be a true Muslim by the people
of your faith?” The judge, realizing his mistake, begged forgiveness and from then on ensured that
cases represented by Shri Krishna Iyer are not taken up beyond 5:00 pm. He also scrapped his
previous judgement on the ongoing case.
Shri Krishna Iyer had a sister who was blind from birth. One day a young man who was
under monetary distress came to his house asking for help. Krishna Iyer looked at him and asked
whether he would be willing to marry his good-charactered blind sister. The young man agreed
to the proposal. The marriage was conducted and Krishna Iyer made the man his assistant in his
law firm. The man and Krishna Iyer’s sister stayed along with Krishna Iyer’s family. Krishna Iyer
bequeathed his law firm to his brother-in-law at a later date.
Krishna Iyer continued helping many people through his life. His son Rajam was 8 months
old, when he was on his death bed. Learning about Krishna Iyer’s condition, their family priest
Sundara Vadiyar came to see him. At that time, knowing that Sundara Vadiyar’s wife was pregnant,
Krishna Iyer requested Sundara Vadiyar that if a girl were to be born to the couple then he should
give her to Rajam in marriage. Sundara Vadiyar readily accepted this proposal and gave his word
to Krishna Iyer, who then passed away peacefully. Indeed, a girl was born to Sundara Vadiyar
and given the name Abhirami. The years passed and Abhirami attained marriageable age. Her
mother began searching for prospective grooms ignoring the promise that Sundara Vadiyar had
made. However, Sundara Vadiyar was a man of his word. He persuaded his wife to give up the
search, made all arrangements, and duly conducted the wedding of Abhirami and Rajam.
Following the marriage, the newlywed couple, Shri P.K. Rajam Iyer and Srimati Abhirami
Ammal, lead an exemplary life. Rajam started his professional career at a small post and rose up
to be the Teheshildar of Tiruchinapally district. He never failed in his duties, was straight-forward
and honest in all his dealings, and had great devotion towards god. He earned the respect and
complete trust of his superiors by his dedication and honest work ethic. He lived a long and
63rd , and 64th Shankaracharyas (spanning a time period of 1746 to 1851) are located at the Kumbakonam Mutt. It is
unlikely that Krishna Iyer’s father was even born during this period and hence we can only conclude that some ancestor
of Krishna Iyer helped the Acharya.
2
Shri P.R.G’s fullname was Peramballur Rajam Gopalakrishnan.
3
Evening prayers that every Brahmin must perform.
13
happy life and attained a ripe old age. During the period of the Sarita Kumbabhishekam4 , he dis-
played his ability as an able administrator and a true devotee by ensuring that the Peethaadipathis
(Shankaracharyas) of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham5 and the Shringeri Sharada Peetham6 , who
were on their respective Digvijaya tours7 , were provided the proper materials for the correct con-
duct of the rights and rituals. He also ensured that the Acharyas were honoured and provided
all rights during their tours. These services earned him respect from the people and a shower of
blessings from both Acharyas. The Kanchi Acharya was aware of his ancestorsâĂŹ services to
the Peetham and showered his mercy on Rajam Iyer for his able services.
The fourth child of this proud couple (Shri Rajam Iyer and Abhirami Ammayaar) was Shri
Gopalakrishna Iyer, who was lovingly called as P.R.G. in later life.
Early Years
Following the birth of one son, the family had lost two of their sons as babies. Hence,
the fourth son was placed on a garbage heap (Kuppai in Tamil) and named Kuppusami to ward
of evil. Because Abhirami Ammal continued to be bed ridden following Kuppusami’s birth, he
could not be breast-fed. The child received blessings from a saintly person and Sundara Vadiyar
(Abhirami Ammal’s father) predicted he would become a person with a spark of divinity in him. In
his autobiography, Shri P.R.G humorously notes that because Sundara Vadiyar used to playfully
call him as Kupp-aandi8 , he never owned anything in his later life. He further writes that when he
turned 11, his mother, who loved her son dearly, expired. His anguish at this sad event can be
guaged from his writing: ”My mother loved me dearly, but I was mischievous, always took her for
granted, and played pranks with her due to my love for her. Her sudden loss felt as if a goddess
has left me alone.” He realized later that the most joyful occasions of his life only occurred due to
her presence.
After Abhirami’s demise, Rajam Iyer took full charge of both his children. He loved his sons
and taught them the way to live in the world with dignity, devotion to god, and good characteristics.
Apart from these, Kuppusami internalized the habit of always speaking the truth with an obsession.
Following Rajam Iyer’s second marriage, Kuppusami had to face certain difficult situations with his
step-mother. Seeing his son handle these situations with courage and conviction espoused praise
and love from his father. His unrelenting services to his father when he had taken seriously ill
further endeared him to his father. The second time that this happened, despite the efforts of
Gopalakrishnan and others, his father passed away. This event made Gopalakrishnan re-think,
due to deep feelings of love, that his efforts were lacking and that is the reason why his father had
passed away. Shri Gopalakrishnan writes that, ”In his entire life, my father followed the principles
of devotion to god, performing good actions, working hard, and honesty. Due to his devotional
4
A meeting of thousands of devotees and saints of many different mutts of Hinduism at a sacred confluence.
5
Shri Chandrashekharendra Saraswathi VIII (1908—1994) was the 68th Acharya of the Kanchi Peetham.
6
Shri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati (1879—1912) was the 33nd Acharya of the Sharada Peetham.
7
Shankaracharyas and other saints used to regularly traverse the Indian subcontinent on foot, meeting people, having
philosophical discourses in holy places, blessing the common folk, understanding the problems of the country, and
trying to mitigate those problems by providing social practicable solutions. These tours were termed the Digvijaya, or
victory tours, because they helped in establishing righteousness in society.
8
Kuppu from his pet name Kuppusami and Aandi meaning one who owns nothing.
14
nature, he took me along to visit several true saints (Gñānis) and himself led a saintly life.”
Schooling
His upanayanam9 ceremony was performed at the age of 11 and the name given to him
at that time was Gopalakrishnan. In his school also, his name was changed from Kuppusami to
Gopalakrishnan. He excelled in his studies and in later life remembered his teachers and school
friends fondly. After schooling, he went on to complete his BA degree and enrolled in Madras10 for
degrees in MA and Law. However, after his father’s death he had to stop further studies and take
up a job due to familial responsibilities.
Family
Shri Gopalakrishna Iyer was married before his father’s death. His wife was Srimati Sub-
bulakshmi, the daughter of Shri Sunderam Iyer and Srimati Kamakshi Ammal. Sunderam Iyer
was in the service at the royal court of Tiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Kamakshi Ammal was the
daughter of Shri Nilkantha Iyer, a famous lawyer from Tiruvaiyaru11 , well-known for his generos-
ity. Subbulakshmi was intelligent, well-educated, knowledgeable, and of exemplary character; an
ideal match for Gopalakrishnan. Subbulakshmi was a devotee of Lord Krishna and, as the years
progressed, her devotion turned into a deep loving devotion to the Lord. Srimati Pankajam Ammal,
in her beautiful description of her parents lives, writes that Shri P.R.G and Subbulakshmi Ammal
lived a contented and cheerful life with devotion. Both were also patriotic and actively supported
the Non-cooperation movement that was begun by Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle.
In fact, we learn that Subbulakshmi was even more devoted to this struggle than P.R.G himself12 .
They complemented each other in several areas of life and hence were able to live happily for
a few years. However, Subbulakshmi Ammal had to bear the loss of two of her sons born after
Pankajam. These events affected her mental equilibrium, leading to depression, which further led
to several diseases afflicting her body. The lose of her babies led her to consider the statue of baby
Krishna as her baby and she loved him as a mother with full devotion. Gopalaksihna Iyer also was
deeply affected by these events and steadily turned towards spiritual matters, while continuing his
day to day life. In fact, he converted the loses in material life to a serious interest and subsequent
success in spiritual life. Despite both turning to deep devotion and spirituality, they continued to
perform their duties responsibly.
Shri P.R.G’s elder brother13 lost his first wife at an early stage and had remarried. His
brother had one daughter with his first wife and four daughters with his second wife14 . Following
his brother’s demise, P.R.G and Subbulakshmi Ammal had took care of his daughters. These put
9
Upa means God; the root word of the Hindi word Upper meaning above, nayanam refers to the eyes. Thus, Up-
anayanam means to turn our eyes towards God. An Acharya accepts the boy as his disciple and invests him with a
thread, deer skin, and a staff to begin teaching the Vedas. Presently, this ceremony has become a ritual for chanting
the Gayatri Mantra.
10
Presently called Chennai.
11
The native of Thyagaraja.
12
P.R.G did not openly act against the British government because he held the post of a commissioner in Salt and
Customs department. Hence, Subbulakshmi could not overtly pursue her passion for freedom.
13
Shri P.R. Shesha Iyer who was the father of my grandmother (Srimati Savitri)
14
Jayalakshmi, the mother of my grandmother
15
additional strain on the financial well-being of the family. However, P.R.G took these into his stride
and patiently worked through these difficulties with love and conviction towards his family. Apart
from this, he also helped others out of difficulty by providing monetary and other assistance. He
continued to fulfil his responsibilities throughout his life, proving that he was a true Karmayogi15
and a Gñānayogi16 , while remaining in family life.
Professional Career
When his father, Rajam Iyer, was present, Shri P.R.G taught history in A. A. M. High School
in Tindivanam for a few months. After his father’s demise, he was given the post of an Assistant
Inspector in the Salt & Customs Department. He retired after 31 years of honest service as an
Assistant Commissioner of the department. In his early career, a collector gave him the following
advice, ”If you want to serve with truth and honesty then you should act without expecting a raise
in salary or any praise for the work that you do”17 .
This advice helped him greatly in his career. There were several occasions when his adher-
ence to truth and hard work created obstacles in his path. However, due to divine grace from god,
he was able to resolve these obstacles. Several of the officers in higher posts (including British
serving officers) and workers under him used to accept bribes. Him remaining truthful caused
problems to them and hence they were against him. A few higher officers were also appreciative
of his work ethics, especially because despite getting love or hate from others, he used to always
act in a humble manner. His adherence to truth and refusal to accept bribes, while also remaining
untouched by praise, helped him get over several obstacles at work. He attributes his success in
professional life to god’s grace. He was a living example of the often quoted fact that Truth is not
different from God.
Shri P.R.G was very gentle with the workers under him. Only if they committed some grave
error would he punish them and even then only as per prescribed procedure. At a personal level
he would go to them and ask forgiveness later. An incident narrated by his step brother Shri P.R.
Subramaniam18 shows how P.R.G dealt with workers under him. Once on a work-related tour to
Marakkanam19 salt works, P.R.G had taken his step brother and child Pankajam. There, while
P.R.G was away on some matter, Subramaniam took Pankajam along to see the salt pans. The
girl saw the salt glisten like crystals and lifted some in her hand, gave it to her Chitappa20 and
insisted on taking it back home. When exiting the place, the watchman did not allow them to
leave as taking salt from the pans was prohibited. Despite insisting that the child belonged to the
watchman’s master, he did not budge and they eventually had to leave the salt there and return
home. When Subramanian informed this to P.R.G, he assured action against the watchman and
pacified the child. However, P.R.G never punished the watchman. Later, on enquiry regarding the
incident by brother P.R. Shesha Iyer, it was known that not only did P.R.G not punish the watchman,
15
Performing one’s duties while constantly remembering god.
16
One who knows who is god and what is one’s relationship with him.
17
The same advice that Shri Krishna gave us through Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita
18
As mentioned before, Rajam Iyer married for a second time after his first wife Abhirami’s death. He had a son and
three daughters from his second wife Mangalam.
19
A coastal town in Villupuram district
20
Father’s younger brother
16
but appreciated his dedication to duty and gave him Rupees 25 as a prize for his strict adherence
to the rules.
He was courteous and kind with everyone in the general populace. In his autobiography,
he has written about some of his acquaintances, showering high praise on several of their charac-
teristics that he had noted. He has similarly written about many of his contemporaries, who were
freedom fighters or scholars in society.
Patriotism
P.R.G was patriotic and a supporter of the activities of the congress for gaining Indepen-
dence from the British. During the non-cooperation movement, started by Mahatma Gandhi, he
seriously considered resigning his job with the government and joining the cadres of the freedom
fighters. When he was considering these actions, a saintly person advised him with the following
words, ”Your duty towards society does not lie in joining the freedom struggle. The current job itself
will lead you to your noble goal.” Hence, he decided to continue his government service. However,
he continued to support the policies of Mahatma Gandhi and has written poems about him. The
readers can find some of his writings in a later chapter.
When some of his friends expressed doubts about Gandhi’s policy of removing untoucha-
bility, he demonstrated the easy manner in which he has been practising it. Seeing this his friends
were both surprised and delighted. Some of his friends would also call him as ”Chinna (Little)
Gandhi”.
Sports and Nature

He loved Tennis and created playing clubs in the places he was transferred as part of his
job. He used to play with his friends in these places and has also written an entertaining poem
about it. He also loved nature, and was kind to several species of animals and birds. From a young
age he reared a horse, cow, monkey, deer, zebra, peacock, myna, parrot, etc., and loved them.
Spirituality
Spirituality was his field of activity. From a very young age he had contacts with many
saintly people and maintained a beard from the age of 35. Later in his life, he had close contact
with the Paramacharya of Kanchi21 . He also performed sacrificial worship. From his actions we
can guess that spirituality occupied a huge space in his life and can see him as one who yearned
for god. For all practical purposes, he was a saint later in life, but never dressed in saffron, did not
have a hermitage, nor any disciples, or for that matter even an initiates name.
He continued to live with his wife, children, and grand children and also attained the feet
of god at his home. He served the government for 31 years. Hence, the question arises, was he
even a saint who has given up material hankerings? We can assert that the answer is indeed,
”Yes! he was one”. We notice that his saintly persona was covered by his familial responsibilities.
He had the main qualities of a saint, that of sacrifice and a deep knowledge of the soul. It was
21
The 68th Shankaracharya, Shri Chandrashekharendra Saraswathi VIII (1908—1994)
17
not easy for others to understand that his mind was dedicated towards sainthood for a large part
of his life, and opportunities for such observations were also rare. He knew that the aim of his life
was to be a saint (a fact that was also predicted), but bowing down to the life situations, he did not
shirk from his responsibilities towards his family, while mentally remaining detached as a saint. He
accepted his state of affairs as the fruits of his previous actions and was mentally at peace with it.
Just as he performed all the necessary duties required to run a family, he performed the duties of
practising worship, following rules and regulations ordained by the scriptures, and strictly followed
the path that elevates one’s inner self to God. As for dietary regulations, for a decade he survived
on boiled Elephant Yam (it Karuna Kizhangu in Tamil) with the juice of Citron fruit (it Narthangai in
Tamil) twice a day even during festivities. He survived on this even when he rode his horse to visit
work-related places. However, because he managed to perform his spiritual duties along with his
general duties, work-related duties, and freely moved around in society as a commoner, not many
could gauge his inner spiritual self.
Just as he had accepted his duties towards his family and unfailingly performed them, he
also knew that he can progress in his spirituality and also guide others in that direction, but he
never cared to advertise these traits. He left the spiritual journeys of others to their respective fates,
reasoning that these thoughts do not occur by chance and arise only from inborn self-enquiry.
Hence, his spiritual progress and the inner strength that it gave him remained hidden from society.
We learn that despite moving along as a commoner in society, among friends, and among family
members, his relationships with others on spiritual matters remained restricted to only a handful
of people. It is through those few people that his spiritual prowess has come to light. The chance
to see his spiritual prowess occurred only after the Mahasamadhi of Shri Lalithananda Saraswathi
at Pasumalai in 1951, when he consoled and supported the other devotees of the Swami.
The connection with Pasumalai

Pasumalai is a hillock in the outskirts of Melollakur village in the Sengi Taluka of South
Arcot district. Swami Shri Lalithananda Saraswathi resided at the foot of the hill for about 30 years
blessing the devotees who came to see him. He was originally from Andhra and hence many of
the devotees who visited him were also from that land. He also used to travel to Andhra often and
his family members used to visit him at Pasumali. They used to stay with him and conduct worship
and sacrifices, gaining his blessings. Shri Gopalakrishna Iyer too used to visit Pasumalai often
and speak with the Swami (He has written in-depth about the Swami in book, please read the later
chapters).
When the Swami attained Mahasamadhi in November 1951, Shri P.R.G consoled the shocked
devotees and said that they do not have to despair because the Swami will continue to guide them
in life. He also promised that he will render all necessary services in remembrance of the great
Sage. He then ensured the construction of a Samadhi temple, performance of regular worship
at the place, and also oversaw the correct conduct of the league of devotees (Bhakta Samajam).
Once, during the conduct of the regular worship at the Samadhi temple, Shri Lalithananda’s voice
could be heard by all the devotees who were present. The voice said, ”Do not think that Shri
P.R. Gopalakrishna Iyer is a commoner, he is a divine being. Hence, give him the same respect
that you give me and follow his orders the same way as you would mine. Do not think that his
18
orders are different from mine.” From then on some of the devotees showed greater respect and
devotion towards Shri P.R.G. This was the first instance, where the Swami from the shrine had
explicitly spoken about the divinity in Shri P.R.G to his devotees. These words gave renewed zeal
and energy to the spiritual progress of the devotees and the prospered under the guidance of Shri
P.R.G.
Shri P.R.G ensured that under his watch there were no fake devotees, or people conducting
improper worship at the shrine. His policy was that worship performed, while disregarding truth,
love, and duty, was improper. For instance, once a devotee who was close to Shri Lalithananda
Swami had come to the shrine to offer worship. As soon as P.R.G saw him, he refused him
entry to the temple. For a while the other devotees did not understand the reason for this refusal.
However, later on it was revealed that the devotee had come to the shrine to perform worship
disregarding his ailing mother at home. On other occasions too, P.R.G was vigilant and rightly
condemned improper worship. In several instances, he opposed the views of other devotees
with respect to worship without any logical reason. This was opposed by many devotees, but
they learnt later that Shri P.R.G was essentially in communion with Swami Lalithananda and was
simply following the orders that he received from his Guru in these matters. He did not worry
about whether people praise him or insult him and was only concerned about the welfare of all
devotees as per the directions of his Guru Shri Lalithananda. With this intent, Shri P.R.G tirelessly
worked to ensure that each devotee follows his spiritual path founded on the principles of right
action, love, firmness, and honesty. Thus, as a Guru, he showed them the right path to ensure
spiritual progress, increase in devotion to Swami Lalithananda, and also personally guided and
showered his grace on devotees. Although, a few devotees did not fully act as per his orders
despite considering him as their Guru, others who were able to see his divinity and qualities of a
true Guru began calling him as the second Pasumalai Swami. Indeed, from 1951 to 1963, Shri
P.R.G was the Pasumalai Swami and later many came to know about him from the descriptions
of the devotees who were guided by him. Until he attained his Guru’s feet in 1963, he acted as a
guide to all his devotees.
As per his wish in the ”Will” that he had prepared a decade ago, his body was transported
from his home at Chennai22 to Pasumalai and was placed in a Samadhi near the shrine of Shri
Lalithananda Saraswathi. Regular worship at his Samadhi is conducted by the league of devotees
to this day.
The Will
Shri P.R.G prepared a will in 1953, enclosed it in a cover and gave it to his son-in-law
Sivarama Iyer. We have reproduced the contents of that will below for the readers. It is written in
a strange manner. In it he writes referring to himself in third person.
There is nothing that this holds that requires a ”Will” except for this body. After death, please
take this body to the foot hill of Pasumalai and bury it without any ceremony or any tombstone to
indicate its presence there. Funds from the pension might be sufficient for this purpose. If not,
someone please pay for the fuel cost to take this body to Pasumalai and bury it.
22
45 Harrington Street, Chetpet, Chennai
19
Who else but a man with complete knowledge of god, a saint, can say or write such a Will?
It may be that because of his desire that until today the site remains without any protection against
the elements. All attempts at building a shrine or placing Lingam over the Samadhi site have failed.
These attempts have failed for no particular logically explainable reasons.
My Experiences
In total, Shri P.R. Gopalakrishna Iyer was born in a family that for three generations had
followed the principles of righteous duty (Dharma), was devotional, and had served the Acharyas
of their day. He was born to noble parents and from a very young age had constant association
with knowledgable saints and followed in their footsteps. At the same time, he continued to perform
his duties towards his family members and the society at large without ever expecting any benefits
for his work. He worked with honesty, with love towards fellow human beings, with an unfailing
dedication towards his duties, and helped others as well. Through all the ups and downs of life, he
also unfailingly practised the regulations required for progressing in spiritual life without expectation
of any material or spiritual benefit. Hence, it became a bounden duty of those who benefited from
his guidance and obtained both material and spiritual well-being to inform the world about the life
of this great saint following his departure. From among those devotees who have been benefited
by him, this insignificant one23 wishes to share some personal experiences with him.
I met Shri. Gopalakrishna Iyer on Thaipoosam24 day in January 1940 at the foot hill of Pa-
sumalai. At that time, I had met Swami Shri Lalithananda Saraswathi only for the past few months
and had not yet developed complete faith in him. I had not yet clarified my doubts about the Swami
back then. Some people suggested that Shri P.R.G, who knows the Swami well, maybe able to
clear my doubts. As destiny would have it, I got a chance to meet him on that day after he had met
the Swami. When I introduced my self, he said, ”The Swami had just been talking about you with
me. How did you happen to meet him? How did you learn about him?” and posed further enquiring
questions. I answered him saying, ”Having been appointed as the revenue inspector of this town,
I happened to meet the Swami by chance. However, I have several doubts about him.” To this,
he immediately asked and responded to all of my questions about the Swami. He also said that
the Swami is very powerful and will shower all blesssings on people who have faith in him. When
I asked if the Swami would help in improving my spiritual condition, he assured that the Swami
would, but also cautioned that there would be several obstacles in the spiritual advancement of
a devotee. After that, my faith in Swami Lalithananda increased, I became sincerely devoted to
him, and that benefited me. Whenever I had any doubts or obstacles in my spiritual progress, I
would consult Shri P.R.G and his answers satisfied me. Thus, I and my family members were able
to associate with Swami Lalithananda and benefit greatly by his blessings only because of Shri
P.R.G.
From 1940 to 1951 Shri P.R.G helped me and others understand the saint that was Shri
Lalithananda. His concept was that if the devotees do not understand the divinity in saints, they
may go astray even after getting his grace. He would advice us to remain guarded so that faith-
23
Shri D.S. Shivaramakrishna Iyer, the author of this biography referring to himself
24
A festive day in the Tamil Calendar marking the event when the goddess Parvathi gave the spear (Vel) to her six-faced
son Kartikeya and blessed him victory over the Demon king Surapadma
20
lessness does not creep in while we serve. He helped us until Shri Lalithananda’s Mahasamadhi
in 1951 and enabled all of us to gain the Guru’s grace. After this event, all the devotees performed
the regular worship of the Guru under his guidance and I do not have to repeat how important his
guidance was for me. After Shri Lalithananda, P.R.G guided us and our family members for our
own betterment. He guided me personally in matters both spiritual and others. Shri Lalithananda
and Shri Gopalakrishna Iyer have been embedded deep in my heart as two sides of the same
divine coin. Shri Lalithananda conquered my heart through his mercy. However, Shri Gopalakr-
ishna Iyer conquered my heart through giving spiritual as well as practical guidance to me and my
family. In the hundreds of letters that he sent me with love between 1954 and 1961, he advised
me regarding regulations for family life and rightful activities that have to be performed for the bet-
terment of the society at large. He has also provided strict guidelines regarding the regulations
that a person seeking spiritual knowledge must follow. Importantly, in his letters regarding spiritual
matters, that he sent before Shri Lalithananda’s Mahasamadhi and continued thereafter, he has
spoken about how to maintain complete faith in a Guru, how to be devoted, and how to meekly
follow the Guru’s orders without deviation. However, following 1951 his advice that covered all
spheres of life including spirituality proved extremely useful. Because I cannot share all of his
directives in this small publication, I will share some of his thoughts here.
1. One should not shriek his responsibilities to family or society just because he is a devotee
of God. For example, an employed man cannot focus on devotional activities disregarding
his work without applying for a leave or permission. However, if a person has completely
surrendered to a Guru who has gained complete knowledge and is devoted to God, then if
the Guru asks him to stay back, he should follow it without question even disregarding his
official work. This is only because surrender to a true Guru means laying your life itself at the
feet of the Guru. If a person has not yet completely surrendered, he should not leave work
for devotional activities.
2. Spirituality will not be of use for one who is not honest in life
3. Without fulfilling familial responsibilities one should not take up Sanyasa
4. One who stays in family life must be frugal. He must not spend more than what he earns.
5. A noble wife considers her husband to be her god. If a husband takes advantage of his
position (as god) and deliberately makes his wife suffer, then he would be considered a
criminal.
Specifically related to spirituality.
1. Knowledge alone is the means for man to attain his goal. However, not everyone can take
up this path (the yoga of knowledge) right away. Hence the path of devotion is essential.
2. Imbibing the remanent, while rejecting the substance of Vedas, scriptures, and ritualistic
worship is wrong. This practice has to be stopped.
21
3. While following the path of devotion, the number of rounds of chanting a mantra or the
duration for the same are not important. The mental state, faith, and single-minded focus,
while chanting the mantra alone are important.
He wrote about the proper manner in which Shri Lalithananda’s Aradhana (Guru Pooja) must
be performed:”For that duration, we should all focus and think only about worshipping him,
think of him alone in your mind.”
4. To progress in the path of devotion, one must worship only one statue (God), and chant only
one mantra. According to each individual’s propensity, the choice of the God and the mantra
to be followed must be decided by his or her Guru.
5. In the path of Upasana, the mantras that grant special powers to a devotee must, for no
reason, be misused.
6. A devotee who worships one God, and chants his mantra as directed by a Guru, must have
complete faith on his Guru, must be devoted to that Guru, and must not reject his speech for
any reason. Indeed he must follow the orders of his Guru and fulfill them unfailingly.
7. In one letter, Shri P.R.G stated that one who has obtained the grace of a Guru will be saved
from any danger by the power of that Guru. He also specified several regulations that relate
the Guru to his disciple in the spiritual domain. He strongly asserted that a disciple whose
actions harm the Guru does not even have the option of forgiveness.
Thus, for a period of 12 years he shared his thoughts with me, saving me from committing errors,
and guiding me in both material and spiritual domains. I know that I have not done any service to
deserve the mercy of both Shri Lalithananda and Shri P.R.G. Yet, because both were the embod-
iment of mercy, they showered it unboundedly on me and continue to do so. Indeed, because of
the spiritual practices that Shri P.R.G made me undergo, I was inclined to write about his life for
others benefit.
His manuscript ”The saints whom I have seen” granted me that opportunity and with great
eagerness I came forward to describe his life. His manuscript is indeed sufficient to know his
spiritual state. However, because he has written about it in a cryptic manner it is difficult for people
to understand. Even if he had desired to shed light on the hard to grasp spiritual topics, his mental
state still remains a mystery to most. For example, he wrote: As a mystic I know all, or a number
of names, in which my spirit was recognised agreeably to the original forms then borne by it. I
cannot speak of them indeed. Does this shed light on his secretive mental state or does it deepen
the mystery is difficult to ascertain. Nevertheless, even if he is a mysterious person, there is no
doubt regarding his divinity.
A few days after Shri P.R.G’s Mahasamadhi, in 1963-64, when I met the Kanchi Para-
macharya25 at Villupuram and related the events to him, he turned towards the people who were
assembled there to see him and said:”Kuppusami26 comes from a family that is dear to our Kanchi
25
Shri Chandrashekharendra Saraswathi VIII (1908—1994)
26
P.R.G’s pet name
22
Mutt, even though he served as a family man, he lived like a Paradeshi27 . His samadhi has been
placed at Pasumalai. It is said that he has seen Shri Sadashiva Brahmendra28 in four different
forms.” What other evidence is needed to learn about P.R.G’s divine status? Hence, it was felt
that a short biography about this great soul must be released in this publication. If more events
from his life come to light through his devotees, as per God’s will, then this brief biography may be
expanded into a book. Devotees can visit this great person’s Samadhi at Pasumalai but, because
it is a small shrine located near Shri Lalithananda’s Samadhi Temple, they need to enquire about
its whereabouts. We do not know when a proper shrine will be built for him. When such a time
arises, people can come forward to provide service in building that shrine. His aradhana (Guru
pooja) day falls on the Krishnanpaksha Saptami tithi in Avani29 . In the same month, when Krittika
(Pleiades star cluster) is on the ascendant during the waning moon, festivities and special pooja’s
are performed for Shri Murugan at his Temple located on top of the Pasumalai hill30 .
Despite not holding anything of value in this world, nor needing anything, and remaining in
a blissful condition, he wanted to leave his physical body at the sacred location in Pasumalai. We
close this biography by praying that all devotees receive the grace and blessings of these two great
souls (Shri Lalithananda and Shri Gopala Krishna Swami) along with Shri Murugan, and attain the
goal of their lives.
Hail! The radiance of P.R.G’s grace!

Hail! Shri Lalithananda’s devotees!!
Hail! The fame of Pasumalai’s Lord31 !!!
Servant of the servants

Shri Lalithananda Dasa
27
Para means other and deshi means country. Hence, the word means one who belongs to another country. The
country referred to here is God’s country. Every one of us is an original denizen of God’s country, but due to our
actions have taken birth as living beings on this planet. In that sense, we are all Paradeshi’s. The one who knows that
he is a Paradeshi in the true sense, is a saint.
28
Sadashiva Brahmendra was a great mystic from the 16th century and is well-known for his composition Manasa
Sancharare Brahmani... (Think of Brahman, Oh Mind!). He was a disciple of the 57th Shankaracharya of Kanchi,
Paramasivendra Saraswathi II (1539—1586) along with Atma Bodendra Saraswathi, who later became the 58th
Shankaracharya (1586—1638). He had a long life and lived as a Avadhuta Sanyasi, a naked saint. He was even
present during the times of Bhodendra Saraswathi (the 59th Shankaracharya whose samadhi is at Govindapuram
near Kumbakonam, 1638—1692) who was instrumental in the Namasankirtana movement (taking the holy names
of God, which in his case was Rama). One anecdote shows that Sadashiva Brahmendra was a supreme devotee.
Paramasivendra Saraswathi’s disciples saw him naked and roaming around like a madman and ridiculed him in front
of their Guru. At that time, Paramasivendra Saraswathi is known to have commented that, ”Blessed is the soul that
reaches this stage in life. Had I but the good fortune to reach this beatitude, which you mistake for madness, I would
even renounce the leadership of the Mutt and go as he goes now.” His Samadhis are located in Nerur (near Karur,
Tamil Nadu), Manamadurai (Tamil Nadu), Puri (Orrisa), Kashi (U.P.), and Karachi (Pakistan).
29
The 7th day of the waning moon in the Tamil month of Avani (mid August to mid September)
30
Murugan is Kartikeya because the six Krittika sisters took care of the baby.
31
Pasumalai’s lord is Shri Murugan
23
Chapter 2
The Saints I have Seen

Under the protection of my Guru’s feet
Here I will describe the saints whom I have personally met and those about whom I have heard
from my elders.
In the current difficult times, many do not believe in the existence of God. Hence, it is
difficult to fathom the existence of God’s representatives, the Saints. However, I feel the strong
urge to tell my grand children about the Saints whom I have met, to enlighten their lives. Although,
my father himself was a knowledgable saint, he did not spoken about these topics with me. My
brother is very intelligent, but he does not seem to have been introduced to these matters. Both of
them have seen and maintained contact with a few saints and were great devotees. I believe, it is
because of their influences on me, that I have become interested in these matters.
Soon after my birth, a wise old man came to meet my mother and father. He took me in his
hands and blessed me. I have heard about this incident from my mother. Later on, when I reached
schooling age, this elderly saint also has mentioned about this to me. I used to see this elderly
Swami often come and go wearing a saffron coloured silk loincloth. I remember that this saint
was addressed as Taanthonee Swamigal. I have also seen another saint named Samayavaram
Swamigal visit us a couple of times on a bullock cart.
After a few years my father moved to Tirunelveli. There, for the very first time, I saw the
Shringeri mutt’s famous saint Shri Narasimha Bharatiyar1 . Everyone know about him. I took
his blessings and sipped teertham2 that he gave me with a smile, which I have not forgotten. I
remember having met him once again before he attained liberation. On another occasion, when
I was staying in Sindhu Puram along with my mother and brother and studying in Hindu College,
I have seen a saint who was called by the name of Mooku Podi Shankaran3 . His nose was not
big. He does breath a small quantity of powder, like others, but takes in large portions of the
powder in one breath. As soon as he arrives, if one asks ”What does Shankaran need?” He
would immediately reply, ”Shankaran needs nose-powder!”4 . He would take the nose-powder and
previous day’s cooked rice from our house. In later years, I learnt from my friend that he was a
great saint. He used to come down to the town from the surrounding forest, garden, roads, or
paths. There people would give him rice or other food. Once, when a man gave him rice with
pickle, he said, ”Take the pickle away, I do not need it.” When the man asked the reason, he said,
”Did your wife not scold you saying, what is the need of pickle for a person who has nothing?” The
1
The 33rd Shankaracharya, Shri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati, of Shringeri Sharadha peetham
(1879—1912).
2
sanctified water
3
Mooku means nose, Podi means powder. Possibly this saint used to constantly breath in nose-powder.
4
Shri P.R.G is depicting his humorous side here and talking directly as a grandfather talks to his grand children
24
next day, during lunch time at the man’s home, when the wife opened the pickle jar, it was filled with
worms. My friend said, once when this saint was staying in the hilly region surrounding the town,
the Collector was out hunting. He noticed that this saint (Mooku Podi Shankaran) had broken a
few branches of a vengai tree5 and was eating it. Pitying his condition, the Collector asked about
him, stopped hunting, and with great respect served him rotis and continued the practice daily. I
happened to see him a couple other times at Tiruchirapuram. After my mother’s demise, I have
not seen this elderly saint.
After my father moved to Tiruchirapuram, I lost my dear mother6 . At that time, I travelled
to Tanjavur and Tiruvaiyar in an open bullock cart. On my way to Tiruvaiyar, I noticed the fields of
crops and an Avaduta walking along the divider of one of the plots. In my ignorance, I commented,
”who is this person, walking without wearing even a Koupina (loincloth).” My elder mother7 said,
”He is someone, why are you looking at him.” Later, I realized that he might be the famous one
from Nerur who has walked the world.8 However, he had attained Samadhi at Nerur a long time
ago. In reality, this person was the one who constructed a Temple for Lord Dattātreya in Chen-
damangalam9 , staying in a cave temple, named Shri Svayam Prakasha Brahmendra Saraswathi10 .
I do not have to introduce him to you because he is well-known and a biography about him has
already been written. The year I saw him on that pathway was 1898. Later on, I had the good
fortune of meeting him on several occasions, once in 1930, again in 1933 when I went there with
Shri Lalithananda Swami. At that time I stayed with my wife in the city for 25 days. I again met him
with my daughter and grandchildren about twice or thrice in 1940-41. On another occasion, I ac-
companied my son-in-law Shivaraman and met the Swamiji. He had a couple of disciples named
Shri Shankarānandam and Shri Tu̇riyānandam.
In 1899 my father took me to Tiruvanaikkaval. There in a small home outside the walls
of the temple an elderly saint by name of Devakinandanāshrama Swami resided. He was said
to go on an all India tour once in every 30 years. I met him again in 1919, when I was serving
in Eluru (West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh). My friend Nataraja Shastri stayed with this
Swami for three days in Tuttukudi (Tuticorin) in 1926-27 and sent me his photo. Once I had gone
to Bapatla and to a village named Maripudi in Guntur district (Andhra Pradesh) to meet him but did
not find him there. I happened to see this Swami’s photo at Bapatla in my friend Nori Venkatrama
Iyer’s home. After this, I met him once in 1936-37 at Pada 11 . In that meeting he gave me a
Valampuri Sanggu (Sri Lakshmi conchshell). He stated that his Ashram is located at Haridwar
and asked me to visit there once. Until now, I have not been able to go there. In 1902, my father
took up the Teheshildar’s position at Tiruchirapuram (Trichy). Even before getting the order of
transfer to that position, Devakinandana Swami came to meet my father at Peramballur and said,
”At Srirangam, on the banks of the Cauvery river, a person named Madurakavi Alwar has been
maintaining a flower garden and has been performing the service of making flower garlands for
5
Pterocarpus bilobus
6
Shri P.R.G was about 11 years of age.
7
Shri P.R.G is referring to the wife of a brother of Rajam or the elder sister of Rajam. We do not know how many siblings
Rajam Iyer had.
8
Sadashiva Brahmendra, the famous 16th century Avadhuta Sanyasi, see footnote no.28 on page no.23.
9
A small town in Paravur Taluk, Ernakulam district, Kerala
10
A brief biography about this Swami and his photo is provided in Chapter 3
11
Possibly this is Pada village in Hindol Taluka, Denkenal district, Orrisa
25
Lord Shri Ranganatha. He will come to meet you at Trichy. Take up his service and additionally
perform the pooja for Shri Ranganatha sincerely.” As per the Swami’s statement, as soon as my
father was transferred to Trichy, Madurakavi came to meet him. My father took up his service of
garland making, and served to install a golden Vimana for the Lord’s temple, and completed the
pooja and related festivities properly.
While at Trichy, several people visited my father. Prominent among them were, Viralimalai
Swamigal12 , another sage who accompanied him, and another elderly wise-man who used to
carry a load of books and had travelled all over India. Out of the two sages that I have not named,
I will write about the former later. I have not seen the latter sage personally. He was addressed as
Tukku Tuuki (carrier of loads) by people. I have heard about Viralimalai Swami that he refused to
meet Shri Venkatramana Dasa, the local chieftain of Puddukottai district.13 Dasa also asked my
father to request the Swami to visit the Pudukottai palace, but he still refused to do so. However,
the Swami used to visit my father often. Many times he would come home without prior notice.
Once, when he came only my friend Sundaram was present. The Swami asked Sunderam to go
into the kitchen and bring him the previous day’s cooked rice, ate it happily, and left. I learnt about
this incident later. I will write about my meetings with him in later life in a proper chronological
manner at a later date.
Before leaving to Chennai for my studies, I followed my brother’s advice and took blessings
from a Swami who had come home from Udupi. I do not remember any detail about him. In
1907 at the Shankara Mutt in Kombakonam, that is connected to the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, a
boy of around 10 years of age was initiated into Sanyasa. He was named, Chandrashekharendra
Saraswathi14 . This event proved to be a significant milestone in the history of India. Yet at that
time it went unnoticed. Were the births of Gandhi, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Maharishi15 , and
Nehru celebrated at those times? Their characters only became visible when they all had grown
to adulthood. Doesn’t the legend of Adi Shankara mention that he became a Sanyasi at the age
of 10? Shri Chandrashekharendra Saraswathi also became a Raja Sanyasi at the age of 10.
A few who were there from the beginning know him well. A Kumbābhishekham16 of the Akhilesi
Temple at Tiruvānaikkāval17 was organized at that time. One member of the temple trustee wanted
the Devi Ambika’s Tātanka Prathishta (installation of Devi’s nose-ring) to be performed by the
great soul Shri Narasimha Bharatiyar of Shringeri Peetham. Members of the Kanchi Peetham
opined that because traditionally the previous Kanchi Acharyas conducted this ceremony, the
newly appointed Acharya must be invited. However, the others had doubts if the Acharya, who was
a child, would be able to undergo the rigorous vows needed to conduct the installation ceremony.
By the Devi’s grace and Lord Shiva’s blessings, my father was appointed to oversee and assist
all the festivities connected to the Kumbabhishekam ceremony. Everyone very well know what
happened next. As per tradition, the Kanchi Acharya conducted the ceremony. The Shringeri
12
Viralimalai Shri Sambasadashiva Swamigal.
13
Viralimalai is located in Pudukottai and is famous for a Subramanya Temple.
14
The 68th Shankaracharya of Kanchi was 13 at the time of his initiation into Sanyasa.
15
Bhagavan Shri Ramana Maharishi of Tiruvannamalai (1879—1950)
16
Kumbābhishekham is the placing of an inverted pot, Kumbha, on the Shikhara of the temple. For this ceremony, the
temple is renovated, repaired, cleaned, and a flag is hoisted above the pot on the temple top. Temples all over India
are preserved in this manner, with regular renovation work through the past 2000 years or more.
17
Possibly the famous Jambukeshwara Temple at Tiruvānaikkāval is known locally as Akhilesi Temple
26
Acharya also came and took Darshan of the Goddess. All the festivities were conducted as per
procedure and successfully completed. After this ceremony, I came to Trichy from Chennai and
along with my father went to Tiruvānaikkāval to see the Kanchi Acharya for the very first time. I
felt pity that a young child has been made a sanyasi. But over the years I realized how wrong I
was to feel like that. I do not have the qualification needed to write about him. Many elders have
already written about him, both in English and Tamil. Hence, I will not write about him here. I have
met him on several occasions and over time his reputation keeps on rising. To praise him also
requires some purity. He is the foremost among Saints. If he had not been an Acharya and had
led a worldly life, he would have been a famous personality in India and around the world without
doubt. In 1909 I became a teacher at the High School in which he studied before he became an
Acharya. I was happy to learn that he was very clever and stood first in class all through. He is
most intelligent, Vedas personified; I have no doubt that he is a divine incarnation.
In 1912, I went to Lakkavarapukota18 in Vishakhapatnam and stayed in a tent for a few
days. The sub-magistrate who resided there, who’s name I do not remember, came there asking,
”I heard that some Hindu is staying in this tent.” I requested him to sit and introduced myself,
on hearing that I am a Tamilian, he said he is from Chennai and asked if I was aware of nādi
astrological texts19 . I said that my father could not find my horoscope in those texts. His age was
between 25 and 30, with fair complexion, had a moustache, and was good looking. He wore a
black long coat and a headgear. He said, ”If that is so then your horoscope must be seen.” I
replied, ”I do not presently have it with me. We can see it the next time we meet.” I learnt that
he was the Tehshildar of Vijaynagaram district, named Mandapa Kondal Rao. A few days later he
met me at a different place. He sat next to me and took my hand. Because he knew palmistry
he said a few things. Most of what he said are not important, I have not forgotten the rest. A
short while later the magistrate came and appraised me about Kondal Rao’s good character. At
that time ”card tricks” Suppudu performed a few acts to entertain us. He was very intelligent, had
studied Science in English medium, and was a Principle in a school. Apart from this, he was a
qualified drama actor and excelled in playing feminine roles20 . He was also a court jester at the
king’s palace in Vijayanagaram district for a few years. When I was posted to Kakkinada about
22–23 years later, I searched for him in Vijaynagaram, but could not find him. I learnt that he was
alive and has become a travelling yogi.
In the same year, when I was sitting on a Pial21 , a loincloth clad burly man came and
requested 1/2 ana22 . He argued with me despite my willingness to give him the 1/2 ana. The
arguments were childish and we had a good laugh. I again met him at Tee Tānd.ātanam23 in 1916
and Sri Villiputtur24 in 1917.
18
Lakkavarapukota is a village in Vijayanagaram district of Andhra Pradesh
19
Ancient palm leaf manuscripts believed to be composed by Rishis of yore predicting the future lives of people
20
Those days women were not allowed to act in plays. Men acted as women in several plays.
21
Tinnai in Tamil. Those days, hotels and inns were few and far between. Houses had an external portion where the
floor was raised so that travellers can sit or sleep as a way of showing hospitality.
22
In old Indian currency 6 paisa made 1 ana.
23
A non-descript village somewhere in south India. The name means the place where fire was not crossed.
24
The birth place of Goda Devi (Andal), the 8th century woman Azhwar who married Shri Ranganatha at Srirangam
Temple.
27
In 1916, when I was in Tee Tānd.ātanam, one day my friend said, ”A swami wishes to see
you. He says he knows your father and requests permission to enter.” I gladly asked him in. He
smiled and entered. He was tall, had a dark-bluish (Megha varnam)complexion, grew a beard and
had knotted his hair, and wore a white dress. I asked how he knew my father. He replied that they
had played together at school in Kumbakonam. I learnt that his father died at a young age leaving
him in the care of his elder brother. The Kumbakonam Mutt Acharya25 encouraged his education
and also recommended him for jobs. However, the person who met me looked to be the same age
as myself. He also reminded me about several well-known businessmen from Trichy. From then
on, he would visit often and also gave me several medicinal herbs, powders, and jams (Legiyam).
I asked him whether he knew the art of Alchemy. He replied in the affirmative. I do not need even
a bit of gold, but I would like to know whether it can really be made. He said he will show in time
but that time has not yet arrived. He gave me a text on Sage Tiruvalluvar’s26 medicinal knowledge.
I asked him to narrate the essence of the teachings in that text. He replied, ”In the future a person
will come, who will narrate it to you.” He had a medicine box which had several types of ashes and
powders filled into small bottles. He gave that box to me and asked me to keep it. It remained with
me until I stayed in that place. I never used it and sent a man requesting him to take the box back.
Later, I met him at Sri Villiputtur and when I went to Manakkudi27 he came there as well.
At Manakkudi a negative incident occurred with me. I tasted a pinch of one of the ashes
he had given me. Immediately, I felt my tongue being pulled in one direction and drank hot water.
I felt nauseated and hence drank a cup of coffee. I vomited everything out once, twice, and the
third time thick blood globules came out along with the vomit. Seeing that, I sat in an asana (yogic
pose) and by breath control stopped the vomiting sensation. It is possible that the medicine I used
to take those days to abate the effects of snake venom reacted with the ash that I tasted. In the
evening, I went to Tiruvottriyur28 , which was at a distance of 3 miles and had a renowned temple
of a powerful Goddess. People believed that the Goddess had the power to remove poison even
from the body of a dead person. I fell at the Goddess’s feet in the sanctum. I felt a mild breeze
pass over me. Refreshed, I got up and returned home. After that I did not feel hunger or thirst for
3 days. After this incident for 20 years I had no disease. I met the swami who gave me the ashes
and told about the incident. He replied, ”Oh! It gave you so much trouble?” I requested him to
not give that medicine to anyone else. He initiated me into a mantra (mantra upadesha) and left.
I threw the remaining ashes into fire, the flames rose, and went up in smoke. The swami did not
state his name, but I came to know later that he was Viralimalai Swamigal.29
In 1917 I decided to start ritualistic worship and consulted two people. They said after
initiation into the Panchākshari mantra30 I can worship the God that I most like. At that time I
went to Tuticorin on a work-related matter. I stayed in the house of my father’s friend. In the
morning, I saw an elderly man from a lower caste sitting on the pial. He asked me a few questions
25
Possibly The 65th Shankaracharya of Kanchi, Sudarshana Mahadevendra Saraswati (1851—1891)
26
Tamil poet saint.
27
A village in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu
28
There is a suburb of Chennai by that name but the place mentioned by P.R.G must be a different one because it is
near Manakkudi village, which is in Nagapattinam district
29
Viralimalai Shri Sambasadashiva Swamigal
30
Pancha:Five; Akshara:letters. Om Namah. Shivāya: Concentrating on the primeval sound, Om, I pay obeisances to
the supreme Lord Shiva, who is all auspicious.
28
and then called me to come nearer. When I went near him, he scrutinized my eyes closely and
said,”Whichever God is called, will come.” He disappeared before I could step into the house and
return.
Later, I attended a marriage at Maruthuvakudi (Aduthurai, Kumbakonam district) along with
my extended family that included my brother, two of my father’s elder brothers, my mother’s elder
sister (Pushpam), Uncle, etc. There I took initiation in the Panchākshari mantra from an elderly
person. I later learnt that he was my mother’s elder sister’s husband. He was a patient man with
exemplary characteristics. He did not crave money and was devoted to God. He taught me and my
brother Rudram and related Vedic chants. Later, when my father could not perform daily worship
due to deteriorating health, he performed them.
After these events, I came to Sri Villuputtur and began ritualistic worship with the help of a
local Shastri31 . I was satisfied with the rituals and, to show my appreciation, gave the Shastri 1
rupee with betel nut and leaf. He said,”Why are you spoiling my mind?” I was taken aback and
mildly questioned him. He replied, ”2 anas are enough for me. Why have you given me 1 rupee?”
I insisted that he take the rupee and was happy to note that such contended people continue to
exist on Earth. I again returned to Manakkudi. There a Telugu Brahmin, an Inn manager at Uppur
(Ramanathapuram district), visited me often. One day, he initiated me into the Anjaneya32 mantra.
Even though I said, I do not want to learn it, he insisted that I need to know it. I did not meet him
again.
In 1918, I went to Sankagiri (Salem district). There, I saw one Baghavathar33 . My impres-
sion about him was that he was a working professional and a neophyte story teller, but later real-
ized that he too is a special man. At this time one Yogeshwara34 . who knew Ayurvedic medicine,
made some medicines and gave them to me. Among them, I used a few for my children and wife,
who was not keeping well.
In 1918, at Omalur (Salem district) I got acquainted with an Overseer, a good man who
was spiritual. He gave me a book on Lalitha Sahasranamam35 with a commentary by Ananta
Krishna Shastri, which I can never forget. He also performed discourses, one of which I attended
at Palakkad (Kerala). His teacher, Anantarama Iyer, was also an astrologer and story teller. He
used to perform the Subramanya Navavarnam Pooja, which only 4 or 5 people perform in India.
He tested me and gave N. C. Kaapi. He took the permission of his Guru’s son to take me to him.
His Guru stayed at Chennimalai (Erode district).
In 1919 I was staying in Krishna district’s Eluru village. One day, when I finished my daily
worship and came out, two Yogis arrived. After I paid my respects and asked them to be seated,
one of them gave me a Valampuri (Sri Lakshmi) conch-shell. I gave the price, but he refused
to take it and said, ”This is priceless, I am giving to you out of my own desire.” I refused to
31
One who knows the scriptures
32
Hanuman, the monkey god famous for his exploits in the Ramayana.
33
A man who performs the Harikatha art-form of discourse, which combines story telling with music. The purpose of
these discourses is to tell the stories of Gods and Goddesses, filled with deep spiritual import and morals, to invoke
the inherent devotion towards God that is dormant in men.
34
Master of the Yoga systems elaborated by Patanjali.
35
Verses glorifying Goddess Lakshmi containing her thousand names.
29
take it without paying for it. However, he insisted that I keep it and also gave me an Ekazhuka
Rudraksha36 . As mentioned before, I had met this Yogi when I was staying in Tiruvanaikkaval
before.37 I also met another Yogi in 1921.
In 1922 I went on pilgrimage with my brother and met the Kanchi Acharya at Dhanushkodi,38
where he was temporarily staying. My father’s elder brother (Ramakrishnan) knew about Ra-
mana39 at Tiruvannamalai.40 Hence, we went along with him and met Ramana, who had not yet
received the Maharishi epithet, for the first time.
In 1923 I used to often dream of an elephant, which seemed to portend an evil occurrence.
As it happened, I lost my two sons41 . In Tuticorin, the same dream repeated, I had no sons to lose,
but was fearful for my daughter42 who was staying at her Uncle’s place at that time. I consulted
the sub-judge in Tuticorin, Shri R.V. Krishnasami Iyer, who knew my father, was an intelligent man,
and also a Theosophist. He sent a priest to my home to perform some rituals. The priest, who’s
hidden greatness I experienced, became a good friend. We were in constant touch for 6 years
and that completely changed my outlook of life. He had served a great saint for 12 years, when
young. The saint was none other than the Avaduta43 I had seen when I was a teenager in 1898.
The same year in Tuticorin a black glass wearing elder gentleman, a Muslim, who was
from near Madurai came to my home. He had petitioned the King of Tiruvanathapuram to provide
land for building an hermitage (Ashram) and wanted my signature as a witness for that deed. My
friend Jivana had signed as the first witness so I readily signed the document. We met for two
consecutive days. Later on, one day I and my brother were travelling on a horse cart with him. He
was speaking with my brother and said, ”Your brother has earned a good name.” He then turned
to me and asked whether I worship daily. I said, ”Not much from the scriptures because I have not
practised intoning the shastras.” He smiled encouragingly and said, ”Good. Some will speak like
a saint; some will act like a saint. Everyone has his owy way.” I learnt later at Chennai that he was
staying with a big businessman and many came to see him daily. However, when I went to meet
him one time, he was not present.
In 1925, when I was at my home in Chennai on leave, my brother introduced me to an
astrologer named Mahadeva Shastri. He lived with me for a few days and reduced my faith in
astrology, but he had a special thing hidden in him.44 I met him often after my brother expired, but
after a few years lost touch with him.
In 1926, I along with my friends Nataraja Shastri and Nagarajan visited the Meenakshi
36
The Rudraksha is symbolic of Lord Shiva.
37
Devakinandanāshrama Swami
38
Dhanushkodi means the tip of Lord Rama’s bow. As per legend Rama was ready to fire an arrow at the Sea God
for his failure to give a path for Rama’s army of monkeys to cross the sea to Lanka. It is an abandoned town at the
south-eastern tip of Pamban Island. It was destroyed in a cyclone in 1964.
39
Bhagavan Shri Ramana Maharishi
40
Tiruvannamalai is famous for the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Legend suggests that this was the place where
Shiva took up the form of an infinite beam of light. Brahma and Vishnu could not find the ends of this beam.
41
P.R.G and his wife Subbulakshmi lost two sons when they were mere babies.
42
Pankajam
43
Shri Svayam Prakasha Brahmendra Saraswathi
44
P.R.G is pointing towards this man’s spiritual prowess.
30
temple at Madurai. In the temple, I met a yogini, a lady Siddha. Later on, whenever I visited
Madurai, I would meet her at the temple. This carried on till 1943. However, when I went to the
temple in 1950, I could not see her. It is possible that, in the interim, she left because of problems
at the temple. That same year I met Kanchi Acharyal at Pondicherry.
In 1927, when I was staying in Marakkanam, a person wearing a Sanyasi’s costume (saf-
fron cloth) came to treat my wife’s illness. He kept a Subramanya idol and used to perform daily
worship. He gave several medicines but, one of my wife’s critical conditions, sudden loss of con-
sciousness every once in a while did not abate. Hence he left in search of a medicine. He was
a post master at the Marakkanam post office. His father, who gained initiation from a yogi, had
retired as a health inspector at Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh). He had a mad belief in astrology and
knew how to read horoscopes. One day, I went to his place and we both were searching for suit-
able marriage dates for my daughter casually without actually searching for a groom. We spoke a
lot and then I returned home. Almost as soon as I had left, the Swami (Sanyasi) came to the post
office and said to his father, ”I have come to give the medicine that can cure the salt inspector’s
wife.” His father asked, ”Why now after so many days?” The Swami responded, ”I received the
order to give this only now. Whether you take it or not is your prerogative.”, kept it on the table,
and said, ”I will say something. Ten minutes ago the salt inspector had come to discuss about his
daughter’s marriage, is it not?” and continued, ”I know who is going to be the groom but will not
reveal it now. I will return later.” His father immediately sent for me, revealed this conversation,
and gave me the medicine. A few years later I saw the same post master Swami in a different
costume. I could make out that he is the same person based on the idol he was carrying and the
medicines he was distributing to people.
I wish to write a few words about the post master’s father. I had said he is a astrology mad
person. He found a certain peculiarity in my horoscope and to test others would use this as an
example. Astrologers with bookish knowledge said that my horoscope belongs to a ”dumb” and
”poor” person who has no fate to obtain food and put it aside. At that time, when he (post master’s
father) was sitting on the pial of his home in Valangaiman (Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu) chewing
betel nut and speaking to his wife, a blind person arrived and said, ”Sir please give me some food.
I can tell astrology in return.” He asked if the man will accept previous day’s cooked rice. The man
said, ”Good! That’s good enough for me. Please give.” After having food he said, ”Sir, you can
ask me any questions you might have regarding to astrology.” My friend described the planetary
positions on my horoscope and asked him to describe me. The blind man immediately described
my characteristics in detail and left. A few days later, my friend called for me, as soon as arrived
at Marakkanam, and exclaimed, ”The horoscope is true. The one who said had courage!” After
this event, there was subtle positive difference in my daily worship. That is why I cannot forget my
friend who passed away several years ago.
On a day when the Krttika star (Pleiades star cluster) was on the ascendant, I went to
the temple at Thiruporur (Chengalpattu district near Chennai).45 In the corridor outside the main
sanctum, I saw a couple of yogis. One of them was a great poet. He had a cloud coloured
complexion, was wearing a loincloth, and was meditating seated in the lotus pose (Padma asana).
Besides him, the other yogi was seated leaning on a nearby column. I knew that even among
45
Krttika star is associated with Kartikeya who is the main god of this temple.
31
yogis the bond of friendship is strong. I thought about meeting them after seeing the Lord, but
they had left by then. Later I realized that I had seen these two several times before, when I was
17, at Ramanathapuram, but could’nt immediately recognize them because each time they would
dress differently and speak in multiple languages including Telugu, Tamil, and English.
In 1928, I went to Dharmapuri. On the way at Tiruvannamalai, I met Shri Sheshadri Swami-
gal.46 People were afraid to see him because sometimes he would beat them or shout at them.
My first meeting with him was at 9 pm in the night. One other person and I stood before him
humbly. I had taken a small boy with me to help identify him. After a while when I asked if he
needed anything, he said, ”Go and buy vada for me.” It was shop closing time, I went immediately
brought two vadas and some sweets. He ate the vadas and tasted the sweets but threw them.
He then asked for nose powder. I gave the powder and a few cloves. He gave me leave and I
returned. I met him one other time 2 months before his Mahasamadhi. Four years after that, Shri
Lalithananda took me to the Samadhi, conducted abhisheka47 and distributed prasadam48 to me
and others. Many know several stories about him.
In 1929 I took leave and stayed in Tirukazhunkundram49 for a few months. While staying
there, I met a loincloth wearing elderly sadhu Badridasa. He was of Telugu origin, tall and lean,
clean shaven, with a flowing crown of hair, wearing bead garlands on the neck and bracelets on
the hands (like women). A peculiar feature of his appearance was a long tail hanging from his
loincloth. One day he brought along a country bumpkin to meet me. Badridasa said, ”This man
seeks monetary help for providing lighting for the Lord of the Hill.” I gave him 5 rupees and they
left. That evening Badridasa came and said, ”Sir, I made a mistake. I need your forgiveness. The
person who came with me was a country bumpkin, I did not know and brought him. I will arrange
for returning the money to you.” I replied, ”Swami you returned and said truth that is enough.
You don’t have to meet him again for money.” We became friends from that day. He knew herbal
medicine and was a strong-willed person. He kindled a medicinal jam from herbs and extracted
juice from a few leaves and gave those to me. He stayed in a cave on the hill and survived on
forest fruits, leaves, and water alone. I would sometimes give him milk and fruits and he would
accept. He used to wear the wooden sandals worn by monks. Later, he met me in Chennai and
Vayalur (Trichy district) and stayed for one or two days at my place. He would often talk about
visiting Hampi (Karnataka) and posted letters to me from places, such as Raja Mahendrapuram
(Rajamundry, Andhra Pradesh).
Another time, we both met at Tirukkazhunkundram again. We were sitting on a pial and
conversing, when a woman, appearing to be mad, dressed in rags, came and begged for food.
We gave her some food, which she ate and left. While staying there, some days I noticed her bring
water in a metal pot and some flowers. She would go around each house and sprinkle that water.
When asked if she needed anything, she would nod and walk off. She came a second time to my
house and asked for food. The food was getting prepared so I asked her to stay a while. But she
46
He is the great saint who recognized the true spiritual condition of Ramana’s meditation. He served the boy to ensure
that he would be alive.
47
Cleansing with water followed by ritual worship.
48
The food offered to saints or gods.
49
One of the six hills that are famous for the Lord Kartikeya (Subhramanya). He is six-faced and hence there are six
temples dedicated to him scattered through out Tamil Nadu.
32
said, ”No! quick, need something to eat.” I replied, ”Ok, I will give you some money. Buy fruits and
eat. Come later to eat food.” She said, ”I will not touch money.” I then poured some water into
her pot, which she accepted. She stood waiting for some time, and the Swami felt like playing a
trick. He suddenly threw a rubber snake that was lying nearby on the woman. She got up shocked
and trembling. Realizing what had happened, she took a stick and beat the swami before trodding
off. I feared and exclaimed, ”Swami, what is this prank! If she goes without eating do I not incur
sin?” He said, ”Don’t worry, she will come.” Soon after I went to the pond, took a dip, and followed
her. I asked her forgiveness and begged her to return home for food. She accepted my apology
and peacefully had the food I gave. I learnt later that this mad-looking woman was also a Siddha
similar to the one I met in Madurai. We shall call her Panddarachi.50
In 1930, I went to Cuddalore. Before going there, I went to Namakkal (Dharmapuri dis-
trict) to see my younger brother. From there I visited the Samadhi at Nerur51 and returned. That
evening I went to the cave temple at Chentamangalam and saw Shri Swayam Prakasha Brah-
mendra Saraswathi, a paramahamsa avadhuta. I have already spoken about him. His biography
is available so I do not have to describe much here. I met his disciple, Shri Turyananda, at Cud-
dalore for the very first time. He was a scholar and knew several languages. He had learnt both
Tamil and north Indian languages. He now has several disciples of his own. I learnt that he often
comes to Chennai. I again met him in 1949.
Another day an Ayurvedic Doctor came and examined my painful knees (at that time i had
tennis knee) and gave medicine for it by crushing a few leaves from our garden. He then examined
my wife, called my daughter, and asked her to fetch burnt charcoal from the kitchen.52 When it
arrived, he asked me to receive it and said, ”I am ordered to give you this charcoal.” The charcoal
had a pleasant smell. He predicted that a son will be born to my daughter. Then he called me
aside and requested a silk body cloth that I had used. I gave one that was very old, which I had
used before. He returned it back to me and asked for money to buy a new one. I asked How
much you need? 30 rupees he said. I took that amount and stood inside my pooja room. He
said from outside, ”It is not wrong, let’s give.” As soon as he took the amount, a short-statured
black complexioned boy wearing a saffron cloth came and stood there. The doctor and the boy
commented, ”See! This is a gem isn’t it,” and left.
In 1930, I went to Tirukkazhunkundram with the Zamindar of Junampettai and met the
Kanchi Acharya and Badridasa who was with him at that time. I proceeded on to Shvetaranya
Kshetra53 . One day, I saw a small boy, whose complexion was black, eating green chillies casually
and later talking and playing with other children on the streets. One evening, I visited the Swami-
malai temple54 , had darshan, and was descending the steps. I saw this same boy playing there
along with his friends and smiled. I gave him the coconut and fruits that I had got as prasadam55
from the temple. It was getting dark so I brought my torch out of a cloth bag I was carrying. Sud-
50
The mad woman dressed in rags.
51
Sadashiva Brahmendra’s samadhi.
52
Those days food was cooked in a separate room on mud stoves with firewood.
53
Shvetaranya literally translated to English means white forest. The same in Tamil is Tiruvenkadu, Tanjore district. A
famous Shiva temple exists in that place.
54
One of the six temples devoted to Lord Subramanya.
55
Food offered to God.
33
denly, the boys snatched it from my hands and ran off. The temple priest who was following me
at a short distance said, ”What will you do without your torch, will you be able to discern the way
when it becomes pitch dark? Lets get someone to chase down those boys.” I replied, ”That’s
alright, let them keep the torch.” The priest then assisted me for a short distance to the temple of
the Goddess. After I entered the sanctum to take darshan of the Goddess, he turned back.
In 1931, I was transferred to Adirampattinam (Tanjavur district) and went there unwillingly.
One day, when I was in Tanjavur, a few people came and spoke about a saint who had arrived there
recently and asked me to visit him along with them. I was reluctant, but they insisted and we went
there. He was a short statured, lean bachelor Swami wearing a one-piece white cloth. He saw me
and questioned, ”Do you perform Shiva worship?” I replied, ”I do not know Shiva or Vishnu, if I
knew, I would definitely worship.” He pointed to a picture and said, ”No! He is standing before you.
Also Lakshmi, who is secretive, will come.” Not understanding what he meant, I returned. I learnt
that he stayed in Madurai. After returning to Chennai, I wrote him a letter once giving details about
my address and requesting his visit, but did not receive a response. I happened to meet him once
more at Thoothukudi in 1934, about which I will write later. In December that year, I visited Goa to
see the sarcophagus of Saint Xavier that is a once in 12-year event. I had read his biography and
was eager to see this great Saint of the Christian religion. Those days I did not expect to get food
and survived on tea leaves throughout that journey.
After I returned to Adiramapattinam, one day my office colleagues Bodilingam Pillai and
another friend said that a Swami has arrived at the railway station and knows a lot about herbal
medicine. They asked me to accompany them and meet the Swami to ask about my wife’s illness.
I refused and said if they wanted to meet him and ask they can do so. They left and returned
back after a short while and said that the Swami had stated that my wife’s illness is related to the
worship I perform daily and refused to give details without meeting me personally. They said, ”The
Swami asked, What is the crime if he comes directly? If he does not like the medicine I prescribe
he can reject it.” They again insisted that I go with them and meet the Swami. Reluctantly, I went
with them. When we reached, he was worshipping an idol of Lord Subhramanya that he carried.
I remembered having seen the idol before. After worshipping, he turned around, laughed, and
asked, ”Who is your Guru?” I did not respond, but invited him home. He said, ”Come for tomorrow
morning’s worship, after that we can go to your home together.” Accordingly, next day the Swami
came home with me after offering worship. He was Shri Lalithananda Saraswathi. Those days he
used to wear saffron clothing and a saffron coloured missionary coat, while going out. One day he
said that I had forgotten him. That comment helped me understand some incidents from the past.
He stayed at places, such as Tiruturaipoondi, Mannargudi, Tanjavur, etc., for three to six months
and offered worship at the local temples. This brought in huge crowds from the surrounding
villages. He ensured that all who come were fed. People would address him as Kaadu Vettu Sami
(Forest cutting Swami).
Once, he took me to meet the Avadhuta from Chentamangalam (Svayam Prakasha Brah-
mendra Saraswathi). From there I went to Pazhani. Another time, he took me to Virudachalam,
Tiruvannamalai, etc., and to the forests around Paakkamalai and Tiruvannamalai. He performed
Kumbhakishekam of the Murugan temple at Pasumalai. He came with me to several places,
Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu), Kakkinada (Karnataka), Vishakhapatnam (Andhra), Vijayanagaram
34
(Andhra), Ganjam (Orrisa), Guntur (Andhra), and Nellore (Andhra), to name a few. At Pasumalai,
for a period of six months, wearing only a loincloth he starved, not even drinking water. He had the
habit of eating betel leaf and tobacco, but even that stopped during those six months. He would
not talk much and wandered the hill as an Avadhuta for a few years. Now he has several devo-
tees from Andhra and has performed several festivals that included temple cleaning, performing of
sacrifices, and offering worship, and continues to do so. Several books about him in Tamil and Tel-
ugu, have been published, but not many know his greatness. He deals with his devotees in several
ways to correct them, sometimes causing serious trouble, sometimes beating, and sometimes act-
ing mercifully. He does not envy anyone and has a following across all religions. Hindus, Muslims,
Christians, etc., are his devotees and hold him in high regard. He is an accomplished Siddha and
a great Saint who knows several years of history. He is respected among knowledgable sages.
He does not crave money or fame and is always humble. He has a short beard and a partially
bald head. There are marks of small pox on his face. He used to travel in a motorcar every time
he visited me. He has said several things about my previous births.
After I returned to Adirampattinam, I got acquainted with Shri M.M.C. Sheikh Nasruddin
Marakaayar who became a good friend. He had given up non-vegetarian food and was a very
humble man with love for others. He had come to visit Shri Lalithananda once. The Swami did not
differentiate on the basis of faith and knew the love and respect that Nasruddin had for him. Shri
Lalithananda (Pasumalai Swami) said many things about Nasruddin’s family and his forefathers
one day. One of his ancestor had sung the entire Mahabharata in Tamil. Another, by his devotion
had made Lord Subramanya to appear. When I was there, his grandmother was alive. She was
a great scholar, but lived a simple life unknown to many. When Pasumalai Swami took me along
to meet her, he said that his age was 136 years. His body was always crumpled, but speech and
writing were always youthful. He was fond of me and wrote several letters. When he took Samadhi,
I was away in north India and hence could not see him one last time. Shri Lalithananda’s son is still
alive. He himself is a great Siddha and wanders around sites of pilgrimage. I and Shri Marakaayar
have met him once. I have heard that Shri Marakaayar’s son too has followed his ancestor’s
footsteps on the path of knowledge and am very glad to note it.
In 1934, I went to Thoothukudi and did a little service for the Vyasa pooja conducted by a
saint named Bhaumeshwarananda. Later, with the hope of meeting him again, I went to several
places that he went, but returned after several failed attempts. Once, I received a letter from him
and learnt that I had met him earlier at Tanjavur. One day my friend Mittadhar’s son had sent a
vehicle for us to go and see Kovaji Swamigal. My friend Nataraja Shastri’s son, Ramasami and I
went together. He welcomed us and gave darshan at leisure. I had heard about him in 1922-23
and knew him to be a great Siddha. Another time, I went to Tiru Kuttralam to meet a Swami who
held the vow of silence. I had seen him many years ago and had mingled along with his disciples
at that time. He had established temples and is quiet well known in Chennai, where several
of his disciples reside, and in the Andhra country. In the same year, a kumbhabishekam was
performed for the Lord Murugan temple at Pasumalai. After witnessing that event, I went north
to Kakkinada and visited Pasumalai several times from there. In 1935, I attended my brother’s
daughter’s marriage, which took place at the Murugan temple at Pasumalai56 . A yogi named
56
This possibly refers to the marriage of my grandmother and grandfather, Smt. Savitri and Shri Vaidyanatha Iyer, which
35
Anandagiri from Tanjavur and Shri Turiyananda57 graced the occasion. Again in 1936, I took
leave and spent 25 days at Pasumalai. At the time several devotees of Shri Lalithananda also
stayed along with us. Under Shri Lalithananda’s divine protection, we all felt like the Gopas (cow
herders) who were under the protection of Lord Shri Krishna, when he lifted Govardhanagiri. When
I returned back to Chennai, I was surprised by a rousing reception. My friend Marakkaayar had
come to the train station. The administrators from my office too had come in a car. They all
welcomed me by putting flower garlands around me and held a feast. A few days later, Shri
Lalithananda came in a car, we went together to take darshan of a Siddha, and drove on to
Tanjavur by way of Trichy and again went to Pasumalai before returning to Chennai. After that, I
left for Kakkinada.
In 1936 an elderly Jangama58 monk named Shri Veerabhadra Swami met me at my resi-
dence. He had travelled widely and knew several languages. After that first meeting, he visited
me almost everyday and would never come empty handed. He would give me fruits, clothes, Japa
Mala59 , beads, or framed pictures of deities. He travelled with the Kanchi Acharya everywhere he
went and even conducted the daily pooja for the Acharya once. He gave me several idols for my
daily poojas. One day he came to my home, saw me sitting on the pial and said, ”Why are you
sitting Naina60 ! Don’t you want to see your Swami?” Getting to see the Acharya was always a
pleasure. We both immediately went to Raja Mahendrapuram, where the Acharya was put up that
day. We were just about getting down from our ride, when a Shastri61 rushed towards us and said,
”Please directly go inside. He has given permission.” As we walked in, I was wondering how did
the Acharya know that we were coming to meet him. We met him and later I asked him about this
little miracle. He did not reply, but gave a godly smile. That day was Vaikunta Ekadashi 62 . A north
Indian Swami was with the Acharya that day. There was gossip that this Swami was possessed by
a Brahma Rakshasa63 . Later, this Swami accompanied the Acharya to Kakkinada and took bath
at the sea on the most auspicious Ardhodayam day.64 . Veerabhadra swami continued to meet
me everyday. When I was transferred to Chennai, he followed me. When I retired and moved to
Tindivanam, he followed me there too. A month later, he attained Samadhi.
In 1936-37, I went to Pakala town (Chitoor district, Andhra Pradesh) on a work-related
matter. There, I met two Bairaagis65 and one of them handed me a Sri Lakshmi conch shell and
few articles of worship. I understood who they were. In 1919, I had refused to accept the same
but now I accepted. Times had changed.
In 1938 I happened to visit Chennai on a work related matter. My friend, Marakkayaar who
was working there at that time, took me to visit an elderly Muslim gentleman. After conversing for
did take place at the Pasumalai Murugan temple in 1935.

57
A disciple of Shri Svayam Prakasha Brahmendra Saraswathi.
58
Monks of the Shaivaite order.
59
Chanting bead garland.
60
Village speak.
61
A priest from the group of people who serve the Kanchi Acharya.
62
The 11th day of the Waxing or Waning Moon that is auspicious for Lord Vishnu.
63
A ghoulish being.
64
The auspicious time when the new Moon occurs on a Sunday with the Shravana star in the Ascendant. Shravana is
the star of Lord Venkateshwara. Hence, this day is auspicious for Lord Vishnu.
65
North Indian travelling saints.
36
a while, when we got up to leave, the elder gentleman got up from his chair with some difficulty
to see us off. Seeing his inconvenience, another Muslim person standing nearby asked him, ”Sir,
why are you taking the trouble to get up. They can leave by themselves.” To this, the elder person
smiled and replied, ”He is a good man, isn’t he?” and accompanied us to the door to see us off.
In 1939, when I was working in Ganjam, I saw an old Muslim gentleman, donning a beard
and wearing head gear, being carried by two people and walking down the street coming toward
my office. When they came nearer, they asked, ”We want to meet the head of the Salt and
Customs Department.” I replied, ”Sir, he is not present here at the moment.” They enquired my
assistant, ”Who is this person?” He replied, ”Sir. He is our Assistant Commissioner.” They said,
”Oh. We are here to see you only.” I was about to step out on an official matter, but wanted to
know why they wanted to meet me. The elderly person sent his carriers off. After they left, I asked,
”How did you know who I am?” He replied, ”I enquired, Light can always be seen, isn’t it.” I offered
him a seat and excused myself for a short while. I went, completed my official work, and returned
soon. We began conversing and he knew multiple languages. He first spoke in Hindustani, then
in Telugu, and then in Tamil. He stayed with me for three days and told many anecdotes. He also
knew herbal medicine, some of which he gave me. Later he requested me to send someone to
drop him at the railway station. Later on, he met me twice at my home in Kakkinada, when Shri
Lalithananda also was present there. Later on, I understood who this person was.
Around this time, I met Shri Annapoornaiyya, a famous Grahasta (a family man) who per-
forms the pooja rituals for the five-faced Anjaneya at the temple in Tenali, at Tuni (East Godavari
district, Andhra Pradesh). I met him twice more at Kakkinada and Tenali and also once when I
went to meet the Kanchi Acharya. He continues to worship at Tenali and pulls in the crowds and
several disciples. The Kanchi Acharya holds him in high regard and has great love for him. When
I was at Vishakhapatnam, one Telugu sanyasi wearing a north Indian head gear and saffron cloth-
ing came to visit me. I understood that this sanyasi was related to Pasumalai Swami. Later on, I
went on work-related matter to Ganjam and to town named Pendi (Pendipakala, Nalgonda district,
Telengana), where people informed me that a yogi had arrived and staying on market street. He
was wearing a loincloth and held a coconut shell in one hand. I learnt that he survived on water
and sometimes curds, which he accepted if someone poured it into his shell. He did not even
eat fruits and stayed in a hollowed tree bark near the town. He would sometimes wander on the
nearby hills and stay in a mountain cave. He was illiterate, but spoke very knowledgeably with me
for about half an hour. I met a few times more and he would often say that he has to stay in this
way by Lord Rama’s order. He attained samadhi at the hills near the town.
When the Kanchi Acharya was at Kakkinada, I came to visit him from Ganjam in a car.
On my way there, I saw four Avadhutas. I met the Acharya on the day of Ardhodayam. Millions
of people had come there by various means to take bath in the sea. Faith in god is strong in
our country, schools may not teach religious principles, students might stop studying them, many
might even reject them, but the faith that binds our country will never completely disappear.
In 1942, I was staying at Tindivanam where I met the lawyer Shri Tirumalaiachar. He
was devoted to god and wanted to read and learn the Ramayana and Bhagavata and asked
his friends. He had a big family, was rich but very generous, especially contributing significant
amounts of money to spiritual matters. He loved all his friends and was broad minded. He was
37
very affectionate towards me. Around this time one elder person, Shri Lakshmana Rao, who has
received greatness through mantra recitation, came to visit me. He would travel to places seeking
bhiksha, loves a good feast, knows a lot about astrology. Presently, he is sad due to food rationing
(due to the second world war). He came to visit often and accepted bhiksha. Even now, if he
comes to Chennai, he visits me. Once, Shri Tirumalaiachar brought an elderly gentleman named
Shri Keshavananda who had a beard. He used to only eat cooked rice mixed with grated coconut
and a little sugar and drink a little milk. He visited a few times. Later, I had to be in Chennai for a
few days. At that time, one day I saw a person near central station, who called me near and said
that his name was Ponnappan. He was dressed in silk and held an umbrella made of silk like the
Paravar Prabhu at Thoothukudi. I have heard about him from my friend Marakkaayar. I was not
fortunate enough to meet him again as he passed away before I could understand his greatness.
In October 1951, someone told me that Shri Ponnappan was staying in Viralimalai at that
time. If he wishes in his heart to show himself, only then we can see him. I fall unconscious often
now-a-days and hence decided to write about some of these saints for posterity. The greatness of
these elders can only be experienced if one meets them, stays with them, and understands them.
Furthermore, people can understand these saints only if they are driven on the spiritual quest,
a quest that occurs only in those who have performed a lot of good acts in the past. Only with
previous punyas (results of good actions) can one receive their grace.
Meeting good people is also good

Hearing them speak is also good
Serving them is also good
Speaking about their fame is also good
P. R. Gopalakrishnan
38
The list of saints that Shri P.R.G has seen
In the order they are referred to in his manuscript
1. Taanthonee Swamigal
2. Samayavaram Swamigal
3. The 33rd Shringeri Acharya, Shri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati (1879—
1912)
4. Mooku Podi Shankaran
5. Shri Svayam Prakasha Brahmendra Saraswathi (Avaduta)
6. Shri Shankarānandam
7. Shri Tu̇riyānandam
8. Devakinandanāshrama Swami
9. Viralimalai Shri Sambasadashiva Swamigal (Jeeva Samadhi date: 6 December 1929)
10. Tukku Tuuki, the sage accompanying Viralimalai Swami with a load of books
11. Udupi Swami
12. The 68th Acharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Shri Chandrashekharendra Saraswathi VIII
(1908—1994)
13. Card Tricks Suppudu
14. Unknown Telugu Brahmin saint whom P.R.G met in 1917 at Manakkudi
15. Bhagavan Shri Ramana Maharishi (1897—1950)
16. Mahadeva Shastri
17. An unnamed Yogi who came along with Devakinandanāshrama Swami in 1919
18. Another unnamed Yogi he met in 1921
19. An unnamed Muslim elder he met in 1923
20. Lady Siddhar at Madurai Meenakshi Temple 1926 - 1943
21. Shri Sheshadri Swamigal
22. Shri Lalithananda Saraswathi
23. Bhaumeshwarananda
24. Kovaji Swamigal

25. Silent Swami
26. Anandagiri Yogi
27. Veerabhadra Swami
28. Unknown north Indian Swami who accompanied Kanchi Acharya
29. Shri Lakshmana Rao
30. Shri Keshavananda

Chapter 3
Brief Biographies of some of Saints that

Shri P.R.G met
The aim of this chapter is to provide the readers as complete a picture as possible about the
saints that Shri P.R.G met in his life. Some of the saints he met have been more prominent than the
others and biographical material on their lives exist today. Using these source materials, a humble
attempt is made here to give more information to the readers about some of these saints. This
does not mean that the saints who were lesser known, were insignificant. It is just unfortunate that
we do not know much about them. Worldly prominence is unconnected to spiritual prominence. In
the Gita, Lord Shri Krishna states that the most famous and skilled person who is well-respected
in the world has no value if he is not devoted to God (find relevant verses and quote). Hence, we
respect all saints whether known or unknown.
Shri Sacchidananda Nrisimha Bharati

Shri Svayam Prakasha Brahmendra Saraswathi
41
Part II
About My Guru
42
Foreword
”BLESSED WE ARE”
Most people are selfish by nature. Even the yogis, sages and saints are prone to be selfish
as they yearn for their own salvation and Moksha. There are however rare exceptions. Shri.
Thirukoshtiyur Nambi gave the upadesha of Ashtakshara to Shri. Ramanuja after many trials and
tribulations under the express condition that he (Shri. Ramanuja) should not divulge the essence
of the Mantra to any one else. If he did, his head would crack to pieces. But Shri. Ramanuja
wanted to share his happiness with his fellow beings and exposed the Mantra to them, unmindful
of the consequences. When his Guru charged him with disobedience, Shri. Ramanuja replied
that he would not mind his head breaking into pieces but wanted his happiness to be shared by
humanity. What a great sacrifice! We come across the often-quoted statements in Tamil and
Sanskrit.
”Yaan Pettrra Inbum Peruga Ivviagam”

”Shrinvantu Vishwe Amrithasya Puthraha
Vedametam Purusham Mahantham”
It is in the rank and file of such few exceptions, we have Shri. P.R. Gopalakrishna Iyer
(P.R.G) who lived with Swami Lalithananda, knew him, understood him, realized him and enjoyed
him. P.R.G did not want to contain the happiness to himself but wanted others also to enjoy
the grace of Swamiji. Thanks to his timely intervention, Shri. Sivaramakrishna Iyer’s doubts on
Swamiji’s spiritual leadership got cleared with the result that he came into the firm hold of Swamiji.
Doubting Thomases require enlightening torchbearers like P.R.G to allay their misapprehension.
What is not possible for an ordinary man is child’s play for great souls like P.R.G, say to spot out
and focus Gnanis. This is because P.R.G himself is a Gnani and has contacted 41 Gnanis. No
less a spiritual head than our Kanchi Paramacharyal (H.H Shri. Chandrashekarendra Saraswathi
of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham) has vouchsafed the identity and spiritual attainment of P.R.G.
Swami Lalithananda was so dear to P.R.G that P.R.G wanted to have his Samadhi also close to
that of Swamiji at Pasumalai.
Infact many devotees feel that both are one and the same – Lalithananda was operating
through P.R.G and both are avatars of Lord Muruga (Kartikeya). It is a privilege of only few Pun-
yathmas to come into personal contact with P.R.G and know about Lalithananda. All these years
no one knew of the article. Blessed as we are, the article was found by P.R.G’s daughter unex-
pectedly who promptly sent it to Shri. Sivaramakrihnaiyer. This is the most authoritative account
of Swami Lalithananda Saraswathi as it is from P.R.G – a write up of one Gnani on another. It
exposes the life and mission of Lalithananda, ”a dynamic personality hidden in the unostentatious
simplicity” without any commission or omission. Those who are fortunate to read the article are
bound to shed tears of joy. Though there are references and articles in Tamil on Lalithananda,
the present one is in English and will cater the needs of devotees of different languages (Shri.
43
Sivaramakrishnaiyer himself has written elaborately on Swamiji in ”Nan Kanda Lalithanandar”) As
such P.R.G’s article is a valuable document and should be printed in letters of gold, made eternal
and available for the present and future followers of Swamiji. Even with tremendous intensity of
devotion and dedication, it is possible that doubts may lurk in our minds and shake our spiritual
convictions. These doubts may pull us away from Swamiji and hamper our spiritual progress. It
is at such critical periods of trials,the article of P.R.G, if read with Bhakti (devotion), will save us,
the Samsayathmas from Vinasa (Destruction) as we know âĂIJSamsayathma VinashyathiâĂİ. In
addition to allaying our doubts, the article will intensify our faith and devotion towards Swamiji,
make us see the vision divine, hear the inner voice of the great mystic, and receive his abundant
grace which alone will take us towards spiritual progress and attainment of Gnana and Moksha.
Dr. S. Ramakrishnan,
Professor of Biochemistry
Rajah Muthiah Medical College
Annamalai University, Annamalainagar.
Chapter 4
Introduction
SHRI SHRI LALITHANANDA SARASWATHI SWAMIGAL of Pasumalai of whom a brief
account is given in this article by Shri. P.R. Gopalakrishnaiyer has already been introduced to
the people of Tamil Nadu during the last 2 or 3 decades through some Tamil publications. So also
through recent publications, the author of the article Shri. P.R. Gopalakrishnaiyer himself has been
introduced to the public and by now people have known about these 2 great souls and several are
coming to Pasumalai to worship their Samadhi’s. Still on account of the special significance of this
publication, now a few words by way of introduction are necessary.
Though Swamy Lalithananda was having a major portion of his stay at Pausmalai ( in Tamil
Nadu) and also had his Mahasamadhi in that place, he had more devotees in Andra Pradesh
than in Tamil Nadu. From the date of his Mahasamadhi, the construction of the Samadhi temple,
conduct of worship and management of the Ashram at pasumalai, all these have been, and are,
attended to by Andhra devotees only. During the earlier days, some telugu publications also
were available about him. Recently after the visits of the devotees gradually decreased, such
publications also were not forthcoming. Now, a new Committee has been formed to develop the
Ashram, perform Kumbhabishekam for the Samadhi shrine and promote the spiritual activities for
spreading the message and Grace of Swamiji. Besides old devotees, several new and young
devotees also are gradually taking interest in these. Naturally, the need for a telugu or English
publication, containing information about Swamiji’s greatness is keenly felt.
As I had contact with Swamiji from 1939 to 1951 and also wrote something about him
here and there in Tamil, my Andhra friends wanted me to write something in English. But I am
not capable of writing in English, a consolidated, concise, and cogent account of him. So I was
hesitating to make any venture. But suddenly on 20/09/1988 I received a cover from Shrimati
Pankajammal, daughter of Shri P.R. Gopalakrishnaiyer containing this article. It was a thrill for me,
when I read it, tears of joy rolled over my eyes. Undoubtedly this appears to be a divine plan.
Smt. Pankajammal has been giving me a lot of materials from 1974 onwards to know the details
of Shri P.R.G’s life, especially his spiritual side and also to enable me to write a book about him
and publish it along with his article in the name of ”Nan Kanda Gnanigal” (THE SAINTS I HAVE
SEEN) where in he mentions about 41 saints he had seen in his life and has devoted two long
paragraphs for the PARAMACHARYAL OF KANCHI and LALITHANANDA OF PASUMALAI. But
this article was never known and his daughter says she herself was not aware of it, but found
it recently mixed up with some old papers and immediately sent it to me. This article contains
minimum but important information about the Saint.
Further,a few words about this author Shri. P.R. Gopalakrishnaiyer is necessary in this
context. Some people of Tamil Nadu, having connection with Pasumalai, and some old devotees of
Andhra Pradesh also may know about P.R.G to some extent. But for new friends some information
45
about him from my own experience may be useful. From the earliest period of my contact with
Swami Lalithananda (in 1939–40) I had problems. Even on the first day of my meeting Swamiji, I
felt that he was a Great Soul and I was also much attracted to his charming personality. But the
account given about him by local people did not encourage me to get close to him, on the other
hand the implicit faith and devotion shown by some Andhra devotees staying at the hills appeared
to be convincing. In this embarrassing situation, there was no spiritually advanced person in that
locality, which was culturally backward, capable of assessing the worth of a great person like
Swamiji. So I had to wait to meet some person who could enlighten me. Some close friends
had told me about Shri. P.R.G Assistant Commissioner of Central Excise periodically visiting
Pasumalai who, they said will be able to give a correct account of Swamiji and I had the opportunity
to meet him on the THAIPUSHYAM day in January 1940. I met him when he returned after seeing
Swamiji in his cave. On being introduced to him, he straight-away started his conversation, and
expressing surprise at my doubts he clarified all of them and finally told that Swamiji was a great
saint with immense powers and with his divine grace, I can achieve anything in my life – secular
as well as spiritual.
After this I became closely devoted to Swamiji and received his full blessings and divine
protection on many occasions, still at times I used to get tests even crucial ones and trials from
him which slackened my devotion. On such occasions Shri. P.R.G came to my rescue and giving
me satisfactory explanations for all happenings and dispelling my doubts, cemented my faith in
him. In one word I can boldly say that but for P.R.G, I would not have become a close or even an
ordinary devotee of Swami Lalithananda. This guidance from P.R.G. I continued to get till and after
the date of the Maha Samadhi of Shri. Lalithananda. Further, this guidance had to be extended to
a large number of Andhra devotees also, after the physical disappearance of Shri. Lalithananda
and it is well known that the administration of the ashram activities by Shri. Lalithananda Bhakta
Samajam then existing as an unregistered body was carried on completely under his leadership
and on his attaining the Maha Samadhi in 1963, his mortal coils were brought to Pasumalai and
have been placed in Samadhi in one of the Ashram lands, and the maintenance and worship of the
same is managed by the Bhakta Samajam. This much I have been impelled to write just to impress
on the readers especially new friends, that Shri P.R.G’s version and account about Swamiji can be
given full weight. For Shri. P.R.G himself being a born mystic and close associate of Swamiji for
several years in this birth as well as the previous births, this article has a full spiritual background.
Now, one more word for clarification of certain doubtful portions in the article.
This article appears to have been written by Shri. P.R.G some time in 1951, before the
Maha Samadhi of Shri. Lalithananda but after the chandi yagam at Thanial village in Tindivanam
Taluka in South Arcot District. The next yagam referred to by him did not take place. Perhaps
Swamiji would have talked to Shri. P.R.G about this before his Maha Samadhi. For at the time of
Swamiji’s Samadhi, Shri P.R.G once told that he did not expect Swamiji’s Samadhi then.
Another point is that where his own contact is referred to Shri. P.R.G has used third person
instead of first person. The idea behind this is not known. Perhaps he did not like to mention his
name as author of this article allowing it to be published in any other’s name. But it is not possible
to give authorship to any body else. Nor can it be published without the name of the author. In fact,
I do wish to note his name to be given full importance to the article. Further altering the article by
omissions or additions is out of question. For, I cannot dare to do it, as Shri P.R.G Iyer’s writings
are regarded at least by me as divine.
Thirdly the house in Godown street at Madras referred to by P.R.G is the residence of Late
Shri. Bhanda Radhakrishnamoorthygaru who was one of the earliest and very close devotees of
Swamiji and through whom a large number of Andhra people came to know about Swamiji. He
was carrying out the commands of Swamiji during yagas and at other times and as a chief disciple
was in charge of all ceremonies relating to Swamiji from the date of his Samadhi. He was also
the first secretary of the Bhakta Samajam formed soon after the Maha Samadhi, with P.R.G as
president. It is evident that P.R.G was suggesting to the people to go to Swamiji in this place and
get benefited by his darshan and by reading the available literature. But now the books photos etc.
are available at Pasumalai Ashramam itself.
I am sure that this fine crisp article fully authenticated with the Divine Tinge in it, though sim-
ple looking will be useful to all sincere devotees, especially of Andhra Pradesh. May Lalithananda
give his divine light to dispel the darkness in which some like my poor self are still groping and
shower his blessings on all.
I may be pardoned, If I have transgressed my limit any where in this introduction and for
making the introduction longer that the article though with bonafide intention. My heartfelt thanks
are due to Dr. Shri. S. Ramakrishnan, Professor of Biochemistry, and Head of Department,
Raja Muthiah College, Annamalai University for the kind forword given and to M/s Paari Printers
Chidambaram for the benign help rendered for printing.
Lalithananda Dasan
Chapter 5
The Saint of Pasumalai

It is generally recognized that the spiritual wealth of INDIA i.e. BHARAT is great. Unlike
other countries here has been a succession of great SAINTS and AVATARS.
The latter come on special occasions once an age whenever the need arises (Bhagavad
Gita, Chapter 4). The wisdom of GOD has provided the former class of men for carrying on
the torch of spirituality in ordinary times. The latest to come to public fame of this class is Srila
Shri Lalithananda Saraswathi Swamiji of Pasumalai in the Sengi range of hills. PASUMALAI–the
”COWHILL”, ”GOVARDHANAGIRI” or ”THE GREEN HILL”–because this is the only hill with any
vegetation on it, amidst barren crags- is near Melolakkur, a shrottiram village in Sengi Taluka,
South Arcot District. On top of the hill a small SUBHRAMANYA temple exists. By the side of the
steps leading to the shrine about half way up, there is a small cave in which Swamiji used to reside.
Some say that Swamiji was born in the neighborhood and some say he came from ”NO WHERE
and is acting a part in the grand drama ”but it is certainly believed that he is an Andhra Brahmin
who became a Sannyasin when and where nobody knows. The Shrotriamdars claim him as their
relative.
He seems to have been attached to no place before he came here but was a dweller in the
forests of Pakkam Hills, specializing in simplest herbal medicine. About 20 years ago he met Shri
P.R Gopalakrishna Iyer of Central Excise Department (now retired) and became very intimate with
him. They both used to visit the hill and Shrine for the Thai Pushyam and Skanda Shasti festivals.
The Swamiji was seen accompanied by this Gopalakrishna Iyer in his tours in Tamil and Andhra
Desa. At that time the Swamiji though Kaashayam clad was doing what looked like Subhramanya
pooja. For, the main Vigraham in his association with the Pasumalai temple. The pooja used to
be like what religious heads perform daily in their mutts both morn and eve. Hundreds of people
attended the pooja and received Prasad and also healing herbs or ointment- siddoushada for
many ailments. This went on for several years. He conducted the Kumbabhishekam for the shrine
at Pasumalai in 1934. Thereafter the Swamiji spent sometime in the Telugu area and the circle of
his devotees went on extending and at present a great majority of them hail from Andhra.
When the Swamiji returned to the hill in 1939 he became an ”Avadutha” for sometime and
confined himself to the cave on the hill. Meanwhile a choultry had been built at a short distance
from the foot of the hill. A shandy came to be held weekly. The name of Pasumalai and of the
Swamiji began to spread far and wide. The Swamiji’s friends and disciples took him to Andhra desa
again and there he was actually idolized. Wherever this idol is, huge crowds of devotees come
round him and await his help and guidance and live on his words. The Swamiji is like the Maharishi
in Tiruvannamalai (Referring to Shri. Ramana Maharishi) or Shri. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa,
48
homely and simple without any claim to erudition. He does not deliver lectures. He does not
talk like a pendant. He gives ”Rakshaws” (Talisman) and chakrams for use and initiate people in
any upasana. Many people fail to realize that the Swamiji is a dynamic personality hidden in the
unostentatious simplicity of his talk and occasional eccentricity of his ways. When he is in the
mood he will tell a man’s ancestral history for several generations the man himself may not know
any of it without reference to some very old villager or relative or sealed book and it will astonish
his hearers. He is not a respecter of person or privilege. He moves freely with young and old,
men and women; when amidst children he reminds one of Jesus. To him all religions are ”Paths
of Truth”. He never disputes like a sectarian. But he follows the traditional path of his ancestors.
People adorn him with flower garlands and jewels. He wears them to please the adorer. He chews
pan and tobacco and repulses the bigot. He explodes occasionally in temper to keep away the
undesirables. He cares not for money but affects to be intent on treasure troves when he finds
people eager to search for them, indulging them sportively in their own weakness- a trial too âĂŞ
to try their fitness for discipleship. Trials are like potholes in the path of religious life. Those who
bravely negotiate them reach the goal of their aspirations such is the common experiences of
Bhaktas.
In 1948 he organized a ”Gayatri Yagnam” at Pasumalai and gathered learned pundits for
this purpose from Tinnelvelly and other places. It lasted over 45 days and the whole place, till then
a deserted wilderness hummed with activity and thousands witnessed it and were fed after the
function. The immediate effect of this Yagam was seen in the crop and rain for water supply both
plenty here in the season following. There was no appeal for funds; the disciples met it. No police
bandobast was needed. The magical influence of the Swamiji was felt everywhere. Other Yagams
followed in 1949. ”Rudra Yagam” ”Shadakshara Yagam” ”Chandi Yagam” and so forth. Another
is to take place this year. The venue is not yet settled. Besides the Swamiji has renovated many
temples in Tamil and Telugu areas.
The moving spirit, the central attraction amidst these undertakings and varied interests is
the charming personality of the saint, who silently blesses people even remotely in contact with
him. Books have been written in Tamil and Telugu and poems sung. These may be had at 55-57
Godown St. George Town, Madras. Persons desirous of personal contact may meet him either at
Pasumalai at ”Thaipusyam” or ”Skanda Shasti” time or at Godown St., address given above when
the Swami stays there. The Swamiji looks 50 or 55 but some people opine he must be decades
older. He has no fixed diet. He eats whatever is offered. He speaks Tamil and Telugu fluently
but no English or Sanskrit. His knowledge is immeasurable in all matters. He is not a yogi intent
on Asanas or similar observances. Many people have seen visions of him before they go to see
him. Some speak of miracles by him. Some are held strangely attached to him from visions after
contact with him; some others by success in business ventures, after his advice. Here is a unique
person who is ready to help anybody seeking spiritual food and solace in life. You cannot hear him
as you heard Gandhiji. You cannot read him as you read Aurobindo or any other who wrote and
left a legacy of luminous works. Nor can you be sure of meeting him like Maharishi (Shri. Ramana
Maharishi) in any fixed abode nor amidst comforts and conveniences commonly required by all.
You have to live with Shri. Lalithananda to know him, to understand him, to realize his
spiritual greatness and then you will begin to see the vision divine and hear the inner voice of the
great mystic that he is.
The status of Pasumalai in 1998

Pasumalai is situated in the Sengi range of hills in Melolakkur village some 60 kms from
Thiruvannamalai and near Villupuram. The hill is green perennially, apart from the Lord Muruga
temple situated on top of the hill it has many caves (they say that in all there were 12 caves)
of which only 11 were visible. One particular cave at the Northern foot of the hill is known as
”PANDAVAR GUGHAI” (The Cave where Pandavas lived). It is believed that the Pandavas spent
their 12 years of exile here. As seen just a little ahead of the entrance you can see 6 stone
structures like a bed and pillow (probably beds used by Pandavas to sleep). The entrance also
contains some inscriptions in Sanskrit and Tamil (though the Tamil ones are a recent occurring).
Deep inside the cave there runs an underground river due to which the hill is always moist and
green. There also can be seen some saints deep in meditation in some of the caves even now.
The Ashram it self does not have any facilities and electricity was only recent to the ashram
and the whole area is undeveloped for many years, a symbol of simple living, a feeling of humility
gets developed in the place automatically magical as it is. The Ashram has a Shiva temple, which
was built above the Samadhi of the Great Swami (Shri. Lalithananda). Pooja takes place at
the temple both at morn and eve, done by the management who hail from Guntur in Andhra. The
Ashram has above all the room where the Swami used to rest and contains his physical belongings
and his power is felt even as you enter the room. Daily after the pooja to Lord Shiva and to the
Guru pooja is done to Shri. P.R.G who’s Samadhi is near the ashram in a Garden (Nandavanam).
There is a small structure inside which His photo is kept and is worshipped.
Shri. R Vaidhyanath Iyer was the latest in the list of the Guru’s disciples. Shri. P.R.G had
arranged his marriage in the temple above the hill some time in 1935 with Shri. P.R.G’s brother’s
daughter. Shri. R Vaidhyanath Iyer was in Central Excise at that time and had come under the
influence of Shri. P.R.G and became an ardent devotee of the Swami.
Shri. Vaidhyanath Iyer spent most part of his life after 1980 in the ashram and used to get
visions of the Swami and also orders from him, and by Swami’s grace had turned into a Saint
himself by the last years of his stay on this planet from which he was freed in 1999 and reunited
with the Guru in the Malai.
The Ashram also contains some very old books, which are not well maintained and are
decaying, and with not many visitors or devotees at present funds are limited.
Part III
Reminiscences about the Author
51
Chapter 6
My Will
One may wonder what I have to will away. Of real property, I have none. Of the movable
kind, there is only one which requires a word for its disposal, my body. When my body is lifeless, it
may be taken to Pasumalai and buried there at the foot of the hills. No stone or construction over
the place should mark it. No ceremony of any kind is needed nor do I expect. I wish my exit is
as quiet as it can possibly be. I hope to provide for the petrol charges also before I expire, but if I
should fail, I hope my wish will not be frustrated.
I leave my best wishes with al those whom I have loved in this life.
I write this when my mental condition is sound, and my physical health at its best for the
age.
(Sd.) P. R. GOPALAKRISHNAN
25th Sept. 1952.
(True Copy)
52
Chapter 7
Gandhiji
EXTRACT FROM POEMS By P. R. G
1. He was a warrior of different cast, 9. Nobler to die as he did at

Who banished armour, sword, and spear. Altar steps and ascend Godward
Who vetoed passion, hatred, and fear. And Godlike, than under guard
Tabooed violence in love steadfast. Of British goal lough’s habitat.
2. He was a man among the men, 10. Like illustrious Bonnievard,

And walked like Buddha or Christ, his way Who languished long in dread chillon,
Of compassion lovely which lay Patriot shares like a villain
Among the masses and out-cast’s den. The cell, or meet the short or poniard.
3. Human records show none like him.
11. While yugas cycle round their course.
The coping stone in soul culture.
And legends grow about our land.
Without Yogie cult or rapture.
And who won her and whose hand
He stands alone on Eminence dim.
Brought the freedom unstained by force.
4. He broke the tradition of weak men
And held duty done was victory won. 12. Of arms, or Sacrifice blood fit,
From Gita strayed only in the lesson Unsuited by rancour or rage,
That valour must ever violence shun. We shall see in a golden page,
His Promethean fame flood lit.
5. Indeed to force his friend too gross.
To see reason and Right in a course 13. We shall not want, we shall not waste
Crude bias had set on its claws To spread the boons by science unrolled
The fast or hunger-strike he chose. Plenty of forces mind / controlled
Will soon the country round hum and
6. And then when, men humanly erred.
haste.
And acted not true to him to be
He would make his own fast atone. 14. We shall find hunger laid to rest,
7. Like the new world Lincoln who fought And sweat lessened and lightended strain,
For slaves, in this ancient country. Shortened distance and strengthened
Secured he by his campaigns, entry brain
To shrines and rights the Harijans sought. And when we are at level best.
8. We know not what grief or grievance. 15. Alwars and saints galore made her
The man who killed him had for his deed; Hallowed beyond all words acclaim,
But it is death pleasing indeed But we can make the land sublime
In martyrdom’s code of prudence. To act as they did and love her.
53
16. Glory unto bloodless victory 18. Glory to land that Gita claims
Nobler than those who show courage, To land that hails human piety
To think and act chivalrous wage, In diverse ways and with gaiety
And die for nights, writing history. Worships God in diverse names.
17. Glory to sinless deeds and works, 19. Glory to India my native land,
Where we may sweat but do not slave That lured the west, and lit the east
Glory to suffering endured to brake To think of her is like the Yeast.
The wrong or wrath of wicked sharks. To be born here is glorious and grand.
Chapter 8
God’s Good Man

By Shri S.S.T. Chari
Way back in the late thirties, about a decade before the arrival of Independence, my interest
in the game of Tennis took me to a court in Kakinada (then known as Cocanada) in the former
Composite State of Madras (now part of Andhra Pradesh). There I witnessed a man on the wrong
side of 45 sporting a rich and silvery if a trifle unkempt beard, clad in Khaki half-pant playing almost
unbecomingly vigorous Tennis. He had finished, that afternoon, 3 consecutive sets of singles with
Rami Reddi a Veteran of those days and, not content with this, he was engaging a youngster
known for his speed, agility and mastery of some strokes and giving him too a pretty good fight.
I was waiting for the game to be over, when I was introduced to the above extraordinary
person. Naturally, I fell into conversation with him on a variety of subjects and found hum giving
expression to his thoughts in simple, direct, unvarnished language without fear or favour, and
looking at most of life’s problems of those days with stoic calmness and submissive characteristic
of a philosopher.
That was P. R. Gopalakrishna Iyer, Assistant Commissioner of Salt, Covering the coastal
Districts from Nellore to Vishakhapatnam and beyond – ’PRG’ as he was affectingly known to all
who came into contact with him.
PRG played Tennis with such seriousness and zest that he sometimes rebuked and admon-
ished his partner, even while the game was on for missing some fine shots and failing to attack
when attack was the best form of defence. However, no sooner the same was over than PRG
completely forgot all that he had remarked in the course of the game and even seemed willing to
subscribe to the rather fantastic theory that copious perspiration is sometimes proof of inspiration.
Naturally, there were occasions when he lost the game or match in favour of the opponent, be he
was always a good loser on and off the field and never grudged that compliment legitimately due to
the winner. Whether the field was Tennis or other activities, all of us noticed one characteristic of
PRG i.e., his abiding faith in the limitations of a human being, beyond which one can be expected
to strive.
In the matter of sartorial taste, keeping his house or his office, simplicity was his key-note.
And in an era known for red-tape, protocol, bureaucratic woodenness, and what else have you
PRG was readily accessible to anybody who wished to see him. Naturally the number grew, but
this did not cause any change in his deportment.
Listening, it is said, is the fundamental part of understanding and PRG listened with almost
bovine patience to any representation which was made to him. This, itself, tended to satisfy
the petitioner to some extent. Where PRG could help officially, he would do so without fuss or
ostentation. Where, however, the rules stood in the way and the matter involved was one of
55
finance, he came out with an offer to help in his private capacity– an offer which was sometimes
accepted.
Even in those days people seldom practised what they preached, but PRG was a singular
exception, and he so controlled his thoughts and actions that he demonstrated that virile and
physically endowed chronic grand- widower could be a celibate, that there is no need for anyone
to think too much about tomorrow and there was no point in amassing one’s own wealth and in the
process becoming inevitably and increasingly greedy.
At the same time PRG had a remarkable gift for forgiving human failings and weaknesses–
a trait which could well have got him into trouble with his superiors had they not understood PRG
as well as they fortunately did. PRG was an excusing rather than a punishing type of boss and no
wonder that many of his subordinates regarded him as their friend, philosopher, guide and mentor.
I know of at least one case where a subordinate literally worshipped him. Barring his limited circle
of friends and co-workers, PRG kept himself to himself by and large and sometimes he gave
the impression of a mystic gifted with some powers narrowly bordering on the supernatural. Some
people therefore went to the extent of approaching him for foretelling their future. I am not ashamed
to say that I was myself one of them on one occasion.
I had received a telegram from my father stating that my mother was seriously laid up and
asking me to return to Madras forthwith. I was so attached and devoted to her that I imagined
that she was already dead and I did not know what I would do without her. I rushed to PRG and
showed him the telegram. Returning this with his characteristic simile he said that the illness,
though severe would not prove fatal and my mother would live for another 24 years. She lived
exactly that long!
PRG was a staunch adherent and devotee of Pasumalaiu Swamiji and when this Swamiji
camped in Kakinanda he drew vast crowds of people who came with offerings of fruits, flowers,
etc., and the place soon became a veritable Ashram with all its paraphernalia. PRG saw to it that
every member of the crowd was taken good care of and given the opportunity of receiving the
Swamiji’s blessings.
I too had a darshan of Pasumalai Swamiji but somehow was not drawn so closely to him
as many others did or PRG might have wished, but PRG being what he was, he never uttered a
word to suggest that I might join the circle of Swamiji’s devotees. That was how he respected the
personal inclinations of others.
Following PRG’s demise, I frequently ask myself the question, ”How often is a man of PRG’s
qualities of head and heart born in this world?” In echo I hear the answer, ”Once in a millennium.”
Chapter 9
My Father Shri Swamiji

Before I begin to write down my father’s life as I know it, I must at the outset say, that in
general I am unfit to do it. For first of all, I am not proficient in this foreign tongue, as I have not had
the privilege of higher studies at all, which was a subject of argument between my parents very
often in those days. So it was that I never saw the portals of a college, why, I was not even allowed
to finish school before I was married off. So I beg to be pardoned for the many grammatical and
other mistakes.
Secondly, my father being such an eminent person, unique in many respects, and many-
sided as well, I quail before the enormity of the task before me. However, if I do not speak about
him, much of the loveliness and wonder of his life would be lost to posterity. His unique and
many-faceted life should be made known more to his devotees, admirers, and followers. Hence, I
shall set forth here everything I know of him from the intimacy of a loved child, who was close to
him throughout his life, up to the end. Now, I must begin by saying something about my father’s
childhood and his parentage ad I have heard from him and others.
My father’s father, Shri P. K. Rajam Iyer was a Tahsildar when he died. He rose from a
humble position to that of a Tahsildar, by sheer dint of his character and ability. His name is still
remembered in Thiruchirappalli with respect. He worked so diligently and was so honest and very
able, that he endeared himself to his British bosses. Many district collectors admired his ability
and honesty which brought him appreciation and promotion.
My grandfather was not one who would just do his duty or routine and never bother about
other things. He was a keen observer and interested in everything, chiefly he was very much
interested in archaeology. He often brought to the notice of the Collectors the sad condition of
some of the temples, which were in a dilapidated state with grass growing over inscriptions on the
walls.
He took pains pointing out these things to the archaeological department and pleaded for
their preservation. In their testimonials the Collectors have praised his efforts. It is surprising
that Rajam Iyer evinced interest in such matters not under his jurisdiction, at a time when no one
cared about them. My grandfather was a man of great tact also, which speaks for the way he
settled an issue between the followers of the Shringeri Mutt and Kanchi Mutt. He settled it very
smoothly without disparaging anybodys repute. And in many other ways, time and again he helped
the Kumbakonam Mutt which is remembered by our Periyaval till this day. Some years back the
Acharyal sent for Rajam Iyer’s photo and had it hung at the Mutt. Thus, a friendship was forged
between my father and the Acharyal. The Acharyal has been interested in my father always and
often sought him out, of which I shall refer later in detail.
As a child, my father was very affectionate, obedient, gentle and clever, which made my
57
grandfather think that âĂŸKuppu’ as they called him, would one day become great. Not only that,
my grandfather had a great faith in his words. Often whenever there was a quarrel or argument
in the family that was brought to his notice later, he would say, ”Call Kuppu and I shall ask him.
He never lies.” Everyone knew that Kuppu’s word was testimony for truth He never could learn to
lie throughout his life. He was always candid about himself and others too, even if it hurt him or
others. This love of truth was a characteristic of my father, akin to Mahatma Gandhi’s.
My grandfather died before I was born. During his last years when he was bed-ridden, my
father nursed him tenderly and was disconsolate when he died. My. Shipley, the then Collector, a
great friend of Rajam Iyer, immediately gave my father a job. He made him and assistant inspector
of salt directly, which was unusual, people were recruited to lower posts only.
I do not know much about my grandmother, my father’s mother, except that she was very
fond of my father. He was her favorite. He lost her when he was barely twelve. He revered her
memory and would often tell me, how she used to pamper him and humour him. As she lost two
or three infants before him, she rolled him on the Mbmf and called him ’Kuppu’ (for Kuppai, dirt),
as it was done in those days. So Kuppu he remained even to our Periyaval. Was he mere Kuppai
or the gem found in the Kuppai?
My father has told me that when quite a child sitting on the lap of his mother, some Sadhu
came and blessed him and told her that he would be great one day. This same swamy, my father
said, met him twice later also in his childhood, suddenly appearing and disappearing.
My father was not only a pet in the family but in his school also he was made much of. For,
one thing, my father was a chubby fair child, shy and timid, which endeared him to teachers and
all. He was so quiet and listened to the teachers and elders that they all liked him. For his gentle
manners and helpfulness they all liked him. They were all touched by the respect he showed to
elders. As he grew up, his unselfishness and helpfulness became more pronounced.
He passed B. A. and his father was seeking a bride for him. Coming to my father’s marriage,
my mother’s family lived at that time in Thiruvayar. My mother’s father was Mr. Sundaram Iyer
who worked in Trivandrum in the Raja’s samasthanam as the Superintendent. He was a broad-
minded and cultured man. Unfortunately he passed away early in life, when my mother was barely
three. So my mother’s maternal grandfather brought his daughter Kamakshiammal with four little
children to Thiruvayar. My mother grew up there. My mother’s family members were all educated
and cultured Even my grandmother could read three languages. My mother became proficient
in English even as a very young girl. My paternal grandfather chose a girl from this enlightened
family for his son.
Though there was an age-disparity of 11 years between my father and mother, yet when
she went to live with him, he found in her his equal. My mother was my father’s equal intellectually,
spiritually, and emotionally. My father was an erudite scholar and so was my mother. Love for
English literature and poetry was what drew my patents together. I have in possession now an old,
tattered note book in which both my mother and father had copied quotations from Shakespeare
and Shelly before I was born.
The earliest memory of my father is hearing his voice come wafting down from the puja
room. As a very young child my ears were filled with the musical tunes of the mantras and other
devotional songs which he recited and sang during the abhishekams and other rituals of his puja.
They were all rendered in various appropriate ragas. My father had a rich and melodious voice,
unusual in a man. While I watched him perform the puja, I was impressed with the sincerity and
piety which with it was done.
Apart from the puja time, I have often heard him sing aloud the ’Arulpas’, ’Thevarams’, and
’Thirupugazh’, while he lay on the couch resting between his official work, He often used to draw
my attention to the beauty of the lines and explained their meanings to me. Thus in my early years,
my father fed me with music and the love of God together, very naturally.
My father’s postings were in all the God-forsaken places. Two such places stand out now
clearly in my mind, Theethandathanam and Manakkudi. Both were tiny villages. There was a huge
old dilapidated Shiva temple near Theethandathanam. My father sitting on a fallen pillar would be
singing Thevarams, while my mother went round admiring the sculptures. My baby brother and I
played around.
Manakuddi also was another small village. I only remember the beach where my parents
frequently went. Unending stretches of silvery sand spread on either side over which thorny Ra-
vana Meesai (Ravana’s moustache)1 ran criss- cross. In front of us the sea lay changing its colour
as the day advanced. My father would be lying on the sand reading a book, while my mother
watched the surf beating on the shore. We children collected shells and the convolvulus as we
played. This beach and the scene are still very vivid in my memory.
In those days my father kept dogs. He loved them and they were friends. He was very
fond of animals, especially dogs and horses. He had to keep a horse; for in those days before the
advent of cars he went on his inspection and circuits on horse-back. Often he rode 100 miles a
day. Once when he had to part with his horse, he sent it away to someone. The next day the horse
was back having come 80 miles distance. It did not go to its stable, but came near the verandah
of the bungalow and then to the window of my father’s bed-room. My father came out and was
touched to see it and when he went near, it put its face near my father’s cheek. There were tears
in my father’s eyes. Man and beast were in telepathic understanding.
One dog which my grandfather was rearing when he died was brought home by my father,
it seems, and when it died after some years my father fasted for a full day, says my mother.
Squirrels used to run over his arms and all over him and take food from his palms, much to
the delight of my children. His love for animals extended to all leaving creatures, insects including.
He was so gentle that he will not even step over or kill an ant. He forbade the servants from striking
and killing scorpions and snakes. Snakes had a trick of getting into our bathroom and bed-rooms.
My mother insisted that they be killed and beaten because of the fear of her grandchildren being
bitten by them. However, my father would not allow anyone to raise a stick against them, but
ordered the servants to cajole and frighten them out of the rooms into the garden, where from my
mother believed they would certainly crawl back.
Both my parents were unique persons. Temperamentally and intellectually, they were far
above the common average. Both were deeply religious and spiritual from their early childhood.
1
a bushy plant with scientific name Spinifex littoreus
My father was like the rishis and seers, his path was the orthodox way, and my mother’s was like
Meera’s. Like Meera, my mother’s preferred deity (Ishta Devata) was Lord Krishna too. Both my
parents were very patriotic. While my mother was bold and active, my father could not because of
his official position. My mother responded to the call of Independence by Gandhiji. Such illustrious
persons as Sarojini Naidu, her sister Mrinalini, Kamaladevi Chatopadhyaya and her famous hus-
band were frequent visitors to our house. My mother contributed articles to the magazine called
âĂŸShama’ edited by MrinaliniâĂŞ a patriotic magazine. Sarojini Naidu and her sister wanted my
mother to visit Shantiniketan as my mother was a great admirer of Tagore’s literature and was
learning Bengali in order to enjoy his literature better. When my mother began to take active part
in Satyagraha movements, she had to be restrained because of my father’s position. So she had
to limit it by writings and by taking to the charkha. She gave up wearing silk saris and compelled
me as a child also to wear Khadar. She got her thread woven into a cloth and made for me and for
herself dresses out of them. However, later on, my mother gave up all political activities when she
lost two boy children one after the other. After that she became intensely spiritual and withdrawn.
When I was 8 years old, my father was transferred to Ellore, promoted as Inspector. I always
used to look with awe at the gun that used to hang on the wall of our house. Frequently, I have
seen him dress in the middle of the night and take out the gun and go with the peons. He had to
check and arrest illicit liquor brewers as that department also was under his jurisdiction. In spite of
his non-violent principles and gentleness, he was duty-conscious and did not care about personal
dangers. After this Ellore period, my father was transferred to Tuticorin. It was there that my father
grew his beard and took to satvik dietâĂŞ a rishi’s diet so to say. He took nothing for the whole
day but a cup of curd and the mashed Karunakizhangu (elephant yam) with lime or narthangai
(Citron) squeezed on it. No milk, coffee, or tea, or any sweets, or rice will be taken, with this diet.
He went about his duties rode on horse-back did kit inspection and played four sets of tennis in the
evenings. It was in Tuticorin days my father told me he was intensely seeking Lord Shiva to grant
darshan. When I asked him if he did get a darshan he replied he did. As I was a young school girl
them I failed to ask him the details.
I forgot to add that he never took ordinary sea salt with his elephant yam (although his
department made it). Instead he scored the country to obtain a plant (a herb; name forgotten)
from which he would extract salt by himself. This was his salt. It was a bulbous plant. He also
occasionally ate parangikkai (pumpkin) oiled and mixed with payatamavu (green gram flour). This
sufficed for him for 15 years. He broke this diet only once for my wedding when I begged him
to eat normal food. Never before could he be tempted to eat anything else than this elephant
yam . Such was his strength of will. At Merkanam where he was transferred from Tutircorin, he
was called âĂŸChinna Gandhi’ affectionately by the neighbours, because of his satvik diet, gentle
demeanour and just ways.
Merkanam Days:
Now, I must mention another quality of my father. He was a very greatr lover of sports.
Wherever he was posted, he got a tennis court laid out in his garden or office premises and
gathered some friends or officers to play, Not only did he play, but he organized tournaments and
invited his bosses also sometimes. He gave away prizes bought from his own pocket. He was so
enthusiastic about getting up the sports programs and variety of games.
After Merkanan, my father was transferred to Madras and he took leave for two months,
which he spent at Thirukalukundram. It was at Thirukalukundram, I saw two persons or sadhus
come into my father’s life. One was a Malayali woman, middle aged, who used to come every
morning asking for alms. People said that she was rather weak in the head. She used to bring
water in a pot and sprinkle it all over the house everyday muttering something all the while. She
would not address any one or answer. To us, she seemed to be just a poor woman rather weak
in the head begging alms. But my father seemed to see more in her. He told me that she was a
yogi and that she was pretending to be mad. So he would have us treat her with every respect
and give her a seat and make us serve her food. We honoured her as a special guest.
About this time my father struck a friendship with another Sadhu This one was a Telugu
speaking tall lean young man in his twenties. He was a sanyasi, but he would change his dress
now and then. Most days he wrapped himself with a sari like a woman, wearing bangles and
necklaces and eye makeup. At other times, he never wore anything but the coukeepnam. He had
matted hair and long finger nails which he coloured with henna. My father told me that he was a
great yogi, who was practicing gopika bhakti towards Krishna. This sadhu often visited my father
at different intervals and he died in my father’s house in Madras.
After my father retired, he was living in Madras when this sadhu appeared. This time,
he was very ill, of advanced T. B., spurting out blood and coughing terribly. The servants were
reluctant to go near him. My father nursed him personally. He lived a couple of months with my
father and then died; my father cremated him. This exemplary act speaks for my father’s greatness
and his intense faith in Swamiars.
To my father, every Sanyasi was a God. Any uninvited guest was God. For he believed like
our Nayanmars, that God would come in the form of ordinary man to test one’s faith. My father, in
spirit and thought, did not belong to this age, he lived mentally in the world of rishis and seers and
Nayanmars of the olden days. We all know the lives of the 63 Nayanmars of whose tribe my father
belongs. My father’s contention was that God would appear before one, at any time, in any guise
that pleases Him, and that one should be ready to serve Him and not turn Him away because he
did not look or behave like God. This same belief was held by the pious Christians of the medieval
age, that Christ would come in the form of an old man or woman, sick man or a beggar, and that
one should receive such persons and treat them just as you would were the Lord to appear before
you. These notions were held my many all over the world in the olden times; to such holy throng
did my father belong. His life could only be compared to Tiru Neelakanthar , Pillai Kari Konda
Nayanar (Chiruthondar), etc2 . He was a misfit in our modern age.
In the British rule and age people became materialistic and the alien culture uprooted ours
without implanting anything as satisfying and noble in its stead. So my father was not understood
when he befriended all swamiars. The really great and the ordinary (as we and others thought).
His staunch faith in the words of Saints, that God could come in any form and any manner to test
the faith of mortals, made him love and respect all. This tremendous faith was his only treasure,
for alas he never possessed any worldly wealth. In those days, especially in the Salt department
2
Two of the Saints from among the 63 Nayanmar Saints of South India who excelled in their devotion to Lord Shiva
corruption was the rule. It was called mamul (bribe) and was accepted from petty officers to the
collector. My father was the only one who never touched any bribe nor would tolerate it around
him, for which many officials below and above him hated him and feared him. This same quality
was admired and appreciated in the higher hierarchy of the department.
In spite of the fact that he never accepted bribe and lived within his income, he was
renowned for his various charitable acts. He helped everyone freely with money. His brother
having died long ago leaving four daughters and a widow, my father married off all the daughters
and looked after the widow. To him money had no value except its use to help others in their
needs and make people happy. He fed people freely and lent money easily to raise others from
poverty that he had to live a very frugal and simple and austere life. I cannot think of anyone for
comparison for his charitable acts except âĂŸKarnan’ of Mahabharatham. Thus, he lived to help
all his relatives, friends, strangers, and swamiars unstintingly. Religion to him was real, no mere
supplicatory affair. It was his way of life. In spite of living and acting in the practical world, wielding
a high position under foreigners, capably and successfully, yet in his heart and in his private like
he remained a true man of God.
Just for an instance, I will relate something about his generosity and helpfulness. When he
was in Kakinada, a German who was going round the world in a small motor boat was stranded
near Kakinada port. The motor broke down and he had to repair it. He came into the town and
was explaining his position in the municipality, no one took any interest, when suddenly someone
said, ”You go to Mr. PRG; he will help you.” So this German was entertained at home by my father
who got him mechanics and carpenters to help mend the boat and gave him a handsome amount
when he departed on his onward journey. This friendship resulted in my father getting small boats
made for his grandchildren to row in the ponds and tanks on our huge garden. This is to show that
he was interested in everything. During moments of leisure, in his service, he wrote voluminous
poetry in all forms ballads, sonnets, etc. Subjects too were varied spiritual as well as humorous
ones and on Nature, animals, stories, anecdotes, etc.
To come back to other swamiars in his life, I shall take up the thread where I left. The next
great man that came into my father’s life was Shri Lalithananada. This swamiji was conducting
some big puja at Adirampatnam where my father was posted then. It was then that my father
met this holy man. They came together very soon. Shri Lalithananada (my father told me) it
seems knew about his past Janma and he used to tell me many anecdotes. Shri Lalithananda
later became his guru. I also learnt that Shri Lalithananda and my father were the disciples of
Brahmendra Saraswathi swamigal. I was told all these by my father. Mystics know many things
which we do not know.
Sometime after this, when my father was still at Adirampatnam, a Marakkayar (a Muslim)
became a great friend with my father. That Marakkayar used to recite Tevaram and Tiruppugazh3
. I have heard my father say that this man also was a great Soul. Marakkayar visited my father
frequently after he retired and came to live in Madras. He was a bhakta of Shri Lalithananda also.
One swamiar that my father took us to was one avadhuta swamigal of Santhamangalam,
Salem. This holy man lived in a cave near a temple in total nakedness. My father took me and
3
Tamil chants and songs in praise of Lord Shiva
my fairly grown-up boys and girls to see this holy man. He was surprised to see how dignified my
children behaved to see a naked man. This shows how well, by now, my children had come to
accept and respect anyone their grandfather had believed in.
After Adirampatnam, my father was transferred to Cocanada as Assistant Commissioner, in
1935, where he lived 8 years till his retirement. Here, one old bent bairagi used to visit my father
every day. This bairagi was addicted to opium. To us this bairagi seemed to be an ordinary man.
But my father must have seen much greatness in him through his inner eye, that he befriended
him. Soon my father retired and came to Madras. As Madras was evacuating its citizens due
to World war-II, my father took us to Tindivanam. When we were there this telugu bairagi from
Cocanada came to my father. As he was very old we saw his end was near. My father tenderly
nursed him and when he died after a few months, he built a small Samadhi over the place where
his body was buried and a Shivalingam to mark the site.
There was one Rayar swamiar also at Tindivanam who frequented our house. He was a
very simple man contented to come and eat with my father. He also later came to Madras when
he was about to die. To everyone my father extended asylum, help, and love; so that everyone
thought of him when his last moments came. Thus, he proved a haven to those who believed in
him. He never let anyone down or turned down anyone who sought help or sympathy.
I must now go back to Cocanada (Kakinada) days, when my father had the honour of playing
host to the greatest man of our times, our Periyaval of Kanchi mutt. In 1939, Chandrashekharendra
Saraswathi Acharyal of Kamakoti peetham was returning from His yatra to the Himalayas. My
father invited His Holiness with his entourage to reside in his compound at Cocanada.
In those days His Holiness toured in his palanquin with a big retinue. Elephants, horses,
camel, and infantry men went with him. The puja and treasury were carried and several brahmins
and servants with mountainous luggage followed.
My father harboured them all in his huge garden. His compound was large enough with
several ponds and mango groves and cashew-nut groves. The compound was like a small forest
in its wealth of plants, trees, and lotus ponds. In that spacious compound, midst of groves and
ponds did our Periyaval come to sojourn for 3 months with his huge retinue and camped like a king
that he was among men. My father had put up various huts, pandals, shamianas, etc., for various
purposes to receive all these retinues of the Acharyal. Huts for cooking, shelter for animals, huts
for the servants and purohits, etc., with a special huge pandal for the puja to witness which huge
crowds gathered every day.
In the Usha kalam or Brahmamuhurtham, i.e., 4 in the early morning, before the day broke,
the brahmins of the Mutt gathered together at the ponds and had their dips. They sat on the
banks of the lotus ponds and began chanting the mantras. The sound reverberated through the
still atmosphere. We rose thrilled to hear the chanting of Mantras. The grandeur of it all surpasses
our description. No other language has such an electric appeal.
The Sanskrit language alone is based upon the Principles of sound (the physics of sound).
So the recitals vibrated to the rhythm of the earth, sky, and water. It sent my mind backwards,
across centuries when our rishis, thus sat on the banks of the holy rivers in the Himalayas im-
mersed in contemplation, diving deep into their inner-most recesses of the heart listening to the
still, small voice, distinctly declare the Truth of the vedas. They "heard" them "within" and then
gave it out to their disciples. Thus the saying that the Vedas were "heard" and not composed is
right.
After this morning chanting, the Go-Puja, Gaja-Puja, and the drill of the small contingent,
(which impressed my children so much) all took place. The children never failed to attend them
all. Then followed the daily puja of Swamigal, with abhishekams and other rituals, before the huge
crowd gathered there, from all walks of life, After the puja and the distribution of the prasadham
and hearing of individual problems, the Acharyal left for his meager saltless meal.
At 4 in the evening, the spacious grounds would be filled with the multitudes that came to
listen to his discourses. After the evening puja when the crowd dissolved, the Acharyal sat before
his hut on the bank of one of the ponds, alone-when my father would approach him. Both sat
conversing for over an hour every day. What exchange of experiences and discussions covering
Truth and God must have passed between them!! I was only allowed to join them occasionally.
Seeing them both, the great Acharyal and my father thus, I could not help feeling that I was in the
past, midst of a forest, living with rishis. This episode enfolded before my eyes, the Vedic times,
relived now, as no text book could ever explain, If my father had not been a great soul, it would
not have been given to him to entertain His Holiness this way. Who can do so much on his own
without a committee of people sharing it? All this speaks for the greatness of my father, in his
undertakings of organizations on such great scales.
My father retired in 1939 and came to live in Madras near me. Now I must say something
about Pasumalai, for it played a great part (for nearly 25 years) in my father’s last retired days.
When my father was in Cocanada before retirement, the Pasumalai temple (Lord Subrahmanya)
was brought to his notice through his Guru Shri Lalithananda. This beautiful small shrine on top
of the only green hill, amidst rocky hills, Pasumalai – Pasumaiyana Malai (Verdant hills or Green
hills)– in the neighbourhood did possess paddy fields and lands. But as usual the temple was
neglected by the then executives. Shri Lalithananda wanted my father to do something about this
temple as Lalithananda was actively helping the revival of temple festivals, etc. My father helped
in many ways, he got the silver Vel, crowns, and flags for the deities. The most important service
was the establishment of a Gurukkal there to attend to the temple Puja.
My father finally retired and came to settle down in Madras with me. My mother had a
house built in my compound. This house being her mother’s (my grandmother’s) gift to her. Both
my parents lived there. For many years after retirement, my father used to play tennis. He began
to write poems in English and Tamil. So prolific are his works that I have not yet been able to
publish them all, or even compile them, or even sort them out. The subjects are so varied.
When he was residing with us at Madras and when he was in Tindivanam before that, during
the war (2nd world war), Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal of Kanchi Mutt, our belove
Periyaval, twice sought out our home and came to see my father. Without notice he came both the
times. When he was in Spur Tank Road, Acharyal came walking and asking "Where is Kuppu’s
house, he lives with his son-in- law?" We knew only when he was two houses away. Such was his
interest in, and affection for my father that he came to our house asking the way! The great only
know the great.
Well, the best of men also must die and the flesh is heir to diseases and decay. My father
grew too weak and we persuaded him to take medicines and see a doctor. But he would not listen.
He never was ill for more than a day or two and never believed in medicines. When once, years
ago, he was ailing for a few days of stomach pain and I asked him whether we can go to a doctor,
the reply came promptly, ”Somebody must be hungry, while I am eating and that is the cause of
the pain,” and from then he began feeding the hungry every month up to the end.
To come back to this end, when he refused to take even vitamins, I told him that I would
approach Periyaval for advice. My father agreed and said that if he urged him to take medicines he
would comply. So I went to see Periyaval at Madurai where he was camping then. When I told my
problem to Periyaval, His Holiness said: "If he does not want to take medicine leave him. Nothing
will happen to him, he has 4 more years to live," and exactly four years after that my father passed
away, though we did mix some pills with his food unknown to him.
When my father breathed his last, we took him to Pasumalai, where he wanted his Samadhi
to be, at the foot of the hills, at the feet of Lord Subrahmanya, his special deity. The villagers and
followers brought ghee and sandal paste. Mantrams were chanted and the abhishekhams went
on in the night. Bhajan groups also went on singing bhajans till dawn. But the most astonishing
and important thing in these abhishekhams was the sudden rain that descended on the thatched
roof denuding the body also. There was no sign of rain, no clouds and you could bet about it not
raining. No one thought or expected it, when suddenly the thunder clapped and the rain fell in
torrents. Did Varuna want to crown the abhishekhams with his own service too? It just seemed
so. Varuna did add his homage to that selfless sprit which lived only for the good of others and
in obedience to his Lord’s commands. Such faith and such an exemplary life occurs only once in
centuries. His life was a poem in itself– A NOBLE Poem. His is a life– one in a million or billion; so
pure and lofty in spirit and so simple and humble in life. Oh, where his likeness will be born again?
Out of his boundless love, God had given me such a father. Oh Lord, with the same love guide me
to follow his foot-steps and make me a worthy being too.
Pankajam Sivaraman
Epilogue
Pasumalai from 1998 until now
66

The Wisdom of The Saints: by Shri P. R. Gopalakrishna Iyer (Pasumalai Swami)

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originalbeschreibung:

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

The Wisdom of The Saints: by Shri P. R. Gopalakrishna Iyer (Pasumalai Swami)

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

THE WISDOM OF THE SAINTS

by Shri P. R. Gopalakrishna Iyer (Pasumalai Swami)

I The Saints Whom I have Seen 6

Foreword by Shri. P. Ramakrishna Iyer 7

Foreword by Shri. Pon Paramaguru 7

1 Biography of the Author 12

2 The Saints I have Seen 24

3 Brief Biographies of some of Saints that Shri P.R.G met 41

5 The Saint of Pasumalai 48

III Reminiscences about the Author 51

8 God’s Good Man 55

9 My Father Shri Swamiji 57

The Saints Whom I have Seen

Shri. P. Ramakrishna Iyer

Servant of the servants,

Biography of the Author

Typically a person’s biography is written to convey the excellence he or she achieved in a

Sports and Nature

The connection with Pasumalai

3. Without fulfilling familial responsibilities one should not take up Sanyasa

Specifically related to spirituality.

Hail! The radiance of P.R.G’s grace!

Servant of the servants

The Saints I have Seen

did take place at the Pasumalai Murugan temple in 1935.

Meeting good people is also good

4. Mooku Podi Shankaran

5. Shri Svayam Prakasha Brahmendra Saraswathi (Avaduta)

9. Viralimalai Shri Sambasadashiva Swamigal (Jeeva Samadhi date: 6 December 1929)

11. Udupi Swami

13. Card Tricks Suppudu

15. Bhagavan Shri Ramana Maharishi (1897—1950)

16. Mahadeva Shastri

18. Another unnamed Yogi he met in 1921

19. An unnamed Muslim elder he met in 1923

20. Lady Siddhar at Madurai Meenakshi Temple 1926 - 1943

21. Shri Sheshadri Swamigal

22. Shri Lalithananda Saraswathi

24. Kovaji Swamigal

26. Anandagiri Yogi

27. Veerabhadra Swami

28. Unknown north Indian Swami who accompanied Kanchi Acharya

29. Shri Lakshmana Rao

30. Shri Keshavananda

Brief Biographies of some of Saints that

Shri Sacchidananda Nrisimha Bharati

”Yaan Pettrra Inbum Peruga Ivviagam”

The Saint of Pasumalai

The status of Pasumalai in 1998

Reminiscences about the Author

1. He was a warrior of different cast, 9. Nobler to die as he did at

2. He was a man among the men, 10. Like illustrious Bonnievard,

God’s Good Man

My Father Shri Swamiji

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen