THE TRADITION OF DISCIPLIC SUCCESSION
LORD DATTATREYA - AKKALKOT SWAMI SAMARTHA MAHARAJ
Saturday, December 27, 2014
THE TRADITION OF DISCIPLIC SUCCESSION LORD DATTATREYA - AKKALKOT SWAMI SAMARTHA MAHARAJ
Thursday, December 25, 2014
SHREE SADGURU DIGAMBARADAS MAHARAJ
SHREE SADGURU DIGAMBARADAS MAHARAJ
(Disciple of Shree Baba Maharaj)
In keeping with the tradition of Swaroop Sampradaya [a sect, wherein the aspirant concentrates on viewing the 'Atman' - the soul]. Shree Sadguru Ramanand Beedkar Maharaj took birth to become the disciple of his disciple of Shree Sadguru Baba Maharaj and in this birth, he came to be known as:
"Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj"
Birth
On October 17, 1912, in a small village Pomendi (Budruk), which is in a coastal province of Konkan and 12 Kms. from the city of Ratnagiri of Maharashtra State in Western India, a son was born to a couple Shri.Ganesh Vishnu Joshi & Smt. Janakibai. The child was named Vitthal Ganesh Joshi and later came to be known as Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj alias Shree Sahajanand Saraswati alias Shree Maharaj.
Penance - Initiation
Since his childhood, he was completely detached from the worldly matters. At the tender age of 18 during 1929-30, he left his home in search of a Guru (preceptor). He came to Pune, Maharashtra State, Western India and stayed at the Muth (temple-shrine) established by Shree Sadguru Beedkar Maharaj and started rigorous tapasya [penance]. It was here that he was blessed with the graciousness by Shree Sadguru Baba Maharaj Sahasrabuddhe. Shree Baba Maharaj initiated him into the Swaroop Sampradaya and made him the apostle of the sect.
Later Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj worked for a shortwhile as a medical representative. Soon he left it, went back to Ratnagiri, and started his rigorous tapasya (penance).
Blessed with graciousness by Shree Baba Maharaj
On July 24, 1953, when he had gone to offer his obeisances to Shree Baba Maharaj, Shree Baba Maharaj removed from his finger a ring having the pattern of serpent's head and put it round the index finger of the right hand of Shree Maharaj and said "the ring from a preceptor's finger has been put back in the finger of the preceptor only. Vithoba (Shree Maharaj), right from this moment I have taken all the conceit (ego) of yours. Henceforth you will not do anything of yours. Rather, I will perform my role on your behalf." Then Shree Baba Maharaj ordered him to propagate the Swaroop Sampradaya amongst the discerning persons.
About a year later, on August 18, 1954, Shree Baba Maharaj took Mahasamadhi [the last conscious communion with God].
Erection of Temple-shrine of Shree Baba Maharaj
Last rites of Shree Baba Maharaj were performed at Plot No. 937-D, Chatashrungi Road, Shivaji Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra State, Western India - a place which Baba Maharaj had owned. Though his devotees decided to build His Samadhi [temple-shrine], no one was ready to shoulder the responsibility. Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj took upon himself the entire responsibility. At the site of the Samadhi [temple-shrine], a neat temple structure was erected. The atmosphere in the temple shrine was made very lively and full of devotion by various celebrations like the birthday, death anniversary of Baba Maharaj, Shree Datta Jayanti, Shree Swami Samarth Jayanti. etc. He attracted a lot of devotees of Shree Baba Maharaj and for their welfare he worked relentlessly organizing various programmes and functions to spread the holy messages of Hindu religion, morality and devotion.
Extraordinary Personality
His personality was extraordinarily pleasing, powerful and imposing. His discipline, his ever alertness, his very keen sense of observation and his meticulous planning etc were of such supreme standard that it would be almost impossible for anyone to emulate him. He was like an ocean of Mercy. The phrase "Harder than a stone yet more tender than a flower" could aptly describe Shree Maharaj's personality.
Master of 64 Arts
Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj had the knowledge of all the 64 Kalas (Arts). Some of these Kalas [Arts] are classical music, Astrology, Astronomy, Agriculture, Drama, Painting, Veterinary Science, Architecture etc. He had the command over many languages like Marathi, Gujarthi, Konkani, Kannada, Bengali etc. When he delivered spiritual discourses, the audience listened with rapt attention and would be soaked in devotion.
Preached Sanatan Arya Vedic Dharma
He always practiced and advocated the preachings of the Sanatan Arya Vedic Dharma (The original form of Hindu religion based purely on the Holiest Hindu scriptures - the four Vedas). These preachings advised simple living and detachment from the material world, sacrifice for the wellbeing of others and experience of God's existence in all the living beings etc.
Eternal principle of Righteousness
In the past, Bhagwan Vyasa Maharshi while commenting on YugaDharma [the eternal principle of righteousness or religion that uphold all creation] has clearly stated that the abode of Dharma Mandir [temple of righteousness or religion] is in the heart of human being and the foundation of this mandir is in one's stomach. We have forgotton this important maxim. The real meaning of Karma [actions] or selfless service has been shown to the world by Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj by practising it through the work he undertook atDervan, Pune & Mumbai.
Further Bhagwan Vyasa Maharshi states:
"Ashanam Vasanam Vaasah Yeshaam Chaivaavyavasthitam!
Magdhen Samaa Kashi Gangaapyangaaravaahini!!"
This means that for one, who does not get adequate food, clothing and shelter, for one, sacred places like Kashi (Banaras) and Magadha are alike. Similarly, pure water of river Ganga would be like burning embers to one. In short, one would not be in a position to understand the spiritual teachings, human values etc. unless one's basic needs are satisfied. Providing the necessities of life is a must for spiritual, intellectual or material well being. With this aim Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj established two trusts viz. Shree Seetarambua Walawalkar Charitable Trust at Shree Kshetra Dervan, Taluka - Chiplun, District– Ratnagiri, Maharashtra State, Western India and Shree Vitthalrao Joshi Charities Trusts at Pune city, Pune District, Maharashtra State, Western India. Through these trusts, Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj carried out the numerous religious, educational and social activities for the upliftment of the masses.
Shree Swami Sivanand of Rishikesh, Shree Anandamaye Maa, Shree SaiBaba's disciple Shree Rambaba, Shree Gagangiri Maharaj, Shrimad Jagadguru Shankaracharya Bharateetirth of Shringeri Peeth (sect) and many others had often expressed their respect for Shree Digambardas Maharaj.
Retention of tradition of Vedic Learning
In 1982, with the express intention of retaining the rich past and tradition of Vedic [regarding Holiest Hindu scriptures] learning, he set up a school imparting the Vedas in Shree Sadguru Baba Maharaj Sahasrabuddhe temple Shrine in Pune. At present about thirty students are being taught the Vedas [Holiest Hindu scriptures] and sacrificial ceremonies, Shree Vitthalrao Joshi Charities Trust has shouldered the responsibility of providing the trainees with residence, food, clothes and medicines in the temple-shrine itself. The trust also makes provision for the honorarium to the teachers and scholarships to the pupils.
He performed various Yadnyas [religious rites as per the four Vedas] every year to ensure that the respect and gratitude towards the Vedas and Brahmins who protect them, be developed in the common man so that people perform their duties as laid down by the four Vedas.
Shiv Samarth Gad
Devotion to Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
His devotion to the Maratha King of the 17th Century, Shri Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj was total. No words would be adequately describing his sense of deep reverence and pride for the great king. Those who considered him like a deity would call Shri Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj as Shivprabhu. The thoughts that his country should witness the reincarnation of personalities of the stature of Shri Ramdas Swami and Shri Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj thereby rekindling and restoring the people's pride in Hindu faith, that the Hindu community which was in majority should get well-organized and united; that this community should solve its problem through its own ability and strength had taken deep roots in his mind. It was his earnest desire that again his country should assume the role of world-preceptor. It was this desire that prompted him to get built a fortress-like structure called Shiv Samarth Gad at Dervan.
To follow footprints left by King Shivaji to return the culture of Maharashtra
Signboards with instructions to the effect that while visiting Shree Kshetra Dervan as well as the temple-shrine at Pune, the women devotees must come in six yards or nine yards sarees, have been installed at three places of worship. This in fact is Shree Maharaj's command. Nine yards sarees have remained the traditional dress of women of Maharashtra. Yet, with changing times the six yards became the acceptable alternative. But any change beyond this limit, Shree Maharaj thought would prove detrimental to the Aryan-Vedic religious culture, which had a rich past. A woman should not transgress the limits of behavior and should always dress in a dignified way. Only chastity and fidelity to her husband would be a woman's protectors. If the society is to be protected from the dangers unleashed by loose morals, women should develop in themselves as sense of hatred for seducing dresses. Only through the inculcation of high morals coupled with the efforts in character building; that the next generation can be moulded the right way enabling itself to follow the footprints left by King Shivaji upon the sands of high morals of this nation. It would be this teaching of his that Shree Maharaj would put forth before the society.
During the various ceremonies and celebrations of various religious places run by the trusts, jobs like cutting fruits, Arati (to sing compositions praising the God), preparing Vidas (rolls of leaf of pepper-betel with areca-nut cloves, lime etc. enclosed in it) would be entrusted to those women only, who were ready to do this work wearing nine-yards sarees. He had made it almost obligatory for male volunteers to wear Dhotis (a garment of males worn around the waist passing under and tucked behind).
Patriotism
Shree Maharaj's patriotism would match with the intensity of his unflinching faith in his religion. During 1940-42, Shree Maharaj, besides participating in the freedom struggle had organized people through his wanderings that took him to many villages. Thus, he had contributed appreciably to the freedom movement. He had also some meetings with the great freedom fighter Shri Vinayak Damodar Sawarkar.
Shree Maharaj would shun publicity of every sort. He had tremendous contempt for injustice. He would not compromise with self-honour. His whole self symbolized fearlessness. Whatever work he would undertake, it would be accomplished perfectly. Indeed, he was a genius possessing the ability of discernment and to top it all, he has the rarest and most important quality of being a man of action very much down to earth.
Mahasamaadhi
Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj took Mahasamadhi [the last conscious communion with God] on May 21, 1989 in Pune.
Source : http://www.swamisamarth.com/shreemaharaj/shreemaharaj.html
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(Disciple of Shree Baba Maharaj)
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| Shree Digambaradas Maharaj |
"Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj"
Birth
On October 17, 1912, in a small village Pomendi (Budruk), which is in a coastal province of Konkan and 12 Kms. from the city of Ratnagiri of Maharashtra State in Western India, a son was born to a couple Shri.Ganesh Vishnu Joshi & Smt. Janakibai. The child was named Vitthal Ganesh Joshi and later came to be known as Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj alias Shree Sahajanand Saraswati alias Shree Maharaj.
Penance - Initiation
Since his childhood, he was completely detached from the worldly matters. At the tender age of 18 during 1929-30, he left his home in search of a Guru (preceptor). He came to Pune, Maharashtra State, Western India and stayed at the Muth (temple-shrine) established by Shree Sadguru Beedkar Maharaj and started rigorous tapasya [penance]. It was here that he was blessed with the graciousness by Shree Sadguru Baba Maharaj Sahasrabuddhe. Shree Baba Maharaj initiated him into the Swaroop Sampradaya and made him the apostle of the sect.
Later Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj worked for a shortwhile as a medical representative. Soon he left it, went back to Ratnagiri, and started his rigorous tapasya (penance).
Blessed with graciousness by Shree Baba Maharaj
On July 24, 1953, when he had gone to offer his obeisances to Shree Baba Maharaj, Shree Baba Maharaj removed from his finger a ring having the pattern of serpent's head and put it round the index finger of the right hand of Shree Maharaj and said "the ring from a preceptor's finger has been put back in the finger of the preceptor only. Vithoba (Shree Maharaj), right from this moment I have taken all the conceit (ego) of yours. Henceforth you will not do anything of yours. Rather, I will perform my role on your behalf." Then Shree Baba Maharaj ordered him to propagate the Swaroop Sampradaya amongst the discerning persons.
About a year later, on August 18, 1954, Shree Baba Maharaj took Mahasamadhi [the last conscious communion with God].
Erection of Temple-shrine of Shree Baba Maharaj
Last rites of Shree Baba Maharaj were performed at Plot No. 937-D, Chatashrungi Road, Shivaji Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra State, Western India - a place which Baba Maharaj had owned. Though his devotees decided to build His Samadhi [temple-shrine], no one was ready to shoulder the responsibility. Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj took upon himself the entire responsibility. At the site of the Samadhi [temple-shrine], a neat temple structure was erected. The atmosphere in the temple shrine was made very lively and full of devotion by various celebrations like the birthday, death anniversary of Baba Maharaj, Shree Datta Jayanti, Shree Swami Samarth Jayanti. etc. He attracted a lot of devotees of Shree Baba Maharaj and for their welfare he worked relentlessly organizing various programmes and functions to spread the holy messages of Hindu religion, morality and devotion.
Extraordinary Personality
His personality was extraordinarily pleasing, powerful and imposing. His discipline, his ever alertness, his very keen sense of observation and his meticulous planning etc were of such supreme standard that it would be almost impossible for anyone to emulate him. He was like an ocean of Mercy. The phrase "Harder than a stone yet more tender than a flower" could aptly describe Shree Maharaj's personality.
Master of 64 Arts
Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj had the knowledge of all the 64 Kalas (Arts). Some of these Kalas [Arts] are classical music, Astrology, Astronomy, Agriculture, Drama, Painting, Veterinary Science, Architecture etc. He had the command over many languages like Marathi, Gujarthi, Konkani, Kannada, Bengali etc. When he delivered spiritual discourses, the audience listened with rapt attention and would be soaked in devotion.
Preached Sanatan Arya Vedic Dharma
He always practiced and advocated the preachings of the Sanatan Arya Vedic Dharma (The original form of Hindu religion based purely on the Holiest Hindu scriptures - the four Vedas). These preachings advised simple living and detachment from the material world, sacrifice for the wellbeing of others and experience of God's existence in all the living beings etc.
Eternal principle of Righteousness
In the past, Bhagwan Vyasa Maharshi while commenting on YugaDharma [the eternal principle of righteousness or religion that uphold all creation] has clearly stated that the abode of Dharma Mandir [temple of righteousness or religion] is in the heart of human being and the foundation of this mandir is in one's stomach. We have forgotton this important maxim. The real meaning of Karma [actions] or selfless service has been shown to the world by Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj by practising it through the work he undertook atDervan, Pune & Mumbai.
Further Bhagwan Vyasa Maharshi states:
"Ashanam Vasanam Vaasah Yeshaam Chaivaavyavasthitam!
Magdhen Samaa Kashi Gangaapyangaaravaahini!!"
This means that for one, who does not get adequate food, clothing and shelter, for one, sacred places like Kashi (Banaras) and Magadha are alike. Similarly, pure water of river Ganga would be like burning embers to one. In short, one would not be in a position to understand the spiritual teachings, human values etc. unless one's basic needs are satisfied. Providing the necessities of life is a must for spiritual, intellectual or material well being. With this aim Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj established two trusts viz. Shree Seetarambua Walawalkar Charitable Trust at Shree Kshetra Dervan, Taluka - Chiplun, District– Ratnagiri, Maharashtra State, Western India and Shree Vitthalrao Joshi Charities Trusts at Pune city, Pune District, Maharashtra State, Western India. Through these trusts, Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj carried out the numerous religious, educational and social activities for the upliftment of the masses.
Shree Swami Sivanand of Rishikesh, Shree Anandamaye Maa, Shree SaiBaba's disciple Shree Rambaba, Shree Gagangiri Maharaj, Shrimad Jagadguru Shankaracharya Bharateetirth of Shringeri Peeth (sect) and many others had often expressed their respect for Shree Digambardas Maharaj.
Retention of tradition of Vedic Learning
In 1982, with the express intention of retaining the rich past and tradition of Vedic [regarding Holiest Hindu scriptures] learning, he set up a school imparting the Vedas in Shree Sadguru Baba Maharaj Sahasrabuddhe temple Shrine in Pune. At present about thirty students are being taught the Vedas [Holiest Hindu scriptures] and sacrificial ceremonies, Shree Vitthalrao Joshi Charities Trust has shouldered the responsibility of providing the trainees with residence, food, clothes and medicines in the temple-shrine itself. The trust also makes provision for the honorarium to the teachers and scholarships to the pupils.
He performed various Yadnyas [religious rites as per the four Vedas] every year to ensure that the respect and gratitude towards the Vedas and Brahmins who protect them, be developed in the common man so that people perform their duties as laid down by the four Vedas.
Shiv Samarth Gad
Devotion to Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
His devotion to the Maratha King of the 17th Century, Shri Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj was total. No words would be adequately describing his sense of deep reverence and pride for the great king. Those who considered him like a deity would call Shri Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj as Shivprabhu. The thoughts that his country should witness the reincarnation of personalities of the stature of Shri Ramdas Swami and Shri Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj thereby rekindling and restoring the people's pride in Hindu faith, that the Hindu community which was in majority should get well-organized and united; that this community should solve its problem through its own ability and strength had taken deep roots in his mind. It was his earnest desire that again his country should assume the role of world-preceptor. It was this desire that prompted him to get built a fortress-like structure called Shiv Samarth Gad at Dervan.
To follow footprints left by King Shivaji to return the culture of Maharashtra
Signboards with instructions to the effect that while visiting Shree Kshetra Dervan as well as the temple-shrine at Pune, the women devotees must come in six yards or nine yards sarees, have been installed at three places of worship. This in fact is Shree Maharaj's command. Nine yards sarees have remained the traditional dress of women of Maharashtra. Yet, with changing times the six yards became the acceptable alternative. But any change beyond this limit, Shree Maharaj thought would prove detrimental to the Aryan-Vedic religious culture, which had a rich past. A woman should not transgress the limits of behavior and should always dress in a dignified way. Only chastity and fidelity to her husband would be a woman's protectors. If the society is to be protected from the dangers unleashed by loose morals, women should develop in themselves as sense of hatred for seducing dresses. Only through the inculcation of high morals coupled with the efforts in character building; that the next generation can be moulded the right way enabling itself to follow the footprints left by King Shivaji upon the sands of high morals of this nation. It would be this teaching of his that Shree Maharaj would put forth before the society.
During the various ceremonies and celebrations of various religious places run by the trusts, jobs like cutting fruits, Arati (to sing compositions praising the God), preparing Vidas (rolls of leaf of pepper-betel with areca-nut cloves, lime etc. enclosed in it) would be entrusted to those women only, who were ready to do this work wearing nine-yards sarees. He had made it almost obligatory for male volunteers to wear Dhotis (a garment of males worn around the waist passing under and tucked behind).
Patriotism
Shree Maharaj's patriotism would match with the intensity of his unflinching faith in his religion. During 1940-42, Shree Maharaj, besides participating in the freedom struggle had organized people through his wanderings that took him to many villages. Thus, he had contributed appreciably to the freedom movement. He had also some meetings with the great freedom fighter Shri Vinayak Damodar Sawarkar.
Shree Maharaj would shun publicity of every sort. He had tremendous contempt for injustice. He would not compromise with self-honour. His whole self symbolized fearlessness. Whatever work he would undertake, it would be accomplished perfectly. Indeed, he was a genius possessing the ability of discernment and to top it all, he has the rarest and most important quality of being a man of action very much down to earth.
Mahasamaadhi
Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj took Mahasamadhi [the last conscious communion with God] on May 21, 1989 in Pune.
Source : http://www.swamisamarth.com/shreemaharaj/shreemaharaj.html
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Wednesday, December 24, 2014
SHREE SADGURU BABA MAHARAJ
SHREE SADGURU BABA MAHARAJ
(Disciple of Shree Ramanand Beedkar Maharaj)
In keeping with this tradition, Akkalkot Niwasi Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj took birth in the form of Shree Baba Maharaj who became the disciple of Shree Beedkar Maharaj and later the apostle of the Swaroop Sampradaya (a sect). Shree Baba Maharaj was also known as Shree Raosaheb Sahasrabuddhe alias Shree Vasudevanant Saraswati Maharaj
Birth and Education
He was born to the most devout and deeply religious couple Shri Narayanrao and Laxmibai of the family of the Sahasrabuddhe on November 14, 1883 at Hubli (Karnataka State) in Southern India and was named Ramchandra. He persued his studies in Engineering. He completed the Engineering (L.C.E.) in 1904. He joined Public Works Department in 1909. In 1906, Shree Beedkar Maharaj blessed him by placing his hand on his head and said "Raosaheb I have made you permanent". With words, Shree Beedkar Maharaj blessed him by bestowing on him the ultimate self-realization with the help of Shaktipat. Since then, Shree Baba Maharaj always remained in a Videhi state (in a state of trance, detached from the worldly matters).
Service - Government Department
He worked in Public Works Department (Govt. of India) as Assistant Engineer and was posted at various places like Ratnagiri, Pen, Mahad, Panvel, and Nagothane (All in Maharashtra State in Western India). In 1923, he was appointed as P. A. to the Chief Architect of Mumbai. During this service, his knowledge of Engineering Science and his general intelligence was well acknowledged by his British superiors.
Marriage
Shree Baba Maharaj got married upon his Preceptor's insistence but it did not bring any change in his way of life. He used to be so much engrossed in meditation, that on one salary-day he dropped his paypacket in the hands of a beggar, standing outside his office and returned home penniless. Sometimes his wife could not cook food because she had no money to buy firewood.
Retirement from Service
Finally in 1928, he took invalid pension and retired. He came to Pune and stayed at Dhumal building in Narayan Peth Area in the vicinity of Muth (hermitage) established by his preceptor Shree Beedkar Maharaj.
Dedication to the service of the Preceptor
He used to attend the muth [temple-shrine] thrice during a day for Darshan (to pay his respects to his Preceptor). He made himself free even from traces of ego to such an extent that, he used to view the universe as manifestation of his Sadguru. He used to prostrate before everybody who even slightly reminded him of his revered Sadguru, may it be a kitten or else. His meditation would continue unperturbed in any condition of his health, let he be having fever as high as 1050 F. Once he performed the difficult and vigorous tapasya [penance] of meditating continuously for 21 days by staring at the Sun with naked eyes from sunrise to sunset.
After the death of his wife in 1945, he started getting his food from outside. Some of his devotees sometimes brought food and snacks for him and many a times that food remained untouched for several days. Then one day he would take a little from it for himself and distribute the rest to his devotees. It was a common experience that this stale food tasted like fresh food.
Supernatural Powers - Preachings
During this period, many people had the experience of the supernatural powers, which Shree Baba Maharaj possessed. By his inner vision Shree Baba Maharaj provided valuable spiritual guidance to many of his devotees and thus helped them in their spiritual pursuit.
Shree Baba Maharaj preached his devotees and his disciples thus "Look in the sky. Look at the stars. Meditate for half an hour before having your meals. See whatever appears. See as much as you can and see till the vision lasts".
Shree Baba Maharaj would always say, "I want to bring Satya Yuga now" (the rule based on religion and justice).
The great sages like Shree Shankar Maharaj, Shree Meherbaba, Yogi Aurobindababu's Guru Shree Lele Maharaj, Shree Shivaji Maharaj of Kolhapur (in Maharashtra State) had great respect for Shree Baba Maharaj.
Initiation of Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj
In 1953, Shree Baba Maharaj blessed Shree Vitthalrao Ganesh Joshi who later on came to be known as Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj, with his absolute favour and ordered him to propagate Swaroop Sampradaya
Mahasamaadhi
In 1954, he left his mortal coil and merged with the Nirguna Parabrahma [the Infinite Supreme Lord]. His last rites were performed on his own plot at Chatushrungi road in Pune, Maharashtra State, Western India. His disciple and apostle of Swaroop Sampradaya Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj, later built the "Shree Sadguru Baba Maharaj Sahasrabuddhe Samadhi Mandir" (a temple-shrine) on that land.
Shree Baba Maharaj had promised his disciples and devotees that he would stay in the Samadhi Mandir for 1,000 years for the well being of his disciples and devotees. The devotees experience his divine presence in the premises of the Samadhi Mandir.
Source : http://www.swamisamarth.com/parampara/shreebaba.html
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(Disciple of Shree Ramanand Beedkar Maharaj)
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| Shree Baba Maharaj
The Swaroop Sampradaya (a sect, wherein the aspirant concentrates on viewing the 'Atman' - the soul) has the principle by which the Preceptor takes birth to become the disciple of his own disciple in order to continue the tradition of apostles of the Swaroop Sampradaya.
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In keeping with this tradition, Akkalkot Niwasi Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj took birth in the form of Shree Baba Maharaj who became the disciple of Shree Beedkar Maharaj and later the apostle of the Swaroop Sampradaya (a sect). Shree Baba Maharaj was also known as Shree Raosaheb Sahasrabuddhe alias Shree Vasudevanant Saraswati Maharaj
Birth and Education
He was born to the most devout and deeply religious couple Shri Narayanrao and Laxmibai of the family of the Sahasrabuddhe on November 14, 1883 at Hubli (Karnataka State) in Southern India and was named Ramchandra. He persued his studies in Engineering. He completed the Engineering (L.C.E.) in 1904. He joined Public Works Department in 1909. In 1906, Shree Beedkar Maharaj blessed him by placing his hand on his head and said "Raosaheb I have made you permanent". With words, Shree Beedkar Maharaj blessed him by bestowing on him the ultimate self-realization with the help of Shaktipat. Since then, Shree Baba Maharaj always remained in a Videhi state (in a state of trance, detached from the worldly matters).
Service - Government Department
He worked in Public Works Department (Govt. of India) as Assistant Engineer and was posted at various places like Ratnagiri, Pen, Mahad, Panvel, and Nagothane (All in Maharashtra State in Western India). In 1923, he was appointed as P. A. to the Chief Architect of Mumbai. During this service, his knowledge of Engineering Science and his general intelligence was well acknowledged by his British superiors.
Marriage
Shree Baba Maharaj got married upon his Preceptor's insistence but it did not bring any change in his way of life. He used to be so much engrossed in meditation, that on one salary-day he dropped his paypacket in the hands of a beggar, standing outside his office and returned home penniless. Sometimes his wife could not cook food because she had no money to buy firewood.
Retirement from Service
Finally in 1928, he took invalid pension and retired. He came to Pune and stayed at Dhumal building in Narayan Peth Area in the vicinity of Muth (hermitage) established by his preceptor Shree Beedkar Maharaj.
Dedication to the service of the Preceptor
He used to attend the muth [temple-shrine] thrice during a day for Darshan (to pay his respects to his Preceptor). He made himself free even from traces of ego to such an extent that, he used to view the universe as manifestation of his Sadguru. He used to prostrate before everybody who even slightly reminded him of his revered Sadguru, may it be a kitten or else. His meditation would continue unperturbed in any condition of his health, let he be having fever as high as 1050 F. Once he performed the difficult and vigorous tapasya [penance] of meditating continuously for 21 days by staring at the Sun with naked eyes from sunrise to sunset.
After the death of his wife in 1945, he started getting his food from outside. Some of his devotees sometimes brought food and snacks for him and many a times that food remained untouched for several days. Then one day he would take a little from it for himself and distribute the rest to his devotees. It was a common experience that this stale food tasted like fresh food.
Supernatural Powers - Preachings
During this period, many people had the experience of the supernatural powers, which Shree Baba Maharaj possessed. By his inner vision Shree Baba Maharaj provided valuable spiritual guidance to many of his devotees and thus helped them in their spiritual pursuit.
Shree Baba Maharaj preached his devotees and his disciples thus "Look in the sky. Look at the stars. Meditate for half an hour before having your meals. See whatever appears. See as much as you can and see till the vision lasts".
Shree Baba Maharaj would always say, "I want to bring Satya Yuga now" (the rule based on religion and justice).
The great sages like Shree Shankar Maharaj, Shree Meherbaba, Yogi Aurobindababu's Guru Shree Lele Maharaj, Shree Shivaji Maharaj of Kolhapur (in Maharashtra State) had great respect for Shree Baba Maharaj.
Initiation of Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj
In 1953, Shree Baba Maharaj blessed Shree Vitthalrao Ganesh Joshi who later on came to be known as Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj, with his absolute favour and ordered him to propagate Swaroop Sampradaya
Mahasamaadhi
In 1954, he left his mortal coil and merged with the Nirguna Parabrahma [the Infinite Supreme Lord]. His last rites were performed on his own plot at Chatushrungi road in Pune, Maharashtra State, Western India. His disciple and apostle of Swaroop Sampradaya Shree Sadguru Digambardas Maharaj, later built the "Shree Sadguru Baba Maharaj Sahasrabuddhe Samadhi Mandir" (a temple-shrine) on that land.
Shree Baba Maharaj had promised his disciples and devotees that he would stay in the Samadhi Mandir for 1,000 years for the well being of his disciples and devotees. The devotees experience his divine presence in the premises of the Samadhi Mandir.
Source : http://www.swamisamarth.com/parampara/shreebaba.html
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SHREE SADGURU RAMANAND BEEDKAR MAHARAJ
SHREE SADGURU RAMANAND BEEDKAR MAHARAJ
( Disciple of Akkalkot Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj)
Akkalkot Niwasi Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj wished that the unique school of theosophy viz. Swaroop Sampradaya (a sect wherein the aspirant concentrates on viewing the 'Atman' - the soul) be propagated once again enthusiastically and hence designated his most ardent and able disciple, Shree Sadguru Ramanand Beedkar Maharaj to establish a hermitage in Pune City (Maharashtra State).
Birth
Shree Sadguru Ramanand Beedkar Maharaj was born on November 22, 1839 in a rich family of Shri Balavantrai and Gangutai and was named as Ramanand. His father was working as Chieftain under British rule.
Childhood - Pilgrimage
At the tender age of seven, he lost his father. The then British rulers offered a pension of two hundred rupees to his mother; who declined to accept it on the grounds of self-respect and her resolve not to subsist on the help of foreigners.
In his childhood, he went alone on a pilgrimage to Pandharpur (Holy place in Solapur District, Maharshtra State, Western India). Though there was the hustle and bustle of the crowd, it was no less than the Almighty Himself assuming the form of a Badava (a member of the establishment of the Brahmins entertained at the temple of Vithoba at Pandharpur for the service of idol) who guided him and put him straight at the feet of the idol of the deity in the Gabhara (innermost apartment in a temple where the idol of the deity is installed).
When he had gone to Goddess Saptashrungi at the Saptashrungi, Nasik District, Maharashtra State, Western India, the Veeda (a roll of leaf of pepper betel with arecanut, cloves, lime etc. enclosed in it) which was kept in the mouth of the idol of the Goddess as an offering, suddenly fell in his hands indicating great favour of that Goddess rarely experienced.
Disillusionment - Yearning for spiritual blessing
After his father passed away the family fortune started dwindling and hence immediately after his schooling, he started trading. He earned good reputation in diamond valuation as well as in the trade of gold, silver, precious stones and also scents and perfumes. To gather immense wealth, he traveled crazily in search of yogis [transcendentalists] who could teach him techniques to amass wealth. From one such person, he learnt the practices of the much-desired Art (Alchemy - Art of converting baser metals into gold) and thus became immensely wealthy. He relished the wealth and enjoyed every pleasure one can imagine. However, ultimately he was disillusioned with material comforts. He yearned for spiritual development and did Upasana[worship] with Hanuman as his Lord of the Heart. He was guided by Lord Hanuman to seek the blessings of Shree Swami Samarth of Akkalkot.
In the very first meeting, Shree Swami Samarth tested him by a show of his fiery temper. Shree Beedkar Maharaj became an ardent devotee of Shree Swami Samarth and took regular pilgrimages to Akkalkot. On his third visit, when he was massaging the feet of Shree Swami Samarth at night, a dark poisonous cobra emerged out of Shree Swami Samarth's knee and started hissing at Shree Beedkar Maharaj. However, Shree Beedkar Maharaj courageously continued his service. The next moment Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj got up and slapped Shree Beedkar Maharaj. With this slap, Shree Beedkar Maharaj instantly passed into trance and entered samadhi [superconscious experience] which, lasted for 12 hours. Since the very moment, he experienced himself totally detached from worldly matters. Shree Beedkar Maharaj thus attained Vairagya [non-attachment for worldly pleasures].
Narmada Parikrama
Shree Swami Samarth ordered him to undertake Narmada Parikrama, an arduous circular pilgrimage of the entire route of the river Narmada. With only two pieces of panchas (cloth) on his body, he took up this pilgrimage. During this pilgrimage he faced extremely tanning conditions in terms of severe cold, burning hot sun, continuous bare foot walk on the sand, no food or water for 45 days etc. But it helped him to destroy his body identification. Further, during this extensive travel he enlightened many devotees. Finally after 21/2 years of highly eventful pilgrimage, he returned back to Pune where he stayed for most of the part of his life.
Promoting the 'Swaroop Sampradaya'
In obedience to the order of Shree Swami Samarth, Shree Beedkar Maharaj set up a Muth (temple-shrine) in Pune and worked towards spreading of Swaroop Sampradaya. He enriched many seekers of self with spiritual experiences of a very high order. He spread the spiritual lore with the help of a few ardent disciples like Anna Maharaj Bahutale and Mukundrao Moghe. He blessed Shree Sadguru Baba Maharaj alias Shree Raosaheb Sahasrabuddhe with his grace by placing his hand on the latter’s head and entrusted to him the task of continuing the tradition of Swaroop Sampradaya.
Shree Beedkar Maharaj propagated spiritualism for the upliftment of his Devotees through simple teachings such as "alertness in day to day material life is the first step towards the goal of spiritualism".
Shree Swami Samarth had warned him thus, "Ramya (Ramanand) serving food to somebody unless he is hungry, will fail to serve any purpose. The food will be wasted". There upon Shree Beedkar Maharaj said, "Anybody can feed a hungry person". It was with such magnanimity that he distributed freely amongst his devotees the wealth of spiritualism. Never would he feel tired of preaching.
He used to say, "People shouldn't take to treachery or perfidy for the sake of material gains. Only by the truthfulness and following principles of the Hindu religion, can a person get earthly and heavenly gains."
"One can recover the material losses by putting in more efforts and doing more work but one can never recover the loss due to corruption of one's character, values and religious principles and when such loss occurs the downfall of the society as a whole, is imminent.
He used to assure his disciples "Just as the cow-dung fallen on the earth, bound to lift some earth with it; you too, who have taken my refuge, shall definitely achieve some spiritual development" (depending upon individual capacities).
Mahasamaadhi
In 1913, he attained Mahasamadhi [the last conscious communion with God] in Pune. Amongst his disciples the most noteworthy was Shree Baba Maharaj Sahasrabuddhe
source : http://www.swamisamarth.com/parampara/beedkar.html
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( Disciple of Akkalkot Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj)
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| Shree Ramanand Beedkar Maharaj |
Akkalkot Niwasi Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj wished that the unique school of theosophy viz. Swaroop Sampradaya (a sect wherein the aspirant concentrates on viewing the 'Atman' - the soul) be propagated once again enthusiastically and hence designated his most ardent and able disciple, Shree Sadguru Ramanand Beedkar Maharaj to establish a hermitage in Pune City (Maharashtra State).
Birth
Shree Sadguru Ramanand Beedkar Maharaj was born on November 22, 1839 in a rich family of Shri Balavantrai and Gangutai and was named as Ramanand. His father was working as Chieftain under British rule.
Childhood - Pilgrimage
At the tender age of seven, he lost his father. The then British rulers offered a pension of two hundred rupees to his mother; who declined to accept it on the grounds of self-respect and her resolve not to subsist on the help of foreigners.
In his childhood, he went alone on a pilgrimage to Pandharpur (Holy place in Solapur District, Maharshtra State, Western India). Though there was the hustle and bustle of the crowd, it was no less than the Almighty Himself assuming the form of a Badava (a member of the establishment of the Brahmins entertained at the temple of Vithoba at Pandharpur for the service of idol) who guided him and put him straight at the feet of the idol of the deity in the Gabhara (innermost apartment in a temple where the idol of the deity is installed).
When he had gone to Goddess Saptashrungi at the Saptashrungi, Nasik District, Maharashtra State, Western India, the Veeda (a roll of leaf of pepper betel with arecanut, cloves, lime etc. enclosed in it) which was kept in the mouth of the idol of the Goddess as an offering, suddenly fell in his hands indicating great favour of that Goddess rarely experienced.
Disillusionment - Yearning for spiritual blessing
After his father passed away the family fortune started dwindling and hence immediately after his schooling, he started trading. He earned good reputation in diamond valuation as well as in the trade of gold, silver, precious stones and also scents and perfumes. To gather immense wealth, he traveled crazily in search of yogis [transcendentalists] who could teach him techniques to amass wealth. From one such person, he learnt the practices of the much-desired Art (Alchemy - Art of converting baser metals into gold) and thus became immensely wealthy. He relished the wealth and enjoyed every pleasure one can imagine. However, ultimately he was disillusioned with material comforts. He yearned for spiritual development and did Upasana[worship] with Hanuman as his Lord of the Heart. He was guided by Lord Hanuman to seek the blessings of Shree Swami Samarth of Akkalkot.
In the very first meeting, Shree Swami Samarth tested him by a show of his fiery temper. Shree Beedkar Maharaj became an ardent devotee of Shree Swami Samarth and took regular pilgrimages to Akkalkot. On his third visit, when he was massaging the feet of Shree Swami Samarth at night, a dark poisonous cobra emerged out of Shree Swami Samarth's knee and started hissing at Shree Beedkar Maharaj. However, Shree Beedkar Maharaj courageously continued his service. The next moment Shree Swami Samarth Maharaj got up and slapped Shree Beedkar Maharaj. With this slap, Shree Beedkar Maharaj instantly passed into trance and entered samadhi [superconscious experience] which, lasted for 12 hours. Since the very moment, he experienced himself totally detached from worldly matters. Shree Beedkar Maharaj thus attained Vairagya [non-attachment for worldly pleasures].
Narmada Parikrama
Shree Swami Samarth ordered him to undertake Narmada Parikrama, an arduous circular pilgrimage of the entire route of the river Narmada. With only two pieces of panchas (cloth) on his body, he took up this pilgrimage. During this pilgrimage he faced extremely tanning conditions in terms of severe cold, burning hot sun, continuous bare foot walk on the sand, no food or water for 45 days etc. But it helped him to destroy his body identification. Further, during this extensive travel he enlightened many devotees. Finally after 21/2 years of highly eventful pilgrimage, he returned back to Pune where he stayed for most of the part of his life.
Promoting the 'Swaroop Sampradaya'
In obedience to the order of Shree Swami Samarth, Shree Beedkar Maharaj set up a Muth (temple-shrine) in Pune and worked towards spreading of Swaroop Sampradaya. He enriched many seekers of self with spiritual experiences of a very high order. He spread the spiritual lore with the help of a few ardent disciples like Anna Maharaj Bahutale and Mukundrao Moghe. He blessed Shree Sadguru Baba Maharaj alias Shree Raosaheb Sahasrabuddhe with his grace by placing his hand on the latter’s head and entrusted to him the task of continuing the tradition of Swaroop Sampradaya.
Shree Beedkar Maharaj propagated spiritualism for the upliftment of his Devotees through simple teachings such as "alertness in day to day material life is the first step towards the goal of spiritualism".
Shree Swami Samarth had warned him thus, "Ramya (Ramanand) serving food to somebody unless he is hungry, will fail to serve any purpose. The food will be wasted". There upon Shree Beedkar Maharaj said, "Anybody can feed a hungry person". It was with such magnanimity that he distributed freely amongst his devotees the wealth of spiritualism. Never would he feel tired of preaching.
He used to say, "People shouldn't take to treachery or perfidy for the sake of material gains. Only by the truthfulness and following principles of the Hindu religion, can a person get earthly and heavenly gains."
"One can recover the material losses by putting in more efforts and doing more work but one can never recover the loss due to corruption of one's character, values and religious principles and when such loss occurs the downfall of the society as a whole, is imminent.
He used to assure his disciples "Just as the cow-dung fallen on the earth, bound to lift some earth with it; you too, who have taken my refuge, shall definitely achieve some spiritual development" (depending upon individual capacities).
Mahasamaadhi
In 1913, he attained Mahasamadhi [the last conscious communion with God] in Pune. Amongst his disciples the most noteworthy was Shree Baba Maharaj Sahasrabuddhe
source : http://www.swamisamarth.com/parampara/beedkar.html
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Tuesday, December 23, 2014
SWAMI SANTHANANDA SARASWATI AVADHOOTA SWAMIGAL
SWAMI SANTHANANDA SARASWATI AVADHOOTA SWAMIGAL
H. H. Swami Santhananda Saraswati Avadhoota Swamigal (28 March 1921 - 27 May 2002) born as Subrahmanyam was a Hindu spiritual leader and teacher who established the worship of Devi Bhuvaneswari in Tamil Nadu. He was the founder of the Bhuvaneswari Peetam in Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, India. The very embodiment of Prema, Sri Sri Swami Santhananda was the fountainhead of Hindu Dharma and Vedic principles. In his lifetime he had conducted several yagnas as elucidated in the Sasthras and challenged orthodoxy by bringing to light, guarded Moola Mantras that ensure common good, wealth and peace.
He was a disciple of H.H.Sri Swayamprakasha Bhremendra Saraswathi of Sendamangalam and came in the lineage of H.H.Sadasiva Bhremendra Saraswathi (Sri Sri Judge Swamigal) of Pudukkottai. He founded Skandhashramam in Salem and Om Sri Skandhashramam in Chennai.
Early life and education
Subrahmanyam was born as the tenth child to the devout Brahmin couple Sri.Ramaswami and his wife Yogambal in Azhagapuri village, Madurai. His parents were devotees of Madurai Meenakshi Amman. Kattikulam Sootukkol Sri Mayandi Swamigal - a famous ascetic of that time had predicted his birth and said he would be a man of action for the welfare of the world and a devotee of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari.
Subrahmanyam, as a child, studied at Naganathapuram Veda Patasala where he became well versed in the Vedas.
Independence Movement and Prison
Subrahmanyam was drawn towards the Gandhian movement for Independence of India. He concentrated his activities on village uplift and amelioration of the lot of the poor. He was imprisoned in Alipore Jail for his involvement in the independence struggle. In Alipore he studied the teachings of Sri Ramkrishna and Swami Vivekananda.
Mantra Deeksha
From Alipore he went to Madurai and met Mayandi Yogi who initiated him in the Bhuvaneswari Mantra. He was also advised to remain silent, to subsist on alms, and also not to stay at a place for long.
Search for a Guru
While travelling in the Girnar Hill, Gujarat, Subrahmanyam heard a voice commanding him to go to Sendamangalam, (Salem District, Tamil Nadu) where a Guru was waiting for him. He reached Sendamangalam and had the Darshan of Swami Swayamprakasha Bhremendra Saraswathi. At once he realized that the Avadhuta he saw in a vision at Tirunelveli was none other than Swamiji and requested that he be accepted as a disciple.
Swamiji gave his consent. He admitted Subrahmanyam to the Avadhuta order and gave him a new name Santhananda.
Pudukkottai Adhishtanam
On the advice of Swami Swayamprakasa, Santhananda undertook the renovation of the Samadhi of Judge Swamigal at Pudukkottai. This Samadhi was established by Swayamprakasa Swamigal in 1936. Santhananda renovated the Samadhi and a Kumbabhishekam was conducted in 1956. This is now known as Bhuvaneswari Vidya Peetam. The main deity here is BHUVANESWARI.
Skandhashramam at Salem
Asta Dasa Bhuja Mahalakshmi - Deity at Skandhashramam, Salem, India.
This was established by Swami Santhananda in 1968 on top of a small hill near Salem. The main Deities are ASHTA DASA BHUJA MAHALAKSHMI and SKANDA NATHA.
Chennai Om Sri Skandhashramam
This was established by Swami Santhananda in 1999 in Raja Kilpakkam near Chennai. This is a Temple dedicated to MAA UGRAPRATHYANGIRA DEVI and LORD SARABHESWARA. For the first time in India a temple has been dedicated to MAA UGRAPRATHYANGIRA DEVI.
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| Swami Santhananda with MAA BHUBANESWARI |
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| SWAMI SANTHANANDA AVADHOOTA SWAMIGAL |
H. H. Swami Santhananda Saraswati Avadhoota Swamigal (28 March 1921 - 27 May 2002) born as Subrahmanyam was a Hindu spiritual leader and teacher who established the worship of Devi Bhuvaneswari in Tamil Nadu. He was the founder of the Bhuvaneswari Peetam in Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, India. The very embodiment of Prema, Sri Sri Swami Santhananda was the fountainhead of Hindu Dharma and Vedic principles. In his lifetime he had conducted several yagnas as elucidated in the Sasthras and challenged orthodoxy by bringing to light, guarded Moola Mantras that ensure common good, wealth and peace.
He was a disciple of H.H.Sri Swayamprakasha Bhremendra Saraswathi of Sendamangalam and came in the lineage of H.H.Sadasiva Bhremendra Saraswathi (Sri Sri Judge Swamigal) of Pudukkottai. He founded Skandhashramam in Salem and Om Sri Skandhashramam in Chennai.
Early life and education
Subrahmanyam was born as the tenth child to the devout Brahmin couple Sri.Ramaswami and his wife Yogambal in Azhagapuri village, Madurai. His parents were devotees of Madurai Meenakshi Amman. Kattikulam Sootukkol Sri Mayandi Swamigal - a famous ascetic of that time had predicted his birth and said he would be a man of action for the welfare of the world and a devotee of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari.
Subrahmanyam, as a child, studied at Naganathapuram Veda Patasala where he became well versed in the Vedas.
Independence Movement and Prison
Subrahmanyam was drawn towards the Gandhian movement for Independence of India. He concentrated his activities on village uplift and amelioration of the lot of the poor. He was imprisoned in Alipore Jail for his involvement in the independence struggle. In Alipore he studied the teachings of Sri Ramkrishna and Swami Vivekananda.
Mantra Deeksha
From Alipore he went to Madurai and met Mayandi Yogi who initiated him in the Bhuvaneswari Mantra. He was also advised to remain silent, to subsist on alms, and also not to stay at a place for long.
Search for a Guru
While travelling in the Girnar Hill, Gujarat, Subrahmanyam heard a voice commanding him to go to Sendamangalam, (Salem District, Tamil Nadu) where a Guru was waiting for him. He reached Sendamangalam and had the Darshan of Swami Swayamprakasha Bhremendra Saraswathi. At once he realized that the Avadhuta he saw in a vision at Tirunelveli was none other than Swamiji and requested that he be accepted as a disciple.
Swamiji gave his consent. He admitted Subrahmanyam to the Avadhuta order and gave him a new name Santhananda.
Pudukkottai Adhishtanam
On the advice of Swami Swayamprakasa, Santhananda undertook the renovation of the Samadhi of Judge Swamigal at Pudukkottai. This Samadhi was established by Swayamprakasa Swamigal in 1936. Santhananda renovated the Samadhi and a Kumbabhishekam was conducted in 1956. This is now known as Bhuvaneswari Vidya Peetam. The main deity here is BHUVANESWARI.
Skandhashramam at Salem
Asta Dasa Bhuja Mahalakshmi - Deity at Skandhashramam, Salem, India.
This was established by Swami Santhananda in 1968 on top of a small hill near Salem. The main Deities are ASHTA DASA BHUJA MAHALAKSHMI and SKANDA NATHA.
Chennai Om Sri Skandhashramam
This was established by Swami Santhananda in 1999 in Raja Kilpakkam near Chennai. This is a Temple dedicated to MAA UGRAPRATHYANGIRA DEVI and LORD SARABHESWARA. For the first time in India a temple has been dedicated to MAA UGRAPRATHYANGIRA DEVI.
Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santhananda
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Friday, December 19, 2014
SHRI JUDGE SWAMIGAL ( SRI SADASHIVA BRAHMENDRA SARASVATH AVADHUTA SWAMIGAL )
SHRI JUDGE SWAMIGAL
Śrī Sadguru Sadasiva Brahmendra Saraswatyavadhuta Swamigal (Judge Swamigal)
SRI SADASHIVA BRAHMENDRA SARASVATH AVADHUTA SWAMIGAL
Sri Sadashiva Brahmendra Sarasvathyavadhuta Swamigal, also popularly referred to as Judge Swamigal was a great godman hailing from the proud lineage of the avadhuta saints who can be traced back to Lord Dattatreya. He was born in Vishakapatnam to parents who were orthodox Brahmins steeped in the vedic tradition. His father Sri Vedamoorthy Sastrigal was an adept in the Vedas and Shastras. From his tender years Sri Judge Swamigal showed a great inclination towards spirituality even though he was a received a formal academic education and received a degree in law. His moral uprightness and sense of Justice and Righteousness, elevated him to the position of a Judge very soon. But he was disillusioned with the practice of meting out Justice merely on the basis of witness and circumstances. He immediately decided to renounce worldly life and sought a Guru who would help free him from the fetters of mundane existence. He found in Sri Ramakrishna Swamiji of Kalahasti, such a worthy preceptor who initiated him into the spiritual life. The recipients of Sri Judge Swamigal’s benevolence and grace are many. His disciples were many, prominent among them being Sri Swayampakasa Swamigal. It is noteworthy to mention here that Sri Judge Swamigal’s adhishtanam has been built by Sathguru Sri Shanthananda Swamigal (whose Paramaguru is Sri Judge Swamigal) at Pudukkottai which stands to this day as a perennial source of Divine Grace.
Source : https://chennaiomsriskandasramam.wordpress.com/sri-judge-swamigal/
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SRI SADASHIVA BRAHMENDRA SARASVATH AVADHUTA SWAMIGAL
Sri Sadashiva Brahmendra Sarasvathyavadhuta Swamigal, also popularly referred to as Judge Swamigal was a great godman hailing from the proud lineage of the avadhuta saints who can be traced back to Lord Dattatreya. He was born in Vishakapatnam to parents who were orthodox Brahmins steeped in the vedic tradition. His father Sri Vedamoorthy Sastrigal was an adept in the Vedas and Shastras. From his tender years Sri Judge Swamigal showed a great inclination towards spirituality even though he was a received a formal academic education and received a degree in law. His moral uprightness and sense of Justice and Righteousness, elevated him to the position of a Judge very soon. But he was disillusioned with the practice of meting out Justice merely on the basis of witness and circumstances. He immediately decided to renounce worldly life and sought a Guru who would help free him from the fetters of mundane existence. He found in Sri Ramakrishna Swamiji of Kalahasti, such a worthy preceptor who initiated him into the spiritual life. The recipients of Sri Judge Swamigal’s benevolence and grace are many. His disciples were many, prominent among them being Sri Swayampakasa Swamigal. It is noteworthy to mention here that Sri Judge Swamigal’s adhishtanam has been built by Sathguru Sri Shanthananda Swamigal (whose Paramaguru is Sri Judge Swamigal) at Pudukkottai which stands to this day as a perennial source of Divine Grace.
Source : https://chennaiomsriskandasramam.wordpress.com/sri-judge-swamigal/
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SHRI SWAYAM PRAKASHA AVADOOTHA SWAMIGAL
SHRI SWAYAM PRAKASHA AVADOOTHA SWAMIGAL
Shri SwayamPrakash Swamigal & his Guru Judge Swamigal
Shri Swayamprakash Avadootha Swamigal
Avadhoota school of Ashram
Hinduism defines various forms of Sainthood. In certain sects, even it allows people to live full family life and take sainthood. But of all, it is considered that Avadhootham form of Sainthood is the highest.
Avadhootam means ‘Nirvana’. It does not only denote the physical nirvana but also a mental determination not to have any interest over the worldly things, affairs that includes the dress.
One may find that many Saints still exist today in the Himalayas braving bitter cold. But only a few existed down South of Vindhyas like Sadashiva Brahmendrar, Judge Swamigal, Swayamprakasham Swamigal. Of these the era of Sadashiva Brahmendrar dates to several centuries back, but Judge Swamigal and Swayam Prakasham are those who have lived in our times within the last 100 years.
Here I am taking a small step to describe about Sadashiva Brahmendrar’s disciple Swayam Prakasham – Life History and his gracious life.
Birth and Childhood
Swamigal was born in a village ‘kalpattu’ (a village at a distance of around 16 kms from Vilupuram and close Thirukovilur in Tamilnadu) on 28-11-1871. He was born with 3 brothers and 2 sisters. His parents were Sriramaswamy Sastrigal and Smt. Janaki Ammal. Swamigal’s purvashrama name was ‘Krishnamurthy’. During his childhood, his father moved from Kalpattu to a small village ‘Aduthurai’ on the banks of Cauvery in Tanjore district.
During those days, there was a craze for English education among the people as it was easy to get government jobs in British India with English knowledge. Hence his father educated ‘Krishnamurthy’ in an English medium school at a place called ‘Thiruvidaimaruthur’ & ‘Kumbakonam’. Though Krishnamurthy was getting educated through English medium, he also showed equal interest to learn Sanskrit to read the Vedas & Puranas that were available in Sanskrit. He completed his matriculation education at Trivandrum. While attending the school education, he also attended separate classes to understand the Upanishads, Sanskrit Verses, Puranas, Ithihasas etc.
Job & his wish
Ironically, the essence of Vedas, Puranas & Upanishads greatly influenced Krishnamurthy to develop his inner desire for sainthood rather than any Government job. Unaware of this, his parents were praying for a good Government job for his son ‘Krishnamurthy’ and also a girl to get him married.
However, Swamigal got a job in ‘Settlement Department’ of the Government and was posted at a place called ‘Salem’. Though Krishnamurthy was workaholic and hardworking, often he got into deep meditation whenever possible and followed it as a practice. In the meanwhile, he also got bonus & increments for his hard work.
It is the duty of the parents to find a matching bride for their son after they get proper education & a decent job. Hence, his parents started searching alliance for their youngest son Krishnamurthy. But Krishnamurthy turned down all the requests and conveyed his wish to become a saint. This angered his parents and brothers and they told him to pay back the Rs. 3000/- that they had spent for his education and later he can go as per his wish. They imposed such condition because in those days, Rs.3000 was a very big amount and it will take years to save such a big amount. They also thought that it will be a long period to make Krishnamurthy incline towards the marriage.
Krishnamurthy accepted their condition to their surprise but in turn also proposed one condition from his side that they should not prompt him for marriage till he repays the money. After this, Krishnamurthy determined to repay the money to his brothers at the earliest so that he can leave for taking up the Sanyasam (saint). He started to save money in the bank for repayment and Sanyasam. He also got transfer to Chennai (Madras) at this time.
A small beginning towards Sanyasam
At this time, a very good marriage alliance was proposed to Krishnamurthy’s parents and they sent their eldest son to talk to Krishnamurthy about the alliance. When his brother came and informed him about the alliance,
Krishnamurthy didn’t talk to him for 4 days and made him to wait without any interactions and interfaces. Irked by Krishnamurthy’s behavior, his brother was about to pour a pot of cold water on Krishnamurthy’s head. At this time, Krishnamurthy told his brother to chant ‘Purusha Suktam’ mantra and pour which angered his brother further.
Krishnamurthy smiled and told that he need not pay him any more money as the condition laid by him was breached by them. However, he signed and gave the passbook to his brother which had an accumulation of around Rs.500/-. Krishnamurthy took this incident as a symptom for his Sanyasam and resigned his job to start a pilgrimage to a holy place in North India ‘Kashi’.
Struggles at Kasi
After resigning the job, Krishnamurthy reached Kashi and became a student of Sri Dakshinamurthy Swamigal. He learnt more about the vedhas for 3 years. During this time, Krishnamurthy’s health also deteriorated. The ashram informed his parents about the same and they rushed to Kashi and requested him to come back with them. Krishnamurthy informed and assured them that he will come back to their village on the 96th day from then. His parents’ heavy heartedly left Kashi without knowing what was in the store!
Though Krishnamurthy assured his parents that he will return on 96th day, his mind was restless and was thinking more about Sanyasam (sainthood). He requested his guru to give ‘Deeksha’ which is a ritual process to recognize a person as ‘Sanyasi’. In Hindu rituals, Sanyasam can be granted only by a ‘Guru’ and that too by following proper rituals.
His Guru smiled at him and told that he should get the blessings and permission from his parents to attain the Sanyasam which is mandatory. Krishnamurthy wrote a letter to his parents to grant him the required permission for becoming Sanyasi. But his parents asked him to come to his native first and hence Krishnamurthy decided to go to the village in person to get their permission.
The 96th Day incident
When Krishnamurthy reached ‘Aduthurai’, it was exactly the 96th day (the day promised by him to his parents at Kashi that he will return back to the village to see his parents). But it was so sad that Krishnamurthy could not even go to his house straight as he heard that his father was dead on that day morning and hence he rushed to the burial ground.
Though Krishnamurthy reached the burial ground, he refused to participate in the last rites. He told the people around that he has a detached mind and cannot take up any activity that will exhibit his attachments towards relationships. People were surprised to see the determination of Krishnamurthy.
Struggles to get Sanyasam.
On the 13th day death ritual of his father, Krishnamurthy requested his mother and brothers to grant him permission to take up the Sanyasam. But they were trying to console him on various factors. At this time, his brothers ‘Narasimha Ganapadigal’ and ‘Guruswamy Ganapadigal’ got jobs as teachers at a place called ‘Ganapettai’ that fell under the then ‘Pudukottai Maharaja Kingdom’ as veda teachers. Krishnamurthy’s family migrated to the new place and Krishamurthy who had already perceived himself as Sanyasi didn’t even take any vehicle but reached the new place only by walk. (This is mainly because, in those days, a Sanyasi was not supposed to go by any palanquin or any vehicle but is supposed to go only by walk).
After reaching the Ganapettai, Krishnamurthy started following the rituals mandated for Sanyasis like ‘Bhiksha’ wherein a Sanyasi is not supposed to earn or work for getting his food but he is supposed to beg with others to get food and is also supposed to take only a small quantity of staple food without even salt.
People at Ganapettai noticed the determination of Krishnamurthy and started giving respect like a Sanyasi only. His mother and brothers started realizing that Krishnamurthy had high determination to become a Sanyasi. But Krishnamurthy was also determined to obey the words of his guru to get the permission. Hence he was roaming in the ‘Ganapettai’ village like a lion roaming inside a cage with rage.
One year passed by, Krishnamurthy’s mother and brothers realized that it was not so easy to divert him from taking Sanyasam and hence they accepted his request but asked him to find a suitable guru first, who can grant him Sanyasam (as Kashi will be a distant place for which they were not ready to send him for getting Sanyasam).
Krishnamurthy was so happy to hear this and started the search for a guru who could grant him the ‘Deeksha’ for Sanyasam.
Judge Swamigal & ‘Sanyasam’
Krishamurthy heard about a Mahan ‘Judge Swamigal’ who was staying in Madurai that time. Judge Swamigal got this name because of his earlier profession as a judge. He resigned his post and took up the Sanyasam following the ‘Avadootha school of Ashram’. He was well respected for his strict disciplines and his determinations.
Krishnamurthy reached Madurai and met Judge Swamigal and detailed about his thoughts and his preparedness to take up Sanyasam. He also requested Judge Swamigal to take him as a disciple and provide ‘Deeksha’ to take up the Sanyasam.
Being a Mahan, Judge Swamigal realized the fire inside Krishnamurthy. He also felt that this Krishnamurthy had the required potential to follow ‘Avadootham’ and Sanyasam. He enquired about Krishnamurthy’s family members and asked him to get the permission of his mother on the spot and can take up the Sanyasam before his mother only. He also gave the instructions that need to be followed before and after taking the Sanyasam.
Krishnamurthy walked 72 miles to reach his mother. At that time, he was wearing only a ‘loin cloth’. He did a ‘Prathakshanam’ (going around) around his mother for 3 times and fell flat (Namaskaram) before his mother. When he got up, the cloth fell down due to his guru’s blessings and he stood there as ‘Avadootha Swamigal’ and he became ‘Sri Swayam Prakasa Saraswath Avadootha Swamigal’ (henceforth referred here as ‘Swamigal’).
He also took an oath that; henceforth
THOSE WHO OFFER FOOD TO HIS BHIKSHA WILL BE HIS MOTHER
HIS GURU WILL BE HIS FATHER
SILENCE WILL BE HIS WIFE
HIS DISCIPLES WILL BE HIS CHILDREN
(The exact date he took his Sanyasam was Tamil year ‘Vihari’, month ‘ Aani’ and it was a full moon day. He was only 28 years old then).
A GULP FOR THE REVERED READERS
At this point of time, the readers should not forget the struggle our Swamigal had undergone to take up the Sanyasam. There are great Mahans & Sanyasis who got their Deeksha by joining a ‘mutt’ and succeeding their guru to take up as Peedathipathi. Though we cannot underestimate the sanctity of Mahans & Mutts, it is the tradition to keep up the Mutts to fulfill its objectives and each mutt and its Mahan have different sets of challenges which requires lot of patience, determination etc. But to live among the common family life and managing the fire with long standing determination to become a Sanyasi and that too under the Avadootha sect requires a lot of determination.
I am trying to compare the scenario from a common walk of life of us. For example, men may not find it embarrassing to enter the temples in kerala without shirt (bare body above waist) as it is mandatory and one can see all men entering temple without shirts & vests. There are temples, where a common man is allowed to enter without any pre-requisite condition (unlike a few temples mentioned above in Kerala) and everyone worships with full clothe. At this point of time, when we think of removing the shirt and entering the temple as a mark of respect to god/as a custom that doesn’t exist, it is overly embarrassing for men also. A sort of shyness spreads in your body, and to do such an act, itself requires a determination. Now you can imagine, for an Avadootha Saint, the determination to take up the Avadootha Ashram wherein throughout the life, the Sanyasi does not wear anything on his body except holy ash and going to cover the places by walking and also not to live in the forest but amongst the people and not restricted to one place but various places. THIS REQUIRES A STRONG DETERMINATION AND WILL!! Our Swamigal took such a decision and also struggled for a long time.
Swamigal as Avadootha Sanyasi
Avadootha Ashram is not an easy approach for Sanyasis’. It may be a way that was used to the public people living around Himalayas where several saints perform their penance without dress and people are used to it. But following such a practice in South India cannot be imagined at all. In a society where dresses play an important role and half naked itself is considered as a nuisance.
After taking up the Sanyasam, Swamigal planned to visit the temples around and first decided to visit Nerur Sadhasiva Brahmendra Saraswathi Swamigal ‘Adhishtanam’ (Adhishtanam is a place where a saint is usually buried). Swamigal used to walk very fast. Avadootha sect does not require its followers to take daily bath & perform pooja like other saints and hence Swamigal was perceived as a ‘lunatic’ by the public at many places as his body was covered with mud & dust. Some people at some places considered him as a person creating nuisance and hence threw stones at him. Swamigal did not have consciousness about his body & wounds and used to walk ignoring all oppressions and take food either by Bhiksha or with the fruits available on the way.
Swamigal visited Nerur and worshipped Sadashivar who is considered as Guru of Judge Swamigal. After this, he visited the temples in Tanjore, Kumbakonam, Virudhachalam, and Chidambaram and reached Thiruvannamalai. At Thiruvannamalai, he met ‘Ramana Maharishi’. Both of them performed penance together at the hilltop under a mango tree. Ramana Maharishi mentions about our Swamigal as a ‘Vairaghya Purushar’ (Deterministic & Dedicated saint) (Reference: from his table: Ramananda Swarnagiri).
Swamigal liked the ambience of Thiruvannamalai as it is like a citadel of saints in South India. At this time, his relatives learnt about his presence in Thiruvannamalai and started visiting him (like the same experience of Ramana Maharishi). Our Swamigal could not bear the visitors influences in Thiruvannamalai and hence decided to move to Kolli hills in Salem district of Tamilnadu. Kolli hills are considered to be mysterious hills equivalent to the ‘Chathuraigiri’ in south Tamilnadu.
Our Swamigal began his walk towards Kolli hills and was arrested by the police at Salem for creating nuisance and an advocate who happened to be his devotee appeared for him and relieved him from the clutches of the arrest by detailing the court about the sanctity attached with the Avadootha Ashram. After this, Swamigal stayed in Salem for few days and proceeded to Kolli hills.
At Kolli hills, Swamigal noticed various Sanyasis in deep meditation across the hilly areas and reached a place called ‘Senthamangalam’ located at the foothills of Kolli hills.
Swamigal at Senthamangalam
Senthamangalam was a big village wherein Hindus & Muslims formed the majority of the population. Swamigal faced hardships when he was walking in the streets of Muslims and they pelted stones at him. One of the stone hit the throat of Swamigal very badly. He never bothered about the wounds but the set of people who threw stones at him died within a short period due to their internal rivalries and by getting wounds in their throats. This surprised many in the village and they realized that a big Mahan is among them. The news spread like a wildfire and thousands of devotees thronged to get his blessings.
Though Swamigal wished to perform meditation and get into a deep penance, the devotees’ crowd grew larger day by day and hence he moved from Senthamangalam to deep forests inside Kolli hills to get his loneliness and privacy. At that time, a lady was found murdered in Kolli hills and some people created rumors that Swamigal was the reason behind the same. This frustrated our Swamigal and he decided to end his life through ‘Nirvikalpa Samadhi’.
But true devotees got him back to Senthamangalam and made him to stay at a place called ‘Sanyasi Karadu’ – a small hillock near Senthamangalam.
Swamigal at Sanyasikaradu
This small hillock is 1 km away from Senthamangalam. It also had a small cave in it. Devotees created a small tent around the cave for the devotees to sit there and get a glimpse of the Swamigal. Swamigal used to get into deep penance for several days inside the cave without food & water.
The then collector heard about the incident happening at Sanyasikaradu that a man was doing penance inside a cave without having food or water for several days and he felt that it may a case against humanitarian laws and hence ordered the cops to break the cave door and pull him out to provide the food & water. When the cops broke the door, they found that our Swamigal was in a sleeping posture but remained like a dead body. They pulled him out and thought that he was dead. But our Swamigal got up as though he was woken up from deep sleep. Surprised by this, the Cops & the Collector fell at his feet to pardon them and bless.
A Small Dossier of Miracles
A lot of miracles were said to have happened during this period that even the older people around Senthamangalam had witnessed (they used to be young in those period). A few samples are provided below.
Once Swamigal was captive inside a Muslim’s house, though he was locked inside, the Muslim house owner saw Swamigal in the streets when he went to the market. Shocked by this, when he rushed back to the house, he found Swamigal inside the room smiling at him. The Muslim fainted and later requested Swamigal to pardon him.
Once a person tried to give meat to him the same got converted to flowers.
Some people intentionally sent some prostitutes to seduce him, but when they reached near Swamigal , they could not bear the ‘Tejas’ of Swamigal’s face and surrendered before him by falling at his feet (their Kama desires were burnt at the glimpse of Swamigal).
Once Swamigal went to Nerur but the boatman refused him to enter into the boat as he was without clothes and started to sail. Soon the boat was into deep troubles and they found our Swamigal rescuing them by standing on the water. After rescuing the boat, he crossed the river by walking over the water. Many people in the boat who opposed to Swamigal fainted on seeing this.
A snake used to pose before him while he was in meditation. But this panicked the devotees. Swamigal learnt about this and looked at the eyes of the snake and to the surprise of many, the snake left very calmly and never to be seen there after.
Swamigal used to visit various places and once in ‘Thiruvaiyaru’, a Brahmin deliberately invited him for lunch and then insulted him saying that he should live only in the burial ground. Immediately Swamigal left the house without eating anything but the roof of the house got into the fire.
Swamigal chose to live near to the society to preach the people and make them live happily. Many could not realize this and some realized only later.
Digvijayam
After spending close to 2 years in Senthamangalam, Swamigal started his pilgrimage around India. He went to various places alone and stayed under the trees and ate the food whatever was offered to him. At some places, people hit him as he was naked. Swamigal accepted all the good & bad experiences as one. He went to Kashi, Haridwar, Brahmakamalam, Badarikachram, Prayag, Ayodhi, Himalayaas, Dattatreyar’s place – Kairnar etc. Swamigal did lot many wonders like flying, walking over water, disappearing at one place and appearing at another.
When he was in meditation in Badrinaryanam, Lord Dattatreyar’s appeared in his dream and asked him to build a temple for him in Southern India which was not there at any place down south. At the same time, Lord Dattatreya also ordered ‘ Nanananda Yogiraj’ who used to live in that place to accompany Swamigal and reach Senthamangalam and help to build the temple and later attain Mukti in Kolli hills itself.
Lord Dattatreya is considered as ‘Guru of all Gurus’, an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. All the gods in the world have got inheritance within Lord Dattatreya e.g. if one wants to worship Goddess Lakshmi, she is in the heart of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu is again a part of Lord Dattatreya. Similarly if one wants to worship Goddess Parvathi Devi, she is part of Lord Shiva and Shiva is part of Lord Dattatreya. Hence by praying Lord Dattatreya, one prays to all gods’ and all gurus’ of the entire world.
When (such a great) Lord Dattatreya ordered a yogi & a Swamigal in Himalayas, both realized the importance of the temple and both came to Senthamangalam to start the work for the temple.
As it is the wish of the Lord himself to establish a temple in down south to remove the differences between Shaivites and Vaishanavites, work started by itself and moved by default.
One devotee got the idol. The specialty of this idol is that in all other places, the centre face of Lord Dattatreya will be Vishnu. But here it is Shiva. Around the temple, a small dedicated place for Swamigal was also built so that Swamigal decided to get into ‘Jeeva Samadhi’ in that place. The first Kumbabhishekam (dedication or commissioning of temple for worship) happened on 29.5.1931 and hence the name of the hillock was called as ‘Dattagiri’. Several disciples helped Swamigal in getting this done.
Swamigal’s gratitude for his Guru.
During this period, Judge Swamigal (the guru of our Swamigal who gave Deeksha to our Swamigal) attained Samadhi at a place called ‘Narthamalai’ in Pudukottai district in Tamilnadu (around 130 kms from Senthamangalam). Some devotees brought his body to Pudukottai to build his Adhishtanam with the help of the contributions from the king of Pudukottai and rich people of the kingdom. In due course, people slowly forgot about the place and also stopped pooja. Our Swamigal learnt about this through his supernatural power and went there one night to find the place of his guru. He also created the instinct among many good people in Pudukottai about this. Hence suddenly many people started talking about this and tried to find out the place of Adhishtanam (buried place) of judge Swamigal as it got submerged under various plants & bushes.
Some people came to our Swamigal in Senthamangalam to help them to show them the place. Swamigal pointed them in a map about the place. Soon, the activities picked up to renovate judge Swamigal temple and the Kumbabhishekam happened on 31-05-1936. He also sent hone his prime disciple – Sri Santhananda Swamigal to Pudukottai to take charge of the Adhishtanam. Shri Santanandar went to Pudukottai and undertook ‘Mouna Vratham’ (oath of silence) for 1 year and ate only the neem leaves and did a penance. Goddess Bhuvaneswari appeared in his dream and asked him to build a temple in that place and now people of Pudukottai witness the famous ‘Bhuvaneswari Ashram’ in Pudukottai with Judge Swamigal Adhishtanam.
Mahasamadhi
Swamigal thus left no stone unturned to spread the good messages. He repaid his debt to this guru and also gave Dikshas to numerous disciples. He created a good institution without any inclination for fame, name, power or money – a rarest of rare quality
(Author note: I am blessed to write this blog in English through the sources of various materials and the intention of this blog is also not to create an overnight fame for Swamigal as he knows when to create, what to create, who will notice this blog, when he will call the reader to his place and all. This is my experience. For example, normally I write very fast, but I took nearly 4 months to complete the manuscript and typing of this happened in a single night and that too suddenly)
Swamigal also used to be great Ayurvedic Expert; he used to prepare herbal oils for the use of poor.
Our Swamigal realized during late 1940s’ that it is time for him to leave the body. Great saints know about this before hand itself e.g. Lord Ragavendra is said to be living for more than 700 years though he left his body some 3 centuries back itself. That is the power of great saints. They treated body only as a mean and not the end for achieving the Yoga & Mukthi
It was 1948; Swamigal got a paralytic stroke and also a high fever. He had an unbearable pain & his body used to shiver. Devotees called the specialist to check up his body and when they diagnosed, the body would be normal and immediately after the doctors’ leave the place, the pains continued. He told his devotees about this and said that he wished to shed off all his sins of the body by undergoing bodily pains and he did not want to carry the pains due to doctor treatments.
It was exactly December 29, 1948 (29-12-1948). Swamigal’s breath started going inwards slowly and got immersed in his body only. This is the highest form of Samadhi and Swamigal did that. Before that, he created a Sannidhi (place) before the Dattatreya statue for burying his body as Jeeva Samadhi.
On 30-12-1948, his body was buried, on 8-1-1949- Mahapuja was performed and on very next day Aradhana was performed. Even now, every year, the Aradhana is performed in a notable manner. Even today, people believe that they can feel Swamigal’s presence in this place through the smell of vibudhi (holy ash). Shri Santhananda Swamigal built various Sannidhi and installed the idol of Lord Muruga in this hillock and performed Kumbabhishekam in 20-1-1983. People may recollect that Sri Santhananda Swamigal also built the popular ‘Kandagiri’ near Salem. Recently, the temple was again renovated and Kumbabhishekam was performed on 14-7-2008.
Other Disciples of Swamigal
Shri Sankarananda
He used to be with Swamigal all the time. He was the disciple who took care of swamigal’s requirements as Swamigal never had any requirements for even food & water. He went to various places to collect donations for building the temple.
Shri Duriyanandar
He moved out of the house and married life at the age of 20 and took Vratham in palani hills for 48 days to know about our Swamigal. It is said that (Bogar Siddhar guided him to reach our Swamigal). There was an anecdote which the local people fondly remember
When the temple was under the construction, several times, it was very difficult to collect the required money. Duriyanandar thought of making some quick money for the temple. He installed a pole and powered the pole through his powers such that the people touching the pole will get rid of their problems instantly and they should offer money equivalent to the severity of the problems.
Suddenly money started flowing in and when Swayam Prakasa Swamigal learnt about this, he got angry and called Duriyanandar and told that he can’t play for the money and donations should be collected through volunteering actions. He also showed some stones and touched it. Immediately, the stones turned into gold, he told that he can do much more wonders to collect money. But he advised Duriyanandar not to indulge in any such activities. He also penalized Duriyanandar to go to Kashi to get rid of the sin due to this. Swami Duriyanandar went to Kashi and spent some time and returned back to Swamigal. Both Sankarananda and Duriyanandar Adhishtanam are at the foot hill of the ‘Datta Giri’.
Krishnananda Swamigal
Krishnananda Swamigal got to know about Swayam Prakasa Swamigal through ‘Seshadri Swamigal’ of Thiruvannamalai. Seshadri Swamigal had told him to go to Senthamangalam to get Deeksha from Swayam Prakasa Swamigal. His Adhishtanam is also located inside a small ashram built by the devotees of Krishnananda Swamigal located at the foothill of the hillock. There are also few more Adhishtanam around this hillock. These will give a feel to the devotees that they are in a small Thiruvannamalai.
Shanthananda: He was also the prime disciple and he established Kandashramam in Salem later. Other disciples who got Deeksha from Swamigal are Sri Nijanandar, Sri Duriyasivam, Sri Niranjanandar (Coimbatore), Sri Venkitaramaiyar, Sri Suganandhar (Tiruchengode), Sri Abayanandhar (Mohanur), Sri Sivanandar.
Even now, several saints visit Senthamangalam and take Sanyasam before Swamigal’s idol.
Many celebrities visited this place, great musicians, judges, politicians, and bureaucrats’ visits to get the blessings of Swamigal when he was there. Now the waves are really felt by the devotees visiting this place. Several miracles that are yet to be documented stand as the witness for the greatness, simplicity, dedication and determination of Shri Swamigal.
How to reach?
By Air : Nearest Airport : Tiruchirapalli ( 90 Km)
Nearest Railway Station: Salem Junction (Enroute from Chennai to Coimbatore).
Nearest Bus Terminus: Senthamangalam (Buses are available from Salem, Namakkal & Rasipuram to reach Senthamangalam – Bus stop is Dattagiri).
Temple – open on all days.
Other tips:
One can combine this temple visit to visit Kolli hills to enjoy the scenic hill beauty, water falls. One can also visit Namakkal (District head quarters which is 16 kms from Dattagiri) to see Lord Narasimha swamy cave temple of Mahendravarma Pallava period, Anjaneya temple wherein the idol is second largest in Tamilnadu and Tippu Sultan Fort).
Source : http://swyamswamigal.wordpress.com/2009/04/
Avadhoota school of Ashram
Hinduism defines various forms of Sainthood. In certain sects, even it allows people to live full family life and take sainthood. But of all, it is considered that Avadhootham form of Sainthood is the highest.
Avadhootam means ‘Nirvana’. It does not only denote the physical nirvana but also a mental determination not to have any interest over the worldly things, affairs that includes the dress.
One may find that many Saints still exist today in the Himalayas braving bitter cold. But only a few existed down South of Vindhyas like Sadashiva Brahmendrar, Judge Swamigal, Swayamprakasham Swamigal. Of these the era of Sadashiva Brahmendrar dates to several centuries back, but Judge Swamigal and Swayam Prakasham are those who have lived in our times within the last 100 years.
Here I am taking a small step to describe about Sadashiva Brahmendrar’s disciple Swayam Prakasham – Life History and his gracious life.
Birth and Childhood
Swamigal was born in a village ‘kalpattu’ (a village at a distance of around 16 kms from Vilupuram and close Thirukovilur in Tamilnadu) on 28-11-1871. He was born with 3 brothers and 2 sisters. His parents were Sriramaswamy Sastrigal and Smt. Janaki Ammal. Swamigal’s purvashrama name was ‘Krishnamurthy’. During his childhood, his father moved from Kalpattu to a small village ‘Aduthurai’ on the banks of Cauvery in Tanjore district.
During those days, there was a craze for English education among the people as it was easy to get government jobs in British India with English knowledge. Hence his father educated ‘Krishnamurthy’ in an English medium school at a place called ‘Thiruvidaimaruthur’ & ‘Kumbakonam’. Though Krishnamurthy was getting educated through English medium, he also showed equal interest to learn Sanskrit to read the Vedas & Puranas that were available in Sanskrit. He completed his matriculation education at Trivandrum. While attending the school education, he also attended separate classes to understand the Upanishads, Sanskrit Verses, Puranas, Ithihasas etc.
Job & his wish
Ironically, the essence of Vedas, Puranas & Upanishads greatly influenced Krishnamurthy to develop his inner desire for sainthood rather than any Government job. Unaware of this, his parents were praying for a good Government job for his son ‘Krishnamurthy’ and also a girl to get him married.
However, Swamigal got a job in ‘Settlement Department’ of the Government and was posted at a place called ‘Salem’. Though Krishnamurthy was workaholic and hardworking, often he got into deep meditation whenever possible and followed it as a practice. In the meanwhile, he also got bonus & increments for his hard work.
It is the duty of the parents to find a matching bride for their son after they get proper education & a decent job. Hence, his parents started searching alliance for their youngest son Krishnamurthy. But Krishnamurthy turned down all the requests and conveyed his wish to become a saint. This angered his parents and brothers and they told him to pay back the Rs. 3000/- that they had spent for his education and later he can go as per his wish. They imposed such condition because in those days, Rs.3000 was a very big amount and it will take years to save such a big amount. They also thought that it will be a long period to make Krishnamurthy incline towards the marriage.
Krishnamurthy accepted their condition to their surprise but in turn also proposed one condition from his side that they should not prompt him for marriage till he repays the money. After this, Krishnamurthy determined to repay the money to his brothers at the earliest so that he can leave for taking up the Sanyasam (saint). He started to save money in the bank for repayment and Sanyasam. He also got transfer to Chennai (Madras) at this time.
A small beginning towards Sanyasam
At this time, a very good marriage alliance was proposed to Krishnamurthy’s parents and they sent their eldest son to talk to Krishnamurthy about the alliance. When his brother came and informed him about the alliance,
Krishnamurthy didn’t talk to him for 4 days and made him to wait without any interactions and interfaces. Irked by Krishnamurthy’s behavior, his brother was about to pour a pot of cold water on Krishnamurthy’s head. At this time, Krishnamurthy told his brother to chant ‘Purusha Suktam’ mantra and pour which angered his brother further.
Krishnamurthy smiled and told that he need not pay him any more money as the condition laid by him was breached by them. However, he signed and gave the passbook to his brother which had an accumulation of around Rs.500/-. Krishnamurthy took this incident as a symptom for his Sanyasam and resigned his job to start a pilgrimage to a holy place in North India ‘Kashi’.
Struggles at Kasi
After resigning the job, Krishnamurthy reached Kashi and became a student of Sri Dakshinamurthy Swamigal. He learnt more about the vedhas for 3 years. During this time, Krishnamurthy’s health also deteriorated. The ashram informed his parents about the same and they rushed to Kashi and requested him to come back with them. Krishnamurthy informed and assured them that he will come back to their village on the 96th day from then. His parents’ heavy heartedly left Kashi without knowing what was in the store!
Though Krishnamurthy assured his parents that he will return on 96th day, his mind was restless and was thinking more about Sanyasam (sainthood). He requested his guru to give ‘Deeksha’ which is a ritual process to recognize a person as ‘Sanyasi’. In Hindu rituals, Sanyasam can be granted only by a ‘Guru’ and that too by following proper rituals.
His Guru smiled at him and told that he should get the blessings and permission from his parents to attain the Sanyasam which is mandatory. Krishnamurthy wrote a letter to his parents to grant him the required permission for becoming Sanyasi. But his parents asked him to come to his native first and hence Krishnamurthy decided to go to the village in person to get their permission.
The 96th Day incident
When Krishnamurthy reached ‘Aduthurai’, it was exactly the 96th day (the day promised by him to his parents at Kashi that he will return back to the village to see his parents). But it was so sad that Krishnamurthy could not even go to his house straight as he heard that his father was dead on that day morning and hence he rushed to the burial ground.
Though Krishnamurthy reached the burial ground, he refused to participate in the last rites. He told the people around that he has a detached mind and cannot take up any activity that will exhibit his attachments towards relationships. People were surprised to see the determination of Krishnamurthy.
Struggles to get Sanyasam.
On the 13th day death ritual of his father, Krishnamurthy requested his mother and brothers to grant him permission to take up the Sanyasam. But they were trying to console him on various factors. At this time, his brothers ‘Narasimha Ganapadigal’ and ‘Guruswamy Ganapadigal’ got jobs as teachers at a place called ‘Ganapettai’ that fell under the then ‘Pudukottai Maharaja Kingdom’ as veda teachers. Krishnamurthy’s family migrated to the new place and Krishamurthy who had already perceived himself as Sanyasi didn’t even take any vehicle but reached the new place only by walk. (This is mainly because, in those days, a Sanyasi was not supposed to go by any palanquin or any vehicle but is supposed to go only by walk).
After reaching the Ganapettai, Krishnamurthy started following the rituals mandated for Sanyasis like ‘Bhiksha’ wherein a Sanyasi is not supposed to earn or work for getting his food but he is supposed to beg with others to get food and is also supposed to take only a small quantity of staple food without even salt.
People at Ganapettai noticed the determination of Krishnamurthy and started giving respect like a Sanyasi only. His mother and brothers started realizing that Krishnamurthy had high determination to become a Sanyasi. But Krishnamurthy was also determined to obey the words of his guru to get the permission. Hence he was roaming in the ‘Ganapettai’ village like a lion roaming inside a cage with rage.
One year passed by, Krishnamurthy’s mother and brothers realized that it was not so easy to divert him from taking Sanyasam and hence they accepted his request but asked him to find a suitable guru first, who can grant him Sanyasam (as Kashi will be a distant place for which they were not ready to send him for getting Sanyasam).
Krishnamurthy was so happy to hear this and started the search for a guru who could grant him the ‘Deeksha’ for Sanyasam.
Judge Swamigal & ‘Sanyasam’
Krishamurthy heard about a Mahan ‘Judge Swamigal’ who was staying in Madurai that time. Judge Swamigal got this name because of his earlier profession as a judge. He resigned his post and took up the Sanyasam following the ‘Avadootha school of Ashram’. He was well respected for his strict disciplines and his determinations.
Krishnamurthy reached Madurai and met Judge Swamigal and detailed about his thoughts and his preparedness to take up Sanyasam. He also requested Judge Swamigal to take him as a disciple and provide ‘Deeksha’ to take up the Sanyasam.
Being a Mahan, Judge Swamigal realized the fire inside Krishnamurthy. He also felt that this Krishnamurthy had the required potential to follow ‘Avadootham’ and Sanyasam. He enquired about Krishnamurthy’s family members and asked him to get the permission of his mother on the spot and can take up the Sanyasam before his mother only. He also gave the instructions that need to be followed before and after taking the Sanyasam.
Krishnamurthy walked 72 miles to reach his mother. At that time, he was wearing only a ‘loin cloth’. He did a ‘Prathakshanam’ (going around) around his mother for 3 times and fell flat (Namaskaram) before his mother. When he got up, the cloth fell down due to his guru’s blessings and he stood there as ‘Avadootha Swamigal’ and he became ‘Sri Swayam Prakasa Saraswath Avadootha Swamigal’ (henceforth referred here as ‘Swamigal’).
He also took an oath that; henceforth
THOSE WHO OFFER FOOD TO HIS BHIKSHA WILL BE HIS MOTHER
HIS GURU WILL BE HIS FATHER
SILENCE WILL BE HIS WIFE
HIS DISCIPLES WILL BE HIS CHILDREN
(The exact date he took his Sanyasam was Tamil year ‘Vihari’, month ‘ Aani’ and it was a full moon day. He was only 28 years old then).
A GULP FOR THE REVERED READERS
At this point of time, the readers should not forget the struggle our Swamigal had undergone to take up the Sanyasam. There are great Mahans & Sanyasis who got their Deeksha by joining a ‘mutt’ and succeeding their guru to take up as Peedathipathi. Though we cannot underestimate the sanctity of Mahans & Mutts, it is the tradition to keep up the Mutts to fulfill its objectives and each mutt and its Mahan have different sets of challenges which requires lot of patience, determination etc. But to live among the common family life and managing the fire with long standing determination to become a Sanyasi and that too under the Avadootha sect requires a lot of determination.
I am trying to compare the scenario from a common walk of life of us. For example, men may not find it embarrassing to enter the temples in kerala without shirt (bare body above waist) as it is mandatory and one can see all men entering temple without shirts & vests. There are temples, where a common man is allowed to enter without any pre-requisite condition (unlike a few temples mentioned above in Kerala) and everyone worships with full clothe. At this point of time, when we think of removing the shirt and entering the temple as a mark of respect to god/as a custom that doesn’t exist, it is overly embarrassing for men also. A sort of shyness spreads in your body, and to do such an act, itself requires a determination. Now you can imagine, for an Avadootha Saint, the determination to take up the Avadootha Ashram wherein throughout the life, the Sanyasi does not wear anything on his body except holy ash and going to cover the places by walking and also not to live in the forest but amongst the people and not restricted to one place but various places. THIS REQUIRES A STRONG DETERMINATION AND WILL!! Our Swamigal took such a decision and also struggled for a long time.
Swamigal as Avadootha Sanyasi
Avadootha Ashram is not an easy approach for Sanyasis’. It may be a way that was used to the public people living around Himalayas where several saints perform their penance without dress and people are used to it. But following such a practice in South India cannot be imagined at all. In a society where dresses play an important role and half naked itself is considered as a nuisance.
After taking up the Sanyasam, Swamigal planned to visit the temples around and first decided to visit Nerur Sadhasiva Brahmendra Saraswathi Swamigal ‘Adhishtanam’ (Adhishtanam is a place where a saint is usually buried). Swamigal used to walk very fast. Avadootha sect does not require its followers to take daily bath & perform pooja like other saints and hence Swamigal was perceived as a ‘lunatic’ by the public at many places as his body was covered with mud & dust. Some people at some places considered him as a person creating nuisance and hence threw stones at him. Swamigal did not have consciousness about his body & wounds and used to walk ignoring all oppressions and take food either by Bhiksha or with the fruits available on the way.
Swamigal visited Nerur and worshipped Sadashivar who is considered as Guru of Judge Swamigal. After this, he visited the temples in Tanjore, Kumbakonam, Virudhachalam, and Chidambaram and reached Thiruvannamalai. At Thiruvannamalai, he met ‘Ramana Maharishi’. Both of them performed penance together at the hilltop under a mango tree. Ramana Maharishi mentions about our Swamigal as a ‘Vairaghya Purushar’ (Deterministic & Dedicated saint) (Reference: from his table: Ramananda Swarnagiri).
Swamigal liked the ambience of Thiruvannamalai as it is like a citadel of saints in South India. At this time, his relatives learnt about his presence in Thiruvannamalai and started visiting him (like the same experience of Ramana Maharishi). Our Swamigal could not bear the visitors influences in Thiruvannamalai and hence decided to move to Kolli hills in Salem district of Tamilnadu. Kolli hills are considered to be mysterious hills equivalent to the ‘Chathuraigiri’ in south Tamilnadu.
Our Swamigal began his walk towards Kolli hills and was arrested by the police at Salem for creating nuisance and an advocate who happened to be his devotee appeared for him and relieved him from the clutches of the arrest by detailing the court about the sanctity attached with the Avadootha Ashram. After this, Swamigal stayed in Salem for few days and proceeded to Kolli hills.
At Kolli hills, Swamigal noticed various Sanyasis in deep meditation across the hilly areas and reached a place called ‘Senthamangalam’ located at the foothills of Kolli hills.
Swamigal at Senthamangalam
Senthamangalam was a big village wherein Hindus & Muslims formed the majority of the population. Swamigal faced hardships when he was walking in the streets of Muslims and they pelted stones at him. One of the stone hit the throat of Swamigal very badly. He never bothered about the wounds but the set of people who threw stones at him died within a short period due to their internal rivalries and by getting wounds in their throats. This surprised many in the village and they realized that a big Mahan is among them. The news spread like a wildfire and thousands of devotees thronged to get his blessings.
Though Swamigal wished to perform meditation and get into a deep penance, the devotees’ crowd grew larger day by day and hence he moved from Senthamangalam to deep forests inside Kolli hills to get his loneliness and privacy. At that time, a lady was found murdered in Kolli hills and some people created rumors that Swamigal was the reason behind the same. This frustrated our Swamigal and he decided to end his life through ‘Nirvikalpa Samadhi’.
But true devotees got him back to Senthamangalam and made him to stay at a place called ‘Sanyasi Karadu’ – a small hillock near Senthamangalam.
Swamigal at Sanyasikaradu
This small hillock is 1 km away from Senthamangalam. It also had a small cave in it. Devotees created a small tent around the cave for the devotees to sit there and get a glimpse of the Swamigal. Swamigal used to get into deep penance for several days inside the cave without food & water.
The then collector heard about the incident happening at Sanyasikaradu that a man was doing penance inside a cave without having food or water for several days and he felt that it may a case against humanitarian laws and hence ordered the cops to break the cave door and pull him out to provide the food & water. When the cops broke the door, they found that our Swamigal was in a sleeping posture but remained like a dead body. They pulled him out and thought that he was dead. But our Swamigal got up as though he was woken up from deep sleep. Surprised by this, the Cops & the Collector fell at his feet to pardon them and bless.
A Small Dossier of Miracles
A lot of miracles were said to have happened during this period that even the older people around Senthamangalam had witnessed (they used to be young in those period). A few samples are provided below.
Once Swamigal was captive inside a Muslim’s house, though he was locked inside, the Muslim house owner saw Swamigal in the streets when he went to the market. Shocked by this, when he rushed back to the house, he found Swamigal inside the room smiling at him. The Muslim fainted and later requested Swamigal to pardon him.
Once a person tried to give meat to him the same got converted to flowers.
Some people intentionally sent some prostitutes to seduce him, but when they reached near Swamigal , they could not bear the ‘Tejas’ of Swamigal’s face and surrendered before him by falling at his feet (their Kama desires were burnt at the glimpse of Swamigal).
Once Swamigal went to Nerur but the boatman refused him to enter into the boat as he was without clothes and started to sail. Soon the boat was into deep troubles and they found our Swamigal rescuing them by standing on the water. After rescuing the boat, he crossed the river by walking over the water. Many people in the boat who opposed to Swamigal fainted on seeing this.
A snake used to pose before him while he was in meditation. But this panicked the devotees. Swamigal learnt about this and looked at the eyes of the snake and to the surprise of many, the snake left very calmly and never to be seen there after.
Swamigal used to visit various places and once in ‘Thiruvaiyaru’, a Brahmin deliberately invited him for lunch and then insulted him saying that he should live only in the burial ground. Immediately Swamigal left the house without eating anything but the roof of the house got into the fire.
Swamigal chose to live near to the society to preach the people and make them live happily. Many could not realize this and some realized only later.
Digvijayam
After spending close to 2 years in Senthamangalam, Swamigal started his pilgrimage around India. He went to various places alone and stayed under the trees and ate the food whatever was offered to him. At some places, people hit him as he was naked. Swamigal accepted all the good & bad experiences as one. He went to Kashi, Haridwar, Brahmakamalam, Badarikachram, Prayag, Ayodhi, Himalayaas, Dattatreyar’s place – Kairnar etc. Swamigal did lot many wonders like flying, walking over water, disappearing at one place and appearing at another.
When he was in meditation in Badrinaryanam, Lord Dattatreyar’s appeared in his dream and asked him to build a temple for him in Southern India which was not there at any place down south. At the same time, Lord Dattatreya also ordered ‘ Nanananda Yogiraj’ who used to live in that place to accompany Swamigal and reach Senthamangalam and help to build the temple and later attain Mukti in Kolli hills itself.
Lord Dattatreya is considered as ‘Guru of all Gurus’, an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. All the gods in the world have got inheritance within Lord Dattatreya e.g. if one wants to worship Goddess Lakshmi, she is in the heart of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu is again a part of Lord Dattatreya. Similarly if one wants to worship Goddess Parvathi Devi, she is part of Lord Shiva and Shiva is part of Lord Dattatreya. Hence by praying Lord Dattatreya, one prays to all gods’ and all gurus’ of the entire world.
When (such a great) Lord Dattatreya ordered a yogi & a Swamigal in Himalayas, both realized the importance of the temple and both came to Senthamangalam to start the work for the temple.
As it is the wish of the Lord himself to establish a temple in down south to remove the differences between Shaivites and Vaishanavites, work started by itself and moved by default.
One devotee got the idol. The specialty of this idol is that in all other places, the centre face of Lord Dattatreya will be Vishnu. But here it is Shiva. Around the temple, a small dedicated place for Swamigal was also built so that Swamigal decided to get into ‘Jeeva Samadhi’ in that place. The first Kumbabhishekam (dedication or commissioning of temple for worship) happened on 29.5.1931 and hence the name of the hillock was called as ‘Dattagiri’. Several disciples helped Swamigal in getting this done.
Swamigal’s gratitude for his Guru.
During this period, Judge Swamigal (the guru of our Swamigal who gave Deeksha to our Swamigal) attained Samadhi at a place called ‘Narthamalai’ in Pudukottai district in Tamilnadu (around 130 kms from Senthamangalam). Some devotees brought his body to Pudukottai to build his Adhishtanam with the help of the contributions from the king of Pudukottai and rich people of the kingdom. In due course, people slowly forgot about the place and also stopped pooja. Our Swamigal learnt about this through his supernatural power and went there one night to find the place of his guru. He also created the instinct among many good people in Pudukottai about this. Hence suddenly many people started talking about this and tried to find out the place of Adhishtanam (buried place) of judge Swamigal as it got submerged under various plants & bushes.
Some people came to our Swamigal in Senthamangalam to help them to show them the place. Swamigal pointed them in a map about the place. Soon, the activities picked up to renovate judge Swamigal temple and the Kumbabhishekam happened on 31-05-1936. He also sent hone his prime disciple – Sri Santhananda Swamigal to Pudukottai to take charge of the Adhishtanam. Shri Santanandar went to Pudukottai and undertook ‘Mouna Vratham’ (oath of silence) for 1 year and ate only the neem leaves and did a penance. Goddess Bhuvaneswari appeared in his dream and asked him to build a temple in that place and now people of Pudukottai witness the famous ‘Bhuvaneswari Ashram’ in Pudukottai with Judge Swamigal Adhishtanam.
Mahasamadhi
Swamigal thus left no stone unturned to spread the good messages. He repaid his debt to this guru and also gave Dikshas to numerous disciples. He created a good institution without any inclination for fame, name, power or money – a rarest of rare quality
(Author note: I am blessed to write this blog in English through the sources of various materials and the intention of this blog is also not to create an overnight fame for Swamigal as he knows when to create, what to create, who will notice this blog, when he will call the reader to his place and all. This is my experience. For example, normally I write very fast, but I took nearly 4 months to complete the manuscript and typing of this happened in a single night and that too suddenly)
Swamigal also used to be great Ayurvedic Expert; he used to prepare herbal oils for the use of poor.
Our Swamigal realized during late 1940s’ that it is time for him to leave the body. Great saints know about this before hand itself e.g. Lord Ragavendra is said to be living for more than 700 years though he left his body some 3 centuries back itself. That is the power of great saints. They treated body only as a mean and not the end for achieving the Yoga & Mukthi
It was 1948; Swamigal got a paralytic stroke and also a high fever. He had an unbearable pain & his body used to shiver. Devotees called the specialist to check up his body and when they diagnosed, the body would be normal and immediately after the doctors’ leave the place, the pains continued. He told his devotees about this and said that he wished to shed off all his sins of the body by undergoing bodily pains and he did not want to carry the pains due to doctor treatments.
It was exactly December 29, 1948 (29-12-1948). Swamigal’s breath started going inwards slowly and got immersed in his body only. This is the highest form of Samadhi and Swamigal did that. Before that, he created a Sannidhi (place) before the Dattatreya statue for burying his body as Jeeva Samadhi.
On 30-12-1948, his body was buried, on 8-1-1949- Mahapuja was performed and on very next day Aradhana was performed. Even now, every year, the Aradhana is performed in a notable manner. Even today, people believe that they can feel Swamigal’s presence in this place through the smell of vibudhi (holy ash). Shri Santhananda Swamigal built various Sannidhi and installed the idol of Lord Muruga in this hillock and performed Kumbabhishekam in 20-1-1983. People may recollect that Sri Santhananda Swamigal also built the popular ‘Kandagiri’ near Salem. Recently, the temple was again renovated and Kumbabhishekam was performed on 14-7-2008.
Other Disciples of Swamigal
Shri Sankarananda
He used to be with Swamigal all the time. He was the disciple who took care of swamigal’s requirements as Swamigal never had any requirements for even food & water. He went to various places to collect donations for building the temple.
Shri Duriyanandar
He moved out of the house and married life at the age of 20 and took Vratham in palani hills for 48 days to know about our Swamigal. It is said that (Bogar Siddhar guided him to reach our Swamigal). There was an anecdote which the local people fondly remember
When the temple was under the construction, several times, it was very difficult to collect the required money. Duriyanandar thought of making some quick money for the temple. He installed a pole and powered the pole through his powers such that the people touching the pole will get rid of their problems instantly and they should offer money equivalent to the severity of the problems.
Suddenly money started flowing in and when Swayam Prakasa Swamigal learnt about this, he got angry and called Duriyanandar and told that he can’t play for the money and donations should be collected through volunteering actions. He also showed some stones and touched it. Immediately, the stones turned into gold, he told that he can do much more wonders to collect money. But he advised Duriyanandar not to indulge in any such activities. He also penalized Duriyanandar to go to Kashi to get rid of the sin due to this. Swami Duriyanandar went to Kashi and spent some time and returned back to Swamigal. Both Sankarananda and Duriyanandar Adhishtanam are at the foot hill of the ‘Datta Giri’.
Krishnananda Swamigal
Krishnananda Swamigal got to know about Swayam Prakasa Swamigal through ‘Seshadri Swamigal’ of Thiruvannamalai. Seshadri Swamigal had told him to go to Senthamangalam to get Deeksha from Swayam Prakasa Swamigal. His Adhishtanam is also located inside a small ashram built by the devotees of Krishnananda Swamigal located at the foothill of the hillock. There are also few more Adhishtanam around this hillock. These will give a feel to the devotees that they are in a small Thiruvannamalai.
Shanthananda: He was also the prime disciple and he established Kandashramam in Salem later. Other disciples who got Deeksha from Swamigal are Sri Nijanandar, Sri Duriyasivam, Sri Niranjanandar (Coimbatore), Sri Venkitaramaiyar, Sri Suganandhar (Tiruchengode), Sri Abayanandhar (Mohanur), Sri Sivanandar.
Even now, several saints visit Senthamangalam and take Sanyasam before Swamigal’s idol.
Many celebrities visited this place, great musicians, judges, politicians, and bureaucrats’ visits to get the blessings of Swamigal when he was there. Now the waves are really felt by the devotees visiting this place. Several miracles that are yet to be documented stand as the witness for the greatness, simplicity, dedication and determination of Shri Swamigal.
How to reach?
By Air : Nearest Airport : Tiruchirapalli ( 90 Km)
Nearest Railway Station: Salem Junction (Enroute from Chennai to Coimbatore).
Nearest Bus Terminus: Senthamangalam (Buses are available from Salem, Namakkal & Rasipuram to reach Senthamangalam – Bus stop is Dattagiri).
Temple – open on all days.
Other tips:
One can combine this temple visit to visit Kolli hills to enjoy the scenic hill beauty, water falls. One can also visit Namakkal (District head quarters which is 16 kms from Dattagiri) to see Lord Narasimha swamy cave temple of Mahendravarma Pallava period, Anjaneya temple wherein the idol is second largest in Tamilnadu and Tippu Sultan Fort).
Source : http://swyamswamigal.wordpress.com/2009/04/
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