Maha Periva Life Hist Vol 1

E-Book from Kanchi Periva Forum
Glimpses from
Sri Maha Perivas Life History
Author: Sri Subi Anna

Volume 1
July 2013 - Anusham
Copyrights reserved Kanchi Periva Forum www.periva.proboards.com & www.periva.org

Glimpses from Sri Maha Perivas Life History Volume 1 By Subi Anna
Glimpses from Sri Maha Perivas Life History
Volume 1
Table of Contents
Preface ..............................................................................3
Chapter 1 - Early Life .........................................................7
Chapter 2 - Meeting with Guru & Renunciation ............10
Chapter 3 - Study Phase at the Mutt ..............................18
Chapter 4 - 1911-1915: Mutts Administration ..............23
Chapter 5 - Navaratri Festival .........................................25
Chapter 6 - Inspiring Initiatives in Education and Arts ....28
Chapter 7 - Impact on Science Scholars ..........................34
Chapter 8 - Support to Classical Music ...........................38
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describes the Divya Charitram

Preface (divine history) of Maha Periva.
The book has over 470 pages.
In my home library, I have a
collection of books covering a
wide range of topics. One of the
books is really a treasure that I am
blessed to possess.
It is a book on the biography of

Kamakoti Peetams 68th
Sankaracharya Srimad Jagadguru
Sri. Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi
Swamigal, well known as Kanchi
Maha Periva.
Sri. Sambamurthy Sastrigal, the In the preface, the author says

learned author of this book and that he compiled the book based
one of Maha Perivas siblings on information gathered from a
presented a copy of this book to variety of sources including the
me as a gift at my wedding. daily notes of the author and
translations of relevant articles
I am grateful to Sri. Sastrigal for from other Indian languages.
this nice present that I cherish as
the most precious gift that I have The author has acknowledged the
ever received. commendable assistance provided
by Pudukottai Sri. Dakshinamurthy
Let me say a few words about this Sastrigal and Sri. R. Viswanatha
book. Written in Tamil, the book

Iyer (Professor of Tamil in Madras Perivas tenure at the Kanchi

Presidency College) in the Peetam.
translation work and review of this
book. Much to my embarrassment, I
must admit that for many years I
As regards the contents of this did not care to read this book. The
book, it provides a description of reasons are not far to seek. The
the early life of Maha Periva, his size of the book and more
nationwide travels, interesting importantly, my own indifference
narrations of many incidents and significantly delayed the process
meetings, Maha Perivas teachings of reading this precious book.
at various places, and some old
but rare pictures. Realizing such barriers could exist
for others too, I thought of
Maha Periva assumed charge of extracting a few glimpses from the
the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam in Tamil book and presenting them
the year 1907. Interestingly, this as short, easy-to-read e-books in
biography book was published in English language. I propose
the year 1957 that happened to making them in a couple of
coincide with the completion of 50 volumes to be released once a
years by Maha Periva as head of month.
the Kanchi Peetam.
Stories about great men inspire us
The author mentions that the and contribute to our learning.
book was a therefore a The Tamil book on the life history
commemorative publication to of Maha Periva provided me a
mark the golden jubilee of Maha great inspiration and a valuable
resource to attempt at writing in

English a condensed version in the translations. A basic knowledge of

form of an e-book. Sanskrit and Tamil would be very
useful in reading, pronouncing and
understanding the words correctly
as used in this book.
In the Tamil book, the author has

used the word Swamigal for
Maha Periva. I felt the word
'Swamigal' is commonly used for
any saint in India. Therefore, it
could cause some confusion in the
minds of readers. Therefore, in
this e-book, I have used the
exclusive word Maha Periva in
place of Swamigal.
You will find many Tamil and
Sanskrit words in this e-book. I I have provided a few pictures in
have not adopted any uniform this book. The quality of these
style in the spelling and usage of pictures is not good as these are
these words; For the benefit of very old pictures copied from the
those readers who are not familiar original Tamil book.
with some intricate words, I have
italicized them and provided with Nevertheless, they are included in
simple meanings in English when the e-book as they may help
used for the first time. readers to visualize people and
places.
However, as you will appreciate, it
is very difficult to provide exact

Maha Periva's charm and grace I would greatly appreciate readers

attracted all - the rich and the feedback on this e-book, as it will
poor, the old and the young, the guide me in my future work.
urban and rural dwellers alike.
Thank you for your time and
One of the most glorified sages in encouragement.
the entire world, Maha Periva
personified humility and Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara
simplicity. Sankara
He attracted his devotees as a Sundaresan Subramanian

magnet draws iron particles. I
offer my ananthakoti (Subi Anna)
namaskarams (most humble Chicago, July 2013
salutations) at the Lotus Feet of
Maha Periva for providing me the
inspiration to undertake this work.
This e-book is dedicated to Maha

Periva.
I am indeed grateful to the Kanchi

Periva forum for offering me an
opportunity to provide you
glimpses from Maha Perivas life
history in the electronic format.

Chapter 1 - Early Life as a supervisor in the

governments education
The 68th Sankaracharya of Kanchi department. His mother
Kamakoti Peetam Srimad Mahalakshmi was a talented
Jagadguru Sri. Chandrasekarendra homemaker and a deeply religious
Saraswathi Swamigal, popularly woman.
known as Maha Periva, was born
on Sunday, May 20, 1894 in Swaminathan had five siblings an
Vizhupuram city, Tamil Nadu, elder brother named Ganapathi
India. Sastry, three younger brothers by
the names of Sambamurthy Sastri,
Sadashiva Sastry and
Krishnamurthy Sastry, and a
younger sister named Lalithambal.
Until the age of eight,

Swaminathan did not attend any
school but learnt many things
including music at home from his
parents. However, at this time,
Swaminathan did not get an
Figure 1. A picture of the house in
Vizhupuram, Tamil Nadu, India where opportunity to learn Sanskrit.
Maha Periva was born as Swaminathan
in the year 1894.
The parents of the child named In the year 1905, Subramania
him as Swaminathan adopting the Sastrigal performed the
name of the family deity at the upanayanam (thread ceremony)
Swamimalai temple. for Swaminathan. By then, the
Swaminathans father Subramania family had moved to another city
Sastrigal was a scholar and worked

called Tindivanam. It was in demonstration of proficiency in

Tindivanam that Swaminathan the holy bible.
joined the Arcot American Mission
High School in second form As a student of the mission school,
(equivalent to present 7th standard Swaminathan displayed
or grade 7). remarkable intelligence and
grasping power in studies. The
Christian mission teachers were
proud of having Swaminathan as a
student in their school. An
interesting incident happened
while Swaminathan was studying
in third form (present 8th
standard).
To ensure that schools were

functioning effectively in the field
of education, the local
government had then many school
inspectors. One of the inspectors
Figure 2. A picture of the student of schools named Singaravelu
Swaminathan with a certificate in his
hand. His School is set in the background Mudaliar once visited the mission
of the image.
school for inspection.
At school, Swaminathan proved to
be a brilliant student and While checking on how students
participated in many school were faring in their studies, he
activities. He won many prizes at picked Swaminathan to ask him
competitive events including a several questions.

The inspector was so pleased with Young Swaminathan had very

Swaminathans perfect answers good speaking skills and a fine
that he called Subramania Satrigal sense of humor. When he was
and told him, Some day, your son studying in the fourth form
will become a great man. It (present 9th grade), he was
seemed like a prophecy and selected for a school drama to
Sastrigal felt immensely happy. perform the role of Prince Arthur
in Shakespeares play King John.
Though his orthodox parents were

not too happy about their son
acting in a drama, they did not
want to curb his desire.
Therefore, they agreed to his

performing the assigned role in
the school event and made special
clothes for him to suit his role as a
Figure 3. Sri. Subramania Sastrigal,
Father of Maha Periva. prince in the drama.
At that time, little did Sastrigal Acting as Prince Arthur,

realize that his son Swaminathan Swaminathan performed so well
would someday leave his home that he impressed everyone in the
and relatives to become a school with his superb acting and
Sanyaasi (an ascetic) and head the won the first prize for his great
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. performance in the play.

The day after the play at school, No doubt, the parents must have
Swaminathans teachers visited been very proud at their sons
the home of Subramania Sastrigal splendid performance at school.
and expressed their happiness on
his sons talents.

Chapter 2 - Meeting with Guru & began a fond relationship between

Renunciation the Guru and young Swaminathan.
In the year 1906, the 66th One day, Swaminathan was

Sankaracharya of the Kanchi missing at his home. His parents
Kamakoti Peetam Sri were worried and searched all
Chandrasekarendra Swamigal around. After spending two
(referred to as the Guru sleepless nights, the parents got a
hereafter) was camping at a small message that Swaminathan was
village called Perumukkal in South safe at the Gurus camp. Two days
Arcot District. later, Swaminathan returned
home. It was not clear as to how
To meet with this Guru, and why he went to meet the
Subramania Sastrigal went with his Guru.
family to Perumukkal. During the
familys 2-days stay at the village, Sometime in early February 1907,
the Guru had several meetings while Subramania Sastrigal was
with young Swaminathan and away at work in Tiruchy, his family
asked him many questions. received a telegram from the
Impressed with Swaminathans Gurus camp requesting Sastrigal
answers, the Guru had instructed to bring Swaminathan
Sastrigal to bring him more often immediately to Kanchipuram.
to the Gurus camp.
Realizing the importance and
Later, in compliance with the urgency of the matter, friends of
Gurus instructions, Swaminathan Sastrigal sent the family members
accompanied his father many by train to Kanchipuram. At that
times to meet with the Guru. Thus time, the Guru was was camping

at a small village called Kalavai as his successor. He had instructed

about 30 miles away from the Kanchi Mutt officials to call
Kanchipuram. Swaminathan and his father
Subramania Sastrigal. Accordingly,
the mutt officials sent a telegram
to Sastrigal asking him to come
immediately with Swaminathan.
Unfortunately, before
Swaminathan could reach Kalavai,
the Guru had attained siddhi (a
Sanskrit term to signify the passing
away of a Guru). The Guru, in his
final moments, had initiated his
18-year old disciple
Lakshmikanthan (who was
Figure 4. Sri Maha Periva, at a very proficient in Rig Veda and was
young age
readily available) to succeed him.
Therefore, Lakshmikanthan
The officials at the Kanchi Mutt
became the 67th Sankaracharya of
arranged to dispatch Swaminathan
the Kanchi Peetam.
to Kalavai leaving the other family
members in Kanchipuram.
However, the ways of Almighty
are strange and unpredictable! It
When the telegram was sent to
so happened that the 67th
Sastrigal, the Guru was suffering
Sankaracharya too suffered from
from small pox. Realizing that he
an attack of small pox and lived
may not live long, the Guru
only for 8 days after taking over
desired to appoint Swaminathan

the Peetam. However, before

attaining siddhi, he approved the The officials of the Kanchi mutt
appointment of young pleaded with them to spare
Swaminathan as his successor to Swaminathan for the welfare of
the Kanchi Peetam. the world at large and for the sake
of other disciples at the mutt who
Following the Gurus desire, on urgently needed a Guru.
the thirteenth day of February
1907, Swaminathan was initiated
into Sanyasa (becoming an
ascetic) to take over the reins of
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam as the
68th Sankaracharya. He accepted
the Deeksha (assigned) name of
Sri. Chandrasekerandra
Saraswathi.
Swaminathans parents were

stunned at the unexpected turn of
events. Becoming a Sanyasi is not
an easy task for anybody, Figure 5. The young Sannyaasi - Sri
Maha Periva, sitting amidst His
particularly for a 13-year old boy, disciples
as it involves a very strong
personal discipline, meditation, Perplexed and not knowing what
worship and disconnection of the to do, Swaminathans parents did
family members. They were most not have a ready response to the
reluctant to give away their loving mutt officials. As if to relieve the
son to the Kanchi Peetam. great mental torture his parents
were going through, the gentle

Swaminathan offered salutations After the renunciation event,

to his parents and told them, Swaminathans parents returned
Why do you hesitate? I have the home and never met him again.
fullest blessing of the Guru and I Later, if anyone ever asked about
shall fulfill my duties as ordained. their son Swaminathan, the
Please permit me to accept parents would just remain silent.
Sanyasam with your full heart.
Visit to Kumbakonam
Those words were a source of
great solace to Swaminathans During the 18th century, for
parents and they reconciled and reasons of internal wars, the
gave permission to their son. administrative headquarters of
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam was
Thus, the bright young boy who shifted from Kanchipuram to
was until then Swaminathan Kumbakonam city. This move
suddenly became a Sanyasi (an happened during the tenure of the
ascetic) renouncing all bondage 62nd Sankaracharya.
with his family and his
possessions. With a clean-shaven Maha Periva accepted the Acharya
head and donning ochre robes, he Peetam (Seat) at Kalavai Village.
looked magnificently like After this event, in the same year,
Adisankara himself. Quite aptly, he he traveled to Kumbakonam.
acquired the title of Enroute, he stayed for three days
Sankaracharya. Later, devotees in Tindivanam where his parents
started addressing him as Periva. were living. In those days, people
(Hereafter in this book, we revere celebrated the visit of any
him as Maha Periva to distinguish Sankaracharya Swamigal as a local
him from other Kanchi Perivas). festival.

Maha Perivas visit to Tindivanam

in 1907 had a special significance.
Until then, the residents of
Tindivanam knew him only as a
young boy but now they were
seeing him as an ochre robe-
wearing ascetic a charming
Sankaracharya. It was natural that
the local residents were proud
that the Sankaracharya Maha
Periva belonged to their city of
Tindivanam.
For this reason, people gathered in

Figure 6. Sri Maha Periva, performing large numbers to see him and
Sri Chandramouleeshwara Pooja express their devotion. The
teachers and students from the
Thousands of people used to
local mission school were
gather to watch the Acharya
particularly interested to see him.
performing the Pooja (ritual
Maha Periva delighted them by
worship) to the deities of Sri.
conversing with them.
Chandramouleeshwara and His
consort Tripurasundari Amman.
All the Sankaracharyas of
Kamakoti Peetam were/are
After the Pooja, the Acharya used
Sanyasis. However, since they
to distribute the Abhisheka
worked for the welfare of people
Theertam (the holy water) to the
at large, it was a tradition to
devotees.
visualize them like Emperors. The

disciples, therefore, wanted to

perform the formal Pattabishekam
(traditional coronation) of Maha
Periva.
On May 9, 1907, this important

Pattabhishekam event was
celebrated in a grand manner at
the Kumbakonam Mutt.
At this event, Maha Periva

received Abhishekam (holy bath)
with water from the holy River
Ganges. Figure 7. Sri Maha Periva, adorning a
Simhasanam (throne) and being
worshipped by an Elephant
After the abhishekam, Maha
Periva was seated on a simhasana Many talented artists and
(throne). professionals were honored with
gifts.
Thousands of people including
many dignitaries from the Later in the night, seated on an
government, and royal elephant, Maha Periva went on a
representatives of the queens procession around the city
from Thanjavur kingdom providing a scene that
witnessed the coronation mesmerized the people around.
ceremony.

Thus, a thirteen-year-old boy of 68th Sankaracharya of Kanchi

called Swaminathan became a Kamakoti Peetam with the title of
Sanyasi and attained the position Jagadguru.

Chapter 3 - Study Phase at the Mutt this village, one had to disembark
at Laalapettai Railway Station and
In the initial years of 1909-10, travel by a ferry over one-mile
Maha Periva studied Sanskrit wide Cauvery River.
scriptures, fine arts, and Vedas at
the Kumbakonam Mutt under the
guidance of the pandits (learned
teachers) of the Mutt. The pandits
were immensely impressed with
Maha Perivas grasp and
intelligence.
However, the visits of numerous

devotees and disciples to the mutt
were seen to be a disturbance to
the studies at Kumbakonam.
Therefore, for continuing the
studies without disturbance, the
mutt officials identified a calm and
Figure 8. The baala sannyaasi in
beautiful location at a village Mahendra Mangalam
called Mahendra Mangalam.
Because of the travel ordeals, not
This village was located on the many people would venture to
banks of River Cauvery, about five visit Mahendra Mangalam for
miles west of Musiri town, beyond Maha Perivas darshan (seeing a
Thottiyam on the Tiruchy- holy person). In 1911, Maha Periva
Namakkal road. In those days, moved to the chosen new location
there were not much of to continue his studies.
transportation facilities. To reach

The method of Maha Perivas Ratnakara Vishnupuram Sami

study was unique. Generally, a Sastrigal and Tiruvisainallur
student respects the teachers and Venkatrama Sastrigal.
treats them as Gurus. Before
beginning and after ending the Among the mutts important
lessons, the teachers used to official pundits who greatly
prostrate before Maha Periva as encouraged Maha Periva were
they regarded Maha Periva (who Mahamahopadyaya Ganapathy
was really the student) as their Sastrigal, Mahamahopadyaya
Guru. Karungulam Krishna Sastrigal, and
Koti Kannikadaanam
Despite this unusual situation, Upayavedanta Rajagopala
Maha Periva greatly respected his Thathachariar.
teachers and learnt many new
subjects such as grammar, logic, It would be surprising to note that
Vedanta and others. He also learnt Maha Periva was also learning
Meemasam. During the three French and English languages
years of 1911 to 1913, the village along with other subjects. As
became the travel destination for Maha Periva was also keen to
numerous pundits and leaders. learn Marathi language and study
books in Marathi, a Marathi Pandit
Notably, those who assisted in was specially brought from
Maha Perivas study of the various Bombay Presidency and made to
subjects include Painganadu stay at the mutt for three years.
Panchapakesa Sastrigal,
Mahamahopadyaya (title given to Working with the Marathi pandit,
a great teacher) Sastra Ratnakara Maha Periva researched many
Venkatasubba Sastrigal, Sastra Marathi books. Maha Perivas

interest in Tamil language was the in fine arts, Maha Periva learnt the
greatest of all. With the help of intricacies of fine arts. Amongst
some Tamil scholars, Maha Periva fine arts, the art of music attracted
learnt Tamil grammar and Maha Periva.
literature.
Quite often, Maha Periva took
walks on the sand dunes located in
the middle of Cauveri. He would
enjoy the natural beauty and
many times sat there alone in
meditation.
He liked to take pictures of natural

scenes. In those days, a person
with a camera would follow Maha
Periva as a practice.
Maha Periva would ask him

Figure 9. Sri Maha Periva, during the
randomly to take many pictures of
course of his studies at Mahendra natural scenes. As he knew the
Mangalam
intricacies of a camera very well,
He also continued to research on Maha Periva used to offer
Tamil classics Thevara, suggestions to photographers on
Thiruvachakam, Periya Puranam, clicking the best shots.
Thiruvizhaiyadal Puranam and
Thirukural. He did not allocate a He would also advise them on the
separate time for learning the fine techniques in developing the films,
arts. In spare time, during and taking prints.
conversations with people skilled

Maha Periva became well versed them in listening to his favorite

in Mathematics, Astrology and Thevarams. Maha Periva also
astronomy too. To receive training developed keen interest in
in these subjects, Maha Periva Vaishnavite scriptures such as
arranged to have Marur Thiruvaimozhi and others.
Ramaswami Sastrigal (a disciple of
Thiruvaiyaru Sundaresa Maha Periva stayed in the village
Shrowdhigal) to stay in the mutt of Mahendra Mangalam from
for many years and provided 1911 to 1914. After completion of
support to his family. studies, he returned to
Kumbakonam in 1914. To
commemorate his study and
training, a Sankaralayam (Sankara
Temple) was established in
Mahendra Mangalam on the
banks of Cauvery.
Within a short period of 6 years,

Maha Periva excelled in his pursuit
of knowledge and became well
versed in a wide range of topics.
He became familiar with a variety

Figure 10. Maha Periva on completion of
studies in 1914
of subjects including epics, history
of holy places, archaeology,
Maha Periva was keen in listening modern world and others. He
to Thevaram songs. Whenever quickly gained knowledge from
talented musicians visited the visiting scholars and applied his
mutt, he would spend hours with

knowledge to discover truth. He Barely twenty years old, had Maha

was one among few who were Periva proved himself to be
excellent in interaction with mature and well talented to hold
others and evaluating their his position as the 68th
qualities. Sankaracharya of the Kanchi
Kamakoti Peetam.

Chapter 4 - 1911-1915: Mutts On the Sankara Jayanthi day in

Administration May 1915, Maha Periva completed
21 years of age and took over the
Maha Periva was a minor (he was administration of the mutt.
only 13 years old!) when he However, all the administrative
became the 68th Sankaracharya of work was actually carried out by
Kanchi Mutt. Some of the an authorized agent.
concerned devotees had appealed
to the Chennai government that
the administration of the mutt
should be under the protection of
the district court.
There was not enough property

for the mutt to warrant
administration by a court.
However, in the interests of the
mutt, the court ordered the
administration of the mutt be
conducted under the "Guardian
Figure 11. Sri Maha Periva, sitting under
and Wards" act. Accordingly, Sri. a Vriksha
C.H. Venkatramana Iyer, a
prominent person from At that time, Pasupathi Iyer, a
Coimbatore district's Kolinjiwadi resident of Tirupathiripuliyur city
Village, was appointed as the and a long-time devotee of Maha
guardian of the mutt. From the Periva efficiently performed the
year 1911 to 1915, Venkatramana administrative activities without
Iyer administered the mutt. any remuneration.

As per tradition, Maha Periva To enable people understand the

never signed any documents. essence of Vedas, Maha Periva
Instead, the mutts Srimukham released the mutt's monthly Tamil
(official letter) was used to magazine titled Arya Dharmam.
empower the agents and attest
documents. Under the supervision of Sri. T.K.
Bala Subramania Iyer, this high-
Sankara Jayanthi in the year 1915 quality magazine was printed at
was celebrated in a grand manner the Srirangam Vanivilas printing
at the mutt. press.
A large number of devotees from To improve efficiency, several

different parts of the country had reforms were made to the
collected for the event. administration of the mutt.
Several noteworthy activities took For the benefit of disciples and

place at this event. devotees, the history of the mutt
was published in different
languages.
Thiruvananthapuram
Archeological inspector Sri
T.A.Gopinatha Rao examined the
relics and artifacts of the mutt and
helped in compiling the mutt's
history book.
Figure 12. Sri Maha Periva decorating

the throne

Chapter 5 - Navaratri Festival A brief description of this festival

was provided by Sri C. Subramania
In October 1916, the mutt at Bharathiar in one of his articles.
Kumbakonam celebrated the Excerpts of Bharatiars description
Navaratri (nine nights) festival in a follow.
grand manner. On each of the
nine days, there was laksharchana During the spring season, people
(a worship chanting names of the traditionally worship the Goddess
deity 100000 times) to Ambikai for nine nights. There was flash
(Goddess). The festivities included news that the Kumbakonam mutt
lighting of one lakh (100,000) will conduct special celebrations
lamps with ghee, and feeding one for the Navaratri. It was common
lakh Brahmins. news. Since I was somewhat
curious about Sankara mutt, I read
the news. More than half of it was
about Shastras (Sacred
scriptures/teachings). It seemed
uncommon to introduce shastras
in commercial news.
Nevertheless, the shastras in it
were truthful. I did not expect it.
Therefore, I was very happy when
I read the news.
About the special Navaratri

celebrations, the Kumbakonam
Figure 13. Maha Periva in front of Sri newspaper commented that the
Chandramouleeswara & Ambaal
purpose of this special worship is

welfare of the world. During Idols of Durga, Lakshmi, and

Navaratri, the Yoga Maya Saraswathi were installed facing
(Ambika) takes three forms East. Those who were proficient in
Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi Devi Puja recited Lalitha
to get rid of evil and spread Sahasranamam and performed
happiness for humanity. Archana many times.
Ever since Devi took such avatara Priest conducted several homams
(incarnation) to alleviate human (sacrificial fire) such as Chandi
sufferings, the people of India homam, and Srividya homam.
have been celebrating this festival. Scholars recited scriptures like
Devi is Omni-present; She is also Ramayanam, Bhagavatham, Devi
present in every material; She is Mahatmiyam, Soundarya Lahari,
the Maya (illusion); She is the and Bhagavad Gita. Vedic experts
Shakti (Divine force); She is the recited Vedas.
performer of action, the activity
and the result of the activity; She There were also lectures on
is the mother and father; She is different topics by other experts,
the Parabrahmam. and musical programs. On the
Vijayadasami Day (tenth day),
The Navaratri festival of the mutt Maha Periva visited the local
was actively supported by people temples.
from different walks of life
mirasdars (landlords), company Later, Maha Periva, sitting on top
owners, Tirupanandal mutt of an elephant, was taken on a
Tambiran Swamigal, and others. mile-long procession around the
city.

On both sides of the procession band, groups reciting Vedas and

route were accompaniments of Thevaram, four elephants, and
hundreds of power lights, horses. Those who witnessed this
attractive display of fireworks, six event were indeed very fortunate!
pairs of Nadaswarams (pipe
instrument), three pairs of musical

Chapter 6 - Inspiring Initiatives in conferred the title of Sastra

Education and Arts Ratnakaram on two great Vedic
scholars Brahmasri Pazhamaneri
Beginning in 1917 at Ramaswami Sastrigal and
Kumbakonam, Maha Periva Brahmasri Tiruvisainallur Venkata
initiated many laudable activities Subba Satrigal. Later on, many
to encourage education and arts in scholars have received this title.
various parts of India. Some of (Note: The names of nineteen
these activities are briefly scholars who received this title
described in the following later are given in the Tamil book.
paragraphs: From time to time, Maha Periva
had honored them.)
Honoring Scholars
Soon after the annual convention

of the Kumbakonam Advaitha
Sabha in August 1917, Maha
Periva convened a meeting of
scholars. At this meeting, Maha
Periva honored numerous well-
qualified people from all over
India including professors from
prominent educational institutions
such as the Calcutta University,
Kasi Hindu University, Chennai
Sanskrit College, Bombay
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and
talented Vedic scholars from Figure 14. Maha Periva in front of a
batch of Scholars & Pandits
different cities. Maha Periva also

Encouraging Students scholarships to college and

university students for the year
Essay Competition: In the same 1917 and for subsequent years. He
year, in order to get college had also extended financial
students interested in religion, assistance to schools that
Maha Periva announced an essay provided religious education.
competition for them. The topic
for the essay in English was Medical Aid to Poor
Pursuant to changes taking place
all round, how to determine ways During 1917, Maha Periva had
to protect Sanathana Dharma? established an Ayurvedic clinic to
provide free healthcare to poor
Many students from colleges in people. The doctors who served at
major cities like Chennai, Tiruchy, this clinic were Vaidya Visharaths
Madurai and others participated in (a qualification title)
this essay competition. Students Jagadrakshaka Shastrigal and
who wrote the first three winning Thiruvannamalai Krishna
essays received cash prizes and Shastrigal - both graduates from
books. Venkataramana Ayurvedic college
in Mylapore, Chennai.
The student winner of the first
prize at this competition V.R. Encouraging Arts
Ramachandra Deekshitar later
became the professor of history in During Maha Perivas stay in
the University of Madras. Kumbakonam from the year 1914
to 1918, artists, musicians,
Financial Assistance: Maha Periva linguists and scholars from
had arranged to provide different parts of India continued

to visit the mutt for Maha Perivas It requires a very high level of
darshan. attention, quick grasp, strong
memory power and knowledge of
Almost every day, there used to be various topics including literature.
a meeting of scholars in the
evening time and heated Avadhani refers to the individual
discussions on matters related to who successfully performs
sastras. Avadhanam.
Maha Periva would patiently listen In those days, talented scholars

to all arguments and at the end, and poets called Ashtaavadanis
explain the truth and validity and Shataavadanis used to travel
behind every argument. across the country and
demonstrate their knowledge and
Everyone around would be superior skills to people in high
surprised at the admirable manner places to earn their appreciation
in which Maha Periva used to and some gifts.
draw conclusions acceptable to all.
Ashtaavadanis (Ashta means
Maha Periva and Avadhanam eight) were experts who quickly
understood eight questions from
Avadhana is a Sanskrit word different scholars at one go and
meaning concentration. answered each of the questions
Avadhanam refers to a person's correctly and exactly in the same
ability to concentrate and perform order in which they were asked.
correctly multiple tasks at the
same time.

around the avadhani and shoot

questions at him from various
subjects, one after another.
For example: one scholar may

recite the first line of a poem and
ask the avadhani to recite the next
line; another scholar may ask for
answer to a complex question in
mathematics; the third scholar
could be an astrologer describing
an horoscope and asking for
predictions based on astrological
Figure 15. Maha Periva giving darshan in science; a musical scholar might
Sanskrit College, Chennai
sing a rare raga (tune) and ask the
Likewise, Shataavadanis (Shata avadhani to identify the raga;
means hundred) were those who another scholar could question
could answer one hundred him on flowers; yet another
questions correctly. To prove their scholar may test the avadhanis
skills, the avadhanis had to be knowledge of epics by asking a
smart and proficient in different question from the Ramayana, and
subjects such as languages, arts so on.
and poetry, mathematics,
astrology, logic, Vedanta, At the end of a set number of
Meemamsa and Vyakarana. questions in quick succession, the
avadhani had to answer all the
In order to test and verify the skills questions correctly in the same
of each avadhani, many scholars order.
(subject experts) would be seated

The Avadhanis amazing feat down his own answer to every

required intimate knowledge on question.
various topics, the ability to listen
carefully and concentrate and The talented Sathawadhani visitor
above all, remembering many replied all the test questions
unrelated questions in the same correctly without any hesitation.
sequence.
At the end, a comparative check of
Therefore, the event to test his answers with Maha Periva's
avadhani skills generally provided own answers (noted down
a literary feast and entertainment separately) revealed that both sets
to the audience. of answers matched perfectly.
People around were immensely
An interesting incident related to impressed with Maha Periva's
avadhanam took place at the knowledge.
mutt. Once, an aged Vaishnavite
(Devotee of Vishnu) Sathawadhani Maha Periva then complimented
(one who could answer one the Sathawadhani and honored
hundred questions) had visited the him with a Kashmiri shawl and
Kumbakonam mutt. other gifts. Later, for a couple of
years, the same Sathawadhani
Following the usual practice, used to visit the mutt often.
experts in different subjects grilled
the Sathawadhani with various Likewise, many other artists used
test questions. While the experts to visit the mutt often to
were asking the questions, Maha demonstrate their skills before
Periva asked a person to note Maha Periva and receive gifts from
him.

Visitors Impressions Brahmacharya (celibacy) in

Maha Periva.
The owner of a large circus With such power, one can achieve
company in those days, Professor all the feats that are considered
Ramamurthy, once met with Maha unachievable in this world.
Periva and got his doubts on Yoga
clarified by Maha Periva. In the year 1917, the Maharaja
(King) of Darbhanga, during his
travels in South India, stayed in
Kumbakonam for three days.
At that time, he met with Maha

Periva discussed with him about
the temples that integrated North
and South and the cultures.
Impressed with Maha Perivas

spiritual power, the Maharaja
requested Maha Periva to visit
North India.
Maha Perivas multiple initiatives

Figure 16. Maha Periva doing
Anushtaanam
in the field of education and arts
inspired millions of people in
Later, this person referred about
various parts of the country.
his meeting with Maha Periva to
one of his friends, and told him, I
saw the real power of

Chapter 7 - Impact on Science However, when he reached the

Scholars mutt, Maha Periva received him
warmly and spoke to him cordially
In Kumbakonam, Sri. P. Rajagopala without much ado. The
Iyer, a scholar in Science, served as conversation between the two
a Professor of Physics (and later as began with college and general
Principal) at the Government events, and later turned to
College. Professor Iyer, through his science. Listening to Maha Periva,
friends, had heard a lot about the learned Professor Iyer was
Maha Perivas knowledge of arts awe-struck by the ease with which
and his genius. Therefore, he was Maha Periva explained some of
very keen to meet Maha Periva in the intricacies in the field of
person. However, in his mind, he Physics.
was not sure whether Maha
Periva, being a Sanyasi and head While Maha Periva was busy in
of a religious Peetam, would be discussion with Professor Iyer, the
appropriately responsive to him Superintending Engineer of Public
and talk meaningfully. Therefore, Works Department (PWD), Sri.
Iyer kept on postponing his P.V. Manicka Nayakkar (another
meeting with Maha Periva. scholar with a Masters degree in
Mathematics) walked in for Maha
Despite his lingering doubt, Iyer Periva's darshan. Nayakkar was
somehow steadied his mind one already a great devotee of Maha
day and traveled to the mutt to Periva. He was known to Maha
have a darshan of Maha Periva. He Periva for many years. However,
was not aware of the proper way Professor Iyer was a complete
of offering salutations to Maha stranger to Nayakkar. Observing
Periva who was holding the the interesting trend of
position of Acharya at the mutt.

discussions on Science, Nayakkar Astronomy helped both of them to

was curious to know who the lose their pride as high-ranking
stranger was. At this stage, Maha university graduates. After this
Periva himself introduced incident, Iyer had a high reverence
Nayakkar to Iyer. Soon after the for Maha Periva. He visited the
introduction, the discussions mutt frequently and considered
continued and took a turn to the that conversation with Maha
subject of Astronomy. Maha Periva was the best among his
Periva started explaining lifes goals.
similarities between our ancient
ways and Western ways in
astronomy. Using a telescope that
was specially brought from the
local college, Maha Periva added
great clarity to the points he had
explained earlier on Astronomy.
After listening to Maha Periva's

lucid explanations on the
intricacies of Astronomy, both the
highly qualified scientists (Iyer and
Nayakkar) were astonished. They
wondered how Maha Periva could
acquire such in-depth scientific
knowledge without a formal
university education. Maha Figure 17. Maha Periva in a meditative
mood at Sankara Mutt, Kumbakonam
Perivas clear explanations on the
scientific subjects of Physics and

Innovation Telescope Gift
Sri. P.V. Manicka Nayakkar had Raja A.V. Jecca Rao, a property
invented an innovative way of owner from Vishakapatnam
using Tamil alphabets to District of Andhra Pradesh had
pronounce words in Sanskrit and invested several lakhs of Rupees
other languages. He had also to set up an astronomical research
published his innovation in the centre in Vizag. He had traveled
form of a book. around the world, met with many
astronomers, and through them
Maha Periva appreciated his work learnt many special techniques in
and provided a Srimukham (the astronomy. He wanted to apply
official appreciation letter of mutt) the foreign techniques in India for
to Nayakkars book. the benefit of his home country.
He came to Kumbakonam to have
During his travels to many cities, a darshan of Maha Periva and get
Nayakkar participated in scholarly his blessings.
meetings and spoke about his
innovative transliteration While speaking with Maha Periva,
technique. He pleaded with the Jecca Rao was so impressed with
audience to adopt it. Maha Perivas keen interest and
wide knowledge of astronomy
There was a report that while that he gifted a special and
speaking about his technique at a expensive telescope (4 ft long, 6
public meeting in Thanjavur, diameter, bought in Italy) to help
Nayakkar publicized Maha Perivas Maha Perivas research into
endorsement of his innovation. astronomy.

The abovementioned incidents the God of their religion. (His

illustrate the strong impact made opinion is confirmed by many
by Maha Periva on scholars of incidents later).
science.
Many people had witnessed
View on other religions and/or known Maha Perivas open
mind and his tolerance to all other
Maha Periva respected any religions. Once Sri. Jinaraja Dasar,
religion that accepted God. With a scholar of Brahmagnana Sabha
his open mind, he created a had met with Maha Periva and
healthy impact on scholars from discussed about religions of the
other religions. His confirmed world.
opinion was that people of any
religion should stick to their own He was greatly impressed by Maha
religion and continue to worship Perivas open mind on religions.

Chapter 8 - Support to Classical times Vidwans had learnt many

Music languages. Observing that the
classical compositions of Sri.
None can match Maha Periva in Shyama Sastri and Sri.
enjoying the sastric aspects of Muthuswamy Deekshitar were not
classical music. Whenever leading being practiced much by the
musicians performed at the mutt, Vidwans, he used to advise the
Maha Periva focused his attention artists to learn and practice these
on the meaning of lyrics, raga compositions.
(tune) and thalam (rhythm) of the
musical presentation. Later, he In those days, the musical Vidwans
aroused the interest of artists with (artists) and the Bhagavatars
relevant questions and doubts. (devotees) engaged in
Kathakalakshepam (an Indian style
As Maha Periva was well trained in of telling religious stories)
Telugu language, he used to considered it a great honor to
explain to the visiting artists perform before Maha Periva and
meanings of various Telugu receive his blessings.
compositions by Sri. Thyagaraja
Swamigal and others. Stressing Many artists used to visit
that one should sing only after Kumbakonam not only for Maha
knowing the meaning, Maha Perivas darshan but also to
Periva would often urge the display their artistic skills before
Vidwans (artists) to learn at least him and discuss matters related to
three languages - Tamil, Telugu music. Such artists are so
and Sanskrit - so that they can numerous that to cover all their
understand the meanings of many names and meetings with Maha
musical compositions. He used to Periva is beyond the scope of this
point out to them that in olden

e-book. Therefore, we provide a time, Maha Periva will discuss with

brief description relating to some him many things related to the art
of the prominent artists. of music. Maha Periva honored
Swaminatha Iyer with the title of
Nadanubhav Saragnya.
Mayavaram Vaidyanatha Iyer, a

Veena player, used to come often
with his sons Sabesa Iyer and
Krishnamoorthy to see Maha
Periva. Sabesa Iyer was a unique
player on the Veena (a string
instrument).
Much to the delight of listeners,

he effectively integrated the
Veenas musical tone with his
gentle background singing. After
Figure 18. Maha Periva with a small,
beautiful tampura in his lap he started playing the Veena, his
father Vaidyanatha Iyer stopping
Umayalpuram Swaminatha Iyer
giving performances.
was a stalwart among musicians.
He was an important disciple of
One day, Sabesa Iyer was giving a
Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer and a
splendid performance on the
descendant of Sri. Tyagaraja
Veena before Maha Periva.
Swamis direct disciple. He was
Vaidyanatha Iyer was so ecstatic at
also a Guru to many students. He
his son's performance that he
came almost every day to have a
impulsively shouted, Sabash! (an
darshan of Maha Periva. At that

exclamation of delight for a job Sunadram Iyer on Ghatam (an

well done), en Appane (my earthen pot instrument).
father).
Thirupazhanam Panchapakesa
With a smile on his face, Maha Sastrigal, who lived in
Periva looked at Vaidyanatha Iyer Kumbakonam itself, used to
and told him, In the midst of this frequently conduct
assembly, you should not openly Kathakalakshepam at the mutt.
praise your sons performance.
Only when others praise him, your Thousands of people heard him
son will feel proud. You must with delight. He was unmatched
appreciate him within your mind. for his musical and oratory skills
most suited to the tastes of his
Vaidyanatha Iyer accepted Maha fans. He was supported by an
Perivas advice and offered accomplished team of
salutations to him. accompanying artists.
Other prominent artists who used

to perform before Maha Periva
and receive encouragement and
gifts included the following:
Nagaraja Rao on flute,

accompanied by Semmangudi
Narayanaswami Iyer on Violin;
Sakkottai Rangu Iyengar on
Mridangam (a percussion
instrument); Umayalpuram
Figure 19. Maha Periva on an early
morning in the Sri Matam

Assisted by several vidwans, had performed

Sastrigal had compiled the life Kathakalakshepams in the
history of Adisankara in the form presence of Maha Periva.
of prose and musical
compositions. He requested Maha Maha Periva never differentiated
Periva to listen to this life history. music based on language. He
enjoyed devotional music in any
Following Maha Perivas language.
acceptance of his request,
Sastrigal divided the story in seven A renowned Harikatha expert
parts and presented at the mutt a from Maharashtra (the birthplace
7-day Kathakalakshepam on for Kathakalakshepam) had also
Sankara Vijayam. visited Kumbakonam.
Thousands of people heard the He was the head of Morgamkar

story that was never presented Peetam that belonged to the
before by anyone. disciples Samasta Ramadas Swami
(Guru to King Shivaji.)
Maha Periva sat though the
program everyday and listened to He performed three
the story fully. On the concluding Kathakalakshepams at the mutt.
day, Maha Periva congratulated Though the performance was in
Sastrigal and honored him with Marathi language, people enjoyed
gifts. the pleasing music and dialogues
filled with high devotion.
Besides Sastrigal, many other
talented bhagavatars from various Pandit Vishnu Digambar of
towns and villages of Tamil Nadu Bombay Gandharva Maha

Vidyalaya, a renowned artist in him with the title Vainika

Hindusthani Music had performed Sikamani.
North India Bhajans before Maha
Periva and received his Maha Periva had appointed a
appreciation. young vidwan named
Srivanchiam Ramachandra Iyer
Maha Periva encouraged artists as the Asthana Vidwan (mutts
from all over India by honoring official artist) and conferred on
them with titles and gifts. him the title of Asthana
Keerthanmani.
A few examples will illustrate his
support to the cause of classical
music.
In appreciation of singing Tamil

compositions, Maha Periva had
honored Papanasam Sivan, a
well-known singer composer in
Tamil. He conferred on Sivan
the title of Sivapunyagana
Mani on his 60th birthday and
added prestige to Tamil music.
Venkatagiriappa, a Veena
player from Mysore had
performed a few concerts at
the mutt. Maha Periva honored Figure 20. Maha Periva in a
Simhaasanam

In the year 1934, during a visit to

An instrument that adds prestige Kaasi (now Varanasi), Maha Periva
to Carnatic music is the attended a conference on
Nadaswaram. Even villagers enjoy Hindustani music. Mutts
the music from this wind nadaswaram artists were also
instrument but it is difficult to invited to this conference.
handle this instrument.
With permission from Maha
This instrument in its smaller is Periva, the artists played at this
called Thimiri and Pari in large conference some of the rare
size. During Maha Perivas time, a Hindustani ragas using the Thimiri
child prodigy called Narayanan nadaswaram.
used to play thimiri in the mutt.
He passed away at a young age. The Hindustani artists were held in
awe at their performance. Maha
Later, Nadaswaram artist Periva provided great
Kumbakonam Kandaswamy and encouragement to all nadaswara
his sons Kumararathnam and vidwans who later became very
Chinnayya played the nadaswaram popular among the people.
at the mutt.
It is noteworthy that Maha Periva
Nadaswaram music was played fondly supported for over 40 years
every day as a part of Maha six families of nadaswaram groups
Periva's worship rituals in the that traveled with Maha Periva all
mutt. Over time, the smaller size over.
of Nadswaram has almost
vanished.


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E-Book from Kanchi Periva Forum

Author: Sri Subi Anna

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Glimpses from Sri Maha Perivas Life History

Chapter 1 - Early Life .........................................................7

Chapter 2 - Meeting with Guru & Renunciation ............10

Chapter 3 - Study Phase at the Mutt ..............................18

Chapter 4 - 1911-1915: Mutts Administration ..............23

Chapter 5 - Navaratri Festival .........................................25

Chapter 6 - Inspiring Initiatives in Education and Arts ....28

Chapter 7 - Impact on Science Scholars ..........................34

Chapter 8 - Support to Classical Music ...........................38

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describes the Divya Charitram

It is a book on the biography of

Sri. Sambamurthy Sastrigal, the In the preface, the author says

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Iyer (Professor of Tamil in Madras Perivas tenure at the Kanchi

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English a condensed version in the translations. A basic knowledge of

In the Tamil book, the author has

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Maha Periva's charm and grace I would greatly appreciate readers

He attracted his devotees as a Sundaresan Subramanian

This e-book is dedicated to Maha

I am indeed grateful to the Kanchi

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Chapter 1 - Early Life as a supervisor in the

Until the age of eight,

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called Tindivanam. It was in demonstration of proficiency in

To ensure that schools were

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The inspector was so pleased with Young Swaminathan had very

Though his orthodox parents were

Therefore, they agreed to his

At that time, little did Sastrigal Acting as Prince Arthur,

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Chapter 2 - Meeting with Guru & began a fond relationship between

In the year 1906, the 66th One day, Swaminathan was

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at a small village called Kalavai as his successor. He had instructed

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the Peetam. However, before

Swaminathans parents were

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Swaminathan offered salutations After the renunciation event,

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Maha Perivas visit to Tindivanam

For this reason, people gathered in

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disciples, therefore, wanted to

On May 9, 1907, this important

At this event, Maha Periva

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Thus, a thirteen-year-old boy of 68th Sankaracharya of Kanchi

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However, the visits of numerous

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The method of Maha Perivas Ratnakara Vishnupuram Sami

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He liked to take pictures of natural

Maha Periva would ask him