INTRODUCTION
Shri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Swamigal (1894–1994),also known as the Sage of Kanchi or Mahaperiyava was the 68th Jagadguru of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.
Life
Mahaperiyava was born and brought up in Villupuram, South Arcot District. His birth name was Swaminathan. His family belongs to SmarthaBrahmin sect. His father has worked as a teacher and Swaminathan was well versed with the Vedas. Swaminathantook charge of theKanchiKamakotiPitham on 13 February 1907, as the sixty-eighth Acharya with the Sanyasa name ChandrashekarendraSaraswati. He was well versed with the Vedas, Puranas, Hindu texts and literature. He studied at Kumbakonam and subsequently at Mahendramangalam. He was interested in various fields of art. He returned to Kumbakonam in 1914 and occupied his seat as an active sanyasi.
Spiritual Contributions
He traveled all over India and spread his spiritual knowledge among the people. People belonged to other religions also became his devotees. Mahaperiyava dedicated his life in the worship of Kamakshi Amman in Shri Kamakshi Amman temple. He advised his followers and devotees to chant and write the holy name “RAMA”, to remove the bad karmas of the people. Devotees from all parts of India were impressed by the way of his teachings and worshipped him. His speeches were aimed at invoking spirituality among the common people.
Religious Discourses
He traveled across the country and gave religious discourses. His discourses made the whole nation to enter into the path of spirituality. He was the key person in spreading the Sanatana dharma throughout the country.
Books
1.Hindu Dharma
2.The Vedas
3.Voice of the Guru
4.Saundaryalahari
5.Voice of God
CONCLUSION
MahaPeriyava as we fondly call him, though left us from his physical body, is still living with us in our hearts. His books and spiritual discourses will help many of his devotees to lead towards a spiritual path and to live properly. He was a great and a noble saint, who was free from sins. He has lived a pious life by devoting Lord Shiva and Goddess Kamakshi Amman. We can pray to him sincerely and attain his divine blessings.
“OM SREE MAHA PERIYAVALE NAMAHA”
“OM NAMAH SHIVAYA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR