Kanchi Periva Forum - Ebook On Sri Maha Periva's Life History - Volume 3

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

Volume 3 September 2013 - Anusham
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Copyrights reserved Kanchi Periva Forum www.periva.proboards.com & www.periva.org
Glimpses from Sri Maha Perivas Life History Volume 3
By Subi Anna
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................. 3 Author's Note ............................................................................................................... 4 Chapter 10 .................................................................................................................... 5 Year 1926 - visit to Udayarpalayam....................................................................... 5 Bangaru Kamakshi .................................................................................................. 5 Visit to Puducherry .................................................................................................. 7 Thiruvarur Temple Chariot ................................................................................... 7 Year 1927 .................................................................................................................. 8 Brindavanam for Peetams 58th Sankaracharya ................................................. 9 Kerala Trip ............................................................................................................. 10 Tirupugazh Mani ................................................................................................... 11 Meeting with Mahatma Gandhi ........................................................................... 11 Year 1928 - Travel in Cochin & Thiruvananthapuram................................... 13 Vyasa Puja 1928 ..................................................................................................... 14 Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru meets Maha Periva ........................................................ 14 Year 1929 ................................................................................................................ 15 Kaarthikai Deepam in Thiruvannamalai ............................................................ 15 Year 1930 ................................................................................................................ 17 The Missing Elephant ............................................................................................ 17 Visit to Sri. Appayya Dikshitars Village ............................................................ 18 Travel to Chengalpattu ......................................................................................... 18 Year 1931 ................................................................................................................ 18
Paul Bruntons Meeting .............................................................................................................. 19
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By Subi Anna
Introduction
Hari Om! A warm welcome to the Kanchi Periva Forum, a forum intended for the devotees of His Holiness Sri Kanchi Paramacharya, fondly known to His devotees as Sri Maha Periva. Since its inception on 21st Dec 2011, (the Aaradhana Day of Sri Maha Periva), the Kanchi Periva Forum has been actively engaged in disseminating the teachings of the Living God, Sri Maha Periva in various forms - through regular postings on the Forum in Tamil and English; exclusively designed posters carrying the precious messages of Maha Periva; monthly Ebooks, our blog and also through our Facebook page www.facebook.com/periva. Our mission has been to reach out to all devotees of the Mahaswami across the globe in any way possible so as to take His valuable and precious life lessons far and wide. The Forum is a Satsang of over 2350 devotees of Maha Periva who live in different countries, belong to different age groups, speak different languages, but with one common thread between them their love, bakthi and devotion to the Paramacharya. Now, with the abundant grace and blessings of His Holiness, we have launched a complete package of Perivas life history followed by a Quiz program to encourage and motivate people to know more about the Life and teachings of Sri Maha Periva. Every Hindu must know the greatness of the Great Saint of our time, and all the initiatives that we are taking from the Forum are aimed at that direction. Our special thanks to our respected member and moderator, Sri Subi Subramanian, based out of Chicago, USA for this brilliant and untiring efforts in authoring this E-book series. We also thank our moderator Smt Sumi for her commendable efforts in coordinating the Quiz program. Please read this book in detail so that you can answer the questions with ease. This will be an Online Quiz program which will be held every month. We have plans to take this Quiz program to a larger audience - especially to the younger generation in schools and colleges, and also to the general public. We invite Quiz Administrators who will be interested in organizing this Quiz program in their own locality - India or Overseas. We will provide the reading material and the Question Bank. All you would have to do is to gather interested youngsters in your locality and conduct the Quiz competition every month. This will be a great service. If you are not already a member of our Forum and received this ebook from any of your friends, please register on the forum http://www.periva.proboards.com/ to receive our updates on the Quiz program and also to receive our regular free publications. Please also visit our parent site http://www.periva.org/ which has a rich treasure of information, articles, rare collection of videos and a large online library of direct audio files of Periva's Upanyasams. Any feedback or queries may be sent to us at kanchiperiva@gmail.com Administrator - Kanchi Periva Forum Jaya Jaya Shankara! Hara Hara Shankara!!
By Subi Anna
Author's Note
In this Volume 3, I have continued with the description of Maha Periva's 'Vijaya Yatra' to various parts of India. In Chapter 10, I have provided glimpses of some important events in Maha Periva's travels from the year 1926 onwards. Where necessary, I have included relevant background information for a better understanding. While writing this volume, I found it challenging to translate some of the Tamil words into their exact English terms. For example, the Tamil word 'Ther' is commonly used for temple's wooden car intended to be taken out on festival days for processions. Many newspapers including 'The Hindu' have used the word 'car' to describe the 'Ther.' To me, the word 'car' seems to be easily mistaken for an automobile, especially by the younger generation. Therefore, I have used the
word 'Chariot' which, though not exact, is the nearest equivalent word that I could find. Likewise, I have provided the nearest meaning English terms for many Sanskrit words. The quality of some old photos reproduced from elsewhere in this book is poor. However, I have included them as they provide an opportunity to visualize Maha Periva in his early days and appreciate the historical events related to him. Though I have spent many hours in writing this e-book, I am only human and as the saying goes, humans make mistakes! If you should find an error or a mistake in this E-book, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please bear with me on these small issues. I welcome any suggestions that readers might have to improve this Ebook. Thank you.
By Subi Anna
Chapter 10 Year 1926 - visit to Udayarpalayam

In July 1926, Maha Periva visited Udayarpalayam city in Tamil Nadu. From early days, Kanchi Mutt and the Udayarpalayam royalty had excellent relations. In those early days, Udayarpalayam was a small kingdom under the rule of Thanjavur Mahratta Kings. The members of Udayarpalayam royalty (later called Zamindars) were great devotees of Kanchi Kamakshi Amman and for this reason, they used to prefix their names with the word Kachi. They were lovers of art and music. and host Kanchi Sankaracharya Swamigal when Kamakoti Peetams Sankara Mutt moved from Kanchi to Kumbakonam. It is said that the Swamigal carried with him the golden idol of *Bangaru Kamakshi from Kanchi Kamakshi temple to protect it from Muslim invaders. Knowing this, the then ruling Thanjavur Mahratta King Pratap Simman invited the Sankaracharya Swamigal to Thanjavur.
Bangaru Kamakshi
Background: Udayarpalayam and Bangaru Kamakshi are somewhat connected. Udayarpalayam royalty made all arrangements to receive
Fig. 24 Bangaru Kamakshi Amman
Glimpses from Sri Maha Perivas Life History Volume 3 *Bangaru is a Telugu word for gold.
By Subi Anna
Following the Mahratta Kings invitation, Sankaracharya Swamigal stayed in Thanjavur for some time. During Swamigals stay in Thanjavur, in deference to royal wishes, the idol of Bangaru Kamakshi was installed in a new temple built by the king in Thanjavur. In order to perform Puja to Bangaru Kamakshi Amman, a group of Brahmins moved from Kanchipuram to Thanjavur. It is noteworthy that the well-known composer Sri Shyama Sastri, one of the Carnatic Music Trinity, belonged to this group of Brahmins. Shyama Sastri has composed many songs on Kamakshi Amman. After installing Bangaru Kamakshi in Thanjavur, Sankaracharya Swamigal desired to move to Kumbakonam to establish the Mutt. The Mahratta Kings minister Dabirpant built a mutt with a surrounding
agraharam for the Brahmin scholars on the southern coast of Cauvery river. Therefore, the Agraharam was later called as Dabir Street. Following this, Kumbakonam became the headquarters of Kamakoti Peetam.
Fig. 25 Maha Periva at Udayarpalayam before the start of procession in 1926
In 1926, Udayarpalayams Zamindar (landlord) received Maha Periva with royal honors in his palace. He also donated
By Subi Anna
an elephant calf, two horses, a camel, and several cows to the Mutt.
Visit to Puducherry
In December 1926, Maha Periva visited the French territory of Puducherry (also known as Pondicherry). Whenever the Kanchi Peetams Sankaracharya Swamigal visited Puducherry, the French government had received him with due honors. When Maha Periva visited, the entire city of Puducherry was beautifully decorated with beautiful arches and pandals at government expense. At the city outskirts, Maha Periva was received with full honors including a formation of local police forces and government musical band. The French governor, his wife, and senior European officials greeted Maha Periva with folded hands as per Hindu tradition and expressed their happiness at Maha Perivas visit to Puducherry.
The people of Puducherry were delighted to have darshan of Maha Periva. During the visit of Maha Periva to Puducherry, a very interesting incident happened in the holy city of Thiruvarur in Tamil Nadu. This incident relates to building a new chariot for the Thiruvarur Thyagarajar Temple. The background to Maha Perivas involvement in this building project follows.
Thiruvarur Temple Chariot

In Tamil Nadu, many temples have beautiful hand-carved wooden chariots that are generally used on festival days for processions. Sometime during the end of 19th century, miscreants burnt many of these chariots to ashes. The wooden chariot belonging to the Thyagarajar temple in Thiruvarur was one of the most beautiful and largest in the country. This chariot too
By Subi Anna
was burnt by the action of some evil-minded elements. The trustees and many devotees of the Thyagarajar temple were very keen to build a new chariot. Maha Periva too was interested in this project and persuaded his devotees to support this effort of constructing a new chariot. A devotee who took a major part in this effort was Ezhulur Subbaraya Vadyar. He was a priest by profession and sold most of his properties to spend on temple-related work. He came often to see Maha Periva. In 1926, Vadyar met with Maha Periva in connection with the building of Thiruvarur Chariot and accepted a donation of Rs.1001 from Maha Periva for the project. Inspired by Maha Perivas involvement and support to this project, Subbaraya Vadyar later worked most enthusiastically and collected about Rs. 1 lakh for the project.
Year 1927
Maha Periva visited Kerala in 1927 and provided further help towards procurement of teak wood for the chariot. Thus began the construction work for a new Chariot. Hundreds of skilled workers tirelessly worked for about two years to build the new chariot for Thiruvarur temple.
Fig. 26 Thiruvarur Temple Chariot
The Thiruvarur Thyagaraja temple chariot weighs approximately 300 tonnes with a height of over 90 feet. It is considered to be the biggest in the State of Tamil Nadu. (Source: The Hindu)
By Subi Anna
Brindavanam for Peetams 58th Sankaracharya

There is a small village called Vadavambalam located east of Senthanur Railway station and south of Vizhupuram town. Maha Periva visited this village prior to Puducherry trip. According to Kamakoti Peetams Guru Parampara (succession of Gurus), Sri Atmabodhendra Saraswathi Swamigal, the 58th Sankaracharya had attained Samadhi (a state of final absorption into the Self at death) at this village. The Guru Parampara further says that Sri Atmabodhendra Swamigal had belonged to Vriddachalam city, he had traveled all over India and lived in Kaasi (now Varanasi)for many years, wrote the commentary for Sri Rudram, and was the head of the Peetam for 52 years. The location of the Swamigals Samadhi was not known.
Maha Periva visited Vadavambalam village to discover this location. After going around the villages green fields, Maha Periva pointed to one spot and wanted that spot to be dug. The villagers who followed Maha Periva said that they had dug the place many times but never found any signs of a Samadhi. However, Maha Periva persuaded them to dig that spot again. Therefore, the villagers started digging and after some depth, a human skull was discovered. During the digging process, one of the diggers whose name was Kumaramangalam Sambamurthy Sastri fell down and shouted Stop, Stop to the other diggers. For some time, Sastri was lying unconscious. When Sastri regained his consciousness, he described the miraculous vision that he had seen in the unconscious state as follows:
By Subi Anna
The figure of a sannyasi wearing saffron robes, holding a dhandam (stick) in his hand, vibhuti (ash) on his forehead, rudraksha (bead) mala around his neck and reaching almost the sky, appeared before my eyes. I saw thousands of Brahmins before the figure chanting Upanishad Mantras. Following the giant figure's order to stop the chanting, I also said "Stop." Then I heard the figure say feebly "Don't dig, dont dig." Soon, the figure gradually receded and finally disappeared. Later, I heard someone chanting Sadasivam, Sadasivam and that too stopped after sometime." The villagers were surprised to witness this incident and asked for Maha Perivas instructions on what needs to be done further. As per Maha Perivas desire, the piece of land over the dug spot was donated to the mutt.
Under the supervision of a local Reddiar, a Brindavanam was built at that spot. (Brindavanam is the tomb of a Hindu Spiritual Guru. It is simple in construction and consists of a raised platform over which a Tulasi Plant is grown. It is believed that the Guru's spiritual powers still exist and prayers are generally held at the Brindavanam.) Thus, on January 17, 1927, at Vadavamablam, Maha Periva established the Brindavanam for Atmabodhendra Swamigal, the 58th Sankaracharya of the Kamakoti Peetam.
Kerala Trip
In May 1927, Maha Periva visited Palakkad in Kerala. He stayed in Palakkads 18 Agraharams for about a month and later accepted royal honors from the King of Kollengode.
By Subi Anna
Maha Periva spoke so clearly in Malayalam language that the local people believed that he belonged to Kerala.
Meeting with Mahatma Gandhi

On October 15, 1927, a historic meeting took place between Maha Periva and Mahatma Gandhi. This meeting was held in a cowshed in Nallichery village of Palakkad. Only one or two key persons were admitted into this meeting. None of the media reporters was admitted. Mahatma Gandhi greeted Maha Periva in the traditional Hindu way. After a few minutes of silence, Maha Periva spoke a few words in Sanskrit extending a welcome and requesting Gandhiji to be seated. After taking a seat on the floor, Gandhiji requested permission to speak in Hindi as he was not used to converse in Sanskrit though he could understand Sanskrit words. Since Maha understand Periva Hindi, could the
Fig. 27 Map of Kerala*

(Source: Kerala Tourism)
*includes some cities visited by Periva
Tirupugazh Mani
A Chennai-based lawyer Sri. T.M. Krishnaswamy Iyer and his group performed Thirupugazh Bhajans before Maha Periva in Palakkad. Thirupugazh songs are in praise of Lord Muruga and Maha Periva was always happy to hear them. Iyers devotional music was so pleasing that Maha Periva named Iyer as Thirupugazh Mani and honored him with a Kashmir Shawl.
By Subi Anna
dialogue began with Maha Periva talking in Sanskrit and Gandhiji in Hindi. During this meeting, Maha Periva appreciated Gandhiji's services as they were based on religious fundamentals and spirituality that would help nation building and also the recognition that relying on human strength alone would lead to destruction. Gandhiji was known to express his thoughts frankly without distortion. The dialogue was without any arguments and reflected the affection for each other. The conversation lasted for about an hour. Finally, when Gandhiji took leave, he said he was greatly benefited by this meeting with Maha Periva and would keep Maha Perivas suggestions in mind and to act upon them as much as possible. It was around 5:30 in the evening, and Rajaji who was waiting outside went inside the shed and reminded
Gandhiji about his evening meal; as it was known that Gandhiji would not take food after 6 pm. At this, Gandhiji seems to have observed, The conversation that I am having with the Acharya is itself my evening meal for today. Maha Periva gave Gandhiji a grapefruit. Gandhiji received it with devotion and said it was his favorite fruit. That evening, at a public meeting in Coimbatore, Gandhiji was asked about the details of his conversation with Maha Periva. Gandhiji declined to reveal the details as it was a private meeting and matters close to his heart were discussed. Maha Periva also did not reveal any details about this conversation. The description provided here is based on the information gathered from someone who was present at this private meeting.
By Subi Anna
Year 1928 - Travel in Cochin & Thiruvananthapuram

After completing Chaturmasya Vratam in Kanchikode village, Maha Periva traveled to the southern parts of Kerala. On February 2, 1928, he visited Guruvayur and had the darshan of Sri Krishna at the famous shrine located therein. He later moved to Tiruchur and had the darshan of the deity at Vadukkunathan Temple. In Tiruchur, there were two ancient Sankara Mutts that were administered by Namboodiri Sanyaasis. Maha Periva visited both these mutts and reviewed the old documents relating to Adi Sankaras history. He made a trip to a Gurukulam called Brahmasva Matam and blessed the students of this school. On March 19, 1928, Maha Periva reached Ernakulam where he was received with honors by
the members of the Cochin Royal family. Maha Periva stayed in Thrippunithura, a suburb of Cochin until end March 1928. During this time, he visited the Sanskrit College located there and counseled the students. Maha Periva then moved on to Vaikom, other cities in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kottayam and Alapuzhai. In Alapuzhai, Maha Periva visited the Sri Chandrasekarendra Patasalai (now Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit). He met with Patasala students who were learning Vedas and Sastras and blessed them. It is noteworthy that the governments of Cochin and Thiruvanathapuram had arranged accommodation in palaces and buildings for Maha Perivas stay at various places in Kerala. Concluding the Kerala trip, Maha Periva moved on to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.
By Subi Anna
After a dip in the Indian ocean and darshan of Kanyakumari Ambal, Maha Periva traveled to a village called Thiruvedagam.
Vyasa Puja 1928

Thiruvedagam is a village about 18 kilometers away from the holy city of Madurai. It is located on the bank of the River Vaigai. There is a Shiva temple in the name of Thiru Edaganathar in this village. According to historical information, this village was once occupied by Jains following the conversion of the Shaiva Pandya King to Jainism. Legends say that at the request of the Shaivaite queen, a great saint by the name Thiru Gnana Sambhandar visited Madurai and cured the King of leprosy. The saint Sambhandar won over the Jains by his arguments and powers.
The Vaigai river runs from North to South behind the temple. As it was an ideal location for meditation, Maha Periva performed the Vyasa Puja and Chaturmasyam rituals in Thiruvedagam. After completion of Chaturmasyam, Maha Periva moved to Madurai city.
Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru meets Maha Periva

Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru (18751949) was a leading Indian lawyer and politician. He was a prominent leader of the proBritish Raj Liberal party in British-ruled India. During Maha Perivas stay in Madurai, Sir Sapru had darshan of Periva and sought his blessings. At that time, there was great confusion in the country caused by the imprisonment of Gandhiji and other political leaders. Sir Sapru was attempting to reform the situation by convening an allparty conference and
By Subi Anna
consultations with the government. He explained his ongoing efforts in detail to Maha Periva. While appreciating Saprus efforts, Maha Periva expressed his desire that eventually there should be peace in the country and the people should get the benefits.
1.32 acres) of land to the shepherd. On July 24, 1929, Maha Periva's father Sri Subramania Shastrigal passed away in Kumbakonam. When the mutt officials conveyed this news to Maha Periva, he listened to it quietly and said nothing.
Year 1929
In the year 1929, Maha Periva covered many places in Tamil Nadu including Tiruchy, other cities and villages in South and North Arcot districts. A shepherd at the village of Thandalam showed his deep devotion to Maha Periva by selling his property and offering the proceeds to Periva. While appreciating the villagers devotion, Maha Periva made arrangements through the local Tahsildar to register four Kaanis (Kaani is a measure of Land equal to
Kaarthikai Deepam in Thiruvannamalai

Background: Located on the foot of a hill, Thiruvannamalai is a temple city about 190 kilometers from Chennai in Tamil Nadu.
Fig. 28 Thiruvannamalai Temple Gopuram with the hill in background
In significance of the five natural elements (Earth Water, Fire, Air and Sky or Ether), there are five sacred spots in South India called in
By Subi Anna
Sanskrit (italicized) as 'Pancha Bootha Sthalas.' These spots are located in Kanchipuram (Earth Prithvi). Thiruvanaikkaval (WaterAppu), Thiruvannamalai (Fire - Theju), Thirukalahasti (AirVayu), and Chidambaram (Ether-Akaasa). Of the five holy spots, Thiruvannamalai is the Theju (Fire) Sthala and an ancient centre of worship. According to a legendary tale, there was once a rishi (sage) called Bringi, who had such a deep devotion towards Lord Shiva that he was not inclined to worship any other deity including Goddess Ambikai the consort of Lord Shiva. The Goddess is then said to have merged with Lord Shiva on His left side. Shiva in this unique form is called in Sanskrit as Ardhanareeswarar (Ardha means half; Naari means a woman). Shiva in Thiruvannamalai is called Arunachaleswar and
also known by the name of Ardhanareeswarar. Shivas consort is known by the name of Abhithakuchalamba.
Fig. 29 A view of Thiruvannamalai (Source: Wikipedia)
Kaarthikai Deepam is a festival of lamps observed in Hindu homes and temples in South India. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil Kaarthikai month coinciding with Krithikai star. To demonstrate the Lord in His glorious form of fire, a Jyothi, a huge fire is lit on top of the hill, on the day of Kaarthikai. This fire, called Deepam, is visible for miles around the hill (Giri). Thousands of devotees gather at Thiruvannamalai to see the
By Subi Anna
Kaarthikai Deepam and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. In December 1929, Maha Periva visited the holy city of Thiruvannamalai to witness the Kaarthikai Deepam. This was Maha Perivas first visit of to Thiruvannamalai. The local people received him with great devotion and full honors. Maha Periva stayed in this city for almost a month. He went around the hill (Giri) and had darshan of Arunachaleswarar several times.
during the night. Unable to withstand the heat from the fire, the elephant broke the shackles and ran off. By next morning, the shed was burnt to ashes and the elephant was missing. Mutt officials launched a search for the elephant but could not find it anywhere. Later, on hearing that an elephant was found lying down in a water pond, about five miles away, the elephant's caretaker with others went to the pond spot and tried to pull the elephant out but their efforts were futile. Later, Maha Periva himself went to the pond spot. On seeing Maha Periva, the elephant rose up, came to the shore and knelt before him. There were burn blisters on the elephant's body. Maha Periva gently caressed the elephant and gave instructions for treating the elephant.
Year 1930
During the year 1930, Maha Periva mostly traveled in North Arcot district. Vyasa Puja and Chaturmasyam took place at a village called Poosaimalaikuppam.
The Missing Elephant

During Maha Periva's stay in this village, a shed close to where the mutt elephant was kept shackled caught fire
By Subi Anna
Visit to Sri. Appayya Dikshitars Village

Appayya Dikshitar was a great Sanskrit Scholar who lived in the 15th century in a village called Adayapalam, located about three miles from Arani city, in the North Arcot district of Tamil Nadu. He was a great devotee of Shiva and had authored many religious treatises in Sanskrit. On June 2, 1930, Maha Periva visited Adayapalam. After performing puja in the local Shiva temple, Maha Periva gave a lecture on the life and works of Appayya Dikshithar. He persuaded the citizens of the village to celebrate Dikshithars birth day every year. Maha Periva also visited Virinchipuram, the village where Dikshithar was born. He asked Appayya Dikshitar's descendants not only to be proud of their lineage but also learn Dikshitar's works and
make his fame sustain in the world.
Travel to Chengalpattu
Maha Periva continued his travels to Cauveripakkam, Ranipettai, Valajabad, Arcot, Thiruvallur, Poondamalli, and Koyambedu and other places near Chennai. Towards the end of the year, Maha Periva visited Thirukazhukundram, a holy town near Chengalpattu where he had darshan of Vedagiriswara Swamy in the local temple there. At this place, on December 25, 1930, the All India Sadhu Sangam extended a very warm welcome to Maha Periva with a deeply devotional speech.
Year 1931
In the beginning of January 1931, Maha Periva visited Chengalpattu. The people of Chengalpattu who were expecting Maha Periva for many years were immensely
By Subi Anna
happy at Perivas visit. Maha Periva gave lectures every night at the Shiva temple.
Paul Bruntons Meeting

During this period of time, an Englishman by name Paul Brunton was traveling in India with the intention of meeting Yogis in India and finding a real Yogi to provide spiritual guidance to him. After completing a tour of North India, he came to Chennai to begin a tour of South India. He had brought with him a letter of introduction from England addressed to Sri. K.S. Venkatramani, a well-known English writer and a member of the Madras University Senate. Carrying this introduction letter, he met Sri. Venkataramani for the first time in Chennai. During the meeting with K.S. Venkataramani, Paul Brunton expressed his desire to meet real yogis and not waste time with fake yogis.
Venkataramani thought for a while and after careful consideration of his request, told Brunton that it was hard to find real yogis given the then prevailing situation of atheism and western cultures. He also said that real yogis are unseen as they are meditation in remote places, and while it was difficult for an Indian to approach a real yogi, it was even more difficult for a European. However, that night, Venkatramani received the news that Maha Periva had arrived in Chengalpattu. The very next day, Venkatramani met Paul Brunton and made a suggestion that completely changed the course of events. The following are excerpts of the conversation between K.S. Venkataramani (KSV) and Paul Brunton (PB) from PBs book titled "A Search in Secret India." KSV: His Shankara Holiness Acharya Shri of
By Subi Anna
Kumbakonam is the Spiritual Head of South India. Millions of people revere him as one of Gods teachers. It happens that he has taken a great interest in me and has encouraged my literary career, and of course he is the one to whom I look for spiritual advice. I may now tell you what I refrained from mentioning yesterday. We regard him as a master of the highest spiritual attainment. But he is not a Yogi. He is the Primate of the Southern Hindu world, a true saint and great religious philosopher. Because he is fully aware of most of the spiritual currents of our time, and because of his own attainment, he has probably an exceptional knowledge of the real Yogis. He travels a good deal from village to village and from city to city, so that he is particularly well informed on such matters. Wherever he
goes, the holy men come to him to pay their respects. He could probably give you some useful advice. Would you like to visit him? PB: That is extremely kind of you. I shall gladly go. How far is Chingleput? KSV: Only thirty-five miles from here. But stay? PB: Yes KSV: I begin to doubt whether His Holiness would grant you an audience. Of course I shall do my utmost to persuade him. PB: But I am a European! KSV: You will take the risk of a rebuff? PB: Certainly. Let us go. So, early morning next day, Venkataramani and Paul Brunton left for Chengalpattu. On the way, Venkataramani described Perivas simple way of life, the biography and
By Subi Anna
greatness of the Peetam's Adi Acharya, Sri Sankara and his Advaitic philosophy. Brunton listened with great attention. Both of them reached the place where Maha Periva was staying. The mutt officials told Venkatramani that it was not possible to obtain an interview for Paul Brunton as he was a European and there were already hundreds of people waiting for Periva's darshan. Later, on Venkatramani's personal appeal, Maha Periva permitted him to bring in Paul Brunton. Venkatramani was absolutely thrilled to get Maha Perivas permission. Taking some flowers and orange fruits, Paul Brunton entered the house where Maha Periva was staying. In it was a dark room without any furniture. In a corner of the room was a dim oil lamp. In the dim light, Paul Brunton saw a short figure standing in the shadows. He approached closer to Maha Periva with
some hesitation, put down his little offerings of flowers and fruits and bowed low in salutation. What transpired later is best described in Paul Brunton's own words in his book "A Search in Secret India." (Quote) I look at him in silence. This short man is clad in the ochre-coloured robe of a monk and leans his weight on a friars staff. I have been told that he is on the right side of forty, hence I am surprised to find his hair quite grey. His noble face, pictured in grey and brown, takes an honoured place in the long portrait gallery of my memory. That elusive element which the French aptly term spirituel is present in this face. His expression is modest and mild, the large dark eyes being extraordinarily tranquil and beautiful. The nose is short, straight and classically regular. There is a rugged
By Subi Anna
little beard on his chin, and the gravity of his mouth is most noticeable. Such a face might have belonged to one of the saints who graced the Christian Church during the Middle Ages, except that this one possesses the added quality of intellectuality. I suppose we of the practical West would say that he has the eyes of a dreamer. Somehow, I feel in an inexplicable way that there is something more than mere dreams behind those heavy lids. Your Holiness has been very kind to receive me, I remark, by way of introduction. He turns to my companion, the writer, and says something in the vernacular. I guess its meaning correctly. His Holiness understands your English, but he is too afraid that you will not understand his own. So he prefers to have me translate
his answers, Venkataramani.
says
I shall sweep through the earlier phases of this interview, because they are more concerned with myself than with this Hindu Primate. He asks about my personal experiences in the country; he is very interested in ascertaining the exact impressions which Indian people and institutions make upon a foreigner. I give him my candid impressions, mixing praise and criticism freely and frankly. The conversation then flows into wider channels and I am much surprised to find that he regularly reads English newspapers, and that he is well informed upon current affairs in the outside world. Indeed, he is not unaware of what the latest noise at Westminster is about, and he knows also through what painful travail the troublous
By Subi Anna
infant of democracy is passing in Europe. I remember Venkataramanis firm belief that Shri Shankara possesses prophetic insight. It touches my fancy to press for some opinion about the worlds future. When do you think that the political and economic conditions everywhere will begin to improve? A change for the better is not easy to come by quickly, he replies. It is a process which must needs take some time. How can things improve when the nations spend more each year on the weapons of death? There is nevertheless much talk of disarmament to-day. Does that count? If you scrap your battleships and let your cannons rust that will not stop war. People will continue to fight, even if they have to use sticks!
But what can be done to help matters? Nothing but spiritual understanding between one nation and another, and between rich and poor, will produce goodwill and thus bring real peace and prosperity. That seems far off. Our outlook is hardly cheerful, then? His Holiness rests his arm a little more heavily upon his staff. There is still remarks gently. God, he
If there is, He seems very far away, I boldly protest. God has nothing but love towards mankind, comes the soft answer. Judging by the unhappiness and wretchedness which afflict the world to-day, He has nothing but indifference,
By Subi Anna
I break out impulsively, unable to keep the bitter force of irony out of my voice. His Holiness looks at me strangely. Immediately I regret my hasty words. The eyes of a patient man see deeper. God will use human instruments to adjust matters at the appointed hour. The turmoil among nations, the moral wickedness among people and the suffering of miserable millions will provoke, as a reaction, some great divinely inspired man to come to the rescue. In this sense, every century has its own savior. The process works like a law of physics. The greater the wretchedness caused by spiritual ignorance, materialism, the greater will be the man who will arise to help the world. Then do you expect someone to arise in our time, too? In our century, he corrects.
Assuredly. The need of the world is so great and its spiritual darkness is so thick, that an inspired man of God will surely arise. Is it your opinion, then, that men are becoming more degraded? I query. No, I do not think so, he replied tolerantly. There is an indwelling divine soul in man which, in the end, must bring him back to God. But there are ruffians in our Western cities who behave as though there were indwelling demons in them, I counter, thinking of the modern gangster. Do not blame people so much as the environments into which they are born. Their surroundings and circumstances force them to become worse than they really are. That is true of both the East and West. Society must be brought into tune with a higher note.
By Subi Anna
Materialism must be balanced by idealism; there is no other real cure for the worlds difficulties. The troubles into which countries are everywhere being plunged are really the agonies which will force this change, just as failure is frequently a signpost pointing to another road. You would like people to introduce spiritual principles into their worldly dealings, then? Quite so. It is not impracticable, because it is the only way to bring about results which will satisfy everyone in the end, and which will not speedily disappear. And if there were more men who had found spiritual light in the world, it would spread more quickly. India, to its honor, supports and respects its spiritual men, though less so than in former times. If all the world were to do the same, and to take its
guidance from men of spiritual vision, then all the world would soon find peace and grow prosperous. Our conversation trails on. I am quick to notice that Shri Shankara does not decry the West in order to exalt the East, as so many in his land do. He admits that each half of the globe possesses its own set of virtues and vices, and that in this way they are roughly equal! He hopes that a wiser generation will fuse the best points of Asiatic and European civilizations into a higher and balanced social scheme. I drop the subject and ask permission for some personal questions. It is granted without difficulty. How long has Your Holiness held this title? Since 1907. At that time I was only twelve years old. Four years after my appointment I retired to a village on the banks of the
By Subi Anna
Cauvery, where I gave myself up to meditation and study for three years. Then only did my public work begin. You rarely remain at your headquarters in Kumbakonam I take it? The reason for that is that I was invited by the Maharajah of Nepal in 1918 to be his guest for a while. I accepted and since then have been travelling slowly towards his state in the far north. But see! during all those years I have not been able to advance more than a few hundred miles, because the tradition of my office requires that I stay in every village and town which I pass on the route or which invites me, if it is not too far off. I must give a spiritual discourse in the local temple and some teaching to the inhabitants. I broach the matter of my quest and His Holiness
questions me about the different Yogis or holy men I have so far met. After that, I frankly tell him: I would like to meet someone who has high attainments in Yoga and can give some sort of proof or demonstration of them. There are many of your holy men who can only give one more talk when they are asked for this proof. Am I asking too much? The tranquil eyes meet mine. There is a pause for a whole minute. His Holiness fingers his beard. If you are seeking initiation into real Yoga of the higher kind, then you are not seeking too much. Your earnestness will help you, while I can perceive the strength of your determination; but a light is beginning to awaken within you which will guide you to what you want, without doubt. I am not sure whether I correctly understand him. So
By Subi Anna
far I have depended on myself for guidance. Even some of your ancient sages say that there is no other god than that which is within ourselves, I hazard. And the answer swiftly comes: God is everywhere. How can one limit Him to ones own self? He supports the entire universe. I feel that I am getting out of my depth and immediately turn the talk away from this semi-theological strain. What is the most practical course for me to take? Go on with your travels. When you have finished them, think of the various Yogis and holy men you have met; then pick out the one who makes most appeal to you. Return to him, and he will surely bestow his initiation upon you. I look at his calm profile and admire its singular serenity.
But suppose, Your Holiness, that none of them makes sufficient appeal to me. What then? In that case you will have to go on alone until God Himself initiates you. Practise meditation regularly; contemplate the higher things with love in your heart; think often of the soul and that will help to bring you to it. The best time to practise is the hour of waking; the next best time is the hour of twilight. The world is calmer at those times and will disturb your meditations less. He gazes benevolently at me. I begin to envy the saintly peace which dwells on his bearded face. Surely, his heart has never known the devastating upheavals which have scarred mine? I am stirred to ask him impulsively: If I fail, may I then turn to you for assistance?
By Subi Anna
Shri Shankara gently shakes his head. I am at the head of a public institution, a man whose time no longer belongs to himself. My activities demand almost all my time. For years, I have spent only three hours in sleep each night. How can I take personal pupils? You must find a master who devotes his time to them. But I am told that real masters are rare, and that a European is unlikely to find them. He nods his assent to my statement, but adds: Truth exists. found. It can be
His Holiness does not reply till after an interval of protracted silence. Yes. I know of only two masters in India who could give you what you wish. One of them lives in Benares, hidden away in a large house, which is itself hidden among spacious grounds. Few people are permitted to obtain access to him; certainly, no European has yet been able to intrude upon his seclusion. I could send you to him, but I fear that he may refuse to admit a European. And the other? My interest is strangely stirred. The other man lives in the interior, farther south. I visited him once and know him to be a high master. I recommend that you go to him. Who is he? He is called the Maharishee. I have not met him, but know
Can you not direct me to such a master, one who you know is competent to give me proofs of the reality of higher Yoga?
By Subi Anna
him to be a high master. Shall I provide you with full instructions, so that you may discover him? A picture flashes suddenly before my minds eye. I see the yellow-robed friar, who has vainly persuaded me to accompany him to his teacher. I hear him murmuring the name of a hill. It is: The Hill of the Holy Beacon. Many thanks, Your Holiness, I rejoin, but I have a guide who comes from the place. Then you will go there? I hesitate. All arrangements have been made for my departure from the South to-morrow, I mutter uncertainly. In that case I have a request to make. With pleasure.
Promise me that you will not leave South India before you have met the Maharishee. I read in his eyes a sincere desire to help me. The promise is given. A benignant smile crosses his face. Do not be anxious. You shall discover that which you seek. Shri Shankaras grave mouth relaxes. He follows me into the ante-room and whispers something into the ear of my companion. I catch my name in the sentence. At the door I turn to bow in farewell salutation. His Holiness calls me back to receive a parting message: You shall always remember me, and I shall always remember you! And so, hearing these cryptic and puzzling words, I reluctantly withdraw from this interesting man, whose entire
By Subi Anna
life has been dedicated to God from childhood. He is a pontiff who cares not for worldly power, because he has renounced all and resigned all. Whatever material things are given to him, he at once gives again to those who need them. His beautiful and gentle personality will surely linger in my memory. I wander about Chingleput till evening, exploring its artistic, old-world beauty, and then seek a final glimpse of His Holiness before returning home. I find him in the largest temple of the city. The slim, modest, yellowrobed figure is addressing a huge concourse of men, women and children. Utter silence prevails among the large audience. I cannot understand his vernacular words, but I can understand that he is holding the deep attention of all present, from the intellectual
Brahmin to the illiterate peasant. I do not know, but I hazard the guess that he speaks on the profoundest topics in the simplest manner, for such is the character I read in him. And yet, though I appreciate his beautiful soul, I envy the simple faith of his vast audience. Life, apparently, never brings them deep moods of doubt. God is; and there the matter ends. They do not appear to know what it means to go through dark nights of the soul, when the world seems like the grim scene of a jungle-like struggle; when God recedes into shadowy nothingness; and when mans own existence seems nothing more than a fitful passage across this small, transient fragment of the universe which we call Earth. We drive out of Chingleput under an indigo sky gemmed with stars.
By Subi Anna
I listen to palms majestically waving their branches over the waters edge in an unexpected breeze. (Unquote) Thus, in the year 1931, the historic meeting between Paul Brunton and Maha Periva ended on a pleasant note. Paul Bruntons Background His real name was Raphael Hurst. He was born in London in 1898, the son of Jewish parents who had emigrated to England from Eastern Europe.
We know almost nothing of his childhood, except that his mother died of tuberculosis when he was thirteen, and that his father subsequently remarried. Paul Brunton wrote a book titled A Search in Secret India in which he narrates his meeting with Maha Periva. Paul Brunton is considered as one of the twentieth century's greatest explorers of the spiritual traditions of the East.
By Subi Anna

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Glimpses from Sri Maha Perivas Life History

Author: Sri Subi Anna

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Chapter 10 Year 1926 - visit to Udayarpalayam

Fig. 24 Bangaru Kamakshi Amman

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Fig. 25 Maha Periva at Udayarpalayam before the start of procession in 1926

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Thiruvarur Temple Chariot

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Fig. 26 Thiruvarur Temple Chariot

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Brindavanam for Peetams 58th Sankaracharya

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Glimpses from Sri Maha Perivas Life History Volume 3

Meeting with Mahatma Gandhi

Fig. 27 Map of Kerala*

*includes some cities visited by Periva

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Year 1928 - Travel in Cochin & Thiruvananthapuram

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Vyasa Puja 1928

Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru meets Maha Periva

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Kaarthikai Deepam in Thiruvannamalai

Fig. 28 Thiruvannamalai Temple Gopuram with the hill in background

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Fig. 29 A view of Thiruvannamalai (Source: Wikipedia)

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The Missing Elephant

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Visit to Sri. Appayya Dikshitars Village

make his fame sustain in the world.

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Paul Bruntons Meeting

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