Mahaperiyava Jayanthi: Remembering Kamakshi's Beloved Kanchi Paramacharya

Today marks the sacred Jayanthi of Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Mahaswamigal, affectionately known as Mahaperiyava, the 68th Acharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. (Apologies to the reader that I may seem to have developed the habit to publish posts at odd hours, but such is corporate life and my aspiration for the ideal work-gym-passion-life balance! Won't be using this excuse for long, so do bear with your dear writer)

Mahaperiyava, born as Swaminathan on May 20, 1894, in Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, was a precocious and obedient son, with an uncanny aura about Him that always made those around say He'd reach great heights. A barely 13 year-old at that time, in a chain of divine coincidences, Swaminathan was initiated into Sanyasam and also ascended the Peetham as the next Acharya. Despite being a young Brahmachari, His calm demeanor, razor-sharp intellect, and innate devotion made it evident that this was a Tapasvi born for a purpose of magnificent impact. Taking the name Chandrasekharendra Saraswati in his new life as a Sanyasi, he led the Kanchi Math for over 87 years, guiding generations of seekers, scholars, debators and householders, having something of profound nature shared in simple words that drove straight to the hearts.

Kamakshi's Favourite Child

Though Mahaperiyava was devoutly in surrender to all forms of the Divine, His connection with Kamakshi Thaayar is most prominent. Whenever I see images displaying this beautiful bonding, my mind immediately likens it to a son enraptured by the grace, power, divinity and pure compassion of a mother - just that it's the greatest Son of all praising the Mother of all Mothers - Jagathmatha! There is a very interesting incident that you all must read, showcasing one of the Divine Plays that occurred between Mahaperiyava and Kamakshi Amman - linking it here

My eyes stream with tears of happiness by just looking at Them! What reverence and devotion!!

Mahaperiyava is a walking, talking, living and breathing embodiment of Vedanta. His messages often emphasized:

• Adherence to one's own Dharma as the highest form of worship.

• The importance of Veda Rakshanam, Gho Samrakshanam (cow protection), and preservation of temple rituals.

• Simplicity, humility and self-discipline, irrespective of one's stage in life.

• Practicing Bhakti with Shraddha, not as a hollow exhibition but as a consistent and steadfast flow of surrender.

• Spending your precious moments in constant and conscious thought of the Divine - One must practice detachment in loukeegam (materialistic life) by being in complete and utter surrender to Bhagavan no matter the ups and downs of life, without trying to escape it. This doesn't mean you get to shun your everyday responsibilities and renounce a life before it is even lived - the experience of the riches, the luxuries, the joys , the thorns, the pains will come and go - your grip over Bhagavan's lotus feet should remain staunch.

His discourses, later compiled as “Deivathin Kural” (The Voice of God), remains a treasure trove for spiritual aspirants. My personal experience stands testament to the fact that you can open any page at random in these writings and you will find something relevant to your current situation!! His presence in these teachings till date allow devotees the grace of feeling his Karuna Sagaram (Ocean of Compassion).

A Peep into His Miracles and Wonders

Countless incidents testify to his miraculous grace — from saving devotees from accidents to curing illnesses, often even without their knowledge. Devotees and seekers come with heavy hearts searching for relief, spend nary a few seconds in His presence and many a times without even uttering a word of it to Him, leave in elation. Such is His level of compassion and karunai. One such well known story is of GR Mama - the man who amazingly typed his first book (Yen Vaazhvil Mahaperiyava Part 1) of 40,000 words using one finger only! Despite his physical restrictions brought on due to 2 strokes, GR Mama's innate surrender to his Guru gives him the divine ability to not only write, but also guide countless devotees in their journeys. He has initiated the 'Mahaperiyava Guru Pujai' - a simple puja to be done every Thursday for 9 such consecutive Thursdays, during Bramha Muhurtham (about 4 am in the morning). Any prayer is fulfilled either during the course of the 9 weeks or at the end of it, but you will see a shift. At the very least, your soul feels cleansed and your body becomes a purer channel to connect with God.

He was instrumental in reviving agamas, yajnas, and supporting countless Vedic scholars, ensuring that the Sanatana ecosystem thrives. At the era of economic strife for most devotees who lived a simple Vedic life, He was the torchbearer of abolishing dowry, advocating for simple weddings and provided for the marriage expenses of countless young women. He lived as a true Sanyasi, with his saffron robes, sleeping on the floor, eating bare minimum, and performed nitya anushtanam without fail, even in extreme conditions. He encouraged all His devotees to follow their respective Dharmas, never encouraging frugality, appreciating Bhakthi in simple or grand forms and shunning shallow, exhibitive dramatics in the name of devotion.

On this Jayanthi, I feel blessed to be able to write so much about our Omnipresent Guru. Grateful for His Grace in every aspect of my life so far!! I leave you with one message I have imbibed from my learnings about Him - Spirituality is not an isolation from reality but an illuminated elevation of your soul.

Jaya Jaya Shankara Hara Hara Shankara!

Sources:

1. Deivathin Kural (Volumes 1–7) by Ra. Ganapathi

2. Mahaperiyava Charitram – Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Math Publications

3. periyavaarul.com

4. A recent discourse by Sri Ajay G Srivatsa Iyer on 8th June 2025