The Land of Saints
Tiruvannamalai has been the abode of countless saints and siddhas. Their Ashrams continue to vibrate with peace and grace.
Sri Ramanasramam
Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi (1879–1950) is the most renowned sage of Arunachala. He arrived here as a teenager and never left the holy hill. He was born as Venkataramana near Madurai. In his teens, he was drawn to Arunachala by a magnetic force.
He taught the path of Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara). His presence is still felt powerfully in the Old Hall where devotees meditate daily. The Ashram also maintains a Goshala (cow shed) as Bhagavan loved animals dearly.
He arrived at the Arunachaleswara Temple and spent his early years in deep penance in the Patala Lingam vault and later in the Virupaksha Cave. He taught that "True humanity lies not in returning violence for violence, but in forgiveness."
When he fell ill in 1950, devotees were heartbroken. He comforted them, saying, "Every one who is born must die. The body is not the soul... I am not going anywhere, I am here." He attained Maha Samadhi on April 14, 1950.
Sri Seshadri Swami
Known as the "Saint with the Golden Hand", Mahan Seshadri Swamigal lived a life of total renunciation. He was a contemporary of Ramana Maharshi and is credited with protecting the young Ramana when he was in deep penance in the Patala Lingam vault.
It is said that whatever shop he entered or whatever he touched would flourish with wealth, hence the name "Thangakkai" (Golden Hand).
His Ashram is located next to Ramanasramam and offers a beautiful garden for meditation.
Yogi Ramsuratkumar
Also known as the "Visiri Samiyar" (Fan Swami), Yogi Ramsuratkumar came to Tiruvannamalai in 1959. He spent his life alleviating the suffering of devotees and chanting the divine name.
His massive Ashram is a marvel of architecture and a center for continuous Nama Japa (chanting).
Other Sacred Spots
- Skandashram: The cave where Ramana Maharshi lived with his mother from 1916 to 1922. It offers a panoramic view of the temple.
- Virupaksha Cave: Shaped like the syllable 'OM', this cave is where the Saint Virupaksha Devar lived in the 13th century. Ramana also stayed here for 17 years.
- Poondi Swamiyar: A mysterious siddha who lived near Polur. He never spoke much but solved the problems of devotees through his mere presence.