SaleSri Seshadri Swamigal: The Saint with the Golden Hand
Sri Seshadri Swamigal, often referred to as the “Saint with the Golden Hand,” was one of the greatest spiritual figures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His life, filled with miraculous occurrences and deep spiritual insights, continues to inspire countless devotees to this day. Born in the rich spiritual heartland of Tamil Nadu, his journey from childhood to sainthood is as extraordinary as the miracles he performed and the teachings he imparted.
A Sacred Beginning: Birth and Childhood
Sri Seshadri Swamigal was born on January 22, 1870, in the village of Vazhur Agaram, located near Vandavasi in the Thiruvannamalai District. His birth was nothing short of miraculous. His family hailed from the illustrious Kamakoti lineage, which had been brought to South India from the Narmada River basin by none other than Adi Shankaracharya himself, specifically for Sri Vidya Upasakam. His parents, Srimathi Maragatham and Sri Varadharajar, had long prayed for a child. Their prayers were answered after Goddess Kamakshi appeared in the dream of Swamigal’s grandfather, Sri Kamakoti Sastrigal, instructing him to give “Navaneetham” (butter) to Maragatham. Shortly afterward, Maragatham conceived and gave birth to a son they named Seshadri.
Though born in Vazhur, Seshadri spent his early years in Kancheepuram, his father’s native place. His grandfather played an influential role in his upbringing, and Seshadri often visited Vazhur to stay with him. The village is home to ancient temples, including a Perumal temple and the Sivan Temple, where the revered Lord Brammapurieswarer resides. It was in these sacred surroundings that young Seshadri absorbed the profound spiritual energy that would later define his life.
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The Golden Hand: Early Signs of Divine Power
At the tender age of four, Seshadri revealed his divine powers to the world. During a 10-day annual festival at the Sri Varadharaja Swamy Temple in Kancheepuram, his mother took him to a doll shop. Young Seshadri asked for a Balakrishna statue, and the shopkeeper, moved by the child’s aura, allowed him to choose one. To everyone's amazement, after Seshadri touched the statue, the shopkeeper’s entire stock of dolls sold out within a single day—something unprecedented in previous years. The shopkeeper, overwhelmed by this miracle, declared that Seshadri had a "golden hand" and began referring to him as "Thanga Kai Seshadri" (Golden Hand Seshadri). This event was the first public sign of the young boy’s divine powers, which only continued to grow as he matured.
Tragedy and Transformation: The Path to Sainthood
Seshadri’s childhood was not without challenges. His father passed away when he was very young, which devastated his mother, Maragatham. To help her cope with the loss, Seshadri’s grandfather, Sri Kamakoti Sastrigal, brought the family back to Vazhur. Seshadri spent several years there, from ages 14 to 17, often engaging in spiritual discourses (pravachanam), which left learned scholars deeply impressed with his wisdom and insights, despite his young age.
After returning to Kancheepuram, tragedy struck again with the death of his mother. This loss further intensified Seshadri’s spiritual pursuits. He began spending most of his time in meditation and poojas, often wandering off to remote areas, including cemeteries, where he performed intense spiritual practices, much to the dismay of his family. Despite their pleas, Seshadri continued to focus on his inner spiritual journey.
At this point, he met Sri Balaji Swamigal, a saint from the north who had come to Kancheepuram. Seshadri secretly took sanyasa (renunciation) from Balaji Swamigal without informing his family. His uncle, Sri Ramaswamy Josier, unaware of Seshadri’s transformation, insisted that he participate in the rituals for his father’s death anniversary (thithi). Seshadri, however, refused, explaining that he had already taken sanyasa and was no longer bound by worldly duties. Enraged, his uncle locked him in a room. However, when the door was opened later, Seshadri had mysteriously disappeared. This incident marked the first revelation of Seshadri’s saintliness to his family and those around him.
The Journey to Thiruvannamalai
After disappearing from his uncle’s locked room, Seshadri began his spiritual pilgrimage, visiting several sacred places before finally arriving in Thiruvannamalai in 1889 at the age of 19. This sacred town, at the foot of the holy Arunachala Hill, would become his home for the rest of his life. Interestingly, seven years later, in 1896, another young saint, Sri Ramana Maharishi, also came to Thiruvannamalai, where both saints lived as contemporaries.
Sri Seshadri Swamigal’s early days in Thiruvannamalai were marked by eccentric behavior, leading many to believe he was mentally unstable. He wore tattered clothes, wandered the streets like a beggar, and spoke in riddles. However, those who encountered him soon realized that beneath this outward appearance lay a profound spiritual force. His seemingly erratic actions were actually deliberate expressions of divine wisdom, incomprehensible to most.
Miracles and Saintliness in Thiruvannamalai
Sri Seshadri Swamigal’s life in Thiruvannamalai was marked by countless miracles. He was known to appear in multiple places simultaneously, confounding those who witnessed this phenomenon. His ability to heal people, bring rain during times of drought, and predict future events earned him a devoted following. One particularly notable incident occurred when Swamigal began shouting, “Vitoba poran!” (Vitoba is leaving) in the streets of Thiruvannamalai. Later, it was discovered that Sri Vitoba Swamigal, a saint living in a nearby village, had passed away at that exact moment. This incident further solidified Swamigal’s reputation as a saint with extraordinary powers.
Despite his miraculous acts, Swamigal remained humble, often referring to himself as a mere servant of God. He was deeply connected to Arunachala, the sacred hill in Thiruvannamalai, and spent many hours meditating on its slopes. His spiritual influence extended beyond Thiruvannamalai, as he encouraged other saints and devotees to spread the message of divine love and devotion. One such example was his guidance of Thirupugazh Swamigal, whom he sent to Vallimalai to spread the glory of the sacred Thirupugazh hymns.
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A Saint of the People
Sri Seshadri Swamigal’s miracles were not limited to grand, public displays of divine power. He often performed small acts of kindness that deeply impacted the lives of ordinary people. Whether it was healing the sick, providing comfort to those in distress, or helping farmers with rain during droughts, Swamigal’s compassion knew no bounds. His love for humanity was evident in his every action, and his life serves as a reminder that true sainthood lies in selfless service to others.
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Attainment of Immortality
Sri Seshadri Swamigal lived in Thiruvannamalai for 40 years, transforming the lives of all who came in contact with him. He attained Samadhi on January 4, 1929, during the month of Margazhi on Bahula Navami day. Even after his physical departure, devotees continue to experience his presence and guidance, and his legacy of compassion, miracles, and devotion to Arunachala lives on.
His life and teachings are immortalized in several works, including the book “Seshadri Swamigal Saritham” written by Kuzhumani Narayana Sastrigal, which carries a preface by none other than Sri Ramana Maharishi himself. This book is a treasure trove for those seeking to understand the depth of Sri Seshadri Swamigal’s spiritual life and the miracles he performed.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Sri Seshadri Swamigal
Sri Seshadri Swamigal’s life serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual greatness often comes in unexpected forms. Despite being misunderstood during his early days in Thiruvannamalai, his divine nature eventually became known to all. His miracles, compassion, and unwavering devotion to Arunachala continue to inspire devotees across the world.
As we reflect on the life of Sri Seshadri Swamigal, we are reminded that true saintliness lies not in outward appearances but in the purity of one’s heart, the depth of one’s devotion, and the selfless service of others. Through his life, Sri Seshadri Swamigal exemplified these qualities, making him a beacon of spiritual enlightenment for generations to come. His life, like the sacred Arunachala Hill, stands tall as a testament to the power of divine grace and the endless possibilities of spiritual transformation.
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