SaleBhagawan Ramsuratkumar: The Incredible Journey of a Beggar Saint of Thiruvannamalai
Tiruvannamalai, one of South India's most revered spiritual towns, is known for its divine energy and the sacred Arunachala Mountain, believed to embody Lord Shiva. This majestic mountain draws thousands of pilgrims and spiritual seekers each year. Among the notable figures in the town's spiritual history is Bhagavan Yogi Ramsuratkumar, often called the "Mad Beggar of Tiruvannamalai" and also known as “Visiri Samiyar” Born on December 1, 1918, in a small village along the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Ramsuratkumar demonstrated an early spiritual inclination, often sharing food with wandering ascetics despite his family’s modest means.
A pivotal moment in his early life occurred when he accidentally killed a small bird at the age of twelve. This experience deeply impacted him, leading him to contemplate life, death, and suffering. His spiritual journey gained momentum under the guidance of his mentor, Kapadia Baba. He traveled to Kashi (Varanasi), where he had powerful spiritual visions at the sacred Manikarnika Ghat and was inspired by the teachings of Sri Buddha at Sarnath. Though he later returned home to complete his education and lived briefly as a householder, his heart remained focused on God.
In his twenties, Yogi Ramsuratkumar experienced a transformative moment when he heard an inner voice, which he believed to be Swami Vivekananda’s, calling him to a higher purpose. This revelation led him to abandon his ordinary life and begin intense spiritual practices, including long periods of fasting and meditation. He sought guidance from various spiritual masters, visiting Sri Aurobindo's Ashram in Pondicherry and Ramana Maharshi's Ashram in Tiruvannamalai, but still felt unfulfilled in his quest for enlightenment.
His spiritual journey reached its pinnacle when he met his ultimate guru, Papa Ramdas, at Anandashram in Kerala. Papa Ramdas initiated him into the sacred Ram Mantra, "Om Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram," which became the cornerstone of his spiritual practice. Immersing himself in chanting and meditation, Yogi Ramsuratkumar finally attained enlightenment, declaring that he had died at the Lotus Feet of Papa Ramdas, and from then on, only the Supreme Father existed in his body.
Yogi Ramsuratkumar Blessing Statue
For seven years, Yogi Ramsuratkumar wandered across India as a beggar, completely surrendered to God’s will. Despite facing hunger, homelessness, and physical assaults, he viewed every hardship as a blessing from the Divine Father. In 1959, his travels led him to Tiruvannamalai, where he lived on the streets for fourteen years. Though he wore tattered clothes and appeared unkempt, his divine presence attracted people from all walks of life.
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In 1977, Yogi Ramsuratkumar’s followers convinced him to move into a small house on Sannidhi Street, where his spiritual ministry flourished. His presence continues to inspire devotees, and many keep a Yogi Ramsuratkumar statue as a symbol of his divine energy and blessings. He continued to live simply, offering guidance and blessings to all who sought him. His habit of smoking cigarettes puzzled many, but he explained it as a way to absorb the world's negative energies and help his devotees overcome their karmic burdens.
In 1993, as his health declined, Yogi Ramsuratkumar moved to the Sudama House, where he spent his final days until his passing in 2001. His life remains a testament to unwavering devotion, surrender to the Divine, and service to humanity. Those who seek to honor his memory can keep a Yogi Ramsuratkumar statue as a reminder of his teachings and spiritual path.
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