Sri Seshathri Maharishi

Sri Seshadri swamigal was born in Kancheepuram, Tamilnadu, India. Seshadri Swamigal was born to the couple Vardarajan and Margathammal, by the grace of goddess Kamakshi, another name of Parvathi, consort of Lord Shiva. Seshadri as a boy of four, following his mother to the temple, took an idol of Sri Krishna (an incarnation of Vishnu) in his hand, from a shop, saying he will do pooja to the idol. The shop keeper, appreciating the child's interest, gave the idol free to little Seshadri.

Next day, as Maragathammal and Seshadri were going to the temple, the shop keeper prostrated, placed child Seshadri's hand on his eyes and cried "golden hand! golden hand!". He explained that the sale was extraordinarily high after the child touched the idols. From that day onwards, till his Maha Siddhi, he was popularly known as `Thangakkai Saeshadri' (Saeshadri of golden hand), for whatever he touched turned into gold (flourished).

He renounced material life at the age of 19, left Kancheepuram and came to Thiruvannamalai. Like Sri Ramana Maharishi, he never left Tiruvannamalai till his nirvana in 1929. He was a great upasaka (worshiper) of Shakthi.

He roamed the streets of Tiruvannamalai like a mad man, entering a shop and dumping the cash from cash box on the floor or throwing the flour kept for making dough into the water and so on. However, his strange behavior was known to the town people and they never minded. On the contrary, they eagerly awaited his visit, for his visit meant that their business would flourish.

Mahan Seshadri swamigal, as mentioned earlier, was a worshiper of Shakthi. Recital of sacred syllables was his path. He was a contemporary of Sri Ramana maharishi. In fact, it was Saeshadri swamigal, who rescued young Ramana, when the later was immersed in penance, in the underground cell in Arunachaleshwarar temple and ants and moths were eating away young Ramana's body.

Their paths were different. There used to be friendly arguments between them. Sri Seshadri Swamigal possessed many Siddhis and performed many miracles like curing chronic diseases etc., openly. However, Sri Ramana Maharishi, though he performed miracles some times, he never acknowledged them or attached importance. He always advised seekers to focus on the ultimate goal of Self Realisation and not to be distracted by minor achievements like Siddhis or miraculous powers.

“Where do we go?” Is the essence of His teaching. If we meditate on this we are sure to attain endless bliss. He has no caste distinction and has devotees, who follow other religions. He is continuously helping us and giving us his grace.

The practice of Sesha mantra, Sesha meditation and understanding the Sesha path is spreading among numerous devotees

Saeshadri Swamigal ashram is next to Sri Ramanashramam. Regular Pujas are performed at the Samadhi of Sri Seshadri Swamigal. There are a few platforms for meditation in the open, in a beautiful garden, under the cool shade of trees. One can do meditation facing the holy hill Arunachala, from this garden. A book stall sells Mahan's photographs and books.