“OM Sree Gurubhyo Namaha”
At the outset I start with pranams to Jagadguru His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Abhinava Vidyatheerta swamigal, the 35th Pontiff of Sri Sringeri Saradha Peetham
Jagadguru Sri Sri Abhinava Vidyatheerta swamigal - 35th Pontiff of Sri Sringeri Saradha Peetham
In this epistle I write about Madurai - Advocate R.Krishnaswamy Iyer. This year happens to be centenary year of Advocate R.Krishnaswamy Iyer as well.
Advocate R Krishnaswamy was a true reflection of the statement “A contended mind is a continual feast”. He lived a life which echoed the words in letter and spirit, “To a large-hearted person The whole world is his family.” . He is an exemplary example of selfless service and true sacrifice. His Service and devotion to the Sringeri mutt was unparalleled. When anybody questioned him on what he had saved for himself and his family, His steadfast response and oft repeated words were, “I have put everything in Godess Sharadha Ambal Bank”. Ambal will protect all of you. He was an epitome of tolerance.
Shri R.Krishnaswamy offering 'Poornakumbam' respects to His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidya Theertha swamigal
Shri Krishnaswamy did his Bachelor of Arts and then did his Bachelor of Law in Trivanduram Govt Law collage. He setup his base in Madurai. The family lived in No 61, Dhanappa Mudali street in Madurai. (Just few houses away from Shri V.Kameshwara Iyer, whose clan I’m related to!). They later moved on to Natarajapuram Agraharam. He practiced as an advocate in the Madura, and frequently visited the sub-courts in the districts surrounding Madurai. He used to wear a dhothi [Panjakacham], a black coat and Turban. In Natarajapuram agraharam he is still fondly remembered by old timers as “Turban Thatta”. In one of my visits to Madurai, a person known to me, after enquiring the antecedents of my wife remarked in Tamil with joy –‘oh you have married turban thatta’s granddaughter!’. Such was the affection of people towards him, who had known him.
Advocate R Krishnaswamy Iyer was very emotionally attached to his Maternal Uncle M.S.Mantreshwar Sharma.
On many occasion he has travelled to Sringeri with his uncle M.S.M Sharma. R.Krishnaswamy Iyer along with uncle M.S.M Sharma, played a pivotal role in shaping up the events related to administration of Sringeri Mutt in 1944.
The events and details are well chronicled in a book titled “ The Crest Jewel of Yogis - A biography and advices of the peerless preceptor His Holiness Abhinava Vidya Theertha Mahaswamigal “ – First Volume compiled by Sri Umesh and Published by Sri Sharada Trust. The details can be found in the chapter “Epitome of Tolerance”
The section “Epitome of tolerance” narrates the steps taken by the staunch disciples of the Mutt to maintain the Independence and authority of the Head of the Math in the matters of administration.
There were people with vested interests who wanted the math administration to be taken over by the Government. Lot of false propaganda were spread with malicious intent.
M.S.M. Sharma was instrumental in sorting out the issues with the government. He along with key delegates personally met and clarified certain key points to Mr K V Anantharaman – The Revenue and Endowments minister of Mysore state. The meeting took place on 10-07-1944.
On 11-07-1944, the M.S.M Sharma went to Sringeri and appraised His Holiness Chandrasekara Bharathi Swamigal and His Holiness Abhinava Vidhya Theertha Swamigal.
M.S.M Sharma wrote a epistle to the minister appraising him on his discussions with the Acharaya’s and left for Karachi.
After a lapse of few days, Shri R.Krishnaswamy Iyer ( Nephew of M.S.M Sharma) had met the Minister K.V. Anantaraman, in Madurai. The minister has indicated that the Government will not act on the false propaganda and it is fully aware of the strong protests from the South. He has also indicated that he has put a note in the file for future reference.
Madurai Advocate R.Krishnaswamy Iyer has maintained a full written account of the events of 1944. This has been handed over to the author R.M Umesh who has acknowledged the same in his book. The written notes have been verified by Dharmatma Dr V.Vaidyasubramanya Iyer.
Advocate RK handled many cases related to the administration of Sringeri Math and properties. He used to get invited to the Sringeri math , whenever key dignitaries were visiting the math. RK used to ensure the protocol aspects were clearly followed during the dignitaries visit. RK used to accompany Shri Abhinava Vidya theerta Bharathi swamigal during his long evening walks around Narshimavanam and used to update him on various legal aspects and other general issues.
Shri R.Krishnaswamy Iyer with His Royal Highness the King of Nepal : Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev,
Shri R.Krishnaswamy Iyer with President V.V.Giri during his visit to Sringeri
He married his own maternal aunt Grand-daughter Vedambhal. The couple had 7 children and only the last daughter Meenakshi survived.
Meenakshi was married to M.Jagadeesan [s/o Sanskrit scholar Mahalinga Sastry hailing from Vyacherry village near Ayyampetteai between Kumbakonam and Tanjavur] and had a daughter Sudha. Shri Jagadeesan was employed with TATA and the couple settled in Bombay. Meenkahsi lost her husband Jagadeesan very early in her life, in a tragic accident in 1977. There upon the family moved back to Madurai and the responsibility of taking care of his daughter and grand daughter fell upon RK’s shoulders. The incident severely affected the health of RK’s wife Vedhambal and came as a rude mental shock to her daughter smt Meenkashi.
The tragic disturbances in his family life, neither affected RKs devotion in Godess Sharadha ambal nor his unshakable faith in His Guru Shri Abhinava Vidya Theertha swamigal. He looked at the incident and related suffering to his family as a reflection of some unfinished karma in his previous births. RKs mind neither harbored ill-will nor had an iota of doubt on the existence of GOD. He overcame this grief, by associating even more strongly with the Mutt and his Guru.
It is said, he has received profound advice and counseling from his Guru Holiness Jagadguru Abhinava Vidhyatheertha swamigal, w.r.t to the cosmic events surrounding the loss of his son-in-law. He has not shared the dialogue between him and His Guru to anybody else.
Shri R.Krishnaswamy Iyer with His Guru His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidya Theertha swamigal
Any normal human being would have crumbled to pieces on such a fate befalling their most loved and adorned daughter, but here we see RK, as a tall edifice, taking things by his stride and not complaining about it as well. Most importantly, rather than going into a shell, he had a vision to look forward and plan the succeeding events in her life.
Smt Meenakshi got further educated, took up a job as a teacher in Chennai, and with the tireless efforts of R.Nagarajan (His c-brother) got a job in TELCO (Now TATA Motors) on compassionate grounds and then smt Meenakshi shouldered the responsibilities of running the family.
RK performed daily puja’s to Bana Lingam which was given to him by His Holiness Abhinava Vidyatheertha swamigal. One of his habits was collecting photos of his Guru. He had vast repository of rare photos.
H.H. Jagadguru Abhinava Vidyatheertha swamigal in coversation with Lord Narasimha
His love and affection for his grand daughter was total. On every Janma Nakshtram (On Birth star of every year), special poojas were performed in Madurai and a Red Rose Garland was handed over to Sudha as pooja prasadham.
RK-Vedhambal Shastiapthapoorthi was performed in Madurai and Sadhabhishekam was performed in Bangalore
RK made all arrangements for celebrating the Shastiapthapoorthi of his co-brother Nagarajan - Maragatham (Chotta chitti), in Srigeri and blessed by His Holiness Abhinava Vidya theerta swamigal. While taking leave of Swamigal after the function, Mahasannidhanam Abhinava Vidya theertha Swamigal with his ever characterstic smile asked RK “ Enna Krishnaswamy Iyer, ungalukku thripthi thane” [ RK – Are you satisfied ?] . Tears just rolled down the cheeks of RK and he performed Shastanga Namaskaram to his Guru.
RK was very active in his profession till he was 80 years old. He moved to Bangalore to be with his daughter Meenakshi who was posted in Bangalore. Clients used to come to Bangalore from Madurai and take him to Madurai for the court cases. He suffered a paralytic stroke at the age of 81 years and his left hand and leg got affected, limiting his movements. He lived for another 10 years, very affectionately tendered by his Grand daughter Sudha
His physical condition did not deter him from paying a visit to His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Bharathi theertha swamigal, when His Holiness visited Bangalore in 1991. Seeing RK unable to stand in the crowd, His Holiness instructed his private secretary to put a chair, so that RK can sit and asked RK not to strain himself like this.
Shri R.Krishnaswamy Iyer with His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Bharathi Theertha Swamigal the ruling and 36th Pontiff of Sringeri Sharada Peetam
I try to recall, on some of the associations of R.Krishnaswamy Iyer. Which I have heard about.
He was very close to late Keervatti Sankara Vadhyar, whom I have also interacted, when I was in Madurai and knew him well. I have traveled with him to Sringeri on 2 occasions.
RK was very close with Sri SPM Chettiyar & family in Madurai. Sri SPM Chettiyar family used to treat RK as one of their own family member.
"Friends Standing Tall" - Shri RK with his close friend Shri SPM Chettiyar
RK was very close to Dr Raghava Variyaar, of 'Arya Vaidhya Salai' and the association between the two families still continues.
Advocate RK was very close with Shri B.R. Ramasastry family in Bangalore. Shri Ramasastry & his son shri Vidhyasankar were very closely attached with Advocate Krishnaswamy and his family. Their respect and admiration for each other was mutual. A interesting incident concerning myself and Shri Ramasastry is penned down at the end of this section. The association between the two families continues even now and thanks to our forebears who have set it up.
RK passed away in Dec 1998 [Aged 90years] . He breathed his last on the lap of his Grand daughter (who had just finished her BE final semester exams), with absolute confidence in Goddess Sharadha ambal and his Guru Shri Abhinava Vidhya Theertha swamigal.
Upon his death the
Bana lingam was handed over to the Sringeri Math in Venkatnarayana road – T.Nagar - Chennai
The legal files pertaining to math were collected by Shri B.R.Ramasastry and handed over to Sringeri math
Many photographs related to Sringeri math and previous acharays were handed over to Sringeri Math
Shri R.Krishnaswamy Iyer & Family receiving Mantraksham from H.H.Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Theerta swamigal. [Photo of Shri Pandit M.S.M.sharma in the backdrop]
Vedhambal was an embodiment of devotion. She was very intelligent and shrewd lady. Being the eldest daughter in the family, she was well respected within the family. RK & Vedhambal couple (along with R Nagarajan (RK’s co-brother) was also instrumental getting the younger siblings married, and as well looked after their comfort and well being.
She was well versed with music and played the violin well. She used make choclates. In the latter part of her life, she spent most of her time visiting temples in Madurai, and in meditations &'Japam' [Prayers].
Vedhambal suffered during her end days, caused by an accidental fall . She was immobile and bed ridden for about 8 months. Her mind was active till her death. A day before her death, she lapsed into unconsciousness and the doctor,indicated that the end was near and advised recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama which was duly done. There was no response from smt Vedhambal to calls made by her near and dear ones.
Myself and Sudha got a call and rushed to see her. Sudha called out to her grandmother loudly and got a moaning (hmmmm), as Response and that was the final voice from Smt Vedhambal, which to me looked as if the soul was holding itself to bid a final bye to her most loved grand daughter. She breathed her last that night.
Vedhambal passed away on 3rd September - 2001 (She was 79 years old) . Her daughter Meenkashi, Sister Kalavathy, brother Ramamoorthy were also by her bed side when she breathed her last
Smt Vedhambal had kept a golden Mangalyam, Golden Ear studs, in her old trunk box, which I chanced upon while cleaning the lofts (Some six months later). It was meant to be submitted to Sringeri math as Kanikkai (offering), to ward of some suffering or dosha to her Sister smt Kalavathi & her family. They were duly handed over to Sringeri Math in the presence of His Holiness Bharathi Theerta swamigal and we prayed for his Anugraham (His Grace) and blessings.
Archaryal remarked to his private secretary in front of us ,”this child (pointing to Sudha) is the grand daughter of advocate R.K, and she has handed over to the math her patti’s kannikai [offering] and blessed us with His Grace. The next day while leaving after getting Mantraksham, Sudha received a Saree from the benevolent Holiness with blessings.
Note: Sudha is married to Sundaresan [s/o S Jagadeesan and Grandson of J.Subramani Iyer ] of Sattanathapuram family.
I sum up my writing’s on Shri Advocate R Krishnaswamy with the below incident. Numerous were the correspondence between Shri RK and His Holiness Sringeri Jagadguru Sri Sri Abhinava Vidhyatheertha Mahaswamigal. On one occasion swamigal was camping in Chidambaram. RK has sent an epistle updating Swamigal on various aspects related to the Mutt and has also desired “His holiness grace should turn on him for a while in the sacred place Chidambaram”. Private Secretary to his Holiness Sri N Lakshminarayana Sastry has responded as below carrying the message from His Holiness which I reproduce in verbatim.
“His Holiness was immensely pleased with your desire,that His Holiness thoughts should turn on you for a while in this sacred Kshetram Chidambaram. His Holiness has directed me to inform you, that He has not only thought of you in this place, but you are ever in His mind”
By his selfless service to His Guru, Shri R.Krishnaswamy Iyer has achieved immortality.
Our Pranams and Prayers to Godess Sharadha, His Holiness Jagadhguru Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamigal the ruling and 36th pontiff of Sringeri Sharada peetam, the Guru Parambara to which our forefathers submitted themselves. They have traversed the path of righteousness and we pray them to guide us and our succeeding generations.
Family Tree:
I wanted the pen down the below incident. Once a small parrot was badly injured and landed in the front yard of our house and took refuge in a small bush plant (Probably, she had fallen from her nest).The parrot was about to be devoured by a cat. I shoed away the cat and took the parrot inside the house and next day showed it to a veterinarian doctor. The doctor said the leg has been badly damaged and put a small strip around its leg with some medicines. I got a cage and tendered to the parrot. The parrot used to go around the hall and bed room- its mode of walking was one leg forward and for the next push it will thrust its beak. We named it as Ranganayaki – (to be honest, the bird was very fierce and aggressive). When left out of the cage for bathing, it will go and hide underneath the chest off drawer of Advocate R.Krishnaswamy Iyer.
In about 2 month’s time, it grew healthy, the legs became almost alright with a slight slant and its wings grew big enough for it to fly. I had planned to get a partner for the bird.
We went on a Sunday to pay a courtesy visit to Shri Ramasastry uncle’s house. I narrated the story of the parrot, its injury and subsequent recovery. His words were very straight –“sundaresan – your duty is done, release the bird for it to be with its flock”. So profound were his words on me, as soon as I returned home, I set the bird free and Ranganayaki flapped her wings with great speed and flew away happily. Had it not for him, thinking that I’m doing good, I would have imprisoned the freedom and happiness of the bird.
At the outset I start with pranams to Jagadguru His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Abhinava Vidyatheerta swamigal, the 35th Pontiff of Sri Sringeri Saradha Peetham
Jagadguru Sri Sri Abhinava Vidyatheerta swamigal - 35th Pontiff of Sri Sringeri Saradha Peetham
In this epistle I write about Madurai - Advocate R.Krishnaswamy Iyer. This year happens to be centenary year of Advocate R.Krishnaswamy Iyer as well.
Advocate R Krishnaswamy was a true reflection of the statement “A contended mind is a continual feast”. He lived a life which echoed the words in letter and spirit, “To a large-hearted person The whole world is his family.” . He is an exemplary example of selfless service and true sacrifice. His Service and devotion to the Sringeri mutt was unparalleled. When anybody questioned him on what he had saved for himself and his family, His steadfast response and oft repeated words were, “I have put everything in Godess Sharadha Ambal Bank”. Ambal will protect all of you. He was an epitome of tolerance.
Shri R.Krishnaswamy offering 'Poornakumbam' respects to His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidya Theertha swamigal
Shri Krishnaswamy did his Bachelor of Arts and then did his Bachelor of Law in Trivanduram Govt Law collage. He setup his base in Madurai. The family lived in No 61, Dhanappa Mudali street in Madurai. (Just few houses away from Shri V.Kameshwara Iyer, whose clan I’m related to!). They later moved on to Natarajapuram Agraharam. He practiced as an advocate in the Madura, and frequently visited the sub-courts in the districts surrounding Madurai. He used to wear a dhothi [Panjakacham], a black coat and Turban. In Natarajapuram agraharam he is still fondly remembered by old timers as “Turban Thatta”. In one of my visits to Madurai, a person known to me, after enquiring the antecedents of my wife remarked in Tamil with joy –‘oh you have married turban thatta’s granddaughter!’. Such was the affection of people towards him, who had known him.
Advocate R Krishnaswamy Iyer was very emotionally attached to his Maternal Uncle M.S.Mantreshwar Sharma.
On many occasion he has travelled to Sringeri with his uncle M.S.M Sharma. R.Krishnaswamy Iyer along with uncle M.S.M Sharma, played a pivotal role in shaping up the events related to administration of Sringeri Mutt in 1944.
The events and details are well chronicled in a book titled “ The Crest Jewel of Yogis - A biography and advices of the peerless preceptor His Holiness Abhinava Vidya Theertha Mahaswamigal “ – First Volume compiled by Sri Umesh and Published by Sri Sharada Trust. The details can be found in the chapter “Epitome of Tolerance”
The section “Epitome of tolerance” narrates the steps taken by the staunch disciples of the Mutt to maintain the Independence and authority of the Head of the Math in the matters of administration.
There were people with vested interests who wanted the math administration to be taken over by the Government. Lot of false propaganda were spread with malicious intent.
M.S.M. Sharma was instrumental in sorting out the issues with the government. He along with key delegates personally met and clarified certain key points to Mr K V Anantharaman – The Revenue and Endowments minister of Mysore state. The meeting took place on 10-07-1944.
On 11-07-1944, the M.S.M Sharma went to Sringeri and appraised His Holiness Chandrasekara Bharathi Swamigal and His Holiness Abhinava Vidhya Theertha Swamigal.
M.S.M Sharma wrote a epistle to the minister appraising him on his discussions with the Acharaya’s and left for Karachi.
After a lapse of few days, Shri R.Krishnaswamy Iyer ( Nephew of M.S.M Sharma) had met the Minister K.V. Anantaraman, in Madurai. The minister has indicated that the Government will not act on the false propaganda and it is fully aware of the strong protests from the South. He has also indicated that he has put a note in the file for future reference.
Madurai Advocate R.Krishnaswamy Iyer has maintained a full written account of the events of 1944. This has been handed over to the author R.M Umesh who has acknowledged the same in his book. The written notes have been verified by Dharmatma Dr V.Vaidyasubramanya Iyer.
Advocate RK handled many cases related to the administration of Sringeri Math and properties. He used to get invited to the Sringeri math , whenever key dignitaries were visiting the math. RK used to ensure the protocol aspects were clearly followed during the dignitaries visit. RK used to accompany Shri Abhinava Vidya theerta Bharathi swamigal during his long evening walks around Narshimavanam and used to update him on various legal aspects and other general issues.
Shri R.Krishnaswamy Iyer with His Royal Highness the King of Nepal : Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev,
Shri R.Krishnaswamy Iyer with President V.V.Giri during his visit to Sringeri
He married his own maternal aunt Grand-daughter Vedambhal. The couple had 7 children and only the last daughter Meenakshi survived.
Meenakshi was married to M.Jagadeesan [s/o Sanskrit scholar Mahalinga Sastry hailing from Vyacherry village near Ayyampetteai between Kumbakonam and Tanjavur] and had a daughter Sudha. Shri Jagadeesan was employed with TATA and the couple settled in Bombay. Meenkahsi lost her husband Jagadeesan very early in her life, in a tragic accident in 1977. There upon the family moved back to Madurai and the responsibility of taking care of his daughter and grand daughter fell upon RK’s shoulders. The incident severely affected the health of RK’s wife Vedhambal and came as a rude mental shock to her daughter smt Meenkashi.
The tragic disturbances in his family life, neither affected RKs devotion in Godess Sharadha ambal nor his unshakable faith in His Guru Shri Abhinava Vidya Theertha swamigal. He looked at the incident and related suffering to his family as a reflection of some unfinished karma in his previous births. RKs mind neither harbored ill-will nor had an iota of doubt on the existence of GOD. He overcame this grief, by associating even more strongly with the Mutt and his Guru.
It is said, he has received profound advice and counseling from his Guru Holiness Jagadguru Abhinava Vidhyatheertha swamigal, w.r.t to the cosmic events surrounding the loss of his son-in-law. He has not shared the dialogue between him and His Guru to anybody else.
Shri R.Krishnaswamy Iyer with His Guru His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidya Theertha swamigal
Any normal human being would have crumbled to pieces on such a fate befalling their most loved and adorned daughter, but here we see RK, as a tall edifice, taking things by his stride and not complaining about it as well. Most importantly, rather than going into a shell, he had a vision to look forward and plan the succeeding events in her life.
Smt Meenakshi got further educated, took up a job as a teacher in Chennai, and with the tireless efforts of R.Nagarajan (His c-brother) got a job in TELCO (Now TATA Motors) on compassionate grounds and then smt Meenakshi shouldered the responsibilities of running the family.
RK performed daily puja’s to Bana Lingam which was given to him by His Holiness Abhinava Vidyatheertha swamigal. One of his habits was collecting photos of his Guru. He had vast repository of rare photos.
H.H. Jagadguru Abhinava Vidyatheertha swamigal in coversation with Lord Narasimha
His love and affection for his grand daughter was total. On every Janma Nakshtram (On Birth star of every year), special poojas were performed in Madurai and a Red Rose Garland was handed over to Sudha as pooja prasadham.
RK-Vedhambal Shastiapthapoorthi was performed in Madurai and Sadhabhishekam was performed in Bangalore
RK made all arrangements for celebrating the Shastiapthapoorthi of his co-brother Nagarajan - Maragatham (Chotta chitti), in Srigeri and blessed by His Holiness Abhinava Vidya theerta swamigal. While taking leave of Swamigal after the function, Mahasannidhanam Abhinava Vidya theertha Swamigal with his ever characterstic smile asked RK “ Enna Krishnaswamy Iyer, ungalukku thripthi thane” [ RK – Are you satisfied ?] . Tears just rolled down the cheeks of RK and he performed Shastanga Namaskaram to his Guru.
RK was very active in his profession till he was 80 years old. He moved to Bangalore to be with his daughter Meenakshi who was posted in Bangalore. Clients used to come to Bangalore from Madurai and take him to Madurai for the court cases. He suffered a paralytic stroke at the age of 81 years and his left hand and leg got affected, limiting his movements. He lived for another 10 years, very affectionately tendered by his Grand daughter Sudha
His physical condition did not deter him from paying a visit to His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Bharathi theertha swamigal, when His Holiness visited Bangalore in 1991. Seeing RK unable to stand in the crowd, His Holiness instructed his private secretary to put a chair, so that RK can sit and asked RK not to strain himself like this.
Shri R.Krishnaswamy Iyer with His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Bharathi Theertha Swamigal the ruling and 36th Pontiff of Sringeri Sharada Peetam
I try to recall, on some of the associations of R.Krishnaswamy Iyer. Which I have heard about.
He was very close to late Keervatti Sankara Vadhyar, whom I have also interacted, when I was in Madurai and knew him well. I have traveled with him to Sringeri on 2 occasions.
RK was very close with Sri SPM Chettiyar & family in Madurai. Sri SPM Chettiyar family used to treat RK as one of their own family member.
"Friends Standing Tall" - Shri RK with his close friend Shri SPM Chettiyar
RK was very close to Dr Raghava Variyaar, of 'Arya Vaidhya Salai' and the association between the two families still continues.
Advocate RK was very close with Shri B.R. Ramasastry family in Bangalore. Shri Ramasastry & his son shri Vidhyasankar were very closely attached with Advocate Krishnaswamy and his family. Their respect and admiration for each other was mutual. A interesting incident concerning myself and Shri Ramasastry is penned down at the end of this section. The association between the two families continues even now and thanks to our forebears who have set it up.
RK passed away in Dec 1998 [Aged 90years] . He breathed his last on the lap of his Grand daughter (who had just finished her BE final semester exams), with absolute confidence in Goddess Sharadha ambal and his Guru Shri Abhinava Vidhya Theertha swamigal.
Upon his death the
Bana lingam was handed over to the Sringeri Math in Venkatnarayana road – T.Nagar - Chennai
The legal files pertaining to math were collected by Shri B.R.Ramasastry and handed over to Sringeri math
Many photographs related to Sringeri math and previous acharays were handed over to Sringeri Math
Shri R.Krishnaswamy Iyer & Family receiving Mantraksham from H.H.Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Theerta swamigal. [Photo of Shri Pandit M.S.M.sharma in the backdrop]
Vedhambal was an embodiment of devotion. She was very intelligent and shrewd lady. Being the eldest daughter in the family, she was well respected within the family. RK & Vedhambal couple (along with R Nagarajan (RK’s co-brother) was also instrumental getting the younger siblings married, and as well looked after their comfort and well being.
She was well versed with music and played the violin well. She used make choclates. In the latter part of her life, she spent most of her time visiting temples in Madurai, and in meditations &'Japam' [Prayers].
Vedhambal suffered during her end days, caused by an accidental fall . She was immobile and bed ridden for about 8 months. Her mind was active till her death. A day before her death, she lapsed into unconsciousness and the doctor,indicated that the end was near and advised recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama which was duly done. There was no response from smt Vedhambal to calls made by her near and dear ones.
Myself and Sudha got a call and rushed to see her. Sudha called out to her grandmother loudly and got a moaning (hmmmm), as Response and that was the final voice from Smt Vedhambal, which to me looked as if the soul was holding itself to bid a final bye to her most loved grand daughter. She breathed her last that night.
Vedhambal passed away on 3rd September - 2001 (She was 79 years old) . Her daughter Meenkashi, Sister Kalavathy, brother Ramamoorthy were also by her bed side when she breathed her last
Smt Vedhambal had kept a golden Mangalyam, Golden Ear studs, in her old trunk box, which I chanced upon while cleaning the lofts (Some six months later). It was meant to be submitted to Sringeri math as Kanikkai (offering), to ward of some suffering or dosha to her Sister smt Kalavathi & her family. They were duly handed over to Sringeri Math in the presence of His Holiness Bharathi Theerta swamigal and we prayed for his Anugraham (His Grace) and blessings.
Archaryal remarked to his private secretary in front of us ,”this child (pointing to Sudha) is the grand daughter of advocate R.K, and she has handed over to the math her patti’s kannikai [offering] and blessed us with His Grace. The next day while leaving after getting Mantraksham, Sudha received a Saree from the benevolent Holiness with blessings.
Note: Sudha is married to Sundaresan [s/o S Jagadeesan and Grandson of J.Subramani Iyer ] of Sattanathapuram family.
I sum up my writing’s on Shri Advocate R Krishnaswamy with the below incident. Numerous were the correspondence between Shri RK and His Holiness Sringeri Jagadguru Sri Sri Abhinava Vidhyatheertha Mahaswamigal. On one occasion swamigal was camping in Chidambaram. RK has sent an epistle updating Swamigal on various aspects related to the Mutt and has also desired “His holiness grace should turn on him for a while in the sacred place Chidambaram”. Private Secretary to his Holiness Sri N Lakshminarayana Sastry has responded as below carrying the message from His Holiness which I reproduce in verbatim.
“His Holiness was immensely pleased with your desire,that His Holiness thoughts should turn on you for a while in this sacred Kshetram Chidambaram. His Holiness has directed me to inform you, that He has not only thought of you in this place, but you are ever in His mind”
By his selfless service to His Guru, Shri R.Krishnaswamy Iyer has achieved immortality.
Our Pranams and Prayers to Godess Sharadha, His Holiness Jagadhguru Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamigal the ruling and 36th pontiff of Sringeri Sharada peetam, the Guru Parambara to which our forefathers submitted themselves. They have traversed the path of righteousness and we pray them to guide us and our succeeding generations.
Family Tree:
I wanted the pen down the below incident. Once a small parrot was badly injured and landed in the front yard of our house and took refuge in a small bush plant (Probably, she had fallen from her nest).The parrot was about to be devoured by a cat. I shoed away the cat and took the parrot inside the house and next day showed it to a veterinarian doctor. The doctor said the leg has been badly damaged and put a small strip around its leg with some medicines. I got a cage and tendered to the parrot. The parrot used to go around the hall and bed room- its mode of walking was one leg forward and for the next push it will thrust its beak. We named it as Ranganayaki – (to be honest, the bird was very fierce and aggressive). When left out of the cage for bathing, it will go and hide underneath the chest off drawer of Advocate R.Krishnaswamy Iyer.
In about 2 month’s time, it grew healthy, the legs became almost alright with a slight slant and its wings grew big enough for it to fly. I had planned to get a partner for the bird.
We went on a Sunday to pay a courtesy visit to Shri Ramasastry uncle’s house. I narrated the story of the parrot, its injury and subsequent recovery. His words were very straight –“sundaresan – your duty is done, release the bird for it to be with its flock”. So profound were his words on me, as soon as I returned home, I set the bird free and Ranganayaki flapped her wings with great speed and flew away happily. Had it not for him, thinking that I’m doing good, I would have imprisoned the freedom and happiness of the bird.
6 comments:
I've consolidated the comments and adding them to the post, which I have received by e-mail.
From shri Cadavasal R Natarajan
Shyam, This is an occasion when brevity is an insult.
Here is what I feel.
This is truly a labor of love, unconditional and uncompromised.
Sudha and her mother must be twice blessed, in the grace of their forbears, and in you as a husband and a SON-in-law. The grace of those who are beyond the pale of living emotions, negative and positive, is divine. The simplicity of your expressions belie the deep love, affection, respect and value that you attach to heritage and lineage. May you be blessed always
c r n
From Shri Sekar Balasubramaniam
Shyam,
An EXCELLENT article about the Great late Shri R K Iyer. I enjoyed it very much and proud of your heritage.
Rgds,
Sekar
Hi
I have heard about Advocate R Krishnaswami Aiyer who later became Gnananda Bharati. I am guessing the great man mentioned in this post is a different person. Please clarify
Hi,
Sri Gnananda Bharati swamigal (whose Poorvashrama name was also Advocate R Krishnaswami Aiyer) is different from Madurai Advocate R Krishnaswami Aiyer mentioned in this post.
Best regards,
Sundaresan
Dear Sundaresan,
I must echo the sentiments of your elderly relative, Sri Natarajan!
Hari, the Krishnaswami Iyer who became a Sannyasi named Gnanananda Bharati is a different person than Sudha's grandfather. There is a website www.gnananandabharathi.org, which you may be interested in.
Vidyasankar
It was very soothing and inspriing to read.One has to be blessed to experience the compassion of Jagadgurus of Sringeri.Readers like me are blessed to just read the experiences/interactions of great souls like RK Sir with the Jagadguru.
I also believe thus, perfectly composed post!
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