Auto Life Sketch of Malladihalli Swami

Auto Life Sketch of

SRI SRI RAGHAVENDRA SWAMIJI

English Rendering: SRI N. S. CHIDAMBARA RAO

Auto Life Sketch of SRI SRI RAGHAVENDRA SWAMIJI

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To narrate one's own life is often a very challenging attempt. Because, truth is very great—so great that it cannot be captured in mere words. Experiences are mute; to translate them into comprehensible language is not very easy. Anyway, a host of my admirers and well wishers have been persuading me to sketch my life story. I had attempted once, a number of years ago, through my two novels in Kannada— "MULEYS HANDARA" and "CHITHEYO SAMADHIYO". But, they were explicitly treated as fiction and not fact. Hence, I have tried to sketch briefly, the chronicle of my humble me, in this book.

An occasion also arose to write this monograph—during March 1991, the Centenary Celebrations in view of completing my one hundred years of life, were held. To commemorate this occasion, my well wishers thought of bringing out a Souvenir. The Editorial Board had asked me to write about my life and my views. There was no sufficient


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time at my disposal. Anyway, I put this writing in black and white, in a hurry. But, I am quite sure this writing will be a true source for those who write my biography, in future.

I depicted my brief life sketch in Kannada. This was rendered into English by Sri N. S. Chidambara Rao, Superin‐tendent of our Teachers' Training Institute, and my hearty blessings to him for his concern and interest. My blessings are also to Kumari Sharada & Sri Ravikumar who typed neatly the Press Copy of the text. My heartfelt thanks are due to Sri Nithyananda Printers, Bangalore for their neat and timely printing.

Om

Raghavendra Swamiji


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It has been a long cherished tradition to christen and call by some name a new born baby; it has also been a custom among us to address the animals and birds that we tame, with pet names. Likewise, it is obligatory to give some name to the writings, such as story, novel, play, song, poem, lyric, ballad, folksong, essay‐etc, in the field of literature. Similarly, this souvenir bears a name‐"WHAT IS WHERE?"

The Editorial Board of this Souvenir has commanded me—a command of love, of course—that I should write to it. Hence this article. I think it necessary to write in detail, the detailed chronological chronicle of this Ashram, before I try to say "WHAT IS WHERE?"

The name of this Ashram is "ANATHASEVASHRAMA OF MALLADIHALLI." This Malladihalli is a small hamlet in some obscure corner of this wide nation. There is a proverb in Kannada, which says that even the thread is respected on account of its association with the flowers. This is applicable to this village, which is the thread, known worldwide, by the virtue of its association with the Anathasevashrama. Because the Ashrama was established in this village, the name of the hamlet has been a polestar in the universal heavens.

As the name itself indicates, this Ashrama is a fine blending of both temporal and spiritual aspects of life. Many paths are recommended to secure the blessings of the Almighty and his realization, in Yoga. Selfless service is one of those paths. The same idea is explained by Sri Krishna in


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Bhagavadgeetha as Yogah Karmasu Koushalam. This means— "Do your duties, not allured by selfish motives, without desiring for any temporal benefits and considering your action as the worship of the Almighty."

The summum bonum of the eighteen PURANAS by the great sage Vyasa is told within one sloka Paropakaraya punyaya, papaya parapeedanam. The meaning of this sloka is—It is a fine virtue to help and serve the needy and oppressed, whereas it is a great sin to exploit and torture them. What else it be other than righteousness, to render untainted and selfless service to humanity with an outlook of worship to the Almighty? The adage "Service to humanity is service to God" has the same implication.

As already alluded above, Lord Krishna said in Geetha "Yogah Karmasu Koushalam". What is the need of any skill (Koushalam) for a selfless worker? Yes, herein lies the greatness. Here there are a number of meanings hidden behind the term Koushalam such as, tact, intellect, boldness, fear for God, dislike towards name and fame etc. I am just placing before you one or two examples, to make this point clear.

For instance —some institution, some training camp there...A particular person was placed in charge of looking to the management of the camp. His wife also joined him in this endeavour. Every chance of exhibiting their power, authority, cunning behavior and deceit during the twenty‐one days of the camp was utilized. At last on the Valedictory


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day of the camp, the person made every arrangement to get the Lion's share of the prizes and awards in his favor as well as his wife's and daughter's, in spite of the protest from all the participants of the camp. Likewise, the same kind of activity is being found in both small and big circumstances in the various associations and institutions at all levels—rural to national.

Whether it is private sector or public sector, the dealings everywhere are one and the same. Though there are virtuous persons in these fields, though they are well‐educated, they are spoilt by the evil minds everywhere, who shove the people, society and the nation as a whole into an unfathomed abyss. Do you want any other living example to this, other than our India? Every Government who have held the reins of the administration after independence have shown the same kind of action.

Therefore, let there be a true Koushalam while serving the nation‐whether man or woman, whether civilian or rustic. Koushalam means a kind of attitude to crush the selfish motives, and cherish an attitude of selfless service. We should perform all our duties like a sacrifice and we should burn down our brutal selfish motives in that holy fire. Then only we endear ourselves to the Almighty.

Some rich merchants approached Lord Jesus and demanded him to show God. Jesus replied to them that he could just pierce a camel through a needle hole rather than showing them God. They asked him again how they would be


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able to have the vision of God. And Jesus replied—

Unless the heart will be pure and sweet—unto that of a child, Doth not thou dream of the vision of thy Father.

Hence, though Karmayoga appears to be very common to say and hear, its practical side needs greater skill. Though we are performing our duty, we should not get ourselves involved in it, like the lotus leaf in the water.

Our preceptor used to say: "Look here, selfishness is a gum, stuck to our fingers (mind). This gum sticks firmly, in spite of our dislike towards it. A high degree of skill is needed to disentangle ourselves from this gum". Should we discontinue our selfless service because it is very difficult to disentangle? Who can say about the heaven and hell of our future? Sage Thulasidas said that service to the poor and the oppressed, the ailing and the orphans should be done. Considering their pains and sufferings to be ours, during our short life time, and this would be the way to God realization.

An ordinary person would have said—"What shall I do with heaven and hell? Let us enjoy this life till I live". A fool of this caliber is found in millions, in this country. But how many selfless workers can be found? The names of Rantideva and Divodasa, king of Kasi are immortal in the great story of Mahabharatha‐similarly, the name of St. Adam in Christian literature is eternal.

Rantideva had lost everything and was suffering from


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hunger and thirst; but God presented Himself before Rantideva and asked him about his requirements. He replied: Natwaham Kamaye Rajyam, Na Swargam, Na Punarbhavam; Kamaye Dukhathapthanam Praninam arthinashanam. "O God, I do not want to get back my lost Kingdom. I do not want even Heaven, I do not want another birth also. If you want to grace me, kindly allow me a chance to eradicate the pains of the poor who are suffering". This is the height of selfless service found in Rantideva‐an ideal personality.

My dearest brethren, Please don't think that I am deviating from the fact as to what is there in the Ashrama. If you drag the hand, the entire body follows‐similarly if I tell something about the Ashrama, something related to myself as its background should be dealt with‐there is no wonder in this fact. Therefore I shall briefly touch a few facts about me and then explain about the Ashrama.

An obscure corner in Kerala happens to be my birth place. I was the only ailing child to my parents. It is said that I was not conscious till the age of fifteen. My mother was bringing me up as an invalid in a cradle. (Such lean and invalid children are brought to our Ashram now for treatment).

My original name is Kumara Swamy. Anantha Padmanabha Nam‐boodiri was my father, who was also a very great astrologer. My mother was Padmambal who was suffering from consumption on account of her only ailing


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son. The inhabitants of Kerala are usually the devotees of Sri Mookambika of Kollur. Thus my mother persuaded her husband to have a pilgrimage to Kollur with her ailing son. They travelled on foot, walking one or two miles every day and halting on the way for rest. No amenities for travelling were available in those days.

Thus having travelled for a very long duration, this family reached Barkur, a village in Dakshin Kannada District and stayed in an outhouse of some building. Forced by circumstances, they had to stay there alone for a longer duration. My father became very popular both in Barkur and in the surrounding villages, on account of his skill and knowledge in astrology. Ramachandra Shastry was another astrologer who dwelt in Bhirthi, a nearby village. He heard of the advent of Anantha Padmanabha Namboodiri from Kerala, and visited him in Barkur.

The very first meeting of these two scholars brought them very close and Ramachandra Shastry often visited Namboodiri to discuss about Astrology; he used to stay with Namboodiri for one or two days. Now, the owner of the house was one Narasihmaih who had given shelter to Namboodiri. Narasihmaih and his wife Puthali Bai had a great regard for Ramachandra Sastry.

Now, one Swamiji of Mantralaya's Raghavendra Swamy Mutt had put up at Bhandarkeri Mutt, which was very near to Barkur. Mantralaya Peeth is respected by everyone even to‐day. Hence, a host of devotees heard about the arrival of


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Mantralaya Swamiji and rushed towards Bhandarkeri Mutt.

My mother Padmambal also went there with her ailing son. After the usual ceremonials, the devotees received Prasadam and went away. But, my mother was still sitting there. Grasping her intention, the Secretary of the Sri Mutt approached the Swamiji and told that the wife of the famous astrologer of Kerala awaited the Darshan of Swamiji.

The Swamiji himself came out and enquired her as to what the matter was. My mother explained to him all about her only son, with a pathetic tone. The Swamiji assured her that she need not worry herself for the boy, who had every chance of being a very famous person in the days to come. Thus the Swamiji blessed her and her son with holy "Phala‐Mantrakshata". The mother was extremely happy and she returned to Barkur with her son, with quick steps.

She was highly pleased with the assurance of the Swamiji that her son would be famous. The very words of the Swamiji's blessings had filled every drop of her blood with new enthusiasm and fresh life. Is there any decrepitude to a mother's love? It is always juvenile. My mother hurried back to Barkur, enchanting the very words of the Swamiji all along her way and instantly reported the same to her husband, in all eagerness. He too felt glad. But recognizing the uncontrolled bliss in his wife, he solaced her and advised her to take rest a while.

There is a traditional saying‐Too much of joy leads to


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sorrow. The same thing happened in my mother's case. She passed away within a week after the above incident. This incident affected my father's heart very gravely. Of course, he did not feel sad at his wife's death. He had well understood the eternity of birth and death. He only felt worried about the upbringing of his only invalid son.

At last, he implored the house‐wife Puthali Bai to look after his invalid son. He also requested her husband and owner of the house, Narasihmaih. But there was no acquiescence from them. By chance, Ramachandra Sastry of Bhirthi heard about the death of Namboodiri's wife and hurried to console him. Namboodiri was hopeful when he saw Ramachandra Sastry. He begged Sastry to persuade Puthali Bai to bring up his only son. Sastry, in turn appeased Namboodiri, and employing all his skill in persuading Puthali Bai, brought about an adoption in favor of me, to Puthali Bai and Narasihmaih.

Thus the first chapter in my life seemed to have ended. The very next day, Namboodiri handed all his earnings by way of astrology, to Puthali Bai and went on a pilgrimage to North India.

From that day onwards, I was brought up as a son to Puthali Bai and Narasihmaih. I never remembered any of the past events of my life. Not only this; everybody considered me a native of Barkur, as I was brought up there alone. I was rechristened as Veera Raghavendra on the day of my adoption to Puthali Bai, in view of the fact that I was


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bestowed as a gift from Raghavendra Swamiji of Mantralaya.

I do not know the why and wherefore of Yoga, but from that very day my abilities both physical and mental began to develop. I started my education in an indigenous private school. Later, I got admitted into the Higher Elementary School in Barkur. I never lagged behind in my studies. I secured first class marks in all the other subjects except English in which I secured marks for a just pass.

Even to‐day, I very well remember; I was highly antipathic towards English since my young age. I never gave any attention to that subject. But, I had a great affection towards music from my childhood itself. I was educated in Karnataka Music till Varna and Kirtan. I used to sing melodiously devotional songs. I could sing the songs of Bhajan (Group devotional songs).

I participated in many dramas enacted during the School Anniversary Celebrations. In some particular Year— the drama was CHANDRAHASA—I took a role in the drama, and when I entered the stage, there was a loud applause and clapping from the audience. There was some song from me; the audience would shout "once more" and I never had to disappear without singing the song, at least three to four times. My special hobby was Yakshagana Bayalata and Thala Maddale.

Not only in my place, but anywhere within the radius of two or three miles from Barkur, if there was any Yakshagana


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performance, I would be present there well in advance before the "Chowki Pooja" (a kind of green room for the artists). Thus I remembered by heart many a "Prasanga" (The text of the play). The very next day I would begin dancing Yakshagana, in the yard in front of my house.

After completing the Higher Primary Examination in Barkur, I was admitted to the High School at Coondapur. I did not lag behind in my studies, there too. But, I would secure just marks in English, which I disliked very much. I was very mischievous then, but my mind bent upon literature by the influence of Shivaramaiah who was my Kannada Pandith.

Since then, I would listen to the lessons in the class with concentration and spend the rest of my time in the study of literature. I opted for Sanskrit in my high school studies, and it helped me a lot in the improvement of Kannada. While studying at Coondapur, there was an incident which brought about a metamorphosis in my life.

I had returned from school, one Saturday to Barkur. On the very same day, I was acquainted to Sri Nityanand Swamiji who blessed me with Tarakayoga (Shaktipatha Yoga). After this rare incident, my mind was entirely bent upon spiritualism. From that day onwards, an inner urge developed in me to have the vision of God and to be one with God and to have the rare experience of Samadhi.


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I sat meditating in lonely places like forest, hillock and the ruins of old temples. But I would be greatly worried when I neither had the vision of God, nor could get Samadhi. I would beg and implore whoever saint, or bairagi, or baba or religious master I used to meet—"Have you seen God? Would you please show me God? None of them could show me God—how could they show me any God when they had never seen one? At last, somehow I completed my examination and wrote to my house—"It is my grave intention to have the vision of God. So, I am leaving for the purpose. Do not try to trace me out. Please take away my bag and baggage left in my room". Thus I left‐Whereto?

Sri Nityananda Swamiji who blessed me with Tarakayoga

Then, the name of the saint, Sri Siddharudha Swamiji of Hubli was very popular. So, I thought of realizing my mission


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with the help of that saint and straight away came to the bus stand. A motor was leaving for Shimoga. I folded my palms humbly and begged the driver as well as the conductor of the bus to take me to Shimoga. I don't know what they thought of me and my request; but the driver agreed to take me in his bus and provided me a seat very next to him.

The bus started. I was afraid if I would be recognized by any of my acquaintances. I was very gloomy. But the driver talked to me very cordially and instilled in me confidence. It was eight 0' clock in the night when I reached Shimoga. The driver had known about my mission‐Hence, he took me to his home. I had my supper in his home. Next morning, he was kind enough to pay me five rupees for my journey expenses and directed the way to railway station and the route I should travel to reach Hubli. On his directions, I was able to reach Hubli by seven O' clock in the next night. I enquired the whereabouts of the Ashram of Sri Siddharudha Swamiji and went there. The evening preaching was over and arathi was going on. I had not eaten anything since the morning.

Where should I go? The need for food increases, when all the ways of food are remote. My pocket was already empty. My attention was not towards the arathi. By that time, an old couple approached me and inquired about my sad story. They took me to their lodging, which was a small room adjacent to the Ashram. It seemed that they were issueless‐but gave me half of the food they had prepared for themselves. They shared the remaining half between


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themselves. They provided me a bed and sheet.

I felt annoyed when I saw I had snatched away half of their food. But the couple were very happy. The next morning, they asked me to stay with them as long as I stayed in Hubli. They asked me not to be hesitant. Of course I nodded. At the time, the Sidharudha Mutt was full with preaching, Bhajan, discussion always from morn till night. I also used to go and sit in the group. My mission was unique‐I must meet Sri Siddharudha alone and request him to show me God.

After patiently waiting for three weeks, I pushed myself through the crowds one day and laying myself prostrated at the feet of Sri Siddharudha I called him "Oh.. Grand Sire". The Swamiji stared at me and asked me in his rustic fashion what I wanted. I very timidly asked him if he had the vision of God and whether he would show me. The Swamiji burst into laughter and said that I was too young for such pursuit. He bade me go and sit for preaching. I further demanded him if God could be seen by listening to the preachings and discussion.

The Swamiji was struck with wonder at my interrogation. He praised me for my matured way of talk, but looking a while at me, he snatched away his feet from my hands and said that he was not my Guru and ordered me to go elsewhere. I wanted to know from him who my Guru was but it was not possible for me to meet him again, though I stayed there for some more days.


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I was regularly fed by the old couple. But I thought that it would be not decent on my part to be an unnecessary burden to the couple. At the same juncture, I chanced to view in a newspaper about the famous Amba Prasaditha Drama Company of Mangalore, which had camped at Tumkur. For the first time in my life, I thought of eking out a way to live.

Hence I approached the old couple and said, "I could not fulfill my mission here—now, if you kindly help me, I want to go to Tumkur. There is a drama company well known to me. I want to join that company". The old couple appreciated my point. They helped me to travel to Tumkur, but they bid me farewell with a heavy heart.

There was the least difficulty in tracing out the drama company in Tumkur. I reached there as a matter of course. The first man I met there was Shivarama Karanth. He listened to my details and replied that there was a vacancy of a clerk for the time being and as I had a good hand, I could undertake that work. If the work was agreeable, I could partake in the other areas of the Company.

The owner of the Company, one Ranganatha Bhat immediately agreed to offer me that responsibility. Thus the account books of the company were handed over to me. In one or two days I was entrusted with the sales of tickets and disbursement of salary and wages to the staff of the Company. I had also to enact minor roles in the drama. Thus the quantum of work was very tight and restless, day by day.


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The owner of the company was highly pleased with my neat work, financial honesty and accuracy. The main keys of the treasury were placed in my hands. Shivaram Karanth was swearing to make the company an ideal home of art till then; but on account of his some infirmity, he was disliked by all the people in the company. Somehow Karanth left the company, for good.

The owner Ranganath Bhat was a great actor himself, besides being a good musician. He was able to sing Pallavi in Southern music. He would select able and good looking youths and give them proper training in acting. Let me place before you an incident which happened while I was serving in the drama company.

Some town—let me not mention its name—there was a gymnasium of indigenous type. The master of that gymnasium was a great wrestler, but a very crooked person. He had placed a number of respectable persons of the town under his thumb. People were quite afraid of him. When our drama company had a camp in that town, this wrestler compelled the company to allow the members of his gymnasium to see the drama free of cost. He repeated the same unjust means for four or five days continuously.

I came to know of his atrocities. The very next day, I stood near the gate of the theatre awaiting that devil. He arrived that day also in his usual colors. He had brought ten of his disciples to get entrance without ticket. I just stood in his way and demanded tickets. The man got furious and


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threatened to set the theatre on fire. "You will be no where till then" said I, giving a heavy blow to one of his sides. He fell down and could not get up. I snatched away his big stick and thrashed him, so that he should not get up. All his disciples took to their heels when they saw the pathetic condition of their Guru. The next day, my action was appreciated by all.

The social dramas were enacted only by amateur drama companies in those days. The credit of introducing the social dramas by the professional companies goes to Ranganatha Bhat. Nisha Mahima, a drama written by Shivarama Karanth on the basis of the Marathi Drama" Ekachapyala" which was enacted on the Maharashtra theatre and in which Bala Gandharva played role, was enacted in Ambaprasadith Drama Company.

"Sathi Samyukta" another historical Drama was also enacted. I involved myself in all fields of action in the company‐from administrative to enacting function. The drama company was day by day becoming popular. Ranganatha Bhat was becoming more and more popular, like Varadachar, Garuda Sadasiva Rao etc. securing a number of awards like Abhinaya Kala Vibhushana, Natyakala Visharad, having won the hearts of all people. The very popular drama companies in those days were Sri Channabasaweswara Nataka Company of Gubbi Veeranna, Varadachar Natak Company, and so on.


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I was suffering from epilepsy and heart trouble, while I was serving in Amba Prasadith Natak Company, but I was recognized to be a good worker. It was during that period that I received Yoga instruction by His Holiness Sri Palini Swamiji, a great Hathayogi. But my mind was again curious on having the holy vision of Almighty‐I left the drama company for good, following a host of ascetics, with the fond hope of getting what I longed for.

The turmoil I had undergone during this wandering is inexplicable. True, for my innermost soul was indicating the fact, that unless I would undergo these turmoil, I could never reach my goal. It was an unexpected surprise for me to come across many a cheat in the guise of an ascetic. A few of them were opium eaters; a few others, heavy drunkards; a few more, great debauchers. Thus amid these, my journey continued, without food and drink, unclad, seeking the whereabouts of Almighty.

I went on foot, from place to place. It was my greatest woe that I could not find God till then; it would make me shed tears alone not for my mendicancy, but for my inability to witness God.


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My feet were bleeding, due to my incessant walk; my body was emaciated in the heat of the Sun. But I would solace my self—"This is a kind of test by the Almighty. The harder the test, greater would be my inner power." I shed tears —not for woman, neither for land, nor for money but only for a vision of God; this purpose of tears would make me quite glad.

His Holiness Sri Palini Swamiji, a great Hathayogi

It was at this juncture, that I came across a piece of news in a Marathi daily, that a great soul, Sri Sri Swami Shivananda would visit Pandarapur, to deliver his holy preaching. I immediately changed my course and with the greatest difficulty, I arrived at Pandarapur. But to my misfortune, I learnt that the Swamiji just left for Poona. I straightly went again to Poona.


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It was herculean task to trace out the whereabouts of Swamiji, in a great city like Poona. After walking about a long distance, for two or three weeks, I was able to find the great soul at last; I was very successful in winning over his heart in my favor and stayed with him. But Swamiji would never stay in a single place. I stayed with him for three to four years, and continued Yoga, learnt from Sri Palini Swamiji.

Sri Sri Swami Shivananda

The nature of Palini Swamiji and that of Sri Shivanandji were poles apart. Palini Swamiji was of silent nature, where as Sivanandji was highly talkative. He was a great orator, well learned man and great seer, besides being a patriot. He would infuriate the young minds with a burning desire to serve their motherland. He would preach that a nation is not merely a heap of soil. The nation is a living entity. He would


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address the youth and say that the motherland was undergoing a lot of trouble, and that she was a servant to the foreign power. He would offer a clarion call to the young to strive hard to get the motherland released, forgetting the restricted differences of caste, creed, language etc. Then he would look at us and say that the heroes of our nation would show their prowess through their feats. It was a signal for us to demonstrate our feats of Yoga as well as Physical exercises.

While I spent a few days, travelling with the Swamiji, he would speak of another great personality, Rajaratna Professor Manikya Rao of Baroda, who was an expert physical culturist besides being a strict celibate.

On one of these days, there was a speech by Swamiji in Kolaba. It was a scholarly discourse on spirituality, a piece of his evergreen scholarship. The audience was spell‐bound to give it a hearing. After this lecture, I was completely overtaken by my ever longing desire of having a vision of God. I was shedding tears, not caring about my food. The Swamiji approached me with great love and enquired me about my grief.

I could not help sobbing—"Swamiji, I have been with you in this Ashram, just to have a vision of God, with your kind blessings. But till now, you have not kept your word. Especially after hearing your speech this day, I am unable to control my longing to see God. Kindly show him—I beg you" —so saying I fell down at his feet.


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The Swamiji who was listening to me, took me up and solaced me —"Karnataki (this was how he used to address me). Our meditation should be according to the environment. Have you cared to notice the surrounding society? Crores of children living in this holy motherland are starving, ill‐clad, hungry and ailing—now, have you understood the pain of their innermost personalities? Are you not moved with pity, to see your own brethren thus suffering? And you are shedding tears to see God.

“These ailing beings are nothing but God Himself. You must find your God in these people —Feel that their sufferings are your own—you should try to wipe out the tears, in the eyes of these; If, in case, you do a lot of penance and have the vision of God, it would help you alone—but not to the suffering million. Mother India has sent you with a mission to put an end to the grief of these people.

You should not be selfish—now, you should render selfless service and have the blessings of the Almighty"—thus, spoke the Swamiji for two hours, in detail—he was successful in bringing about a metamorphosis in my very personality. At last, he interrogated me whether I should see God, or render selfless service to humanity. I forgot where I was. There was a thorough change in me. I touched his holy feet and took an oath to follow his advice to the core.


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As I have already mentioned, the Swamiji had immense respect in the celibate of Baroda, Professor Manikya Rao. He was the Bhishma of Kaliyuga. The Swamiji himself was a disciple of the professor in his early days and had learnt the physical culture along with the skills of using military weapons. It was after this training, that the Swamiji dedicated his life to the service of the Nation, after acquiring the ascetic name of Shivananda Thirtha. But he was not an ascetic in appearance, but a true Sanyasin, having nothing selfish in him.

Professor Manikya Rao of Baroda the “Bhishma of Kaliyuga”

He had a thorough knowledge of the scriptures of not only Hinduism, but of almost all other great religions of the world. He would cite extracts from Vedas, the Bible, the


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Quran and the like. Professor Manik Rao had a great love and regard for his speeches. Swamiji had made it a rule to participate in the Shivaji Mahotsava and the Gajanana Saptaha celebrated in Baroda. I also chanced to participate in one Gajanana Saptaha, along with the Swamiji.

I rambled there and was curious about the various physical exercises—Even the most cowardly would be a great hero, if the person observed these items. After the Gajanana Saptaha, I went along with the Swamiji and while he camped at Ratnagiri, I gave words to my wish—I requested him that I longed to undergo the physical culture training at Baroda, under the guidance of the professor Manik Rao. To my great surprise, the Swamiji took me to Baroda, the very next morning. After proper admonitions to me on the way, as to how I should behave myself in Baroda, we had reached the famous Jumma Dada Gymnasium in Baroda.

As soon as the tonga stopped at the main entrance of the Gymnasium, the Swamiji took off his shoes and walked barefooted. I silently followed him. No sooner did the professor see the Swamiji than he hurried to the doors to welcome and greet. The significant meeting of this preceptor and the disciple had no words to be explained. Manik Rao was the preceptor to the Swamiji. Even kings and emperors would prostrate before Manik Rao. The Swamiji had a high regard for him—and he wanted to touch the holy feet of Manik Rao. But the Professor would not allow Shivanandji, as he was an ascetic.


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I was wonderstruck to see all this. Anyway, the Swamiji introduced me to the professor. He told that he had brought a gem as his disciple. He told everything about my state of mind and implored him to take me as his disciple in physical culture. Professor agreed and the Swamiji left, leaving me behind.

The training of my physical culture started under the able guidance of prof. Manik Rao. The great preceptor of Manik Rao was one Sri Jumma Dada, who lived upto the age of one hundred and thirty years. I have heard Manik Rao say that Jumma Dada was a great disciplinarian. Manik Rao had acquired knowledge and virtues from his preceptor Jumma Dada. To be frank, if there is any discipline in my behavior, it is on account of these great preceptors' blessings.

I became professor Manik Rao's nearest and dearest, within a month of my staying there. He would address me "Karnataki" and assign duties—I would get up at three thirty in the early morning, take bath in cold water and perform Yoga practice learnt from Sri Palini Swamiji and Shivanandji. Then I would take a little rest and be ready to undergo physical training.

After only a few days of my settling there, I was entrusted with the duty of prompting the prayers, both during morning and evening. My voice, in those days was very melodious, which attracted all the students, including my preceptor. Especially, for Saturday prayers, high dignitaries of the locality used to be invited. I was quite


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innocent of all these; I used to keep everything ready for worship, prompt prayers and present the Arathi before everyone. Then I would prostrate before my Guru.

He used to ask the guests if he was correct in his opinion about my singing. He would ask me to sing it again before them. It was a prayer to God Maruthi—in Sanskrit and Marathi. When I sang the prayer, I would feel as if God Maruthi himself stood before me —I never lagged behind even in physical culture; a few of the items were—lathi, katti, dagger‐fighting, spear, sword fighting, wrestling, horse riding; I was proficient not only in these oriental items, but a few occidental items such as double bar, single bar, Roman rings, weight lifting—which were learnt with the help of my friends. A few other difficult exercises such as Malkambh, hathyaronka Malkambh, rope climbing, rope malkambh, also were learnt. Actually, I had no time for practice.

The timings of the Gymnasium were between 5‐00 A. M. and 9‐00 P. M. But I would get up at 3‐30 in the morning and go to bed at 11‐10 in the night. Sometimes, my practice would take more time. Once, professor Manik Rao was given to understand about my unwieldy routine. Some student had complained against me. But he did not pay heed. He asked the student, "Are you in any way disturbed by his practice?" The answer was in the negative and Manik Rao told him, "then let his penance continue".

After finishing my routine late in the night, I would go to the preceptor to serve him, by massaging his feet. It was


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at this time, that Manik Rao used to explain his great practice, the blessings of his Guru and about physical culture and its subtle discipline. It was really a feast for me to listen to him.

One night, about 10 o' clock, I was massaging his feet; a tonga entered the premises of the Ashram. The sound of an awkwardly crying child was heard. Manik Rao told us, "Listen, a boy of ten years has come. The bone on his right thigh has broken. Hurry up, join the broken bone and apply the ointment". We hurried down and found what he said was true to the letter. We acted on the words of Guruji—took the boy to the orthopedic section, joined the bone and applied the ointment. The boy and the people who had brought him were accommodated for the night.

We again appeared before the Guruji—we asked him how he was able‐ to find out the truth about the boy from such a distance. He smiled and said, "there is no miracle about this. This is called Shabda Bhedi art. A common man cannot understand this. But incessant practice brings home everything clear. Later on, I began to practice that too.

I remember an incident, which happened then. Once, Her Highness, the Queen of Baroda visited the Ashram. She had a high regard for Manik Rao —She asked him to show some interesting physical feat. He agreed and asked her to get a supply of a mond of (mond is a measurement of weight) sweetmeats, which was immediately made available. He installed a Malkambh (a pillar to show physical feats)


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and poured all the sweetmeat around the pillar. He ascended the pillar, showed a few feats and jumped down. Again, he would ascend and jump down.

The people were spell bound to see his feats. At last he drew our attention towards the sweetmeats. In spite of his jumping down on them for several times, not even a single sweetmeat was broken a little. They were all intact. Manik Rao weighed at least 160 monds —but his weight had not damaged the sweetmeats. Later, he explained that the feat was nothing but one of the eight achievements, called as Laghima—An aspirant should never make use of these achievements for exhibition. He should continue penance and have God realization.

At this juncture, an All India Ayurvedic Conference was held in Baroda. The President of this great Conference was a great man Baba Lakshman Das Sadhu from Lahore. I had an opportunity to witness, this great occasion. After seeing this memorable gathering, a burning desire to learn Ayurveda took shape in my mind. Immediately I wrote to Swami Shivanandaji, stating my desire. The Swamiji immediately hurried to Baroda

Both the Swamiji and Manik Rao had a long discussion about my desire. At last they decided to send me to Lahore to be an Ayurvedic disciple to Baba Lakshman Das Sadhu—An urgent gathering was convened and I was given the title B. P. C. and blessed. The Swami Shivananda took me to Lahore. On the way, he told me—"Baba Lakshman Das is a


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versatile genius. He is an adept both in Yoga and Ayurveda. You must win over his love with modesty and care, and be his disciple. If I take you to him and introduce you as his disciple, he may not agree. He may ask me to teach you these. Hence, I should not appear before him. I will take you to the gates of Kaivalyashrama of Lahore and leave you alone. The future attempts are left to you". Accordingly, he left me in front of the gates of the Ashram and returned—

I very timidly entered the Ashram and stood before its gate; Just in front, Baba Lakshman Das himself sat on a seat. His face was resplendent with vigor and luster. I was stunned for a while, standing and looking at him. He interrogated me in his gentle voice in Hindi "Turn Koun Ho?" I wanted to reply very politely; but only uttered "Mai..Mai.." and could not talk any further. The Swamiji stood up, came to me, and holding my hands, took me inside. "Don't be afraid; talk calmly", he said. After recovering myself, I spoke to him‐"Maharaj, I am not afraid even of the God of Death. My nature is quite bold. I had seen you while your kind self had been to Baroda for the Great Ayurvedic Conference. I had felt quite happy with your learned speech on Ayurveda".

"What were you doing there in Baroda?" asked he. "I was serving the celibate Prof. Manik Rao and getting Physical Education from him".

"Oh, He is really great. He is the Homeland of manly instruction, and an apostle of discipline. I had visited his Gymnasium while I called at Baroda. Especially his store of


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weapons is worthy of seeing. Even an impotent would be a hero, by looking at those weapons. His lathi (stick) was as big as a pounder".

He told another episode about the Maharaja of Baroda, who wanted to take all those weapons. But Manik Rao had refused saying, "There is sufficient room in my store of weapons".

After this, Lakshman Baba inquired me of what I was till them. I explained in brief all about my previous life, and told him that I was practicing Yoga under the directions of Swami Shivanandji and that Hatha Yoga was taught to me by Sri Palini Swamiji and so on.

Baba heard me with interest—"you are a great adventurer. Even your Guru, that Shivananda is also a great man. But his life is not settled. I had suggested him many a time to settle in some place and preach and propagate yoga. But he is not heeding. He is a nomad" —said he.

"Maharaj, I have been striving hard to be a man, and to realize this object, I have been serving since my boyhood, many great sages".—I said.

"Then, you are a great robber", he told. "Quite so, I am a great robber" was my reply.

"Many disciples who had come to the Ashram to be educated, robbed me of many valuable things of the Ashram.


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What do you rob here?"

"I am not an ordinary robber who steals the mundane things. I am a robber to rob you of your great knowledge:"—was my rejoinder.

Baba Lakshman Das was very pleased with this—he got me into his firm embrace and took me to be his disciple. He began to teach me Ayurveda from the very next day. He taught me anatomy and metabolism on the basis of the ancient scriptures written by Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata, Bhavamisra, Sharan‐gadhara, Madhavachary and so on. Baba's instructions were quite classical and in strict accordance with the classical treatises on the Science of medicine.

Detailed instructions were imparted on the nature and qualities of the medicinal herbs and natural vegetation. When there was no instruction, we used to go to the Ayurvedic Library and study great treatises. We would also learn by heart, the lexicons of Ayurveda by Madanpal, Dhanwantari, Salagram's Basavaraja, Bhanuprakash and a host of others.

We used to participate in the preparations of the medicines in the work shop. If I was doubtful about any topic, I would directly approach Baba and in turn he would solve my problems. I used to make notes on those classics and show to Baba, who appreciated very much my method of study.


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Thus, my study of Ayurveda was quite thorough. Besides, I worked hard in therapeutics also. Many a patient was cured by me successfully. In those days, medicines prepared elsewhere were not made use of. On the contrary, medicines were prepared and manufactured in a scientific manner there alone, in the Ashram itself. I became an adept in the manufacture of medicines.

The next lessons were given on Siddha Vidya or Alchemy. This school of thought was propounded by Nagarjuna. Viswanatha, Mahanandi, Mathsyendranath, Kapali, Bhaluki, Agasthya and a host of others later developed this branch of Ayurveda. This branch explains about the cure of deadly diseases by administering the medicines prepared by mixing the different kinds of metals and alloys. Baba Lakshman Das had the specialization in this branch. Whereas many other Siddha Vydyas prepared the ash(Bhasma)using gold, silver, mercury, copper, mica, sulphur and lead, after hundreds of burning processes, Baba Lakshman Das would prepare the ash within the first or the second burning process.

He was an adept in Suvarna Vada and Rajatha Vadas. He taught me the old tradition "Siddhayoga! Before my training was concluded, the Baba sent me to an hospital, run by German Doctors at Lahore, so that I might see the modus operandi. When I went there and mentioned the name of the Baba, the Head of the Hospital immediately permitted to have a detailed look of every part of the hospital. All the doctors, and nurses there were from Germany only, except a


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few menials and sweepers there who were the only Indians.

While I observed the doctors, it was astonishing to find them serving the lepers with the utmost care and love, washing their wounds and applying medicines and again dress them‐without the least sense of loathsomeness. They were all very cordial and kind to those ailing. I had a thorough vision of the hospital from morning nine till one in the afternoon. When I returned to the Ashram, the Baba was awaiting. He asked me—"What Karnataki, Did you have a vision of the hospital for leprosy?".

"Yes, Guruji", I replied. "What did you see there?"

"Guruji, I found there every doctor, each nurse viewing the Almighty Himself in those patients". I told.

"Wonderful; You said it very well my dear boy, I wish you should also learn and cultivate the habit of seeing God in the ailing patients. This was my very purpose of sending you there".

This was how he always aimed at making me an ideal doctor.

I returned to Varuda, from Lahore and met Sri Swami Shivanandji again—I explained to him everything in detail — Anyway, he seemed to be unhappy about me for leaving Baba. Again I joined him and began to go round the land, giving demonstration of Yoga and physical culture. It was at


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this time that the Swamiji was invited to inaugurate a new gymnasium at Bhatkal, a town in North Kannada District.

As he was very busy, he intimated the organizers of the function that he would send his disciple Raghavendra(me) who knew Kannada also very well, besides being an adept in Yoga and physical culture. Those people accepted this and the Swamiji wrote to them that Mr. Raghavendra Rao, B. P. C. would be coming over there on such and such a date, on such and such a time. Accordingly, I went to Bhatkal Via Hubli by a bus.

The entire town wore a festive look; the people gave me a grand welcome. They shouted the slogans of "Sri Shivanand Maharaj Ki Jai", "Sri Raghavendra Rao Ki Jai". As soon as I stepped down from the bus, the people showered flowers on me, and garlanded me. But the police officer who had accompanied me, appeared before me and thundered—"You are under arrest".

This was a surprise—but undaunted, I enquired him about this. The reply was quite ticklish. "You bear the letters B. P. C. after your name. You must have been a member of Bombay provincial Congress Committee". I could not control my laughter. I had to explain and enlarge the abbreviated form of B. P. C. as Bachelor of Physical Culture, the degree I was awarded. The Police Officer released me, duly apologizing for his folly. There was a grand procession afterwards, along the streets of Bhatkal. I delivered a talk on Yoga and physical culture in a gathering convened in front of


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Sri Venkataramana Swamy Temple. Every arrangement was made for my stay there alone.

The leaders of the town had already prepared a list of youths who wished to be admitted to the Yoga Camp to be started the next day. Accordingly, the very next morning at seven, I inaugurated the Hanuman Gymnasium, by kindling the holy light and right away started Yoga classes. The duration of the Camp was only for one week, I had arranged to train the students the Suryanamaskar and a few Yoga postures sufficing for a week.

The people of Bhatkala thronged around my class and silently watch over the systematic and well disciplined training given by me, and were very pleased. Vasundhara, the daughter of the Police officer who had arrested me, also was one of the trainees in my camp. After a week's training, the valedictory function was arranged very grandly. It was celebrated under the presidentship of a famous lawyer in the district. After the demonstration by the trainees was over, I gave a wonderful demonstration on the request of the audience.

A few difficult Yoga postures were shown by me and they were highly applauded. During the course of this function, the police officer who had arrested me in the beginning, appeared on the stage, and apologized to me, with tears in his eyes. "Please, don't worry. You had done your duty", I said. The President, in his presidential address gave a very high ovation to me. The organizers felicitated me


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on behalf of the citizens of Bhatkala, with a shawl and a Gold medal. A purse with five hundred and one rupees was presented to me as travelling expenses.

The very next day, I returned to Varuda, and explained everything to Swami Shivanandji, placing the gold medal on his holy feet. The Swamiji was thrilled. He wore me the gold medal with his own hands and blessed me wholeheartedly. The very night he had a talk to me—"Karnataki, a number of letters have been addressed to me by the dignitaries of Karnataka, requesting me to send any suitable person to Karnataka to propagate Yoga and Physical Culture. Anyway, you are the most befitting person to undertake this responsibility. Hence, you should immediately go to Karnataka. You should conduct yoga camps, not more than three days in a single place. Thus, you should travel around Karnataka".

I was shocked to leave him. I began to shed tears. The Swamiji solaced me‐"Karnataki, each person has three kinds of obligations to render. They are obligation to the preceptor, obligation to the parents and obligation to the motherland. Unless you fulfill these obligations, your life has no meaning. Look here, you are weeping to leave me—I am equally sad to depart with you, who are my ardent and beloved disciple. Even then, I curtly order that you should go, at once". The very next day, he took me to Bombay and bade me good bye, sending me to Malpe in a steamer.

Getting down from the steamer, I went to Udupi. I


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developed acquaintance there, and directly went to meet the Swamiji of Palimaru Mutt, one of the eight Mutts of Udupi. This Palimaru Swamiji was well‐known as Pylvan Swamiji (Wrestler). I explained my details to him and requested him to arrange for a demonstration of my Yogasanas the very next day before him and to invite all other seven swamijis of different mutts.

"Our Swamijis are islands‐They never mix and mingle among themselves. But, you are a great Yogi and well versed in Ayurveda. How can I ignore your request? I shall try to invite all the other Swamijis who are in the station", he promised. He made arrangements for my stay in the Mutt.

At four thirty in the afternoon of the very next day, people of Udupi thronged in front of Sri Anantheswara Temple to witness my demonstration. The Palimaru Swamiji himself stood at the gate and welcomed the audience with love and regard. He waited until all other seven Swamijis arrived—At last, he took his seat. The demonstration started under the presidentship of an elderly Swamiji.

The demonstration was for more than two hours, till seven in the evening. I demonstrated the contraction and expansion of the different muscles of my well‐developed body. These items were witnessed by the curious audience in a spell bound manner. After the gathering, Sri Lakshmeendra Tirtha Swamiji of Sirur Mutt asked the Palimaru Swamiji about my stay.


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Thus this made all the audience greatly surprised—because, for many years in the past, these two Heads of Mutt had stopped talking with each other. This ice was broken now. All the Swamijis cordially invited me to their Mutts for receiving their blessings with the prasadam. Accordingly, I visited each Mutt, the next day and received their holy blessings.

After ten days, I left for Thirthahalli—a taluk head quarters in Shimoga District. I made a visit to Bheemeswara Mutt and Durvasapur Mutt, gave a Yoga demonstration at Thirthahalli and continued my journey to Sagar. A Yoga demonstration was conducted there under the auspices of the Municipal High School. The very night, a host of eminent lawyers of Sagar came to me and said —"Mr. Raghavendra Rao, if you go on demonstrating this Yoga, the people feel happy at its sight. But instead, if you stay here, establish an Ashram and give training to the people, it will be of greater utility. Even now, if you kindly agree, we are ready to build up a Yoga Training School, in this town". I replied "I am not free to act in this matter. I have been working as a propagator of Yoga according to the commands of Sri Swami Shivanandji".

The lawyers did not stop there. They immediately sent a wire, asking him to permit Sri Raghavendra Rao to stay there and impart education in Yoga. Fortunately Sri Swamiji was present. He received the wire, noted the contents and sent an early reply—"He may stay there for twenty days". The people at Sagar were highly pleased. They brought three


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hundred aspirants of Yoga, within that evening, before me. I started Yoga classes—Suryanamaskara, Gurunamaskara, Yogasan, Pranayam, and Dhyana were taught in the morning hours. In the evening, lathi, dumbells, lazium, Kavayath, Kolata and March past were taught. The people of Sagar were highly pleased with my system of coaching.

They had a great respect for me. Whenever I got leisure I would gather my students and participate in the social service, like cleaning the dust of the wells, repairs to the roads, and canals and the like. A lot of constructive work also was done. Besides, the patients were treated also. The valedictory celebrations were conducted under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner of Shimoga.

Next, I proceeded to Sorab. Thus I conducted Yoga camps in all the following places —Sorab, Shiralkoppa, Anavatti, Nyamathi, Honnali, Harnahalli, Kumsi, Shikaripur, Koolambi, Kundur, Channagiri, Kotehal, Chirdoni, Santhebennur, Ran‐gapur, Kodaganur, Nerlagi, Echaghatta, Hadadi, Lokikere, Gopanalu, Thyavanige, Bada, Kariganur, Syagalay, Kandagal, Gunderi, Malalakere, Chitrahalli, Bheemasamudra, Harosagar, Dogganal, Malladihalli etc., There were more than 40 villages where I conducted camps, and trained the people in Yoga and physical culture, to the tune of more than thirteen thousand trainees.

Thus at last, it was in 1943 that I entered this village of Malladihalli. The details of these camps for the period of eight years would be a kind of dry report, if I were to explain


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in detail. Hence, I shall give in brief the particulars of the camps.

The purpose of my camp was not only to teach Yoga, Sarvanga Sundar Vyayam (a kind of physical exercises, making our body form very attractive) and massaging, but a host of other very useful services like cleaning the surroundings of the locality, removing the dust and welter from the wells and ponds, bringing about unity among the factions of the locality, curing the ailing persons, convening the cultural gatherings, propagation and sales of Khadi, mass marriages, prohibiting alcohol, eradicating anti social habits

like gambling, playing cards, smoking etc. I would try to minimize the expenses on marriages and law courts. Thus, I am treated with due love and respect by the people of these


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areas, even to this day.

In my sufficiently long experience, the people of any of these villages are too innocent, and unsophisticated. Devotion in God, respect in the elderly persons, dignity of labor and helping nature have been in born qualities in them. They are far away from hatred, deception and dishonesty. But, in these later decades, a few of the local politicians have been exploiting these innocent mass, sowing the seeds of hatred, jealousy, communal mindedness and the like in their innocent hearts, and achieving their selfish aims. This has been the main reason for the failure of our Five Year Plan, Seven Year Plan, which are estimated on the basis of the foreign loan—the money thus borrowed never reaches the common mass, but directly fulfils the selfish motives of our so‐called leaders, authorities and a few middle men. Who is to set it right?

To‐day, bad elements of society unite in our Country more easily than virtuous powers. It has been an unsolvable problem to rectify these anti national traitors. These horrible people are meant only for such treachery. But, at the same time, they are good orators, as well as very good hoarders of black money. Anyway, in my opinion, it is better that these people understand now alone the fact that the poor one day or the other will definitely attack them. There are many people with power and authority, but not patriotism.

We are in need of the nation builders—but, how many


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of them are available? As already told, I arrived in Malladihalli after conducting camps in more than forty places. Now it will be a grave fault, if I do not tell you as to what have I done here after coming to Malladihalli. Hence, I try to place a few of those facts before you.

Before, I came here, many of my well‐wishers, preceptors and others warned me—"you should never step in to that village. It is not a suitable place for people like you". But my answer also was equally determinant—"Defects, shortcomings and vices are common to all people. Everybody errs, except the dead ones. Hence, there is greatness in rectifying the faults of these people." with this determination I entered this village.

In the beginning, it was very difficult for the villagers who were undisciplined to the core, to understand me properly. But they came to learn of my discipline and service mindedness which were the firm capital in me. I would get up early in the morning, take my bath, sweep the surroundings of the village leaders' houses and decorate the premises with "Rangavalli" (painting the creepers with color).

This left a deep impression on the minds of those leaders. Soon, they themselves began to do this service. It was at this juncture that there was an attack of the deadly disease Cholera. The people gasped with wonder to see me rendering my wholehearted services to the patients—both men and animals. They yielded before my sense of


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cleanliness and my way of curing the patients. They realized very well that I was not a fake ascetic, an imposter or swindler, but a real sanyasi, without any distinction of caste or creed, serving everyone alike.

Thus there was a grand metamorphosis of their heart—I employed this change to be a foundation of my future plans. I built up a Mutt—for Sri Parappa Swamy who had been a great soul of the locality. Everyday, there used to be group prayers and bhajans in the Mutt, in the evening. I was very much annoyed to see the Harijans (people belonging to Scheduled Caste and Tribes)standing outside the window

and watch the group prayers.

I invited them to enter the Mutt and sit with us. But those people did not agree to enter. I, personally went out


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and brought those people in. It had an adverse effect on the people in the village. But they had to bear with me, as they had already recognized in me a great soul.

I consider that I should make the pains of others my own. Those people need our help, and let us offer—this is nothing but the service to God; it is a kind of worship. Here

is another incident. There was a well outside the premises of the Ashram. The villagers used to utilize the water for drinking. But Harijans were not allowed to use the water from that well. I was very unhappy about the fact that the Harijans had to use the muddy and dirty water of a small stream in the outskirts of the village. After sometime, I dug a


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well in the premises of the Ashram. I allowed Harijans to utilize the water from the Ashram's well. An officer of Veterinary Department who was a Harijan was highly indebted to me for the water facilities from Ashram's well. How can our leaders who quench their thirst with Whisky and Brandy, understand the fact that even Harijans are in need of water?

When I arrived at Malladihalli, there was yet no freedom to the country. But, the struggle for freedom was going on. Then an anonymous letter was addressed to Rangappa Thimmappa, a well‐to‐ do person of this Village. It was stated in the letter that they would attack on such and such a day, at such and such a time, on his house—While they plunder, he should keep ready all the valuable ornaments along with a sum of twenty five thousand rupees for them. They would take this booty and go away. Otherwise, they would attack and loot his house—wherein, murder and casualty might result in, for which they wouldn’t be held responsible.

Thimmappa hurried to me with the letter and expressed his anxiety and grief. I gave him solace and —immediately arranged to display boards, on which was written—"Anybody desirous of looting Thimmappa's house may enter the village—but let him make sure that he will not return with his life". Of course, I put my full name under this writing. But nobody turned up. Throughout the night, I would patrol alone, along the lanes and corners of the entire village.


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I would engage myself in the constructive work during the entire day‐time. But, during the nights, I would indulge in the underground activities in connection with the freedom struggle. I am not ready to disclose as to what were my operations during the underground activities—But, I can only say this much—I strived hard for the sake of my motherland, caring least for my life. At last, came that long cherished dream realized—the freedom to India,—But now I ask myself—"Was this freedom necessary?" For, this is not freedom—This is only a wayward willful irresponsibility.

But this organization was formulated by us. Hence we would correct and rectify its defects and shortcomings and make it continue and survive. I was a Congressman—even now also a Congressman and in future also, I will be a congressman, till I live. But I have not claimed with the Government any returns for my service—There are a lot of selfish persons; those sycophants are there. Let them be like that —I will be like this:

While I was travelling from place to place, conducting the Yoga camps everywhere for eight years, I used to request the people of each village to donate me lands and a sum of ten thousand rupees to build an Ashram. Many people were quite agreeable —but, one or two "Very noble" persons would interfere and say—"No—no —don't give him—He would abscond along with your money". To‐day the same 'noble persons' are really repenting a lot, and feeling very jealous of the growth of this Ashram.


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While I came to this village, the local people donated land to build the Ashram. Sankajji, and old woman donated five hundred rupees for erecting Parappa Swamy Mutt. I took up my begging bowl and raised alms in the surrounding villages. The Mutt was constructed. A small dispensary of Ayurveda was also ready. A Gymnasium took shape. A Ward for inpatients was built. A big dining hall was erected. Educational Institutions like Nursery school, Pre‐University College, Yoga Training Centre, Teacher's Training Centre, Typewriting Institute, Sanskrit School along with Students' Hostel took shape. Three High Schools in three villages came into being.

Besides these, Goshala, Matru Mandir, Vriddhashrama, Yoga‐Sangama, Dhanwantari Ayurvedic Complex, residential quarters for the teachers, well furnished guesthouses, a big coconut plantation, dry and wet lands took shape gradually, a property worth more than three and half crores of rupees—all raised as alms, standing before you in the shape of the Ashrama.

The volume of service rendered till now would be estimated for fifteen crores of rupees, if estimated by the Government. I have still future plans worth eight crores of rupees. I am very confident of executing these plans in future. Not only this, but herbs and medicinal plants of about seven to eight thousand categories have been planted in the plantations called Thapovana, Siddhavana, Madhuvana, Sanjeevana Vana, Chandradrona Vana etc. Free Ayurvedic Treatment is given on every Sunday and Monday. Till now


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more than ten lakhs of patients have been given treatment, with free medicines, free board and lodging facilities. Free Yoga Training is given to the aspirants from 4th October to 24th October of every year.

Lakhs of persons men and women—have been imparted Yoga Training till now. Indigenous simple domestic medicinal methods are taught every year from 4th May to 15th May‐in the Griha Vydya Shibira‐free of cost. People from all over the Nation are visiting this place for medicinal service and Yoga education.

Fifty seven volumes are published by the Publications of the Ashrama "Bala‐Belaku‐sahitya Male". Fifty three volumes among these are written by Thiruka. (Yes, it is my pen name). This Thiruka feels very proud of himself to say that he has brought about a re‐union of husband and wife, who were separated due to some family bickering, among one hundred seventy well‐bred families.

It is true, a great service is being rendered here, in this Ashram. While speaking in the ordinary sense of the world, I say that I have done this; I have done that and so on. But really I mean to say‐if anything good is done to society, it is all due to that unseen great power. Our great sages have expressed the same idea in the following manner—

"Even a cripple would jump across the mountain, a mute would be an orator, only if the Guru blesses". This is totally true in my case. I would like to quote another


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incident from the holy Quran—(It appears in the first 'Sura' of Quran). On a certain day, Mohammed Pygumber was sitting in a cave on the Heera Hills, meditating deeply. There appeared a form before him and said—"Thou readest". Truly, prophet Mohammed was illiterate. So he replied—"I cannot read". But, the form again repeated, "Thou readest". The Prophet reiterated his rejoinder. A third time, this was repeated‐the command from the form and the negative reply from the prophet.

At last the form commanded him to read, in the name of the Lord who created you with the freezing blood. The form again told‐"Listen, your Lord is a great power. He has taught you what man cannot understand through writing." This applies even in my case. This is the first "Sura" or revelation that the prophet got.

Similarly, if I say that it was I who built this Ashram, it would be foolishness. It was that Almighty who made me an instrument in His hands, did all these great deeds. This is what I sincerely feel. The mother Akka Mahadevi s ays "I will be what you want me to be". It is very essential that everybody should understand this. If man knows the skill of how to live, he can live without anxiety and fear. But he should have a nice will.

I have learnt many‐a‐good lesson during this long period of service, still have been learning too. Selfless service is impossible unless one detaches oneself from one's own people, ones relations, ones nearest and dearest. I have


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been following this norm true to the letter. Once Lord Jesus was addressing a gathering. Then someone conveyed Him information that His mother was waiting for Him under the heat of the scorching sun. Jesus replied—"I am seeing my mother here itself‐in this gathering".

No creative selfless work is possible unless a constructive minded social worker gets such a balanced sense of equality throughout his blood. It is our foremost duty to lead our life, keeping our dealings in such a way as not to nullify the glory of our Nation, keeping in view that we have a great Nation like India to be called ours with pride, and that we have our own high culture.

Dear Brethren, I have been saying again and again that I am a Tiruka, a beggar. But I am not ashamed of myself to beg; because, I do not beg for myself. This mendicancy is for the hungry and the poor. Hence I am proud of this mendicancy. But here is a peculiarity in our country to‐day. Once upon a time, the kings, the emperors and the rich were awaiting opportunities to spend their wealth, if any useful service was being rendered in the nation. But to‐day, if such works of public utility are being done, the number of persons who want to grab as much as possible is becoming great. What a paradox are we finding in the present‐ day India; I do not want to comment on the Government‐because this is our own creation; If we spit at the sky, the saliva falls on our own face;

Fourteen years ago, one Sunday I was sitting for Bhajan,


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(The evening group prayers). A certain person came and stood before me; He was very lustrous‐with his shining white beard. I was playing on the harmonium and prompting Bhajan, but I saluted with devotion to him in my mind and signed him to take his seat. After the Bhajan was over, the person came to me and asked—"Did you recognize me?" I could remember easily. I said—"Are you not Ramachandra Sastry?" I was correct. I asked one of my teachers to make every arrangement for his stay and told him—"Shastriji, I will meet you, after making due arrangements for the board to the patients".

He was highly pleased with my services—"Alright; let your service go on. These patients are none other than God Himself'—he said and went away with the teacher. After making every arrangement for board and lodging to the patients, I once again met Sastriji. He had already finished his evening prayers and light tiffin. He said, "Raghavendra Rao, I had heard a lot about you and your services. I wished to see you in person and have a talk to you. Really you are a man with the whole world as your family" I was deeply moved at his words—"Sastriji, you are a highly cultured soul. I feel very pleased to see you. Well, I shall meet again only tomorrow afternoon. Please don't think otherwise," so saying I bade goodbye to him for the day.

The next day, being a Monday, I had to attend the patients till one thirty in the afternoon. By that time he had finished his bath and daily prayers—He was taken around the Ashram and shown the latest developments. When I


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went to meet him, he was awaiting me eagerly, with a view to dine with me. We gladly dined together. He told me—"I am very happy to see everything in your holy Ashram. I am already sufficiently aged—I want to talk to you a few of the very important facts which are related to your early life"—I was very curious.

He related to me all about my parents who were Keralites, and all the circumstances under which I was adopted by Srimathi Putthali Bai. He added, "You are a great soul, you are a pride of this land. But, it is only I who know these true facts of your early life. If I do not convey this information, it would be blasphemy, I thought. There are still greater services to be rendered by you, in the days to come". He stayed there for that day and left the next day.

I make it very clear that I do not pay any significance to the caste or religion; but righteousness and untainted love are highly significant in my estimation. I have erected a Temple for Goddess Banashankari in this Ashram. I have also built a Mosque for the Muslims of Malladihalli. While the Mosque was under construction, I received a number of anonymous letters. The contents of those letters are here —"It has come to our notice that you are building a Mosque for Muslims in Malladihalli. You must immediately stop this attempt, else you will be murdered". It was a severe warning to me.

But, those people have no idea—it seems to me that I have obtained already the return ticket of my life journey


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when I came to this world. The best reaction I showed towards those letters was to throw them away into a heap of dust and just continued and completed the work. I have been erecting a shrine to Sri Beeradeva, a God adored by the people of Halumatha.

I have also assisted in building a Temple for Harijans. But my temple; It is only six feet...the Mother India herself is my Goddess. Regarding the terms 'caste' or 'creed' the following is my sincere opinion—Each caste is a part of the body of Nation personified. In my opinion, the tussle among the castes is as unwise as the quarrel between the head and the limbs for their supremacy. There has not been even a single tussle between the Hindus and the Muslims of the locality ever since I came to this village.

There have been a few cases of arson and loot between Hindus and Muslims, only ten miles away from this village. Shops and houses have been set on fire in those places. But, this village has been always a wonderful exception. Here, the Hindus and Muslims are living like brothers and sisters. If any procession of Hindu Gods starts in the village, the Muslim would light incense sticks and stand with sugar as a sign of their devotion. If any special function takes place in the Ashram. I use to send sugar to the Mosque. If any marriage were to occur in them, they would come to the Ashram, with fruits and flowers, garland me and go, as a token of respect.

Why does this not happen in other places? It is my firm


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opinion that there is no cause for any quarrel, if they understand each other well. In this connection, here is a little suggestion from me —There are sixty lakhs of ascetics, Mathadhipathies and saints. Let all of them do what I have done here, in their respective villages, If this is done, can there be any pandemonium, loot and unrest, or indiscipline of any kind? If we develop devil in our heart, quarrels are sure to happen.

I have been sincerely following certain principles strictly—I never lend money or give loan to others. The effect of this principle is bitter in the beginning—but in the long run, the effect is good. (But, there is regular system of advancing a month's salary to the staff of the Ashram, whenever they require. The loan will be repaid with easy installments, without any interest.)


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My life is too simple‐my food is too simple and sattvic. My dress is similar‐a shorts, and a half sleeved shirt. There are innumerable people to feed me with various rich, tasty dishes, as I am a man of wandering for alms.

So, I have controlled my food‐habits myself. This has given me superb health. Thus my hosts need not be placed in unnecessary trouble to prepare my dishes. I never bribe anybody for any work of the Ashram. Hence our files usually have innumerable halts. "Ashram's file" has been a synonym


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for a useless thing to be thrown aside for bribing. Bribe will be given, out of this fund and the work will be done, though such things are quite against the norms and rules of the Government. It is my intention to write a separate and independent article on this topic. Hence let me stop it here alone.

I have not done anything for MYSELF. To be frank, not even a single account is found in any bank‐in my name. The only account I have maintained is in the holy feet of mother India. I have not set apart even a single pie for my sake. That is why my life is highly contented.

I have achieved temporally‐and have I achieved spiritually also‐ not any less. But I know full well that I too, am a human being. I am not free from sadness, pain, mental disturbance and the like. Even then, I do not allow this physical body which has been reserved for service, to be lazy. It is my longing to detach myself from this body while it is engaged in service to this motherland. I am against the worship to the individual. But, though unwilling, I have to act against my will.

Someone says that he would worship my feet and donate. Some others want to weigh me with gold or silver and donate. I accept these offers only because they fetch income to my Ashram. If I deny, the financial income to Ashram may be lost. So, I leave everything to the will of Mother Bharathi and suffer these things. But some people —narrow minded as they are —ask. "what is the necessity of


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worship to this Thiruka? Why should he ascend a throne?" Really I am not at fault. The real fault is of those people who fail to understand my innermost heart. Even a pie, got as income through these means, is not touched by me. This all belongs to the Ashram‐in turn all belongs to the Nation:

The education in a stupid, and a stick in the hands of an insane are almost one and the same. With these there is neither personal upliftment, nor national development. To‐day our Nation and our society need selfless ideal leaders, who can lead the Nation towards the path of development. But unfortunately, our leaders who are like the wolves looking after the sheep, are more in number—They tame the sheep without any wage; The railway engine, which is meant for dragging the compartments, is derailed now, resulting in the fall of all the compartments.

Similarly, what is the future of our country, if the leader who should lead the country in a better way, has gone astray? who should tell this boldly? Our country to‐day is full of such people as would break the Mirror into pieces, for its fault of showing the black mark on their face. So, should we say‐"all is due to the power of Time: Let us bow down before Him" (Kalaya Thasmy Namah). Thus it has been an unsolvable great puzzle.


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National Brethren, I have depicted in this short article as to what is here also, in response to the request of the Editorial Board of the Souvenir "What is where." While preparing this monograph, no plan was pre conceived. Actually, there was not time also to follow any plan. My pen has taken a course as directed by my mind. Therefore, there is nothing to wonder if some inconsistencies appear here and there, this article.

During in these recent years, many of my nearest well‐wishers have been persuading me to write down my autobiography. I would say funnily to them that they should write it after my death. But, it is the intention of this Thiruka to put the autobiography in black and white, if time permits. It will be a reliable source of information for those enthusiastic writers who want to write my biography.

Your modest brother,

Ba. Raghavendra.


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Documents

Auto Life Sketch of Malladihalli Swami