Aacharyaas – SARMA SASTRIGAL – A Man On A Misson

The Master-saints Who Have Illuminated My Path

Whatever an ideal person does and the standards he sets are followed by others in the same manner. – Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 21

Kanchi Kamakoti Matam Acharyas

Maha Periyava Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal

As a child, Sarma Sastrigal first saw Maha Periyava when he visited his hometown, Suryanarayanapuram (Renigunta) near Tirupati. His parents welcomed Periyava with poorna kumbham, and he fondly remembers receiving prasadam from him. During Periyava’s stay, he bathed in a lake, and Sarma, unaware of the spiritual significance, also took a dip, an experience he later realized was a great blessing.

Later, during an RSS training camp in Hyderabad, Maha Periyava delivered a speech in flawless Telugu. He asked the attendees who the first swayamsevak was. While everyone assumed it was Dr. Hedgewar, Periyava revealed it was Hanuman, as he embodied true selfless service. He also shared a little-known fact about Doctorji’s (Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar) daily Hanuman upasana, which was later confirmed by senior RSS members. This incident deeply impacted Sarma, making him realize Maha Periyava’s omniscience.

The final meeting happened in Dec 1993 – Jan 1994, just weeks before Maha Periyava attained siddhi. Sarma Sastrigal accompanied Sri Rama Gopalan (Gopalji) to Kanchipuram for darshan. He saw Pudu Periyava and Bala Periyava before reaching Maha Periyava, who was in a fragile state. Despite his condition, Maha Periyava called for Sarma through a Matham assistant.and then asked for his name. Overwhelmed, Sarma Sastrigal hesitated, as his name, Swaminathan, was also Periyava’s pre-monastic name. Gopalji introduced him, and Maha Periyava briefly opened his eyes before closing them in deep meditation.

This last darshan was profoundly moving for Sarma Sastrigal, who now believes it was Periyava’s call that led him to Kanchipuram. From the age of seven to his mid-forties, he felt blessed to have Maha Periyava’s divine presence and guidance in his life.

Sri Pudhu Periyava

Sarma Sastrigal had numerous interactions with Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal, also known as Pudu Periyava. However, he regrets not fulfilling Pudu Periyava’s wishes. During a visit to Mylapore, Pudu Periyava asked him to take charge of administrative responsibilities at the Matham in Kanchipuram, offering housing, a salary, and a job for his daughter. Sarma Sastrigal hesitated and sought his guru’s advice, who immediately discouraged him. Later, he was diagnosed with cancer and realized his guru may have foreseen his health issues.

Feeling guilty, he avoided personal interactions with Pudu Periyava for some time. Eventually, when seeking blessings for his daughter’s marriage, Pudu Periyava suggested she consider a Vaideeka, while leaving the decision to her. She later got engaged to a Ganapatigal. When Sarma Sastrigal visited Kanchipuram with the wedding invitation, Pudu Periyava blessed him and even gifted him several gold coins to help with the wedding expenses.

He recalls another profound experience during a visit to the Matham in the 1990s while working at Ashok Leyland. Pudu Periyava unexpectedly summoned him and, after his daily pooja, granted him a mantropadesam—an initiation into a sacred mantra. This was a deeply moving moment, as mantropadesam is given only when a guru deems a disciple ready. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Sarma Sastrigal shared the experience with his parents and guru, who acknowledged the significance of the event.

Throughout his life, Pudu Periyava remained a guiding force, offering wisdom and support in both personal and spiritual matter.

Sri Bala Periyava

Sarma Sastrigal’s involvement with the Matham continues under the benevolent guidance of Sri Vijayendra Saraswati Swamigal, fondly known as Bala Periyava. Bala Periyava has expressed happiness over his contributions to social causes, particularly as a practising vaideeka. Sarma Sastrigal feels both elated and humbled by his approval.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in August 2020, Sarma Sastrigal and his disciples performed the annual Bhiksha Vandanam online and received Bala Periyava’s blessings. A surprise came when Bala Periyava delivered an anugraha bhashanam to his disciples and the students of Sri Mantra Peeteswari Veda Patasala, lauding their efforts in propagating spiritual knowledge and traditional rituals.

One incident, reluctantly shared by a student, deeply moved Sarma Sastrigal. While in Kanchipuram, a group of vaideekas murmured concerns about the Matham giving too much importance to him. When questioned, Bala Periyava dismissed their claims, stating that Sarmasastrigal was shouldering work that the Matham itself ought to be doing. However, some vaideekas later belittled him in front of his student, claiming Bala Periyava was merely being kind. When the student relayed the incident, expecting a reaction, Sarma Sastrigal responded with wisdom, emphasizing that true service should be for a cause, not recognition. He explained that foundational rituals such as Sandhya Vandanam and Aachamanam are crucial to dharma and must be taught with dedication.

Sarma Sastrigal reflected on his journey, noting that those who initially mock an effort eventually criticize, then oppose, and finally, many end up joining. He has seen critics of his work later adopt similar approaches, particularly in social media discussions on traditional practices. He harbors no resentment, recognizing that knowledge belongs to all. His unique contribution lies in making traditions accessible and practical through structured vaideeka camps, which have never been conducted in such a way before.

Guided by the Rig Vedic motto “Charaiveti Charaiveti” — Go forward, go forward — Sarma Sastrigal remains committed to his mission. He expresses deep gratitude to Bala Periyava for unwavering encouragement and acknowledges the immense fortune of having received the blessings of all three Acharyas of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.

Interactions with other Spiritual Giants

Sarma Sastrigal remained deeply committed to his Hindu Brahmin identity despite his long association with the RSS, which emphasized unity among Hindus beyond caste distinctions. While dedicating himself to national pride and integration, he never compromised on his religious practices. Throughout his journey, he consistently adhered to his anushtanams and sought the blessings and darshan of revered saints and acharyas whenever possible. In this context, he reflects on the significant spiritual leaders he encountered in his lifetime.

Yogi Ram Surat Kumar

During a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event in Tiruvannamalai in the 1980s, Sarma Sastrigal and his team visited the Arunachaleswara Temple. There, he encountered Yogi Ram Surat Kumar, who appeared as a beggar but radiated a powerful spiritual presence. The yogi’s commanding voice and mysterious actions, such as predicting an unexpected downpour and then stopping it instantly, left a lasting impression. The following day, the yogi visited his hotel room, ordered breakfast for them, and mystically blessed their coffee. The experience convinced him that great spiritual beings often disguise themselves to avoid unwanted attention.

Swami Dayananda Saraswati

Sarma Sastrigal first met Swami Dayananda Saraswati in 2010, when the swami released his book The Great Hindu Tradition. Impressed by the book, Swamiji expressed his appreciation for its value to the younger generation. Later, Sarma Sastrigal visited Manjakudi, where Swamiji resided, and had the opportunity to spend time with him. He admired the swami’s ability to simplify complex Vedantic concepts, making spirituality accessible to all. Inspired by his teachings, Sarma Sastrigal later found himself adopting a similar approach in his own work.

Ahobila Matt Jeer

Initially hesitant to approach the Jeer of Ahobila Math due to his Smartha background, Sarma Sastrigal was pleasantly surprised when the pontiff warmly received him. The meeting, facilitated by his friend Sundar, led to the release of his travelogue on Gaya. The recognition he received from the Math was an unexpected blessing, and over time, he was embraced with affection. On a later occasion, during the Jeer’s Jayanti celebrations in Srirangam, he was honored alongside Vaishnavas, a rare distinction that deeply moved him.

Kunrakkudi Adigalar

Although Kunrakkudi Adigalar initially opposed the RSS, Sarma Sastrigal persistently sought his audience. Over time, Adigalar warmed up to him, and their relationship evolved into one of mutual respect. A major turning point occurred when Adigalar agreed to attend an RSS function, demonstrating his transformation. Later, during the Emergency period, Adigalar even supported the RSS, reinforcing Dr. Hedgewar’s belief that people eventually recognize the organization’s value.

Swami Chidbhavananda

During the 1970s, Sarma Sastrigal frequently attended spiritual camps conducted by Swami Chidbhavananda, a revered scholar and Vedantic teacher. Swamiji’s teachings were accessible to the common people, and his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita became widely popular. Sarma Sastrigal admired his ability to make religious knowledge available to all, which later influenced his own work. He also played a role in instituting an annual lecture in Swamiji’s memory, furthering his legacy.

M. S. Golwalkar (Guruji)

M. S. Golwalkar, affectionately known as Guruji, was a spiritual leader as well as the second Sarsanghchalak of the RSS. A disciple of Swami Akhandananda of the Ramakrishna Order, he was initially destined for monastic life but was advised to serve society instead. Sarma Sastrigal had the privilege of meeting Guruji multiple times and was deeply moved by his discipline and devotion. It was later revealed that Guruji was a Devi Upasaka who could communicate with the Divine Mother. His close relationship with the Kanchi Math was evident when Jayendra Saraswati personally visited him on his deathbed, an extraordinary gesture of respect.

Each of these encounters reinforced Sarma Sastrigal’s belief that divine guidance and destiny play a crucial role in shaping one’s spiritual journey.

Invisible Acharyas

Sarma Sastrigal speaks of a great mahaan and siddhar, a spiritually enlightened soul who guided him indirectly through divine grace. Although he never met this revered figure in person, he had the darshan of his adhishtanam at Sirkazhi. His understanding of the siddhar’s immense spiritual power and intense tapas came from his Guru, Sri Sankarji.

Kadhirgama Swamigal

Kadhirgama Swamigal came to India along with Tapovanam Gnanananda to guide people on the path of gnana marga. He was associated with Kadhirgamam, a Murugan kshetram in Sri Lanka. His teachings impacted Sarma Sastrigal in a profound yet subtle way.

Once, when Sarma Sastrigal sought guidance from his guru, Sri Sankaranji, regarding a personal problem, his guru refrained from giving a direct answer. However, after persistent questioning, he quoted Kadhirgama Swamigal’s famous saying: “Sugaththil sugam illai. Kashtaththil sugam irukku” (There is no true happiness in comfort; real joy lies in enduring hardships).

Sri Sankaranji then elaborated on this philosophy for twenty minutes, which helped Sarma Sastrigal gain clarity. He realized that one must face difficulties rather than evade them, as they serve as opportunities to cleanse one’s prarabdha karma.

Kadhirgama Swamigal’s wisdom reminded him of Vemana, a revered siddha purusha from Andhra Pradesh, whose verses carried deep philosophical meaning. The Swamigal’s adhishtanam is near Seergazhi, along the banks of the Uppanatram river in Chattanadhapuram. He attained Nirvikalpa Samadhi on November 19, 1962.

A Word About Rajaji

One of the most influential figures in Sarma Sastrigal’s life was Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (Rajaji). He had the opportunity to see Rajaji during the centenary celebration of The Mail newspaper in the late 1960s, likely in 1968.

At the time, Sarma Sastrigal was working at a Higginbothams bookstall, which was part of the Amalgamations Group, along with The Mail. His manager offered him the chance to attend the event in Madras (now Chennai), arranging his travel and expenses. The celebration took place on a vast lawn, attended by dignitaries like M. S. Subbulakshmi Amma.

Although he did not recall most of the speeches, one remark by Rajaji remained etched in his memory. Rajaji appreciated The Mail for its reliable content and the fact that it was an evening newspaper. He humorously remarked that reading news in the evening spared him from carrying bad news in his mind throughout the day.

Rajaji’s association with the RSS was also significant. When the RSS organized a fundraising event, the committee sought Rajaji’s involvement. Initially reluctant, Rajaji agreed only upon seeing the name of M. S. Golwalkar on the committee, expressing his trust in Golwalkar’s integrity.

Sarma Sastrigal deeply admired Rajaji’s writings in both Tamil and English.

He concludes by recalling two of Rajaji’s insightful statements:

“We cannot succeed in anything if we act in fear of other people’s opinions.”
“Gnana (knowledge), when it becomes fully mature, is Bhakti (devotion). To believe that Gnana and Bhakti are different is ignorance.”