Sage of Pandrimalai          

PANDRIMALAI SAMIKAL

Pandrimalai Village India is blissful and beautiful. Tamilnadu is graceful and peaceful. India is a land of saints and Tamilnadu is a land of siddars. The saints and siddars are the Cosmic sentinels of religion, morality and ethics. In South India, Pandrimalai village, on the slopes of Pandrimalai, one of several peaks in the Kodaikanal range of hills in Madurai district of Tamilnadu, is a small village cradling amidst, peaceful serene and green grandeur of nature. The village is situated about 5000 feet above sea level and enjoys a very salubrious climate. The population of the village is about a thousand, most of them being tillers (farmers) of the land. There are two temples: a Shakthi temple and a temple for Lord Sri Rama in the village. Samikal’s Parents There stands the hospitable and affluent home of Sri Arumugam Pillai, an ideal Sozhia Vellala by caste who toiled on the soil and shared the harvest with his kith and kin. The Vellalas as a community are traditionally hard working peasants, endowed with the highest qualities in morality, culture and ethics. Sri Arumugam Pillai was no exception. He had all the good qualities, like refined manners, truthfulness, honesty, probity benevolence, sense of duty etc., etc. He was a devotee of Lord Dhandayuthapani at Palani (Lord Murugan or Karthikeya). He was a Siddha doctor and a master of mystical powers also. He was an ardent Saivite. He and his wife Srimathy Angammal were the embodiments of the virtues of a family, as described in the Tamil scriptures. Love and light, grace and peace, health and wealth crowned their conjugal life. Srimathy Angammal adored her husband and her penance fructified in the birth of a Divine Child. Birth of His Holiness Samikal According to the family custom, the enceinte mother Angammal was taken to her parent’s home at Balasamudram. Sri Karuppanna Pillai, her father, and Srimathy Goundayee Ammal, her mother, took great care of their pregnant daughter. The village of Balasamudram is situated in the shadows of Palani Hill - the home of the sacred Lord Murugan. It is about three miles from Palani hill. The early infanthood and childhood of our Master Mystic centered in and around Balasamudram. The earliest indication that a Divine Child would be born to Srimathy Angammal was made by Saint Kasilingam. When the mother was seven months pregnant, the Saint predicted the birth of the Divine Child even like Lord Sri Rama. The Child would be born in the month of Chitrai under the auspicious and fortunate star ‘Barani’. God’s Grace descended. The Divine Child saw the light of day as predicted by Saint Kasilingam. It was a day of great rejoicing for Srimathy Angammal and all her relations and friends. The resplendent Divine Child, full of grace and beauty radiated Divinity. He had the colour of nimbus like Lord Sri Rama. His lotus eyes were luminous. His smiling coral lips gave a scintillating sweetness of radiant rapture. The Divine Child had unusually long hairs on its body which were all upturned which reminded people of the Great Roma Rishi of yore (Roma means hair). They named the Divine Child Ramasamy. Divinity in Samikal The Divine baby grew up and the parents and others could realise in many forms the Divinity manifest in the infant prodigy. His cradle was filled with the fragrance of varied flowers like jasmine, rose etc. On one occasion, the child suddenly disappeared to the consternation of the mother and other family members. They felt happy only when the child reappeared in the cradle! Some times the child had sacred ash (Vibhuti) smeared on its forehead and some times the Vaishnavite “Namam” and sometimes ‘Kum Kum’ (Vermillion pigment) was found on its forehead. The parents now noticed the Divine insignia on the soles of the feet, palms and body. The Conch (Sankhu of Lord Vishnu) the Wheel (Chakra of Lord Vishnu) and the Spear (Vet of Lord Murugan) adorn the soles of his lotus feet. His palms are sanctified with the holy marks of Conch, Wheel, Jnana Vel (Spear of Wisdom), Shadkonam (six apexed triangle), Shakthi Vel (Spear of penance), Flag of Lord Murugan and Tirisul, the Trident of Lord Siva. These auspicious marks in the palms and soles proved his incarnate Divinity.  On his body, the birth mark imprint of Wheel on the right shoulder and the Conch on the left shoulder proclaimed that he is part (Amsa) of Lord Vishnu. On his back, the Flag with Cock emblem of Lord Murugan is imprinted as a birth mark. The parents noticed a tiny pin point depression in the middle of the forehead between the eye brows. It represented the “ Third Eye", (Divine Eye of Lord Siva) as declared by scriptural authority. Later on as he grew older this “Third Eye “, a dark deep depression (emitting an effulgent glow seen by some devout devotees) grew and became bigger and deeper for all to see and revere. According to Hindu thought and tradition, God is in the formless, as well as formful (Arupa and Rupa), states. God is One and nameless, but yet with thousands of names. The God-men have had visions of Divinity in various forms with various names. Lord Narayana, with his insignia has been described in detail in the scriptures. Lord Siva, Goddess Shakti and Lord Murugan have blessed Self-realised souls with their Divine visions. These Realised Souls have recorded their visions in the Holy Scriptures. The insignia noticed on the body of our Master Mystic are strictly in accordance with tradition and in conformity with descriptions in the Holy Scriptures, which proves to every devout Hindu that Divinity is manifest in Ramasamy. Some say he is an incarnation of Lord Murugan. Some say he is an incarnation of Shakthi.  Some others affirm that he is an incarnation of Lord Venkatesa (the Lord of Tirupathy Hill).  A blending, a coalescence of all the spiritual signs and truths according to tradition and scriptures shines radiantly in the body, mind and thought of Ramasamy. He is Siva Shakthi, Vishnu and Murugan, personified and we will therefore call him “The Walking Divinity” amongst us.  The parents endearingly called Ramasamy as “Ramu” a pet name which reminds us of Sri Lord Rama also. So henceforth, we will also call our Master Mystic “Ramu ". The name Pandrimalai Samikal came into vogue only later in his life. Samikal’s Stay at Pandrimalai After a stay of a few months at Balasamudram village, Ramu with his mother was taken to Pandrimalai village. Ramu’s father Sri Arumugam Pillai adored the Divine child. As Ramu grew up, his movements, pranks and sports enraptured the fortunate parents and others. There was a rhythm in his walk and poetry in his beauty. The child was nurtured and matured on the laps of nature, fondly tended by his endearing parents. Samikal goes to School At the school going age, Ramu was again brought back to Balasamudram to his grand-parent’s care. Sri Antipathy Father was running an elementary school at Balasamudram and Ramu was put under his tutelage. At school Ramu was diligent and a model student. He was the monitor of the class. At that very early age Ramu had a magnetic personality. Every one liked and loved him. Ramu showed due respect to all elders and to his teacher. He also had inherent psychic powers with which he could cure snake bite poisoning, scorpion bite poisoning and cure other illnesses also. So there were always people seeking his help. His love and compassion to all was unbounded, like Lord Buddha. His classmate Solar Sahib was his best friend. He loved play, drama, Kolattam (dancing with sticks) Kilukulu dance and music. He was full of wit and humour. Ramu’s mother tongue is Tamil and in his few years of schooling be learnt his three R’s in Tamil only. He learnt the Tamil scriptures. He does not know any other language, though in his later years he learnt to sign his name in English and even speak a few words in English and Telugu. His schooling lasted only a few years. Samikal signs his name as Pandrimalai Samikal. Hence in this book we have used the spelling “Samikal” instead of Swamigal. Samikal and “Salli” Samiyar By nature Ramu was God-centric. He was attracted to Lord Murugan of Palani as iron is attracted by magnet. Ramu was playful as well as prayerful. He went often to Palani to pray before Lord Murugan.  At Balasamudram village there is the temple of Aiyampulli Vinayagar in the middle of the only street in the village. Salli Samiyar (Salli was the lowest current denomination coin during those days) an ascetic of a very high order was using the temple mandapam (verandha in front of the temple) as his home. Daily he went to Palani Temple and begged for “Sallis” from pilgrims, and brought that to Balasamudram in the evening and distributed the “Sallis” to the children playing around the temple. The temple priest noted that Salli Samiyar was not giving any “Salli” to Ramu. He asked Salli Samiyar, the reason. Salli Samiyar said “Ramasamy is a Periyasamy (Great Saint). How can I give him a “Salli.” This convinced the temple priest about the Divine nature of Ramasamy and why his magnetic personality attracted persons of all age groups.  Ramu had the full blaze of Salli Samiyar’s grace and that added momentum to his spiritual progress. Samikal’s Divine Initiation “Chemmattu Parai Kulam” is a tank near Balasamudram village. A temple of Lord Vinayaka (Ganapathy) stands on its bank. One day Ramu with his friend Silar Sahib and others were taking bath in the tank swimming and revelling in the nice cool waters. After the bath Ramu came to the Vinayaka temple to pray and there stood a venerable Sage. The Sage told Ramu to go and get “Ganja” (Cannabis Indica) for him from the village shop. Ramu ran for it and got it. Meanwhile his friends were watching Ramu. The Sage asked Ramu to open his mouth and show his tongue. He smeared the sacred ash (Vibhuthi) on Ramu’s tongue and wrote esoteric words (mantra) with a Vel (spear). He smeared Ramu’s body with the sacred ash (Vibhuthi) and blessed him. To quote Ramu’s words “I felt dazed and a warm current coursed inside my body as the Sage massaged my body inch by inch with Vibhuthi.”  Ramu’s friends who were intently watching, felt frightened and ran to the village to get the elders. They came and found Ramu gazing at Lord Vinayaka. “Where is the Sage ? ", they asked and Ramu pointed his finger towards Lord Vinayaka. Ramu had seen the Sage entering the temple and disappear. The elders could find no trace of the Sage. God’s Grace descended on Ramu. Ramu exhibited unlimited psychic powers. Stones turned to sugar candy, and sand became sugar, at his very touch. He played with snakes as though they were his - (as Lord Siva’s) - ornaments. He could cure diseases. He could cure people possessed with evil spirits. His words had wonderful effects. They were oracles from the Inner Delphi. Young Ramu could not understand for himself how he could perform miracles and the great psychic powers that were manifesting in him. Ramu became so God-centric that he left off school after a few years of study. He worshipped the Deities in various temples and was in search of Saints, Sages and Siddhars who would help him in his future sadhana (practice) and mission. Samikal’s Initiation By His Guru Chatti Samiar Ramu, as was his wont, visited Palani temple to worship Lord Dhandaayuthapani (Lord Murugan, Karthikeya) as often as possible. One day as Ramu was climbing the Palani Hill with his friends, the vibrant roar “Karungal Veetukkaaraa! Palaniappaa!!” (O, Lord of the Stone House! O, Lord of Palani!! O, My Father !!!) reverberated above the chanting of “Muruga, Muruga, Muruganukku AROHARA” by the pilgrims. Ramu stood spell bound. The voice beckoned his soul. He left off his friends and as if attracted by a magnet, retraced his foot steps to the Lord Vinayaka temple at the foot of Palani hill where stood the tall, gigantic, effulgent Chatti Samiar who was addressing the Lord of Palani Temple, Lord Muruga with his deep throated, resonant, vibrant voice which came from the depths of his heart, “Karungal Veetukkaaraa! Palaniappaa!!”  Ramu was very short compared to the tall, magnetic, dynamic Chatti Samiar. He could just reach and touch the thighs of Samiar. To quote Ramu’s words “Chatti Samiar’s thighs were as big as elephant legs. I could reach and just touch him above the knees.” Chatti Samiar said, “Bale! Bale!! (very good, very good,) and catching hold of Ramu’s tender hands took him to the Peacock mandapam (Peacock is the vehicle (Vahana) of Lord Muruga) in front of Lord Vinayaka’s temple. Keeping Ramu by his side he initiated Ramu and taught him secret mantras (esoteric words). “Now, my child, secure a pot like this, fill it with water, plant in it a bunch of margosa leaves (Neem leaves). You must pronounce such and such mantra while securing the leaves from the tree. Then continue the worship uttering the mantra I have taught you just now. You must continue this worship for 108 days at dawn and dusk. I will be observing you, my child,” said Chatti Samiar. Here a word about Chatti Samiar will be appropriate. He hailed from Coimbatore district of Tamilnadu. He was a Gounder by caste and his parents were farmers. By hard practice (tapas and penance) he attained SelfRealisation. His chosen deity was Lord Muruga of Palani and he made Palani his permanent residence. He cleaned and renovated the ‘ Saravana Poigai ", the holy tank at Palani. A small stone image of Chatti Samiar now adorns the steps of the tank. He had a big mud pot which was his sole possession. He used to beg for his food and eat it from the mud pot. He always kept the mud pot on his head or on his broad shoulders (mud pot is Chatti in Tamil). Hence the name Chatti Samiar. Chatti Samiar loved Ramu. Perhaps he too, like Salli Samiar, felt Divinity manifested in young Ramu. Ramu after his initiation frequently met Chatti Samiar who taught Ramu many esoteric mantras and helped in Ramu’s spiritual progress. He loved to lay his big head on the lap of Ramu, and Ramu loved to feed the great Chatti Samiar with a particular kind of sweet (Sooiyam in Tamil) which Ramu’s grandparents prepared for Chatti Samiar. Chatti Samiar attained the Lotus feet of the Lord at Palani and his Samadhi (Tomb) is about 200 yards from Peacock mandapam.  Now let us return to Ramu and his progress. Samikal’s Sadhana After Chatti Samiar’s initiation and upadesa, Ramu went home and with the help of his grandmother arranged for the puja behind closed doors.  The infant prodigy, the sweet child, had now attained boyhood. A firmness in his thoughts and character had developed. An intentness in pursuit was evident. His intelligence and manners surprised the elders. Ramu was more and more devoted to his puja as directed by Chatti Samiar. Perception, conception. impression, introspection, concentration and meditation developed day by day. A new vibration, a divine fragrance, a mystic atmosphere, a hidden energy awoke in Ramu on the fifty second day of Puja. Let us listen to our Samikal’s own description. “I saw a bright effulgence (Jothi) and a vague form arise from the pot containing the neem leaves. I felt frightened. The vision made me mute and mum. My body perspired profusely and I ran out of the closed room. My grandmother saw my predicament. She felt that something had gone wrong with my puja. She removed the pot and puja materials." Ramu was quiet for a few days. He went in search of Chatti Samiar but could not meet him anywhere. Ramu’s mind was fixed on continuing the puja. He convinced his grandmother. Sri Arumugam Pillai, his father gave him encouragement. Ramu started his sadhana (upasana) again. The prescribed 108 days were over and finally one day : Let us again listen to Samikal’s own words : “There was a glow in the pot containing the neem leaves. The glow intensified and a bright, effulgent splendour, a beautiful vision dazzling my eyes, arose from the pot. I saw Parasakthi seated on the lotus flower of thousand petals. What entrancing beauty! What a seraphic vision!! Words are not adequate to describe it. That Motherly Grace possessed me. Gradually the Vision of the Universal Mother changed and the Divine Vision of Lord Muruga with his indescribable beauty, his graceful smiling face, the effulgent splendour, appeared. My hair stood on end. I was perspiring profusely. I experienced an ecstatic joy. Both visions are permanently imprinted in my mind and every time I think of Them, I am blessed to have their Visions the Divine Visions of Parasakthi and Lord Muruga.” Samikal’s Nature Ramu, still a boy, by Divine Grace developed mystic powers. People thronged to him with various requests. Ramu always obliged. He was always surrounded by many people. Yet Ramu behaved just like any other boy though exhibiting mature wisdom and vast mystic powers. He was simple and serene, and humility personified. His devotion and surrender to Lord Muruga was complete. But Ramu’s mind cogitated. He wanted to know the root cause of his psychic powers and his magnetic personality. He wanted to experience Truth. He was in search of God-men who would enlighten him about the force that stood behind the mysterious miracles. Samikal and Achandarmalai Paradesi By the Grace of God, Achandarmalai Paradesi, a great Self-Realised soul came to Balasamudram and at Lord Vinayaka Temple, Ramu the young aspirant boy, met the sage. “Follow me for a long journey” said the sage and Ramu without even telling his grand parents walked away with the sage to explore the frontiers of knowledge.  Achandarmalai is a village in Tiruchirapalli district of Tamilnadu. Thiru Marudanayakam Pillai lived there. He was a devout devotee of Lord Siva. By hard practice and scriptural learning he attained the highest state of Self-Realisation. He was called Achandarmalai Paradesi. He left his home and wandered about perhaps on a particular mission. Possibly the mission was with our Ramu of Balasamudram. The Achandarmalai Paradesi (Paradesi in Tamil means a wanderer. particularly applied to Saints and Siddhars) was an erudite scholar in Siddantha and Vedantha of the Scriptures. Karma, Bakthi and Jnana paths he had traversed to attain perfection. His puissant mantra was “Om Namasivaya". He was well versed and had practical knowledge of the Agama Sastras, Tantric sadhanas, the science of Chakras (Yantras) and other esoteric sciences. His knowledge of Pranayamam (control of breath both the gross and subtle, called Vasiyogam in Tamil), the science of psychic points on the body connecting the psychic centres (Marina Sastram in Tamil), and his knowledge of astrology and its off shoot, ‘Pakshi Sastram’ was extensive and practical. He was indeed the silent teacher like the traditional Dakshinamoorthy who sitting under the tree taught Sanaka, Sanantana, Sanatkumara and Sanatsujata (four Rishis) by his Divine Silence. Samikal’s Learning And Wandering With Achandarmalai Paradesi Ramu’s inherent quality of acuteness of observation, keen intellect, and remarkable retentive memory observed and absorbed all the essentials. He was a true Sishya to his Guru the great Achandarmalai Paradesi. He served his Master diligently, washed his clothes, laid the puja materials for his Master, cooked and served him food, cleaned the room and laid the bed for the master and he massaged the body and legs of his Master. Like an ideal disciple Ramu always anticipated the desires of his Master. Ramu learnt only through precept and practice and not from books. Achandarmalai Paradesi was an university by himself and a walking encyclopedia. Ramu absorbed within a few years all that his Master could teach him. Ramu learnt the secrets of Pranava Panchakshari mantra “Om Namasivaya” and by hard practice along with his Master attained Plenum Bliss (Sachidaanandam). They wandered all over India visiting many shrines, holy spots, bathing in holy rivers and tanks. When the Master found that his disciple had learnt all that he could teach, he brought Ramu, now an adult young man, back to Balasamudram and without even bidding good-bye turned back and went away. Samikal returns to Balasamudram - An adult The grand parents and relatives were elated to find their lost child. Their surprise was all the more great to see Ramu a full grown healthy and strong adult man with mellowed sweet temper, full of love and compassion for all beings. Gone were the days of playful pranks, the merry and humorous Ramu. Ramu was now sedate and serene and yet simple and sweet. He radiated Divinity and every one felt that Ramu had perfected himself. After a stay of some time at Balasamudram, Ramu went to stay with his parents at Pandrimalai. Samikal at Pandrimalai again At Pandrimalai, his parents, relations and the villagers felt and wondered at Ramu’s qualities of love, compassion, obliging kindness, patience and forbearance. Ramu’ s mission was and is compassionate service to the suffering humanity. Being an adult, Ramu loved the lighter side of life also. He loved to swim, to play games and to go hunting. He was an expert marksman too. He was fond of horse riding. At Pandrimalai Ramu was blessed with the grace of “Grass-cutting Samy” and “Appam Samy” also. Samikal’s Marriage Ramu’s parents decided to get Ramu married in time. They selected Selvi Pappathi Ammal, daughter of Thiru Mariappa Pillai  and Thirumathy Karuppayee Ammal of Palani. Ramu agreed and the marriage took place at Palani with great eclat. After marriage the couple stayed at Balasamudram for a few days at Ramu’s grand parent’s house and then left for Pandrimalai. Dear reader, let us tarry a while to learn about the married life of Ramu who later is hailed as Pandrimalai Samikal. Samikal’s Wedded Life At Pandrimalai Ramu stayed with his parents. The wedded life was an ideal householder’s life, a righteous life of loving and giving. As the Scriptures say, “Not for sex attraction, not for passion we love each other but for soul’s magnanimous felicity” was Ramu’s goal of wedded life. Srimathy Pappathy Ammal kept the house clean, neat and was devoted and dedicated to her husband. She was of great help to Ramu in his spiritual sadhana - the puja. Her chaste fidelity, magnetic attraction, love and compassion elevated and ennobled the harmony of life. She was soft spoken and radiated motherly love just as Ramu radiated Divine love. Srimathy Pappathy Ammal was an ornament of the home. Their conjugal life lasted only for a few years and later after spiritual initiation by her husband she became a disciple serving her Master. They had a daughter Ratnammal, a gem of a girl with all the finest qualities of her father and mother. She was love personified and was loved by all. She attained the Lotus Feet of the Lord at the prime of life. Samikal In Service During Ramu’s stay at Pandrimalai, Sri K. Sasi Sekara Iyer, the younger brother of Zamindar of Kannivadi, appointed Ramu  as an accountant in the Zamin. By diligence and hard work natural to Ramu, he was promoted as Revenue Inspector soon. Though Ramu was working for the Zamin, his mind was always attuned to God. Samikal Hailed As Pandrimalai Samikal His service to humanity continued. People recognised the divine nature and the divine powers and began addressing him as “Samikal ", and “Samy” in affectionate reverence. Pandrimalai Samikal’s father Arumugam Pillai attained the Lotus feet of the Lord and hence Samikal had to leave his job and return to Pandrimalai to look after the estate and take over the responsibility of managing the big family. From then on, Ramu was hailed as Pandrimalai Samikal and revered as Sri La Sri Pandrimalai Samikal. Samikal as President of Village Panchayat At Pandrimalai, Pandrimalai Samikal’s compassion, patience and merciful acts converted Pandrimalai into a Holy Place. He knew how to choose the right person to do the right job and at the right time so that the benefits could be shared by all. He became the President of the village Panchayat. His spiritual life also expanded. Devotees poured in from all villages and towns. He was a standing example to all, that one can remain in the family and still live the life of a Jeevanmukthar or Self-Realised soul. His duty was service to humanity. Samikal Comes To Dindugul Later to suit the convenience of the devotees and disciples, His Holiness Pandrimalai Samikal settled down at Dindugul - a small town in Madurai District of Tamilnadu. Along with the Holy Consort, Samikal toured round India many times visiting shrines, holy places and blessing devotees. They toured Malaysia and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) also. Their life has been intimately interwoven with the lives of their many devotees and disciples. In short, they lived for the sake of humanity to show by example, how one can get peace and happiness in life. Their humility, consideration for the welfare of others, their patience, and ceaseless work of alleviation of the physical and mental sufferings of fellow human beings, were the crowing glory of their family life.  The Holy Consort fell ill at Dindugul. She was taken to Madurai to Dr. Subbiah’s house where after a short period of continued illness, the Holy Mother attained the Lotus feet of the Lord on a full-moon day (12-8-1965). Her body was cremated at Madurai according to the family custom and the Holy Ashes were immersed in the various rivers of India and in the sea. To prove that the Holy Mother was Divine, the Holy Ashes turned into Kum Kum (Vermillion powder) and Turmeric, before immersion in the holy waters of India. Samikal At Madras Sri-La-Sri Pandrimalai Samikal to satisfy his devotees and disciples came to Madras, and He is now at “Om Namasivayam “, 3/1, Village Road, Nungambakkam, Madras-34. As said earlier, the life of His Holiness is one of ceaseless service to humanity. Apart from his Puja in the morning and evening which he does within closed doors, he is available at all hours for service to fellowmen. He is simple, and unassuming. There are no paraphernalia to declare him as a Saint or Sage. He talks only Tamil language and that too is short and terse and to the point. He does not give discourses nor elaborate on Vedanta or Siddanta sastras. Although He is full of wisdom, having gained "That Knowledge” by which all other knowledge is known, He descends to the level of the devotee with whom he converses, to enable the devotee to understand the intricacies of life. Samikal is master of the super sensuous universe. A transcendental personality, he incarnated himself in this mortal world to unfold his matchless Divine Energy and unfathomed Spiritual perfection, the Supremacy of the Supreme Soul. God Almighty is Grace Himself. His Holiness Samikal, as the instrument of the Almighty radiates His spiritual power. He is humility and compassion personified. How many, how often has He showered his grace on individuals! In 1971, Samikal visited Bhutan at the invitation of SRI SRI SRI SRI SRI Jigme Dorji Wongchuk, King of Bhutan. He also visited Sikkim and Assam. The exhilarating and sublime Himalayan climate and the serenity and grandeur of the abode of Lord Siva enchanted Samikal. The King of Bhutan and his ministers called on Samikal and people thronged to have His darshan. The miracles of Samikal while at Bhutan, are too numerous to recount. Samikal was invited by Karmapa Lama the Buddhist head of a religious sect while at Sikkim. His childlike simplicity and charm, solicitude for the welfare of people irrespective of caste, creed, religion or status in life, His intense desire to elevate aspirants on their Goddard march are well known and evident. The Master Mystic Sri La Sri Pandrimalai Samikal, however, says with utter humility, “I am a devotee of Lord Muruga; I am a servant of Lord Muruga. I am not God. I am doing spiritual sadhana for obtaining Divine Grace for the good of humanity. I am also a man like you. I am a servant of the people.” Now Samikal has been engaged in the Yantras Poona for the temples at New York and Pittsburgh of North America (U. S. A.) It is a stupendous work which only a Divine personality like the Master Mystic Sri La Sri Pandrimalai Samikal can do, for the good of humanity. The one question which the reader might ask is, what is the age of Sri-La-Sri Pandrimalai Samikal. Traditionally all Great God-men and Self Realised souls in India have not left any record of their date of birth or even of their parentage. They just blossomed, illumined the souls during their time, fulfilled their ordained mission, and passed away perhaps unhonoured and unsung. But their teachings and hymns in the form of Scriptures live for eternity. Later as civilisation advanced, historians demanded exact chronological data. But the Self Realised souls acting under Divine will prefer to follow the traditions and culture of Bharat (India). There have been many Siddhars who have blessed the land of Tamilnadu but they have not left any record about themselves. Our Master Mystic, Pandrimalai Siddhar also follows the traditions set by Siddhars of Tamilnadu and the Rishis of yore of India.