Hi. Welcome to my blog on Mouna Swami, our Kula Guru. His name and fame is well spread across many parts of the world. I wish to reinforce this with some highlights from his biography written by my grandpa.
My great grandpa was the Mittadar of Karukurichi, now known as Pudhukkottai, neat Tuticorin. During 1909, he came into contact with a Siddhar from Andhra, named Sivaiyya, who turned out to be the revered Mouna Swami. My great grandpa, my grandpa and my father were one of the few lucky persons to have got associated with him in the early days of formation of the Siddheswari Peetam in Courtallam, also known as Datthathreya Manthram. I have heard much about Mouna guru from my grandpa, who has authored and published a book on his glories, during 1953, printed at Sri Vani Vilas Press, Sri Rangam.
There are many media presentations about the Swami ji and one such video clip is given below:
H.H Sri Sri Siva Chidananda Saraswathi Swamy, popularly known as Mouna Swamy, was born as a blessed child of a pious arugula niyogi brahmin couple Sri Achuthanni Bapanaiah and Smt. Seethamma as their third son, somewhere in the year 1868, under Swathi constellation, in a village called Noonevaaripaalayam, near Uppugundur of Guntur Mandal in Andhra Pradhesh. The other children were named Adisesha, Ramanna, Suppanna and a girl, Pannedipadi Seethamma. Swamiji was named as Pitchaiah by his parents. Later he was adopted to another brahmin couple Sri Achyuthanni Lakshmi Narasaiah and Smt. Sundaramma, who changed his name as Sivaiah and brought him up with utmost love and affection. Later Sivaiah became Sri Sivachidananda Saraswathi, the founder of Sri Siddheswari Peetham of Courtallam.
Sivaiah married Smt. Kameswaramma and entered family life in Rajamahendrapuram, somewhere in 1894. He worked as a gumastha with a rice merchant. He was blessed with a boy named Achuthanni Nagabhushanam and two girl children, named Lakshmi narasamma and Sundaramma. In 1903, he arranged the marriage of his first daughter. He was a Devi upasakar right from his childhood and liked music and indulged in Katha kaalakshepam. Somewhere in 1906, after witnessing death of an associate's child by drowning in a river, and after an accidental meeting with a siddhar, he took a decision to move away from samsara. His wife thereafter led a Sadhvic life and reached Devi's abode in 1941 at the age of 61.
SANYASA ASRAMAM:
Sivaiah toured North India searching for a guru to guide him and lead him towards a yogic path. Finally, he met Sri Achuthananda Saraswathi Swami, a famous siddha in Himalayas, and had an initiation from him. Here he was given sanyasaashrama by his guru Sri Atchuthananda Saraswathi, who changed his name to Siva Chidananda Saraswathi. Sri Siva Chidananda Saraswathi in his extensive nationwide tour met Sri Vasudevananda Saraswathi (Tembai) Swamy, who explained the secrets of yoga and made him a great siddha purusha.
REASON FOR HIS MOUNAM:
Mouna Swami took silence as a vow. Swami took this vow that he will not speak after this incident narrated here. Swami attended all India Vedic conference held in Kashmir, where scholars from all over India were debating. A question was raised and was unable to arrive at a solution. Sri Mouna Swami who was not conversant about Veda answered the question, which was accepted by one and all. His guru who was also present cautioned him not to transgress ethi dharma by displaying knowledge unasked by the participants. Sri Mouna Swami received this caution from his Guru there it may develop ego in one’s mind. Swami, who took this in the right perspective, took a vow that he will not speak and observe silence (Mouna) for life as a direct consequence of wastefully using his tongue. That is how Swami was known as Mouna Swami. By observing Silence his yogic power increased multi-fold.
SWAMIJI's MIRACLES AND POWERS:
Swamiji toured several kshethram, including Haridhwar, Kasi, Ayodhya, Naimisarayam, Panchavadi (Nasik), Gokarnam, Mookambika etc. While at Nasik, he surprised everyone by his yogic powers, by reinstalling a Adi Sankara's idol, which was in a slating position in a temple and which could not be lifted even by using mechanical devices.
It is said that when Swami ji was travelling by foot to Mookambika temple, he had to cross thick forest area during night time. Devi Herself accompanied him, in the form of a black coloured woman. Swami ji came to know of this later when she suddenly disappeared after reaching the place.
While he was travelling by foot to Mangalore, along with some merchants, they took rest under a huge banyan tree and while others were fast a sleep, Swami ji went into yogic meditation. Suddenly, they all felt a severe stone and the huge tree was uprooted. While all others escaped, Swamiji was trapped inside. Later, when they could slowly remove the small branches, they found that a heavy branch of the tree had fallen on Swamiji's shoulder and all of them tried their level best to remove the branch but could not move it an inch. Soon, Swamiji came out of his meditation and without any effort, pushed the branch with one of his hands and proceeded further.
SWAMIJI's COURTALLAM VISIT:
During the South India tour in 1909, Mouna Swamy reached Courtallam, prominently known as Trikootachala Kshetra. It is considered to be one among 54 peethams (Dharani Peetham) on earth. He was greatly attracted by the temple of Courtalla Natha, Lord Shiva. He used to stay in the temple premises, covering himself fully in his saffron clothings. He used to consume the prasadams given by the temple personnel and continue to stay there. The temple employees showed lot of regards towards him and allowed him to stay inside even when the temple is closed during odd hours. He used to perform many miracles and bless the devotees, whenever he is not meditating. His fame slowly spread all over and lot of devotees started coming to him for his advise and blessings.
During one of his visits to Courtallam, in 1910, my great grandfather, Sriman Sundaram Iyer, the then Zamindar of Karukurichi Mitta, happened to meet the Swami ji for the first time in the temple premises and there upon became his ardent devotee. He built a small asramam in the outer northern prakaram in the temple, as approved by the temple authorities. Swamiji also advised my great grandpa to install a Dhandayuthapani and Adi Sankara idols there and it was duly obliged on 07-09-1910. Swami ji's miracles continued here also, as he brought forth the required Navarathna gems and chakras inscribed in gold plates from his folded hands, which were used for the Installation beneath the idols. Immediately after the installation, many who assembled there, saw a bright light emitting from the Dhandayuthpani idol, as it lasted for a few minutes.
Later, Swamiji explained that the reason for this installation was to make a small beginning for establishing a Sankara Mutt at Courtallam and to fulfil the desire of His Holiness Sringeri Sankaracharya, Sri Sachidananda Sivabhinava Narasimha Bharati Swamigal, who had expressed this desire to Mouna Swami, when both met each other sometime in the past. It is to be mentioned here that along with my great grandpa, there was one more great devotee by name Sri V T S Sevuka Pandia Thevar, the Sethur Zamindar. Thevar was suffering from a severe illness for several years and my great grandpa, a friend of Thevar, introduced him to Swamiji who cured him fully. Since then, Thevar also became a devotee of Mouna Swami. Both these Zamindars jointly promoted the Mutt into a full-fledged Institution.
Here is a link to Dattatreya Stotram:
During construction of the mutt, Swami never operated from personnel cash or from bank account. For paying the weekend bills incurred during the construction periods, he used to make a gesture to dig at the foot of a tree or foundation of a structure. To the surprise of all, exact amounts will be found i.e. no pie extra or short to make the payment.
OTHER DEITIES INSTALLED IN THE MUTT:
Some of the other deities in the Siddheswari Peetam include Naadi Pillaiyar. After this idol was installed, it exhibited pulse vibrations for a few days, which was confirmed by medical practitioners.
Naadi Pillayar
Sri Raja Rajeswari idol installed here has exhibited several powers, including ability to make a dumb girl speak out to the surprise of all present. Lord Kameswara idol is also installed here.
Sri Raja Rajeswari
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp7YSP_Pqzo
Mouna Swamy was a seer of many mystical and spiritual powers like Ashta Maha siddhis. He could materialize anything and everything out of nothing, all by himself. He had a great Astral Vision and could see and know anything. He has the power of Astral Travel. Once he took the astral bodies of his devotees to Kanyakumari festival and when the function was over, they found prasadam in their hands in Courtallam.
Kameswaran.
Hanuman
Maha Meru
DhandayauthaPani
SWAMIJI WENT BEYOND RELIGION:
Composite Madras British Governor from Britain Lord Pentland & J.C. Meloni I.C.S who was member in governor’s council were devotees of Mouna Swami. Mr. Meloni & Lord Pentland, though Christian by birth, used to send money from London. Nearly forty visitors visited this peetham from London. They came to meet Mouna Swami every month for pujas and to offer their Pranams. Food of south Indian Style was under preparation to feed about 2000 people in connection with a religious function. Swami directed his organizers to provide lunch for the foreign visitors. The organizers were on a dilemma, as the visitors cannot relish south Indian food. They were on a puzzle as to what to do how to arrange western style lunch. Organizers were looking to infinity exhibiting their inability to arrange western style of lunch. Swami suddenly got up from his seat and welcomed all foreign visitors to a four-room tenement, which was lying vacant. Swami touched the door and the doors were open where to the astonishment of all western style of lunch was ready, served on tables with table cloth, crockery, cutlery, bread and toast.
He could create diamonds and gold. Frequently he changed copper into gold. This was seen by people like Dr. Anne Besant. Madras governor was struck with wonder when rose garland and apples were created from nowhere (in those days they were not available in Madras State). Sri Mouna Swamy was an extraordinary saint with many mystic powers. Thousands of devotees witnessed such experiences from Swamiji at various places and were immensely benefited on spiritual front. Many devotees from other religions also used to come to Mouna Swamy, express their problems and got solutions from him.
Swamiji had many Muslim devotees as well. Jainul Audeen from Chennai, who was a devoted unani medical practitioner and also another rich muslim devotee from Ramanathauram were few beneficiaries who got their wishes fulfilled by Swamiji's grace.
SWAMIJI'S FINAL DAYS:
The Mutt started regularly functioning and funds started flowing in to meet its regulator needs from within India and abroad, as Swamiji's fame spread all over. Swamiji established a Peetam and named it as Siddheswari Peetam some where in early 1940s, so that his successors can take over and continue the Mutt activities.
Mouna Swamy used to go to the temple of Dandayudhapani in Sri Siddheswari Peetham frequently and immerse himself in yoga samadhi in solitude. While he was in such yoga samadhi, Mouna Swamy left his mortal body in early hours of December 28th, 1943 at 2.50 AM.
Swami was well aware of his Samadhi day, several years ahead of the event. Even after his samadhi there is authenticated evidence with record that he rose from samadhi, assumed human body, appeared in Santhome of Madras and had a dialogue physically with Sri. S.A.A.Ramaiah, 2nd Son of Annamalai Chettiar, a merchant of Chettinadu in Tamilnadu, who was suffering from bone TB and was bed ridden over a period of six years. He was unfit for mundane life. Mouna swami gave him a herb, which he consumed on 7/3/1952. This incident took place nine years after swami’s Samadhi. He was cured of the disease within one month. He not only became hale and healthy but also became an international figure known as “Yogi Ramaiah”. Yogi Ramaiah had established innumerable yoga centres all over the world. This episode was published in Montreal, Canada, in a book titled (Babaji & Eighteen Sidha Kriya Yogas). Devotees still believe that Mouna Swami speaks & blesses from his Samadhi in Courttalam.
After the Mahasamadhi of founder of the peetham, a committee was formed for the organizational works of the peetham to his will. This committee later handed over these responsibilities to Swamy Sri Vimalananda Bharati.
Mouna Swamy samadhi mandir was constructed and “Sri Neelakanteswara Siva lingam” was installed on his Mahasamadhi.
Following is the list of Peetathipathis of this Mutt, in chronological order:
Sri Siva Chidananda Saraswathi Swamiji (Mouna Swamy) (1916- 1943)
SS Sri Vimalananda Bharati Swamy (1944 - 1950)
SS Sri Trivikrama Ramananda Bharati Swamy (1951-1991)
SS Sri Siva Chidananda Bharati Swamy (1991 - 2002)
SS Sri Siddheswarananda Bharati Swamy (2003 - Present)
The following religious and social activities are carried out by the Mutt:
Annadanam
Go Shala
Old Age Home at Courtallam
Sri Sailam Project
Dharama Rakshana Yagnas
Prayojana Homas
Trivikrama Trust
Sri Raja Rajeswari Annadhana Samajam
Library
Contact Sri Siddheswari Peetham (Mouna Swamy Mutt)
Phone: 04633 283 707
Website: www.siddheswaripeetham.org
Address
Courtallam, Tamil Nadu 627802, India
Mouna Swamy was a seer of many mystical and spiritual powers like Ashta Maha siddhis. He could materialize anything and everything out of nothing, all by himself. He had a great Astral Vision and could see and know anything. He had the power of Astral Travel. Once he took the astral bodies of his devotees to Kanyakumari festival and when the function was over, they found prasadam in their hands sitting in Courtallam.
The holy "paadarakshai", used by Swamiji, is kept in our pooja room to this day:
SRI GURU PADHUKABHYAM
Chanting the Guru Paduka Stotram of Sri Adi Sakara, helps one invoke the Guru principle and imbibe the qualities of the learned masters. Following is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgQ8kAMmt3U
Meaning of Guru Padhuka Stotram:
Anantha Samsara Samudhra Thara
Naukayithabhyam Guru Bhakthithabhyam,
Vairagya Samrajyadha Poojanabhyam,
Namo Nama Sri Guru Padukabyam.
Salutations and Salutations to the sandals of my Guru, Which is a boat, which helps me cross the endless ocean of life, Which endows me, with the sense of devotion to my Guru, And by the worship of which, I attain the dominion of renunciation.
Kavithva Varasini Sagarabhyam,
Dourbhagya Davambudha Malikabhyam,
Dhoorikrutha Namra Vipathithabhyam,
Namo Nama Sri Guru Padukabyam.
Salutations and Salutations to the sandals of my Guru, Which is the ocean of knowledge, resembling the full moon, Which is the water, which puts out the fire of misfortunes, And which removes distress of those who prostrate before it.
Natha Yayo Sripatitam Samiyu
Kadachidapyasu Daridra Varya,
Mookascha Vachaspathitham Hi Thabhyam,
Namo Nama Sri Guru Padukabyam.
Salutations and Salutations to the sandals of my Guru, Which make those who prostrate before it, Possessors of great wealth, even if they are very poor, And which makes even dumb people into great orators.
Naleeka Neekasa Pada Hrithabhyam,
Nana Vimohadhi Nivarikabyam,
Nama Janabheeshtathathi Pradhabhyam
Namo Nama Sri Guru Padukabyam.
Salutations and Salutations to the sandals of my Guru, Which attracts us, to lotus like feet of our Guru, Which cures us, of the unwanted desires, And which helps fulfil the desires of those who salute.
Nrupali Mouleebraja Rathna Kanthi
Sariddha Raja Jjashakanyakabhyam,
Nrupadvadhabhyam Nathaloka Pankhthe,
Namo Nama Sri Guru Padukabyam.
Salutations and Salutations to the sandals of my Guru, Which shine like gems on the crown of a king, Which shine like a maid in the crocodile infested stream, And which make the devotees attain the status of a king.
Papandhakara Arka Paramparabhyam,
Thapathryaheendra Khageswarabhyam,
Jadyadhi Samsoshana Vadaveebhyam
Namo Nama Sri Guru Padukabyam.
Salutations and Salutations to the sandals of my Guru, Which is like a series of Suns, driving away the dark sins, Which is like the king of eagles, driving away the cobra of miseries, And which is like a terrific fire drying away the ocean of ignorance.
Shamadhi Shatka Pradha Vaibhavabhyam,
Samadhi Dhana Vratha Deeksithabhyam,
Ramadhavadeegra Sthirha Bhakthidabhyam,
Namo Nama Sri Guru Padukabyam.
Salutations and Salutations to the sandals of my Guru, Which endows us, with the glorious six qualities like sham, Which gives the students the ability to go in to eternal trance, And which helps to get perennial devotion to the feet of Vishnu.
Swarchaparana Makhileshtathabhyam,
Swaha Sahayaksha Durndarabhyam,
Swanthachad Bhava Pradha Poojanabhyam,
Namo Nama Sri Guru Padukabyam.
Salutations and Salutations to the sandals of my Guru Which bestows all desires of the serving disciples, Who are ever involved in carrying the burden of service And which helps the aspirants to the state of realisation.
Kaamadhi Sarpa Vraja Garudabhyam,
Viveka Vairagya Nidhi Pradhabhyam,
Bhodha Pradhabhyam Drutha Mokshathabhyam,
Namo Nama Sri Guru Padukabyam.
Salutations and Salutations to the sandals of my Guru Which is the Garuda, which drives away the serpent of passion, Which provides one, with the treasure of wisdom and renunciation, Which blesses one with enlightened knowledge, And blesses the aspirant with speedy salvation.
You can have a glance of the present Swamiji and the Mutt in the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=hU3QhyDeGkQ&list=RDCMUCZr5gQZvUl54e2vhn7oB-YA&index=9
Ohm Gurubhyo namaha
