There was no book published on the life history or the sayings of Yoga Swamigal. So, two years ago, we devotees tried to publish a book, “Tribute to Yoga Swamigal’s Holy Feet”. But due to insufficient materials, we could not publish that book.§
Many devotees insisted that I should publish at least a small book. I also felt guilty that I have not published any book in remembrance of Swamiga, though I have done for many other great souls. But then there were lot of difficulties to write about Swamigal (which I have explained in Chapter II), so I hesitated to write.§
One day, during this time, I had the opportunity to have Darshan with Markandu Swami, the prime follower of Yogaswami. He enquired about my proposed publication. I explained my hesitation. He said, “Do this as Service to Siva, everything will turn out fine”. This blessing gave me new impetus to start writing the book.§
In 1971, with Markandu Swamigal’s blessing, I had a great opportunity to start working on this book. Usually, I do not get time to concentrate on a single issue as I am involved in many projects. At last, I got the opportunity during curfew period, last April/May and I started to write the Biography of Yogaswami with the available materials.§
It will be appropriate to mention here what formed the basis for writing this book. Since Yogaswami used to visit my relative Chellachi Amma from 1914, I came to know Swamigal literally from the time I learned to read. From 1926 onwards, after I joined the Hindu College, I had close relationship with Swamigal. My writing of this book is primarily based on this long association with Yogaswami.§
Then, I also had the blessings to be associated with longtime devotees of Swamigal. As such I was privileged to gather some rare information about Yogaswami.§
Meanwhile, some devotees sent me their experiences in writings. I have given due credit to such devotees wherever I have used such written materials.§
One of the close followers of Yogaswami gave me old issues of Siva Thondan and refered relevant pages that can help me in my writing to encourage me. Above all, he gave me his collection of Swamigal’s Holy Sayings, which he wrote down during his many visits to Swamigal. Another devotee and close follower and the custodian of Sivathondan Nilayam, Sellathurai master, gave me the old relevant issues of Sivathondan Magazines. He also, from time-to-time, gave me invaluable advice and clarification whenever I needed. I convey my thanks to all of them.§
After I’m done with these essays, the issue of publishing them arose. It will take time to get it published as a book. Meanwhile, I thought I should get the opinions of followers of Swamigal before publishing as a book. So, I thought it would be good to publish first in a newspaper in the form of articles. I sent my articles on Yogaswami to Thinagaran Newspaper, which has been publishing many rare essays in its weekly issues. Interestingly, the newspaper published my articles continuously for 12 weeks with high quality photos. This paved the way for thousands of readers to read the articles. Many of them conveyed their appreciation direcly in person and through letters. And they requested the articles be published as a book. I would like to convey my thanks to Mr. Sivagurunathan, the editor of Thinagaran, for publishing the articles attaractively on Yogaswami.§
In order to publish as a book, I had to finish the series of articles in Thinagaran newspaper. So, I concluded the series of essays by writing two more chapters “Out of Town Journeys of Swamigal” and “Later life and Samadhi of Swamigal”.§
As soon as the essays were finished, discussion about publisher for the book came up and Mr. C.S. Kumaraswamy, the owner of Shanmuganathan printers, came forward to publish it. Mr. Kumaraswamy and I have been friends for very long time. He published the first article I wrote on Swamigal in 1955. Then he also published my research article ‘Kachiyappar Kantha Puranam, an epic of Tamil Nadu’. Then in 1968, the sovereign issue published on my retirement by Vaidyeswara Vidyalaya Teachers’ Association, was also printed in his printing press. So, it is fitting that they publish this book too. I want to thank Mr. Kumaraswamy for doing this good deed, especially in this difficult time of maintaining a printing press business. I want to convey not only my thanks but also the gratitude of many followers of Swamigal.§
I want to convey my thanks to Alavetti V.K. Sittampalam Master, and Madduvil S. Gopalapillai Master for reading the proof. I also want to convey my thanks to Mr. Muruganantham who designed the beautiful art work for the book cover.§
Holy Sayings of Yogaswami have also been included in this book. I am much indebted to those who helped with these. I truly understand the inclusion of these sayings has increased the prestige and the worthiness of this book by many folds.§
The letters written by Yogaswami to Kalaipulavar Navaratnam (with Swamigal’s advice) and to Mr. T.N. Suppaiya have been also included in this book. Others who have such letters and advice from Swamigal should think of publishing them which would be very valuable.§
I realize that, what I have written about Swamigal is not complete because His Glory and Gracious acts are beyond any research. This is well explained in a verse in Periyapuranam that can be seen in the part explaining Thiruppasuram:§
To speak of the Grace given by the Lord §
To scholars from the beginning §
There is no end to the happiness it§
brings There is no research it is said.§
I dedicate this book as a token to the Holy Golden Feet of Yogaswami in His Centenary Birth Day celebrations, trusting Swamigal will accept this with all its flaws.§
Yonder my soul, body, my belongings and all§
Didn’t Thou have took away the day when Thou§
Embraced me§
Is there any hindrance to me?§
Oh Lord, Three eyed eight shouldered! §
Do good always. For mistakes I am responsible§
Yo, Perfect.§
S. Ambikaipakan §
“Mani Manai”, Mallakam,§
Parithabi Year, Vaigasi Avittam, 03 - 06 - 1972§