Thanks Suresh for the article….
Siddhamalli Subramania Sastrigal who later became to be known as Sri Subramania Yatheendraal, was born in April 1868 at Siddhamalli. His father was Sri Kothandarama Iyer, who owned 35 Velis of wet land and dry lands. Their ancestors were brought up from Kerala in 16th Century. Sri Subramania Sastrigal’s Guruparampara is from Sri Abhirama Bhattar. Born in Koundinya Gothram, Sastrigal lost his father at the age of 10 and started his vedic education in sastras etc from Brammasri Mannargudy Raju Sastrigal, the Authority on Vedas, who was also awarded with Mahamahopadya Award by then British Government.
Sri Subramania Sastrigal became the disciple of Kanchi Maha Periyava and was included as teacher to teach Yajur Veda to Sri Kanchi Periyava in the year 1911 at Mahendramangalam. From that day onwards he was closely associated with Kamakoti Mutt and became a Scholar. He was with the Maha Periava for almost a year, spending his money for the development of the Mutt. Mahaswami of Kanchi Mutt deputed Sri Subramania Sastrigal to Benares (Kasi) to attend the Vidwad Sadas organised by the Kasi Maharaja. Sastrigal went to Kasi and partricipated in the Sadas.He was awarded Medals and Shawls and Gold coins by the King of Kasi.A grand reception was accorded on behalf of the Mutt at Madras Central. Sastrigal put all the awards at the Lotus Feet of Mahaperiavaa and got His Blessings.
In the Pujya Sri Mahaswami Divya Charitram in the chapter..”Yatra to Kumbakonam for Mahamagam during the “Navarathri at Tanjore… Peetam established by Sri Adi Sankara was born into this world, it is said in this Charitram that ..
Sri Paramachaariar, accepting the invitatiion of Landlord “KUNNIYUR SAMBASIVA IYER”, His Holiness stayed in Kunniyur for some time. Then he travelled around “Siddhamali”, Alangadu, Pattukottai, Aranthangi and came to Avudayar Koil in July 1922. During this time, Mirasdar (landlord) from Siddhamali — Subramania Sastrigal, stayed with Swamigal and served the mutt.
Such is the fame attached to this beautiful village called “Siddhamalli” and Shri Subramania Sastrigal, on whom this article is written about. His internal life was so intense, holy and great that it is no surprise that Shri Maha Periavaa Paramachariar used to call him as “Library” or “Encyclopedia of Knowledge”.
Again, Sri Subramania Sastrigal’s close association with the Maha Periavaa can be recounted once too oftern. It is said that in one incident in 1929, when Sri Maha Periavaa of Kanchi was camping at Madras, HH used to give Lectures. By his side Subramania Sastrigal (Yatheendraal) was standing. Immediately Periyavaa asked Sastrigal to continue the Upanyasam and went inside for Japas. Subramania Sastrigal then started at length, giving Lectures on behalf of Periavaa!! All the devotees were happy. After 45 minutes, Mahaperiavaa came to the Dais and it was to the surprise of all the people gathered there that His Holiness was also listening to the speech given by Subramania Sastrigal. Then Maha Periyavaa started Upanyasam!
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Source: http://yatheendral.tripod.com/
Have a blessed day everyone!
Shankara.
