With great sadness I inform you of the Shivalokaprapthi of Dr. S.Ramamurthy, a long-time Shri Matam  devotee, well-wisher and volunteer, who passed away peacefully last night in Chicago while all his family members were around him. Mama and his family has been a staunch Sri Matam devotees for generations.

Drs Lalitha and Ramamurthy graciously hosted and conducted elaborate, day-long Shri MahaPeriyava Jayanthi puja at their house in Burr Ridge during the late 90’s and early 2000’s. Following the unexpected demise of Smt Lalitha in 2009, Dr Ramamurthy continued to host the Jayanthi function at his place whenever possible and not traveling to India, with the last function being held during May 2016, click HERE for pictures from that function. He always ensured detailed arrangements were made for Homam, Paduka Abhishekam and Puja, including Bhajans by inviting Bhagavathas and arranging elaborate lunch prasadams for the celebration. The function usually continued in the afternoon after lunch with music performances, bhajans and Vedam recitation, ending with a procession of Shri Periyavas. Smt Lalitha Ramamurthy’s family has a long history of association with Shri Matam, with her father being actively involved with the building of the UttaraChidambaram Nataraja temple at Satara, Maharashtra.  The family’s contributions to Shri Matam and KKSF over the years have been invaluable to say the least. I have reached out to mama for support for deepavali pakshanams to veda patasalas etc and he gladly supported we are eternally indebted for their support and dedication to the Kamakoti kutumbam.

Mama has supported several astika events in Chicagoland – be it Maharudram, sampradaya bhajan, avian avittams etc. I have personally attended many avani avittams in his house followed by wonderful breakfast etc. Mama is known to almost every single artist from December season – His knowledge in music is limitless. Recently music academy honored mama before Covid shutdown etc. He was a walking encyclopedia – you can talk to him on any subject – more importantly he can spend hours with any age groups. More importantly he made every conversation/gathering lively!

For me it is a personal loss – my family is indebted to mama for our life!

Let us pray for this great soul to attain moksha.

PEriyava Sharanam!

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