Book Description

This book came into existence due to the graceful waves of the Kanchi Mahan. It is only my writings that are making me breathe. I write about lot of stuff. I have been writing for about 10-15 years. However, I never had any resolve to write about Mahaperiva. Didn’t have the courage either. Didn’t have the knowledge either. Didn’t have the bhakthi, like the one that melts like wax, either. Like this, so many things that I don’t have. Yet, in the last few years, it seems Mahaperiva has decided to use me as a tool for writing about Mahaperiva. How much confidence did Hosur Ganesan mama have on me! He kept driving me and made me write “Kanchi Mahanin Karunai Alaigal”( 100 years of his Life as Peetathipathi of Sri Kanchi Kamakodi Peedam). Ganesan mama, also connected me to Shri Mettur Swamigal, the direct devotee of Mahaperiva. (He was in Sri kanchi Thapovanam in Govindapuram, near Kumbakonam) This Periyava not only provided guidance and complete blessings for writing the book, he also ensured its success by developing it and providing the flow. After the completion of the book, Maha Periyava, happily went and sat down in the hearts of the devotees whom He chose to be the recipients of the book in this world. For whatever fundamental objective for which the book was written (through my simple tamil alphabets, to dispel the myth that he is ‘Mahaperiva’ for just one caste of people and that true to his title of being a Jagathguru, he is close to the common man), that objective was fully authenticated by Mahaperiva and as if to certify it, one commoner wrote a letter to me which is reproduced in this book. I told him that I was about to write about Periva’s Padhuka and also asked him to let me know if he knew people with Periyava’s Padhugai. He then dropped a bombshell and completely upset me. He said “if you want me to be truthful, Periva did not give Padhuka to anyone. Some people in kanchi madam, are calling it as Periva’s Padhuka and giving it to their near and dear. My family has been doing kainkaryam for three generations. As a child, I grew up playing in Periva’s lap. Periva did not give Padhuka for some of the prime devotees (and doled out a few names). Then your wish”. I was like “what is this test for Madurai?” (referring to test to Madurai in Thiruvilayadal Puranam) and was very confused. Then I firmed up my mind thinking that to confuse and then to clear up is all his blessing. What a surprise? Shri Kanchi Mahan’s Padhuka was there all over this world. A worldwide search was essential. America, Australia, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia - the epitome of grace made the world come to my palm! Some said they got it directly from Paramachcharyar Himself, some said they got it through Periva’s anukka thondars (lieutenants), some said they had it for generations and didn’t know the origins, some strangely said they got it through mail, some said they purchased it and submitted it to Periva and requested Him wear it and bless us. I pray to the Holy Feet of Periva Himself, that from the moment that you hold this book, which basically holds Periva’s Padhugai, that your life should be prosperous and you should live long. Periva Saranam! With love and respect Dr. Shyama Swaminathan