There is no need for an introduction now in respect of the Mahatma Yogi Ramsuratkumar who has been residing in the holy city of Tiruvannamalai for the past thirty six years.* If at the times of Shri Rama or Shri Krishna any one could have asked, "It seems there is a person known as Shri Rama at Ayodhya or Shri Krishna at Dwaraka," today at Tiruvannamalai some one can enquire who he (Yogi Ramsuratkumar) is or what he is doing.

Very few people knew about him until 1976. Even they knew a little by means of the small amount of information contained in the book published by Truman Caylor Wadlington. In 1976 Dr. T.P. Meenakshi-Sundaram and a few others had celebrated his birth day. Later Vageesa Kalanidhi Sri. K.V. Jagannathan and a few other eminent persons had his darshan. After this His fame began to spread, now not only in this state and other states of India but abroad as well. Thousands of people from everywhere have come to have his darshan and have obtained substantial benefits in their lives. The association of this servant with him started in 1968 and intensified after 1974. These have been recorded in some articles, which the devotees are aware of. On the several occasions, when I went to Tiruvannamalai for darshan after 1974 I used to go by myself. I took my wife with me on very few occasions. I had gone to have darshan in 1980 accompanied by my wife. My wife had taken some eatables with her. After Swamiji had taken it, he bade us both sit down and addressed my wife "Lakshmi, whatever you want to ask of this beggar, you can ask throughout today." My wife said, "Swami, I do not know what to ask, I have not read anything. My husband speaks of Ramayanam and Bhagavatham. I don't know anything."

Swamiji said, "Do you know why Ramayanam, Bhagavatham and others are read?" She said, "I do not know Swami,-" Then Swamiji said, "They are read to experience the leelas played by God in the avataras of Rama and Krishna. If you and your husband recollect any leelas of present day avatars, you will get the same benefit. We read of Rama and Krishna, written by others. But when you recollect these incidents that have been personally experienced and deeply felt you will get happiness and good results."

I immediately thought, this might refer to Shri Gnananda Swarni and our association with him. But it occurred in a flash that this man also must be an avatara-purusha. It occurred again in a few days and became a firm belief.

That day Swamiji made us both stay till the evening and then sent us after blessing us profusely. This was the last darshan had by my wife. In the three years she lived after this, she did not get an opportunity to have his darshan again. I understood the significance of Swamiji asking us to stay throughout the day till evening. The secret of incarnation of several Avatara Purushas remained hidden in the beginning but the world understood at the appropriate time and derived benefit from it. After the incarnation of Rama and Krishna, the world is aware that avataras like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Adi Shankara have established dharma and Bhakti.

Shri G. Sankararajulu, retired Director of Collegiate Studies has recorded his experiences in the collection of his poems "Thiruppugazh Tirattu" and extolled the nature of this avatar in his songs, particularly the 6th song "Vazhi Nadai Pattu."

"Gopala who sported amongst the gopis and Rama who wiped out the troubles faced by ascetics are only He.
" Subramanya who punished Surapadman (the Rakshasa) and Siva who burnt Manmata, the divine mother who slew the Rakshasa Mahishasuran, the Goddess of learning and arts seated on the lotus, the Goddess of wealth who pours unlimited wealth are only He."

Shri Pon Kamaraj a devotee of Swamiji has given a lot of information about the references to Swamiji in the divinely inspired poems of Sri Muthukutti Swamigal.

More than all these there is a recent incident which sends us into transports of joy. Sri Perumal Raju is a great devotee of Bhagavan and an excellent poet. He, in his attempt to communicate his ecstasy to other devotees has published his poems under the title, "Ananda Paravasam" (Eastatics joy). He has narrated in a poem that as directed by Bhagavan, when he went to Tirupati, he requested Lord Venkateswara to reveal who is Yogi Ramsuratkumar at Tiruvannamalai, the Lord replied, " Verily Myself."

( Who is the beggar, I asked
My Venkata Natha, on that day
declared in my hearing
causing untold ecstasy
to well up in me
"verily myself" and made me His own
I sing of this wonder)

Can are remain unmoved, not feel the ecstasy of the poet when we read or hear these lines?

Is not this incident comparable to Lord Guruvayurappan nodding his assent to the Narayaneeyam slokas of Bhattadari in this Kaliyuga? We may have a doubt in that these incidents are ail related to several avatars and how can we accept him as a particular, specific Avatar?

These avatars are no doubt about several avatars in different Saguna forms (Form with separate characteristics). But all these forms are based only on the parabrahman without any characteristics (Nirgunam). Therefore an avatarapurusha who is rooted in the state of this nirguna parabrahman may appear in any saguna form. It may be recollected that in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna, the Poornavatara, declares "I am myself in the form of all the Gods and function as such."

Now we will note some of the ideas that Bhagavan expressed about Himself.

Once Swamiji said about his limitless divine power that it is capable of converting a lump of earth into a Maha Meru and the Maha Meru into a lump of earth. (Swami used to refer to his divinity as " Father " and the power as belonging to "Father" Everyone knows this.)

Another time, some devotees had come to Swamiji and I think that was a time of discontent for them. Swamiji said, "Many people may not understand this beggar. But one thing is certain. If there is some association with this beggar, if they leave feeling unhappy with this beggar on after quarrelling with this beggar, it they recollect the association, they will gain good in this life and after life. This is my Father's assurance." Who else except an Avatara Purusha can give an assurance like this?

Now we can know that Swami was always in a state of bliss by means of his own words, "My Father alone Exists - Nothing else." Because once he indicated that he means "The Supreme soul" when he mentions "Father." A number of great devotees have narrated their personal experiences regarding His Saguna Leelas and therefore there is no need to mention many of them. However, I would like to mention a few small incidents within my experience.

Shri Ramachandramurthi and Shri Krishna Bhagavan, the Poornavataras, had full powers to perform the tasks for which they had taken avataras. Nevertheless they made use of divine forces which had appeared on earth for completing their tasks. In the same way, even though Bhagavan has all the powers to achieve the goals of his avatara he has formed small groups of devotees to serve, and has used several people in various tasks. In the beginning of my association with Swamiji, one day, when I was sitting near him, he suddenly said, "This by God's wish is to create personality." I could not understand it at that time. Now I am able to understand it somewhat.

Some may ask, Bhagavan had destroyed evil doers and supported the good in his avatar, will he (Swamiji) also similarly destroy evil doers? It is the nature of Bhagavan and Gnanis to show compassion to all. There is no doubt about it. But when it comes to an Avatara, evil doers must be destroyed. But it is the special greatness of Avatara purushas to maintain their principle of compassion and also suppress the evil doers and protect dharma. About four or five years ago Swamiji was one day talking to me about an incident, when needlessly some sadhus were harmed. He suddenly declared with great anger. "This will not be tolerated any more. It has been decided in the SPIRITUAL WORLD to put an end to this." After a little while he again started talking calmly.

When I saw this anger I remembored an incident in Ramavatara. When Shri Ram saw the mountainous pile of bones of persons killed by Asuras, in sheer anger he vowed to annihilate them. At that time Shri Sita points out that it is against their Dharma (to destroy persons who did not harm one). Rama declares in anger "I am determined to do this. If it is necessary I will sacrifice even you and Lakshman." Thus it is said in the Valmiki Ramayana. Kamban's songs on this incident were also recollected by me. Even if Bhagavan forgives those who do Him harm, He will not tolerate harm done to his devotees, is it not?

Now, as in the Avataras of Rama and Krishna, he is accessible to all devotees, and accepts whatever little is offered by devotees with a loving heart.

It is comparable to Shri Krishna's declaration in the Bhagavad Gita 'Patram, pushpam, palam, toyam' (Whatever small thing is offered to me with devotion, I accept with joy) - Bhagavad Gita 9 - 26 .

It is said that while writing about Avatara Purushas, their non-human divine powers must also be mentioned. I have already said that thousands of devotees are expressing their experiences of
wonders performed by Bhagavan. Therefore it is not necessary to mention them here. But I wish to express an idea. There are some persons who have obtained paranormal powers through the exercise of Mantra japa or yoga (Mantra Siddhi and Yoga siddhi) who also exercise these paranormal powers as done by Avatara Purushas and jeevan Muktas. But there is a difference between them, These persons will undertake to give relief to the difficulties of a particular person and use the powers for that purpose. These powers would be limited in scope. But these powers would be unlimited and would be constantly flowing in the case of Avatara Purushas and Jeevan Muktas. At the mere thought of the Bhaktas these powers will start flowing and give benefits.

Now I would like to conclude this article by giving my impression on a particular aspect, that is about His Nama Japa.

In these days Bhakti margam is the easiest form of spiritual sadhana and is also capable of giving great results. Even in this Bhakthi Margam Nama Japam is the easiest and can be practiced by every one with good results. Therefore great souls are teaching this to devotees.

When Bhagavan took avatar as Saguna Brahmam, there are several Namas describing his auspicious characteristics and there are also namas for the Nirguna Brahmam. Some of these are given for nama japam. Japam of Gods who are not complete will amount only to Mantra japam. There are no limitation with regard to the namas Rama, Krishna and Hari. There are rules to be followed for doing japam of mantras. Mahans and Acharyas would give nama or mantra japa to the spiritual seekers who come to them. If a sadhak gets the upadesam from the guru, it is necessary for him to recite the guru nama also. If no nama japam has been given to a devotee, the japam of guru nama will give very good results.

There are a number of devotees who are benefited by the recital of Swamiji's name. Some people might like to know whether the devotees are reciting the name only as guru nama or as mantra. Those devotees who have faith and deep devotion that "this is our guru, we will get all the fruits of both this life and the hereafter only through him" will not get any kind of doubt and they do not need any explanation either. Those devotees who are not having such absolute faith and devotion may get some doubts. It cannot be said that all those who come to Swamiji are spiritual seekers who look upon him as a spiritual guide. They have come to seek his grace to solve their many problems and sorrows of life. But after coming here they have attained a better life through His grace and have got devotion and faith. Nevertheless, it can not be foreseen how fervently they would do the guru nama japa, since they might have already been initiated into and following other mantras and devotional practices.

Several devotees accept the Rama nama japa advised by Swamiji and immediately start following it because Ramanamajapa has been started from ancient times since the time of Anjaneya. Papa Ramdas, Bhodendra Swami and others have practiced it and through our swamiji there has been zealous propagation of it. It is well known that its benefits have been experienced at all times and all places.

It is not practiced taking Rama as guru or Rama nama as guru nama. Rama is taken as God and all are doing japa accordingly. Sorne may have a doubt whether Swamiji's name also should be practiced in a similar way.

Rama is the name given to God when he took avataram as a human being. Later when it became known that he is an avatar of God it was known as a great mantra, capable of saving the people from the sea of worldliness, whoever recited it in whatever way, it would confer benefits; it is equivalent to the pranava mantra indicating nirgunabrahman, the entire world acknowledges its greatness.

In the same way when Bhagavan appeared in human form as Sri Krishna the name that was given by his parents was chanted as the name of God. Through this practice people not only get a good life on the earth but also developed loving devotion to Sri Krishna, the nirguna parabrahman, become one with him and reached an exalted state. Now it is known as a great mantra capable of conferring liberation on the entire world. The experiences of devotees show the surprising benefits accruing from the nama japa.

To day he has come in corporeal form as an avatara purusha (though he is guru to those who seek a guru) his name is giving results like the namas of the Avatara Purushas Rama and Krishna. Therefore it is clear that he is an avatara purusha. Those who believe that Rama and Krishna are not human beings, but the divine taken human forms, will not have such a doubt with regard to him (Swamiji) also.

In 1989, the Adhishtana Kumbhabhishekam of Sri Lahtananda Swami took place at Pasumalai. We had to stay there for 45 days. Swamiji stayed there during the entire period and directed that Rama Namajapa be done without a break. I started the japa only after that. 'I started doing this little by little, as much as I could. Later, I took part in the Rama Nama prachara camps conducted by Sadhu Rangarajan, as directed by Swamiji.

When I started having darshan of Swamiji at the Theradimantap, I used to observe the boys who were serving Swamiji at the time chant the nama "Yogi Ramsura kumar Jaya Guru Jaya Guru Jaya Guru Raya" I did not pay much attention to it at that time. Devotees sang praises in many different ways. The japa of Rama Nama also took place before him. Sometimes I also happened to sing a few songs. But Swamiji not only allowed some bhaktas to join the chant of his name with the boys but indirectly encouraged some individual bhaktas to chant his name.

When two of my friends were speaking on spiritual matters Swamiji asked them whether they knew the beggars name. They understood what he meant and started japa of his name. Even now they are doing it. But he never raised this topic with me. I did not pay much attention to it either. Even when others chanted the name in the presence of Swamiji I repeated the name softly or mentally. But I used to hear the chant. Therefore I started thinking about it. In this place where only Rama Nama was imparted and practiced, how is it that this nama is also continuing to be chanted? Is it meant only for a few devotees who are disciples? Can everybody take this up? - thus many doubts cropped up in my mind. But I did not voice them. I did not even ask Swamiji.

During this time I1 was one day travelling from Chennai to Tirukollur. Because of large crowds I was changing buses. I took a bus from Chingalpet to Villupuram. A big crowd got in at Maduranthakam. There was not much room even for standing. Under these circumstances the conductor allowed a large marriage party to board the bus at Tindivanam. The crowd had doubled. The people were unable even to stand. The women and children were screaming. After travelling a little while the bus started bending to the left side. Though the people were pleading, neither the driver nor the conductor attempted either to stop the vehicle or to make alternate arrangements. As the bus continued to bend to the left, the driver slightly slowed the vehicle that was all. In a few minutes the vehicle would have tilted completely and fallen on its side - there was only a small space left. The confusion, shouting and crying in the vehicle increased enormously but the vehicle's tilt was such that none could get down.

At this time, without knowing - unconsciously - I repeated the nama "Yogi Ramsuratkumar, Yogi Ramsuratkumar" loudly a few times. What a surprise! The bus stood stable in that dangerous tilt, while the people got off the bus slowly and attempted to right the bus. I took another bus to Villupuram and reached Tapovanam. But my entire mind, after recovering from the shock which lasted a little while, was completely submerged in a great surprise. The greatness of Swamiji which I have been experiencing already, stood confirmed. But the real surprise of this incident was, how I was able to loudly pronounce the name even without a conscious effort. I would normally, under these circumstances, say, "Murugaa" and the danger would pass. Or I would recite the Rama nama. But I can not understood at all how this name suddenly flashed in my heart and came out.

After this when I went to the Sannadhi Street house to have darshan. Swamiji was speaking to a devotee about doing this nama japa. Swamiji told him 'Some friends say they have experimented on this (chanting) and had good results' and then he looked at me and said, 'Had you any occasion to experiment on this?' I was thrilled to narrate this incident to him and he said, 'You see, he has experimented' and burst out laughing.

I experienced the special greatness of this nama from then onwards. After this I observed Swamiji giving permission to continuously chant the nama in his presence. This progressed further and Mata Devaki, by herself and with her friends began to chant the nama in the presence of Swamiji and it became a special feature in Swamiji's Sannadhi and became a great yagna and now has become a maha mantra throughout the state.

The benefit conferred by the nama on this servant's life are immeasurable. Daily from time to time, sometimes from minute to minute it is giving surprising results. Sometime great dangers are averted merely on thinking of the name. Diseases get cured. Obstacles get removed - These great results are obtained by many of my family members.

The truth that the devotees know this nama as Rama Nama and experience it as such was witnessed by us on 01. 12.1994 at the Agrahara collai Ashram on the Jayanti day. Was it not an unforgettable experience to see the devotees forgetting the self, continuously chanting the nama from 10 AM to 10.45 A.M. and Gurunatha joining in the festivities and pouring his compassion on all? Is not this one event sufficient to establish the greatness of the nama and that the embodiment of this nama, our Swamiji is an avatara purusha? Moreover Swamiji used to give hints about his avatara so that people, who are bound by Maya may not fail to understand the greatness of the avatara and make use of it.

Once when I was near Swamiji he suddenly uttered words to the effect that his spiritual life was full of mysteries. I was unable to understand if then. Now I am able to understand that he meant the secret of his avatara.

In this small article, I have attempted to share with other devotees my thoughts on his greatness arising from my limited experiences and from what I have seen and heard. This is not on the basis of research. The object of writing this is to increase the faith and love of devotees so that they can benefit more. Mahans do not like research.

There is a small evidence for this. A great devotee was once staying at Tapovanam. He had received a great deal of grace from Swamiji. Nevertheless he showed a keenness to know Swamiji's life history. He asked a number of questions of Swamiji. Swamiji answered a few of them. The questions continued. It sounded like an interview. Swamiji said then, "We see a tree. We are happy to see it giving a lot of shade. We enjoy the fragrant flowers. Lastly if we get good fruits we are happy. That is all we have to get from the tree or know about the tree is it not? What is the use of doing research about its roots?" If you attempt to do such research, this root will not be available to you" he concluded. This would have shocked some and disappointed some. We should therefore leave off research, increase our devotion and get good results.