One very interesting and astounding experience that Sri Siddhar Swamigal had was when he witnessed his own end much before it was to happen. In the month of May 1964, he narrated what would happen on the morning of 31st August, 1964 at 07:28 hrs. He had also witnessed all his previous lives and deaths. Sri Siddhar Swamigal knew well in advance about the day he would leave the materialistic body. He predicted the day well in advance. He planned the proceedings carefully and meticulously. He prepared himself to welcome the day with love and respect. He would often tell his disciples to “love death". He would tell them that it was a beautiful thing.
On the night of 29th August, 1964 at about 19:30 hrs in the evening, after his small meal of fruits and milk, he washed his hands and said symbolically that it was all over.
A few days prior to the auspicious day of his attaining siddhi, he called all his followers and devotees and asked them to carry out his instructions.
On 31st August 1964, the auspicious and eventful day, all his devotees and followers arrived at his place at 03:30 hrs itself. They chanted the Shiva Purana (the holy hymn about Lord Siva) 15 times. The “panchaakshara” or “Om nama shivaaya” was also continuously chanted. The atmosphere was divine and enchanted. Two kuthuvilakku’s (metallic lamps lit with the help of wicks soaked in oil) were burning in Swamigals room continuously since the last 3 days. An earthern lamp was also burning continuously during that period. In all 11 lamps were lit and burning.
It was 06:10 hrs. Sri Siddhar Swamigal pointing to a plate asked his close associate, Sri Panchamrudha Swamigal to cover it with ash. Sri Nagappa Swamigal then placed a piece of camphor in the middle of the pile of ash. Sri Ramamrudha Swamigal then lit the camphor. Sri Siddhar Swamigal asked his associates to ensure that camphor was kept burning all the while. He directed the fire towards the sky and there was absolute silence and stillness all around the place till 06:45 hrs. Subsequently, all his devotees and associates maintained silence till 07:15 hrs under prior instructions from Sri Siddhar Swamigal. Swamigal then asked for all the doors and windows to be left open. At 07:20 Swami Siddhananda got up and prayed to Sri Siddhar Swamigal. There were 11 lamps in all burning in that room. Despite all the doors and windows being left open, there was absolute stillness in the lamp which did not flicker at all. Nobody moved and nothing moved. Sri Siddhar Swamigal blessed each and everyone of his disciples individually. He then raised both his hands above his head, heaven wards and prayed to the Almighty. Then he crossed his arms on his chest and closed his eyes. Exactly at 07:28 hrs his soul departed from this world. Instantaneously one of the 11 burning lamps got extinguished simultaneously. Sri Siddhar Swamigal’s body maintained its warmth and there was a glow in his face. As predicted earlier, Sri Siddhar Swamigal attained siddhi on the day he had already known he would.
As per his instructions and in keeping with his wishes, after giving him the holy, sacred bath, he was taken to the Rudra Bhoomi or the graveyard. His entire body other than his face was covered with sandal wood logs. His prime disciple went and kissed his guru’s face. As Sri La Sri Ongaranada Swamigal often recollects, that was an experience of his lifetime. He could feel the transfer of a vibrant energy into his body and he knew that he had to take on the mantle and continue from where his guru had left off. Sri Siddhar Swamigal’s body was then confined to flames.
Sri La Sri Ongarananda Swamigal knows that his guru’s blessings are with him even to this day and that he is guiding him and is beside him all the while.
There is only one force that is responsible for the creation of this universe, this world and all the living and non living objects. Hence one should love and respect the creatures there created by that force. Thus spoke Sri La Sri Ongarananda Swamigal. Only love is permanent. The place where one exists is the abode of God.
There are various ways and guidelines identified by gurus, seers and saints to attain happiness. One of the easiest methods that can be followed is to read about the great saints and seers and emulate them in the path they have taken. Reading such literature cools our system and keeps us mentally and physically happy. Ailments, if any, slowly but surely disappear.
Sri Siddhar Swamigal shunned publicity. He did not want to be written about. Sri La Sri Ongarananada had to take prior permission before writing about his Guru and Sathguru. Thus was born the tamil version of MAHA SIDDHAR.
It is not an easy task to write about the limitless powers and divinity of Sri Mayiladuthurai Parabrahmam Sadguru Om Sri Siddhar Swamigal. It is next to impossible to explain in mere words his life and his attainments. His divine presence can be felt by one and all who truly believe in his greatness and divinity.
The hum and drum of the present day life has drawn mankind away from spiritualism. Yet, it is essential for us to be aware of the greatness of men who have realised god and his divinity.
An "Aalayam" or temple has been erected to invoke the blessings of Sri Om Siddhar Swamigal and all the saints and seers of India and Tamilnadu. It stands majestic and tall among the swaying coconut trees, on the outskirts of the Kalpakkam Township in a little hamlet called Pudhupattinam. It is on the East Coast Road that connects Chennai city with Pondicherry. A visit to this temple brings peace, content and joy to the devotees and visitors.
We invoke the blessings of Mayiladuthurai Parabrahmam Sadguru Om Sri Siddhar Swamigal on you and your family.