Santhosham
The Birth Centenary of Sadguru Om
Sri Siddhar Swamigal, the founder of Omkara Ashram, is being celebrated on May
15, 2004 all over India and abroad. On
this occasion, in recognition of the
Sadguru’s tremendous contribution to the social and spiritual upheaval in 20th
century Tamilnadu, the Government of India is releasing a Commemorative
Postage Stamp to mark His Birth Centenary.
Sadguru Om Sri Siddhar Swamigal
(1904-1964) was a great spiritual leader, who strove tirelessly for Universal peace. He was a master of Upanishads, the Vedic
Scripts and the Siddha philosophy. An
acclaimed expert in Siddha medicine, his healing touch alleviated the
sufferings of millions of people. He
often traversed the medium of the vast Open Space to render immeasurable
spiritual help to those in need.
Born in Srinivasanallur near
Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district of Tamilnadu on May 15, 1904, Sadguru Siddhar
Swamigal belonged to the Eternal Siddha parampara (lineage). His guru, Sri Sivanada Sivalinga Perumanaar
initiated Him at the young age of 8. He
engaged in severe penance and forever abided in the Supreme Higher
Consciousness.
All who knew or came in contact with
Him implicitly believed that He was God in human form.
Siddhar Swamigal taught the importance
of physical, mental and spiritual discipline to create the perfect being in a
perfect society in a perfect world. He
advocated the triune principles of Truth, Righteousness and Justice for
spiritual upliftment. Siddhar Swamigal
revived the powerful ancient art of Open Space Meditation, through one can
directly obtain and harness the Cosmic Power; this practice knows no caste,
creed or religion and is totally devoid of religious symbolism of any
kind.
His message to society was “The
purpose of life is to be happy !! All the activities are in this world but the
cause is in the open space. The powerful open space is the source for
intellect. It is the remover of the
darkness of the mind. It is the
destroyer of ignorance. Man lives with
a lot of limitations. To understand the
open space, he has to get out of the limitations. He has to start interacting with the open space. He has to be part of the open space.”
He preached an innovative concept
for world peace almost 70 years back !
He said that “individuals need to be at peace for the world to be at
peace” !! He expanded this by saying that “cultivated mind of
individuals would give them peace which would lead to peace and harmony in
their families and at home, which in turn would lead to societal peace. Societal peace would lead to orderliness in
the nation and would lead to universal peace. This is what would bring dharma
and righteousness among all people and foster national spirit and world peace.”
He had a strong following. He would often tell his disciples not to
work for one's own selfish ends. He would say, “God loves us for what we are
and not for our materialistic achievements.”
Siddhar Swamigal lived in
Srinivasanallur, Parangipettai (Porto Novo) and Mayiladuthurai, where he attained
samadhi on August 31, 1964. This day is
observed as Guru Pooja and celebrated with great spiritual fervour. Sadguru Gnana Siddhar Temple, has been
consecrated in Pudupattinam, near Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, where Om Sri Siddhar
Swamigal is the presiding deity. The
shrine is dedicated to the entire world as a center for Atma Sadhana (Self-Realization).
Siddhar Swamigal's mission for
mankind was created in the form of Omkara Ashram with universal objective of
propagating Santhosham (Eternal bliss) to every living creature. A spiritual
magazine, Omkaram, carries forth His immortal teachings for the past 32
years. Sri Siddhar Swamigal’s teachings have been published in over 40
spiritual works by his direct disciple, Swamy Omkaranandaji.
Sadguru Siddhar Swamigal continues
to guide humanity in His Eternal Cosmic form.
Several millions of disciples and followers across the globe testify to
the divine presence of the Sadguru in their lives.
Santhosham