Pujya Sri Mahaswamy Divya Charitram Part#3

 

2. Guru’s Darshan – Renunciation – Head of Kamakoti Peetam

In the year of Vishwavasu (1906), young Swaminathan’s father, Sri Subramania Sastrigal took his family with him to obtain the darshan of then Sankaracharya, Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswathi, and the 66th Peetadhipathi of the Kanchi Kamakoti
Peetam. He was camping in a small town called Perumukkal, near Tindivanam. The Acharya, while performing his nithya puja, bestowed his benevolent grace upon young Swaminathan. After the conclusion of the puja, the Swamigal spoke to Sri Subramania
Shastrigal and made kind enquiries about his family. Perhaps he saw in this boy, a worthy successor to himself who was fit to adorn the Kamakoti Peetam. The events that unfolded after this first meeting make us wonder whether the Swamigal had made the decision at that moment itself.

Sri Subramania Shastrigal and his family stayed on in Perumukkal for two days to get the benefit of Swamigal’s continued darshan. During this occasion, the Acharya interacted closely with young Swaminathan and asked him many questions. Pleased with the young boy’s brilliance and attractive personality, Sri Acharya was heard commenting: “He will turn out to be a Maha Purusha.” Hearing this, his father’s pleasure new no bounds. However, he had absolutely no inkling that his 13 year old son would be leaving
him and his family soon to obtain sannyas. He took leave from the Acharya and returned to Tindivanam where he was stationed for work. The Acharya had, meanwhile, requested Sri Subramania Shastrigal to bring Swaminathan frequently to the mutt. As per his
request, Shastrigal took his son several times to get Acharya’s darshan. During these frequent meetings, the grace of the Guru started flowing in full abundance over young Swaminathan.

One day, Swaminathan was found missing from his house in Tindivanam. His parents were very anxious and they searched everywhere including wells and ponds in the vicinity. But he was nowhere to be found. His parents were beside themselves with
anxiety, unable to eat or sleep. Two days later, a messenger came from the Acharya’s camp which was five miles away. He conveyed the news that Swaminathan had come there for the Acharya’s darshan on his own, and he was safe. He added that the Acharya had sent him to convey this message to the parents. One cannot measure the relief and happiness of his parents and friends on hearing the news. Swaminathan was sent home from the mutt two days later.