Pujya Sri Mahaswamy Divya Charitram Part#17

 

Scientific Research with two Geniuses

Sriman P. Rajagopala Iyer, history professor at Kumbakonam Government College, who later became the principal there, had heard of Swamigal’s proficiency in arts and genius and was eager to meet him. He had postponed his visit as he was skeptical if Swamigal, being a religious head and also a sannyasin would take the time to converse with him. Still he was very eager to meet Swamigal and decided to take a chance and headed to the mutt. He was not aware of the protocol and formality of paying respects to Swamigal maintaining the position of an Acharya. Inspite of this, Swamigal welcomed him and started a conversation around the college initially, proceeded to current events and common interests. Later on, there was a deep discussion on Science and Physics. At this point, the Superintendent Engineer of Public Works , P.V.Manicka Nayakkar (M.A in Mathematics) came there to have darshan of Swamigal. He had come to the mutt earlier and was very much devoted to Swamigal. However, after listening to the discussion going on, he was eager for the introduction of the third person sitting there.

Swamigal himself introduced Nayakkar to Iyer. The discussions turned to Astronomy and Swamigal explained the similarity between our ancient ways and Western ways. He then requested for a telescope to be brought from the college and elaborated his points further.

The two scientists were amazed at Swamigal’s in-depth knowledge and awareness of intricate details in Astronomy. Iyer was astonished to find Swamigal’s knowledge , obtained without formal institutional education in college. He took it upon himself as his life’s goal to have darshan of Swamigal and converse with him at every given
opportunity.

Sri.P.V.Nayakkar developed a way in which Sanskrit and other languages could be read and enunciated correctly using Tamil alphabets and he also published this as a book. Swamigal was very appreciative of his efforts and sent his Srimukham for this book. Nayakkar spoke about his method in lectures and seminars and he was heard to have proudly commented many times about Swamigal’s Srimukham for his book.