Sri Shakthi Sumanan’s formative years were profoundly influenced by the deep spiritual and traditional practices of his parents, both of whom were esteemed Ayurveda physicians. They took meticulous care in observing Garbha Saṃskāra, the ancient practice of nurturing the baby in the womb. Garbha Saṃskāra emphasizes refining and preparing the unborn child physically, mentally, and spiritually—much like how raw gold or diamonds are polished to reveal their brilliance.

While carrying Sumanan, his mother was pursuing her Ayurveda examinations. Immersed in her studies, she unintentionally imparted foundational Ayurveda and Siddha principles to her unborn child. Meanwhile, his father, an ardent devotee of Lord Subrahmaṇya, supported her diligently. He ensured her nutrition was carefully managed and performed daily Subrahmaṇya upāsanā, praying for his child to embody intelligence, health, and societal fame.

Every evening, Sumanan’s father would sit beside his wife and read scriptures and Ayurveda texts aloud, believing that their child in the womb would absorb these teachings. This practice reflected the family’s commitment to nurturing not just the body but also the mind and spirit of their future child.

Divine Grace at Kathirkāmam

Kathirkāmam, renowned for its temple dedicated to Lord Muruga, holds a special place in the spiritual history of Sri Shakthi Sumanan. This sacred site attracts devotees from diverse faiths, drawn by its powerful energy and the blessings of Muruga.

When Sumanan was just nine months old, his father, a devout Muruga upāsaka, took him to the temple at Kathirkāmam. It is a unique tradition there to place newborns in the sanctum on the Yantra installed by the great Siddha, Śrī Bhoga Maharishi. Only the temple priest is allowed into the mūlasthāna (sanctum sanctorum), which remains veiled by a sacred curtain.

Sumanan’s father believed that this was a moment of divine grace, orchestrated by Prapañca Śakti (cosmic energy) and the blessings of their guru-s and Kāṇṭhap Pāṇānturai (the Murugan temple at Tirukkōvil on the East Coast). He saw this as a profound blessing for his son, who was placed before the Divine at such a tender age and sanctified by the cosmic forces of Muruga.

A Child of Blessings

Sri Shakthi Sumanan’s father firmly believed that his son was a blessing from his iṣṭa devatā (personal deity), Lord Subrahmaṇya. This belief became the foundation of Sumanan’s spiritual journey, shaping his connection to Lord Muruga and anchoring him in a lineage of devotion and divine favor.

From the time of his conception, Sri Shakthi Sumanan’s life was guided by ancient traditions, divine blessings, and the unwavering devotion of his parents. These early influences would go on to form the bedrock of his spiritual and worldly achievements, intertwining his path with the cosmic grace of the Divine.

Maunaguru Siddhar

Over two centuries ago, Maunaguru Siddhar, a saint from the spiritual lineage of Agathiyar Maharishi, journeyed from Vedaranyam, Kodikkarai in Tamil Nadu, India, to Madhakal, a port in the northern tip of Sri Lanka. This port served as a key point for travelers heading to northern Sri Lanka. During this time, Veluppillai (I), a descendant of the Vaiyanadhar and Mayilvahanan lineages—renowned poets from the Dhadhichi Maharishi gotra—dedicated his life to serving the people of Madhakal village.

Maunaguru Siddhar spent an extended period in deep meditation at the Vanniyar Pillaiyar Temple in Madhakal, which was under the care of Veluppillai (I)’s family. The temple featured a sacred image of Lord Ganesha installed by Mayilvahana Pulavar, who had brought it back from his pilgrimage to Kashi. Deeply impressed by Veluppillai’s devotion and service, Maunaguru Siddhar accepted him as a disciple, imparting to him the ancient wisdom of Siddha medicine, mantra, yoga, and jnana (spiritual knowledge). The Siddhar entrusted Veluppillai with palm leaf manuscripts containing this knowledge, instructing him to pass them down to someone in his lineage who remained faithful to the guru’s path. He also directed Veluppillai to construct his samadhi (final resting place) in the outer corridor of the Vanniyar Pillaiyar Temple. Today, Maunaguru Siddhar’s samadhi remains a sacred site within the temple premises.

Veluppillai (I) passed on the teachings and practices he learned from Maunaguru Siddhar to his son, Vaidyanathan (I), and subsequently to his grandson Veluppillai (II) and great-grandson Vaidyanathan (II). Following tradition, the grandfather’s name was often given to the grandson. However, as Veluppillai (III) (born in 1916) had no sons, his daughter Thangamutthu Ammaiyar inherited the basic knowledge of Siddha medicine from her father.

Thangamutthu Ammaiyar’s husband, Thiru Ambalavaanar, was a prominent and philanthropic figure in Madhakal. They had three sons: Duraiyappa, Veluppillai, and Ambalavaanar. Among them, their second son, Thiru A. Veluppillai (IV), inherited the responsibility of maintaining the Vanniyar Pillaiyar Temple and organizing the 18th-day puja commemorating Maunaguru Siddhar’s samadhi. He studied the family’s ancient manuscripts and, at the age of sixteen (in 1936), formally learned Siddha medicine under Vaidya Guru Sri Somaskanda Gurukkal, who had also migrated to northern Sri Lanka from Vedaranyam. Later, Veluppillai (IV) registered as a practitioner with the Sri Lankan Ayurveda Medical Council.

A Unique Spiritual Journey

Veluppillai (IV) had six children, including his younger son, Thavayoganathan, who displayed an extraordinary spiritual inclination from a young age. He would often meditate at Maunaguru Siddhar’s samadhi, despite opposition from his family, who deemed such practices unsuitable for a child. Undeterred, Thavayoganathan continued his meditation, sometimes sneaking out at night to visit the samadhi.

On the Chitra Pournami day of 1970, Thavayoganathan had a transformative encounter. At the samadhi, he noticed an elderly leper in tattered clothes. Though initially hesitant, he continued his meditation. This encounter repeated on subsequent full moon nights, and on a Karthigai Pournami day, he felt compelled to bring food for the old man. The leper, who appeared repugnant to others, revealed his radiant and divine form to the boy, signaling that he was no ordinary being but a Siddha.

Over the following years, this Siddha imparted profound teachings to Thavayoganathan, blending theory and practice. On full moon nights, he guided the boy in astral travel, teaching him to separate the subtle body from the physical and explore sacred sites, temples, and mountains, receiving blessings from other Siddhas. One such journey took them to the Pothigai Hills, a revered spiritual site.

On the Chitra Pournami of 1976, the Siddha revealed to Thavayoganathan that their physical association was coming to an end. He declared, “From today, you and I will remain as one. I will endure your hardships from within.” True to his words, the Siddha’s physical presence disappeared after that night, leaving an indelible legacy in Thavayoganathan’s life.

A Living Legacy

Thavayoganathan’s spiritual and medical journey continued, deeply rooted in the teachings of Maunaguru Siddhar and the Siddha tradition. His son, T. Sumanenthiran, also known as Sri Sakthi Sumanan, is the author of this book and carries forward the family’s rich spiritual and medical lineage.

Sri Sakthi Sumanan is the son of Dr V. Thavayoganathan and Dr. Indrani, both accomplished physicians in Ayurveda. His father’s lineage belongs to a distinguished family of Vaidyas (traditional physicians) and Tamil literary scholars in Jaffna, located in the northern part of Sri Lanka.

Sri Sakthi Sumanan’s ancestors include Vaiyanathar, the composer of the Tamil historical texts Vaiyaapaadal (also known as Ilangai Mandalatthor Kaadhai), and Mayilvahana Pulavar, (great grand father of the Sri Sakthi Sumanan’s grand mother) the author of Yaazhpaan Vaibhava Maalai. Evidence from Vaiyanathar’s compositions indicates that the family traces its roots to the Vedic Maharishi Dhadhichi’s gotra. Dhadhichi Maharishi, a revered figure in the Vedic tradition, is renowned for teaching Ayurveda to the Ashvini twins and is considered the rishi associated with the Atharva Veda.

Dr. Thavayoganathan, Sri Sakthi Sumanan’s father, is a devout upasaka (spiritual practitioner) of Lord Muruga, Agaththiyar Maharishi, and Mother Tamil. His commitment to Tamil heritage is reflected in his academic pursuits; he is a PhD scholar in Tamil at Tamil University, Tanjavur. His mother, Indrani, is also deeply spiritual, having received Gayathri Deeksha (initiation) and practicing Gayathri Upasana. She is an accomplished Ayurvedic physician in her own right, exemplifying the family’s dedication to both spiritual and medical sciences.

One pivotal moment in Sri Sakthi Sumanan’s life occurred during Navaratri when he was just thirteen years old. His father asked him to draw an image of Agaththiyar Maharishi, a central figure in their family’s spiritual tradition. While handing him the image, his father said, “He is our guru, a siranjeevi (immortal). Pray to him and learn the art of medicine, your Guru will come and teach you” This moment instilled in him a profound connection to his ancestral lineage and the timeless wisdom of Siddha and Ayurveda.

Following his father’s instructions to worship Agaththiyar Maharishi, Sri Sakthi Sumanan read the book of Sri Gayathri Siddhar Murugesu Swamigal, which inspired him to reach out to the Swamigal through a letter. Sri Murugesu Swamigal was a direct disciple of Sri Kannaiah Yogisvara, who was part of Agaththiyar Maharishi’s spiritual lineage. The Swamigal had established the Gayathri Peetam in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. In response to Sumanan’s letter, the Swamigal blessed him and encouraged him to continue chanting the Gayathri mantra. Motivated by these blessings, Sumanan began his dedicated practice of chanting the Gayathri mantra.

Two years later, at the age of fifteen, Sumanan had the opportunity to meet the Swamigal in person. Upon seeing him, the Swamigal immediately instructed him to attend all Pournami Gayathri pujas and yagas, and to bring his mother along before Vaikasi Pournami. During this meeting, the Swamigal assured Sumanan’s mother that her son would not renounce family life but would instead live as a householder. He explained that Sumanan would balance his spiritual sadhana with his familial responsibilities and ultimately realize the divine within this framework.

The Swamigal then sought her permission to accept Sumanan as his disciple in the guruparampara (spiritual lineage). Upon her agreement, both mother and son were granted Gayathri Deeksha on Vaikasi Pournami.

Sumanan continued to serve the Swamigal for many years, assisting him in his writing and learning invaluable spiritual practices under his guidance. These included Gayathri Gupta Vignana (esoteric knowledge of Gayathri), techniques to attain siddhis (spiritual powers), Parinama Poorthi Sadhana (practice of completing the evolutionary process), Siddha Yoga practices, Ekagra Vignana (science of concentration), and Sadhana Panchakam (five-fold spiritual practices). The Swamigal imparted to him many yogic secrets, enriching his spiritual journey.

In 2005, a year before attaining Samadhi, Swamigal gave Sumanan specific instructions. He asked him not to travel anywhere from the month of Aippasi (October) onwards. On Mahasivaratri, the Swamigal bestowed a special deeksha upon him and said, “I have given you and taught you all that needs to be shared. You will receive everything at the right time. Now, focus on your studies and live a life that fulfills your mother’s wishes.” With his blessings, he sent Sumanan away to complete his education.

Following these instructions, Sumanan successfully completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental sciences, all while carrying forward the teachings and blessings of his guru.

Sri Shakthi Sumanan’s second Guru is H.H. Sri Siddheśvarānanda Bhāratī Svāmī of Courtallam Siddheśvarī Pīṭham, who was a pūrvāśrama friend of Sri Gayathri Siddhar Murugesu Swāmigal. While performing Guru-sevā for Sri Gayathri Siddhar Murugesu Swāmigal, H.H. Sri Siddheśvarānanda Bhāratī Svāmī visited for the Kumbhābhiṣekam of the temple. During this time, Sri Gayathri Siddhar Murugesu Swāmigal instructed Sumanan to learn mantra-sādhanā from him.

When Sumanan met H.H. Sri Siddheśvarānanda Bhāratī Svāmī, the latter remarked, “As per your pūrvakarma, begin with Kāli Sādhanā. I will also teach you the combination of Kāli and Vajravairojinī Sādhanā.” Sumanan then commenced his Kāli and Vajravairojinī sādhanā under Swāmiji’s guidance. Subsequently, Swāmiji initiated him into various advanced practices, including Śrī Rādhānā Sādhanā, Kāla Bhairava Sādhanā, Nāgāstra Sādhanā, Nāga Bhairava Sādhanā, Tārā Sādhanā, Śrī Siddheśvarī Sādhanā, Śrī Hanumān Sādhanā, and Śrī Svarṇākārṣaṇa Bhairava Sādhanā.

H.H. Sri Siddheśvarānanda Bhāratī Svāmī personally bestowed his blessings on Sumanan for achieving mantra-sādhanā-siddhi and taught him the secret techniques to attain mantra-siddhi swiftly.

Tamil translation of Serpent Power, authored by Sir John Woodroffe, has been meticulously completed by Sri Shakthi Sumanan and is awaiting publication. In this work, he pays homage to Yogar Swamigal of Jaffna, his disciple Chellathurai Swamigal, and his Gurunāthar (spiritual master), all of whom played pivotal roles in inspiring this translation. Sri Shakthi Sumanan reflects that the seeds for this endeavor were unknowingly sown a decade ago, and they have now fully blossomed into this yet-to-be-published work.

Among the Siddhars who lived in Sri Lanka, Yogar Swamigal is renowned globally as a significant spiritual figure. His contributions transcended communal boundaries, benefitting people across Sri Lanka. While his history has been documented by disciples and devotees, this series focuses not on his biography but on the spiritual insights gained through his teachings and lineage.

Sri Shakthi Sumanan recalls being drawn to Yogar Swamigal from a young age. He often experienced visions of Swamigal meditating, especially during dreams. As a child, these occurrences were rare, but they left a lasting impression. Later, when Sumanan spoke to his Gurunāthar about Yogar Swamigal, his master would speak with both reverence and awe. Once, when Sumanan asked his Gurunāthar whether he had met Yogar Swamigal, the reply was, “Where are we, and where is he? Before his spiritual might, what are we?”

At that time, Sumanan, like many children, viewed his own father—or in this case, his Gurunāthar—as the ultimate authority. He thought no Siddhar could rival his Gurunāthar. However, his master’s deep respect for other Siddhars soon dispelled this notion, teaching Sumanan that such beliefs were born of limited understanding.

A turning point came when Sumanan had the opportunity to spend several months in close association with Chellathurai Swamigal, one of Yogar Swamigal’s foremost disciples. Chellathurai Swamigal, a realized Kuṇḍalinī yogi, had been initiated into Kuṇḍalinī Yoga and tantric practices by Yogar Swamigal. Although widely regarded as the manager of Sivathondan Nilayam, he never openly revealed his true stature as a Siddha.

In 2003, Sumanan spent four months in Jaffna, during which he followed his Gurunāthar’s guidance to meditate at jīva-samādhis of Siddhars. He visited sites like the samādhi of Kudaichāmi in Kondavil and that of Kadaiyir Swamigal in Vannārpaṇṇai. In the evenings, he regularly went to Sivathondan Nilayam to meditate in the dhyāna-maṇṭapam where Yogar Swamigal’s personal items were preserved.

At Sivathondan Nilayam, Sumanan encountered a majestic elder with a luminous presence seated in ardha-padmāsana in the veranda. The elder, with a flowing white beard and radiant demeanor, exuded divine energy. Each time Sumanan bowed before him, the elder smiled serenely and gazed deeply into his eyes without speaking.

After several visits, the elder spoke to Sumanan for the first time, asking an assistant named Gopi to offer him tea and a banana. The elder inquired about Sumanan’s background and spiritual practices. When Sumanan mentioned his Gāyatrī Sādhanā under his Gurunāthar, the elder expressed great happiness. He then revealed that he had worked as a teacher in Nuwara Eliya, where Sumanan’s Gurunāthar lived, and shared his spiritual experiences, including his meditations at Tiruvannamalai with Ramana Maharishi.

Sumanan later learned that this elder was Chellathurai Swamigal, one of Yogar Swamigal’s foremost disciples. From that day onward, their bond deepened. Swamigal eventually revealed that Yogar Swamigal had guided him in Kuṇḍalinī Yoga and instructed him to manage Sivathondan Nilayam.

One day, Swamigal presented Sumanan with a rare Tamil translation of Serpent Power. He emphasized the importance of both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in spiritual practice. Swamigal shared his own challenges in piercing the granthis (energy knots) during Kuṇḍalinī Sādhanā, particularly the Brahma-granthi. He recounted how his Guru had once admonished him, saying, “Do you need me to spoon-feed you?” This tough love propelled Swamigal to overcome the challenges of Kuṇḍalinī Yoga through persistence and discipline.

Swamigal also explained the critical need for mental purification before embarking on Kuṇḍalinī Yoga. He cautioned that unresolved saṃskāras could surface powerfully during Kuṇḍalinī awakening, potentially derailing one’s spiritual progress.

In 2003, Swamigal invited Sumanan to participate in the Guru Pūjā on Pañguni Āyilyam. However, unforeseen circumstances forced Sumanan to leave Jaffna before the event. Reflecting on this, his Gurunāthar remarked, “He wants to draw you in. You have a task to fulfill, but now is not the time. When the time comes, it will happen.”

Years later, Sumanan revisited these experiences while reading Serpent Power. The memories of Chellathurai Swamigal’s teachings and his own Gurunāthar’s words resurfaced, leading him to undertake the Tamil translation of this significant work.

Remarkably, on Pañguni Āyilyam, the Guru Pūjā day of Yogar Swamigal, Sumanan began this translation project. He now understands that this is the task foreseen by his Gurunāthar. With deep reverence, Sumanan dedicates this work to the spiritual seekers of today, hoping it will serve as a timeless treasure in Tamil.

When Sri Shakthi Sumanan was with Sri Gayathri Siddhar Murugesu Swamigal, he assisted him with secretarial work, archiving spiritual lessons, and other related responsibilities. Through this process, Sri Shakthi Sumanan gained insight into Swamiji’s profound spiritual connections and his relationships with great Yogis and Siddhas. Among these revered connections was the distinguished Tantric scholar, Dr. Narayan Dutt Shrimali.

Sri Gayathri Siddhar Murugesu Swamigal was invited by Dr. Narayan Dutt Shrimali to Jodhpur, where they celebrated Navaratri together with the Mahalakshmi Sadhana. During this time, Sri Gayathri Siddhar Murugesu Swamigal revealed the secrets of Siddhashrama and Shambhala, the mystical realms associated with the Guru lineage. He instructed Sri Shakthi Sumanan to establish contact with Dr. Narayan Dutt Shrimali and learn the sacred vidyas from him.

Following these instructions, Sri Shakthi Sumanan initiated communication with the Siddhashram in Jodhpur, where he connected with Dr. Narayan Dutt Shrimali’s son, N. K. Shrimali Gurudev. In due course, N. K. Shrimali Gurudev offered Guru Deeksha to Sri Shakthi Sumanan, formally introducing him to the Siddhashrama Guru Parampara.

In a remarkable spiritual experience, Dr. Narayan Dutt Shrimali Gurudev guided Sri Shakthi Sumanan astrally to Mount Kailash. There, he bestowed upon him the divine darshan of Shiva and Parvati in their golden forms and initiated him into deeper spiritual practices.

When Sri Shakthi Sumanan later shared this extraordinary experience with Dr. Anil Kumar Joshi Gurudev, a senior disciple of Dr. Narayan Dutt Shrimali, Dr. Anil Kumar Joshi further guided him in completing specific sadhanas. He also revealed insights into Sri Shakthi Sumanan’s past-life connections with Siddhashram, strengthening his spiritual journey and understanding of the lineage.

When Sri Shakthi Sumanan was engaged in guru seva (service to the Guru) for Sri Gayathri Siddhar Murugesu Swamigal, he made a solemn promise to his mother. He vowed to complete his degree, excel in his profession, marry, and have grandchildren to fulfill her wishes, all while ensuring that his intense sadhana (spiritual practice) remained undisturbed. In turn, his mother gave her word to Sri Gayathri Siddhar Murugesu Swamigal to support his spiritual journey without hindrance. Following this mutual promise, Swamigal instructed Sumanan to honor his mother’s choice of a bride for his marriage.

Sumanan’s mother chose Sri Shaktheeswary, the daughter of Sumanan’s school teacher and a close family friend, as his life partner. Both families agreed, and the marriage was arranged.

As part of the family tradition, the thali (a sacred necklace symbolizing a Hindu woman’s union with her husband) typically included two gold coins bearing the image of the British Empire’s King and Queen, reflecting a colonial-era loyalty to the monarchy. However, Sumanan, with his spiritual inclinations, refused to follow this custom. Instead, he instructed the goldsmith to craft coins featuring the image of Mahalakshmi and a lotus flower (Thamarai Kasu – Lotus Coin).

A surprising turn of events added an auspicious touch to the occasion. The goldsmith unexpectedly engraved the coins with Mahalakshmi and the sacred Sri Yantra, a symbol deeply revered in Devi worship. As a devoted Devi Upasaka (worshiper of the Divine Mother), Sumanan saw this as a divine blessing, and the Sri Mahalakshmi and Sri Yantra coins were incorporated into the thali.

A Harmonious Union

Sri Shaktheeswary wholeheartedly supported her husband’s spiritual practices and became an integral part of his journey. During this time, Sumanan dedicated himself to his sadhana, with Pancha Mukha Gayatri as his upasana devata (deity of worship). He spent long hours meditating on the five-faced Gayatri, but over time, a transformation occurred. Without any deliberate effort, his meditative vision shifted to that of a four-armed goddess.

Curious about this new deity that appeared during his meditation, Sumanan began researching and soon discovered that the goddess was none other than Sri Lalitha Tripurasundari.

The Call of Sri Vidya

As he delved deeper into the worship of Sri Lalitha, Sumanan came across the contact details of his next Guru, Sri Amritananda Natha Saraswati. Upon writing to him, the Guru invited Sumanan to visit him in Visakhapatnam to discuss the significance of his experiences. Without delay, Sumanan traveled to meet Sri Amritananda Natha Saraswati, who greeted him with profound insight and guidance.

The Guru declared, “I am going to initiate you into the sacred path of Sri Vidya. Devi herself has instructed me to do so for you. Since you live far away, I will provide you with a set of mantras for purascharana (ritual mantra practice). Practice them one by one and reach out to me via email or phone for guidance whenever needed.”

In his first initiation, Sri Amritananda Natha Saraswati bestowed upon Sumanan the following mantras: Guru Paduka, Maha Ganapathy, Bala, Rajashyamala, Varahi, Amrita Panchadasi, Panchadasi, Sri Subramanya, Chandi Navakshari, Sri Krishna, Sri Dattatreya, Shakti Panchakshari, and Matrika Saraswati.

A Parallel Journey

After returning home, Sumanan immersed himself in intense sadhana, diligently practicing each mantra as prescribed by his Guru. Step by step, he completed the purascharana, deepening his spiritual connection and understanding.

For Sri Shakthi Sumanan, marriage and his initiation into the sacred path of Sri Vidya occurred simultaneously, weaving together the material and spiritual aspects of his life into a harmonious and transformative journey.

When Sri Shakthi Sumanan decided to meet his Śrī Vidyā Guru, Śrī Amṛtānanda Nātha Sarasvatī, he encountered a significant challenge in his professional life. His general manager denied his leave request, citing his overuse of leave the previous year for completing his master’s degree and marriage. Moreover, the manager insulted him in front of colleagues and sarcastically suggested, “Resign from your job if you want unlimited leave.”

After discussing the matter with his wife, Sri Shakthi Sumanan decided to leave the company. With faith in the grace of the Divine Mother, he resigned immediately. Remarkably, a close friend offered him a short-term consultancy research project, which required just two weeks of commitment but paid the equivalent of ten months’ salary from his previous job. This unexpected blessing provided a ten-month buffer for him to focus on his spiritual practices and visit his Śrī Vidyā Guru without financial concerns.

Immersion in Sādhana

After his initiation by Śrī Amṛtānanda Nātha Sarasvatī, Sumanan returned home without seeking a new job. Instead, he fully immersed himself in his sādhana, diligently performing japa, homa, tarpana, and pūjā as prescribed by his Guru. His wife and mother offered unwavering support during this transformative period, even though it was just one month after his marriage.

His daily routine was rigorous and disciplined:

• Waking at 4:30 AM and engaging in sādhana until 10:00 AM.
• Resting briefly before resuming sādhana from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
• Concluding his day with evening sādhana from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

During this time, Sumanan experienced profound visions and dreams, which he regularly shared with his Guru. Śrī Amṛtānanda Nātha Sarasvatī validated these experiences, confirming his spiritual progress. Seeing his advancement, the Guru initiated him into the practices of Para, Kāmakhyā, and Ucchiṣṭa Mahāgaṇapati mantras to deepen his journey into Tantric sādhana.

Invitation for Pūrṇābhiṣeka

While undertaking the purascarana (ritual repetition) of the Pañcadaśī Mantra, Sumanan received a message from his Guru:
“My son, when you come next time, you will receive Pūrṇā Dīkṣā. Preferably come during Navarātri.”

With Divine Mother’s grace, everything unfolded perfectly. After completing his sādhana, Sumanan was invited to serve as a Consultant in Climate Change and Business Advisory for a multinational advisory firm. This new position not only offered a prestigious role and excellent pay but also aligned perfectly with his timeline, allowing him to complete his spiritual practices undisturbed.

By resigning his earlier job, he had lost nothing and gained precious time for intense sādhana. When his spiritual practices culminated, a rewarding career opportunity awaited him, exemplifying the Divine Mother’s flawless plan.

Pūrṇābhiṣeka at Devīpuram

During Navarātri, Sumanan traveled to meet Śrī Amṛtānanda Nātha Sarasvatī at Devīpuram. The Guru initiated him into advanced mantras and practices, including Rashmi Mālā, Laghu Ṣoḍaśī, Mahā Ṣoḍaśī, Mahāvākya, and Bindu Tarpanam. The culmination of this sacred initiation was the Pūrṇābhiṣeka ceremony.

Seated on the Yoni Pīṭham of the Kāmakhyā Temple at Devīpuram, Sumanan received the sacred Kalāvāhana directly from his Guru’s hands, followed by abhiṣeka (ritual consecration) performed by senior disciples: Mani Amma, Lalitā Amma, and Prasanna Amma.

Śrī Amṛtānanda Nātha Sarasvatī bestowed upon him the dīkṣā name “Śrī Someśvarī Ambhā Sādhita Śrī Somananda Nātha”, declaring:
“Mahā Vedha Dīkṣā has been given to you in the path of Mahā Kaulācāra, with the blessings of sarva mantra, tantra, and yantra siddhi in the Kaula tradition.”

A Harmonious Convergence

This divine journey reflects the seamless convergence of material and spiritual aspirations under the guidance of the Divine Mother and a realized Guru. For Sri Shakthi Sumanan, the challenges he faced proved to be stepping stones to a higher purpose, reinforcing the truth that surrender to the divine leads to extraordinary blessings.

After the Pūrṇābhiṣeka, Guru Śrī Amṛtānanda Nātha Sarasvatī instructed Sri Shakthi Sumanan to teach Śrī Vidyā to seekers and formally appointed him as a Guru in the lineage. However, Sumanan expressed concern about not having completed the traditional 12 years of sādhana typically required to become a Śrī Vidyā Guru. Understanding his apprehension, Śrī Amṛtānanda Nātha Sarasvatī advised him to focus on teaching Gāyatrī and Agastya sādhana, both of which Sumanan had practiced diligently for over 16 years.

Following his Guru’s guidance, Sri Shakthi Sumanan authored and published two significant works:

1. Guru Agasthya Gāyatrī Sādhana
2. Śrī Yantra Sādhana

In addition to these publications, he began writing a blog in Tamil (https://yogicpsychology-research.blogspot.com/) to inspire and invite seekers to embark on the path of sādhana. Through his writings, Sumanan aimed to make the profound wisdom of Śrī Vidyā accessible to all.

Reviving the Yogic Secrets of the Tamil Siddhas

Śrī Amṛtānanda Nātha Sarasvatī next encouraged Sumanan to delve into his family tradition to uncover the yogic secrets of Śrī Agasthya Maharishi and other Tamil Siddhas. Taking up this challenge, Sri Shakthi Sumanan immersed himself in dhyāna (meditation) and dinasari pārāyaṇam (daily recitation) of the sacred Agastya Jñāna 30 verses. Through these practices, he gained deep insights and began sharing his explanations with others.

This effort culminated in the publication of the book Agatthiyar Yoga Jñāna Thiravukol, which is now available in both Tamil and English. The work has been widely appreciated for bringing the ancient wisdom of Śrī Agasthya Maharishi to a broader audience.

Contributions to the Tantric Path

Śrī Amṛtānanda Nātha Sarasvatī, being both a scientist and a spiritual visionary, wished for the teachings of Śrī Vidyā and Tantra śāstra to be accessible to everyone. To achieve this, he created an esoteric inner circle named ARTNAT (the reverse spelling of “Tantra”), dedicated to studying and disseminating Tantric wisdom. Sri Shakthi Sumanan played a crucial role in organizing Tantric literature for this initiative.

Under the direct guidance of his Guru, Sumanan also studied and practiced the esoteric teachings of the Paraśurāma Kalpa Sūtra and Kularṇava Tantra. These texts, rich with the secrets of Tantra, further deepened his understanding and mastery of the path.

A Spiritual Guru Guiding Seekers Worldwide

Through his unwavering dedication to the teachings of his Guru and his own intense sādhana, Sri Shakthi Sumanan evolved into a respected spiritual Guru. His efforts to make the sacred knowledge of Śrī Vidyā, Tamil Siddha traditions, and Tantra śāstra accessible have inspired and guided countless seekers across the globe. Today, Sri Shakthi Sumanan continues to fulfill his Guru’s vision, serving as a beacon of wisdom and compassion, and illuminating the spiritual path for all those who seek the divine.

One auspicious Aṣṭamī morning, during an intense session of sādhana, Sri Shakthi Sumanan experienced a profound spiritual revelation. A radiant light began to expand before him, accompanied by a divine voice emanating from the light. The voice instructed, “Increase the number of japa and complete one crore Gāyatrī japa to carry out the divine work.”

From that day forward, Sri Shakthi Sumanan’s capacity for japa began to grow exponentially. Initially, he could perform 10 mālā-s of Gāyatrī japa per day. By the following Pūrṇimā, his capacity had increased to 20 mālā-s. Another Pūrṇimā later, he could perform 33 mālā-s daily. Eventually, he attained the ability to complete 66 mālā-s of japa each day. This intense sādhana was not just an act of devotion but also a profound process of self-purification and spiritual refinement.

Meeting with Dr. Pranav Pandey and the Inspiration of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya

In 2015, during the First International Conference held in Delhi, Sri Shakthi Sumanan had the privilege of meeting Dr. Pranav Pandey ji, a distinguished scholar and follower of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. This meeting proved to be a turning point. Inspired by an inner urge—guided by the same divine light he had experienced during his sādhana—Sumanan felt compelled to translate the works of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya into Tamil.

He began publishing these translations in Sri Lankan Tamil newspapers, aligning himself with the vision of Yuga Nirman (the construction of a new era), a mission initiated by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. This initiative aimed to spread the teachings of Vedic wisdom, spiritual awakening, and social reform.

Translating the Teachings of a Visionary

While translating and studying the literature of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, Sri Shakthi Sumanan realized that the guiding light he had experienced during his sādhana was none other than Acharya’s divine influence. With this realization, his work took on a deeper significance. Empowered by Acharya’s blessings, Sumanan successfully completed his mahāpuraścaraṇa-s and contributed meaningfully to the dissemination of Acharya’s teachings.

Sri Shakthi Sumanan translated numerous works of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya into Tamil, bringing the profound wisdom of this visionary to Tamil-speaking audiences. Through these translations, he has made an invaluable contribution to Acharya’s vision of Yuga Nirman. By bridging cultures and languages, he has ensured that the teachings of one of India’s greatest spiritual reformers reach seekers in Sri Lanka and beyond.

Legacy and Continuation of the Vision

Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya (1911–1990) was a renowned Indian philosopher, visionary, writer, and social reformer. As the founder of the All World Gāyatrī Pariwar (AWGP), Acharya revitalized Vedic teachings, emphasizing their relevance to contemporary life. His life was devoted to the transformation of human consciousness and the betterment of society.

Acharya’s teachings revolved around the principles of self-discipline, spiritual awakening, and the integration of spirituality into daily life. His vision of a harmonious and enlightened world inspired countless individuals, including Sri Shakthi Sumanan, to dedicate themselves to the cause of Yuga Nirman.

Sri Shakthi Sumanan considers himself a part of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya’s mission, working tirelessly to promote his ideals and ensure the realization of his vision for a transformed humanity. By translating and sharing Acharya’s works, Sumanan has become a vital link in this global movement, embodying the very essence of Yuga Nirman.

On August 15, 2017, during the brahma muhūrta (pre-dawn hours) at the conclusion of his Gāyatrī japa, Sri Shakthi Sumanan experienced a profound vision. In this divine moment, he had darśana of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother in radiant golden forms. Their bodies and garments shimmered with a golden light, enveloping the entire vision in an ethereal hue.

The Mother, with a benevolent and blessing gaze, conveyed a simple yet profound message:
“Do something for the betterment of humanity,” while extending her hand in a gesture of divine grace. Sri Aurobindo, emanating deep silence, stood as an embodiment of stillness and power.

This event was made even more significant by its timing, as August 15 is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo.

The Visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram

A few weeks after this vision, Sri Shakthi Sumanan felt an inner call to visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, where the samādhi of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother resides. Wanting to offer something special, he purchased lotus flowers for his first visit, knowing The Mother’s fondness for flowers. However, upon arriving at the ashram, he learned that flowers brought from outside were not permitted. A guard at the gate took the flowers, leaving Sumanan disheartened.

Seeking solace, he sat near the samādhi and entered into deep meditation. Time seemed to dissolve, and two and a half hours passed as though mere moments. During this meditation, The Mother appeared again and reassured him:
“Do not worry about not offering the flowers. The real lotus flowers are within you. Open them.”

As The Mother spoke, Sumanan’s inner vision revealed These lotuses, stretched from the mūlādhāra to the sahasrāra. As The Mother gently touched each center, the lotuses began to blossom. Midway through, she drew a golden hexagon—now used by Sri Shakthi Sumanan as the logo for SRISTI—and inscribed something within it. When she reached the sahasrāra, a golden light began flowing through Sumanan’s body, illuminating and energizing him.

After completing this transformative process, The Mother ascended to the upstairs, leaving Sumanan in awe. Though seated in meditation near the Samadhi, the place he witnessed during his vision seemed different, with an upstairs area.

Emerging from meditation, Sumanan, without any prior guidance, felt intuitively drawn to explore the ashram. To his surprise, no one stopped him as he wandered deeper into the premises. Eventually, he arrived at a location that perfectly matched the scene he had witnessed during his meditation: the upstairs area where The Mother had ascended, which was the very room where she left her physical body. Nearby was also Sri Aurobindo’s room, confirming the divine nature of his vision.

A Lifelong Connection to Sri Aurobindo’s Teachings

This profound encounter marked the beginning of a transformative phase in Sri Shakthi Sumanan’s spiritual journey. Deeply inspired, he began to study Sri Aurobindo’s works regularly, gradually gaining insight into their profound teachings on human evolution, the supramental consciousness, and the betterment of humanity.

This experience also became the foundation for Sumanan’s mission through SRISTI, symbolized by the golden hexagon revealed in his meditation. The vision and blessings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother continue to guide and inspire his work for the upliftment of humanity.