A brief history ofSadguru Sri Sri Sri Sajjanagada Ramaswamy garuthe Pontiff (Peethaadhipathi) of Sripada Srivallabha Maha

Samsthanam (birthplace of Sripada Srivallabha)and

the (genesis) formation of Sripada Srivallabha MahaSamsthanam, some important incidents relating to it.

The birth of Sripada Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam is beyond thethoughts of human beings! Astonishing!! Extremely amazing!!!

This Sripada Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam of today isthe Organization that took it's birth

in the birth place of Sree Sripada at Sree Kshethra Pithapuram.This is due to the relentless efforts day in and day out of

Sri Sajjangadh Ramaswamy, a disciple of Sree Sridharaswamy.All this is happened by the grace of Dattaavadhoota Bhagawan Sree

Sridharaswamy on Sri Ramaswamy garu according to the will of SripadaSrivallabha only.

The step of Sri Ramaswamy garu first time in Pithapuram in 1966is a prelude to the founding of

Sripada Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam!

This Sree Kshethra Pithapuram is shaped intoan important Datta Kshethra in 'Bharathavarsha' and is flourishing

on account of Sri Sajjanagada Ramaswamy's ..........

effort in renovating the dilapidated temple ofSelf-manifested Datta in Sree Kshethra Pithapuram

andthe propaganda carried out to make

all people aware of the existence of Sree Sripadawho incarnated in Sree Kshethra Pithapuram!!

Not only that, when many prominent persons, avadhootasand Datta devotees are coming to this Sree Kshethra

Pithapuram to have darshan of Sree Sripadathis holy Kshethra is overwhelmed with joy!

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high school, Sri Ramaswamy made a habit of readingBhagavatham under a big tree in the school compound.Sri Ramaswamy garu who had the grace of God was learninglessons of the advanced classes by his own experience. Thenthe teachers were telling Sri Ramaswamy garu that he wouldbecome a great person in future. Sri Ramaswamy garu wasthinking at that time that he would become a wealthy person.Nevertheless, Sri Ramaswamy garu by the grace of his GuruSri Sridharaswamy became an affluent persons of a higherorder in Spiritual path instead of an ordinary rich man.

Sri Ramaswamy garu was participating in the bhajans held inRama's temple during evening times and was feeling happy. Graduallya desire to hear Puranas and holy stories began to shine in him.In the evening, in the house of his maternal grand mother a priestcalled Ananta Rama Iyyengar was reading Ramayana and Bhagavata.Sometimes during that reading God Maruti was possessingSri Iyyengar. On one such occasion Sri Iyyengar suggested toSri Ramaswamy garu that the name Rama-namaTaraka wasthe only way to his upliftment. This suggestion has generatedin the mind of Sri Ramaswamy garu that it only was initiationto him. From that time onwards he began to meditate uponthe name of Rama.

When Sri Ramaswamy garu was fourteen years old his fatherSri Mallarappa garu expired. Then for the maintenance of familySri Ramaswamy garu joined the cloth shop of his maternal uncle.His maternal uncle only performed his thread marriage. Keeping infront a portrait of Sree Gayathri Devi Sri Ramaswamy garu used tomeditate upon Her. Even though he had to shoulder his ownresponsibilities along with those of his mother and sister, his devotiontowards God did not dwindle to any extent. The health of hismother also deteriorated afterwards. When Sri Ramaswamy garuwas sixteen years old his mother also died. Then he along with hissister took shelter in the house of his maternal grand mother.Once in the house of his maternal grand mother a big log of woodbroke away from a bundle and fell upon his feet. The pain in theleg did not abate in spite of many medical treatments. When hismaternal aunt called him for dinner he could not go on account ofpain. Then she remarked, "Had you thought of Sree Rama beforehand this pain would have come down!" There upon Sri Ramaswamygaru meditated the name of Sree Rama unceasingly. Even then asthe pain did not subside he became angry with God. At once hispain vanished. That's all!

Gurudevadatta Sripada Srivallabhaya Namaha!!

Brief biography ofSri Sri Sri Sajjangadh Ramaswamy garu

Sadguru Sri Sir Ramaswamy garu was born in theyear 1925 in Sivamogga village in Karnataka onKartika Suddha Dasami to the couple Sri Mallarappaand Srimati Padmavatamma. Those parents were devoteesof Sree Rama. Therefore, they named their son as Ramaswamy.From childhood Sri Ramaswamy was showing more interestin poojas and bhajans than on sports and songs. Even fromchildhood after studying, reading and writing he used tosit near his mother and was reading Ramayana andBhagavatham for her. The maternal grandmother of Sri Ramaswamy garu also belonged to Sivamogga. She was also a devoteeof Rama. Whenever he was visiting his maternal grandmother'shouse he used to go to a nearby Rama's temple. He was witnessingthe poojas conducted there and used to be immersed in deepdevotion.

His father Sri Mallarappa garu used to organize the festival ofSri Rama and bhajans with great devotion. Sri Ramaswamy garuwho was a child then was cooperating to his father in thoseprogrammes with great enthusiasm. Not only that. Sri Ramaswamygaru also was gathering all children of his age and performing thefestival of Sri Rama in his house with the assistance of his sister ingrand style.

Even after going to school the interest on God of Sri Ramaswamydid not diminish even a bit. During 'Dhanurmasa' he was going tothe temples of Koti Anjaneya Swamy and Sree Sita Rama Swamyto see the programmes of worship conducted in the early hours.Sri Ramaswamy garu on hearing the Mukundamala hymns sungmelodiously by the priests there, was absorbed in raptures. SriRama Swamy garu on witnessing the poojas performed by thetemple priests was thinking within himself 'how pious and meritoriousthose priests were!'.

When Sri Ramaswamy garu was studying in the middle schoolRamayana one subject in the nondetailed book. Sri Ramaswamygaru who had abiding interest in Ramayana even from thebeginning secured first place in the school. After joining the

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Sri Krishnmachari, yogacharya of Mysore was giving trainingin yoga, asana and pranayama to those who were interested inthem in the premises of Kote Anjaneya Swamy's temple inSivamogga. In the beginning Sri Ramaswamy garu learnt yoga,asana and pranayama from him. Afterwards he leant physicalexercise at the Pulakesi gymnasium and was eating green gramsoaked in water. On seeing Sri Ramaswamy garu doing japa(solitary penance or mental repetition) after finishing yoga,asana and pranayama every morning his maternal auntused remark jokingly, "You would become an ascetic"! Atthat his maternal uncle was cracking a joke at her saying, "Ifhe becomes a sanyasi you have to salute him!" Thosehumorous remarks turned to be true in future. The devotion ofSri Ramaswamy garu reached such a Zenith that for three daysthe figure of Maruti was visible before his eyes wherever he wasseeing.

In this way Sri Ramaswamy garu was naturally highlyinclined towards spirituality even from childhood. He waslistening to the discourses on 'Gita' of Sree Gubbi Chidambaraswamywith great interest. While that swamiji was explaining his sadhanaand experiences as lectures of devotion and erudition SreeRamaswamy garu was listening to them with rapt attention. Hewas going without fail to all places wherever harikatha, bhajanaand programmes relating to spiritual matters were held. On seeing

his spiritual urge Sri Manjappa Joysar, thepriest of Sri Kanyaka ParameswariDevasthana Temple was shedding tears ofjoy. Sri Manjappa garu was saying. "I ama householder. The burden of takingcare of my wife and children is on meor else I would have sought refuge of aGuru (a preceptor) and got uplifted".These words helped in shaping thefuture dream of Sri Ramaswamy garu.Following the advice of Sri Manjappa garuSri Ramaswamy garu who was aged 18years began to read the monthly magazine

'Adhyatma Prakasa' published by Sri Satchidanandendra Saraswatiswamiji in Holye Narsipuram. Sri Saraswati swamiji used to answerin the same magazine the questions received from the readers ofthe magazine. Sri Ramaswamy garu also used to get answers forhis spiritual doubts from the swamiji.

Sri Ramaswamy garu read from onebook that "The life which did not receiveknowledge of self is a waste" That pointstruck his heart and his interest inspiritual endeavour enhanced. Hestarted to search for Guru suitable tohis desire. For that purpose he met manyscholars, sadhus and ascetics but, hecould not get an answer satisfying his mindfrom anyone. At last in the year 1948he chanced to meet Bhagawan SreeSridharaswamy for the first time in avillage near the Sagara town. Merelyby seeing him Sri Ramaswamy garu had some inexplicablefeeling and an indefinable joy. Then Sri Ramaswamy garu stood

near to Sri Sridharaswamy. Sri Sridharaswamywho saw Ramaswamy garu asked him whathe wanted. Sri Ramaswamy garuimmediately submitted to Sri Sridhara,"I want self-knowledge." Sri Sridharaexclaimed, "you want self-knowledge."Sri Ramaswamy garu replied, "That is theonly thing I wanted from You!" ThereuponSree Sridhara Swamy blessed him saying,"Surely, you will get!" On that SriRamaswamy garu felt so much happinessas if he got God, Him-self He at onceplaced his head on the lotus feet of Sri

Sridharaswamy and paid obeisance. Sri Sridharaswamytouched with his nectarine hands the back of Sri Ramaswamygaru who saluted him. As soon as the touch of Sri Sridhar'sdivine hands took place Sri Ramaswamy garu experiencedthat a divine celestial power circulated in his body.

At on other time when Sri Sridharaswamy came to SivamoggaSri Ramaswamy garu want to visit him. Sri Sridharaswamy askedSri Ramaswamy garu to attend the bhajana saptah (bhajan heldfor seven days continuously) at 'Paramananda Math' in Sigehallinear Sirasi village. Immediately Sri Ramaswamy garu with his brotherwent to Sigehalli and participated in that akhanda bhajan. Helistened the discourses of Sri Sridharaswamy for seven days. Inthe afternoon when Sri Sridharaswamy was performing religiousrites Sri Ramaswamy garu was approaching him and asking himabout his doubts concerning philosophical matters. Sri Ramaswamy

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garu was obtaining utmost satisfying repliesfrom Sri Sridhara Swamy. Not only that. Onone day during the saptah he receivedinitiation in the Rama Taraka mantra. SriRamaswamy garu thought of completing thesaptah and sleeping there that night andproceed to Sivamogga next morning.

In the morning Sri Ramaswamy garusetout to pay obeisance to Sri Sridharaswamyand return. However, his mind changed the

next moment he saluted Sri Sridharaswamy. The desire to be hisdisciple and attain self-realization became very intense. Then heplaced his head on the feet of Sri Sridhar with utmost humility.That's it! With tears flowed from the eyes the feet of Sri Sridharwere washed. Sri Ramaswamy garu implored Sri Sridharaswamy touplift him. Sri Sridharaswamy agreed for it. When Sri Sridharaswamywas going to Sajjangadh, Sri Ramaswamy garu changed his intentionof going to Sivamogga. Instead he went to Sajjangadh with SriSridharaswamy. In Sajjangadh Sri Ramaswamy garu was followingthe instructions of Sri Sridharaswamy. Everyday he was gettingup before Sunrise and taking head bath and sitting in the cottageof Sridhar he was doing anushtanam (spiritual practice) tillafternoon. Afterwards, he was finishing meals and studying'Bhagavad-Gita'. He was taking bath all the three times (morning,mid-day and evening) and was performingjapa. After some days his Gurudeva SriSridhara Swamy went to Kurugadda withdetermination to do penance in seclusion.Then Ramaswamy garu requested to takehim with them. Sri Sridhara told toRamaswamy garu that there are no properfacilities there. Hence, they advisedRamaswamy that, "Thinking that Desire ofGuru is only the desire of mine you stayhere only and do anusthanam in solitude.Do Gayatri japa for 1200 times a day."Hence Ramaswamy prepared to follow Sree Sridhara's advice. Aftercompletion of the japa at Kurugadda Sri Sridharaswamy went toKashi and spent two more years there in seclusion. Sri Ramaswamygaru, however, remained in Sajjangadh.

As per the instructions of Gurudeva Ramaswamy garu doinganusthanam from early morning 5-00 to 10-00 hrs. Later seeing

the poojas conducted to Samardha there upto 12 noon and latertaking the meals. Again evening from 5-00 hrs. to night 8-00 hrs.again doing anusthanam. Sajjangadh is a hilly tract in the Sataradistrict of Maharashtra. The local language is Marathi. That placeand the people there were not familiar to Sri Ramaswamy garu. SriRamaswamy garu thought as to how to get on with the new peoplethere in the absence of Sri Sridharaswamy. Despite that he did notstep back from what he decided and undertook and resolved totry and achieve what he intended. At that time one Karki Gangammaof Karnataka a disciple of Sri Sridhara Swamy a devoted lady tothe preceptor and a wise one became acquainted to Sri Ramaswamygaru. She also showed affection towards Sri Ramaswamy garu likea mother. She became a guide to Sri Ramaswamy garu as a Guru.Even though Sri Sridharaswamy was staying in Kurugadda inseclusion, he was sending intermittently written messages throughhis other disciples to Sri Ramaswamy garu and was guiding him.Gangamma who was a staunch devotee of Guru was reading'Guru Charithra' in Kannada that was with her. On hearing itSri Ramaswamy garu realized the greatness of Guru, thesignificance of devotion for Guru and the efficacy of serviceto Guru. Thus devotion and diligence in the service to Gurusprouted in Sri Ramaswamy garu.

In one of the messages coming to Ramaswamy garu from hisGurudeva it is mentioned that, "Any seva done with diligence anddevotion will provide the fruits equal to that of doing anusthanam."From then onwards following the content of the messageRamaswamy garu started to do Guru-seva. Sri Ramaswamy garuconsidering it as a service to Guru, he was daily collecting flowersfor worship, bringing water from the tank and watering the plantsand doing similar works. Besides that he was personally carryingbricks, sand and wood required for the construction of cottage forSridharaswamy. He was observing his daily religious routine strictly.In the evening he was sitting before the Samadhi (tomb) ofSamardha and listening to the devoted reading of Karunashtakam,Manobodha, and Dasa bodha. In this way he stayed in Sajjangadhfor three years and did arduous religious practice.

In 1952 complying with the prayer of devotees SreeSridharaswamy came to Sivamogga from Kashi. Then SriRamaswamy garu returned to his native village Sivamogga fromSajjangadh. As Sri Sridharaswamy came to Sivamogga SriRamaswamy garu who left his house for three years and stayed inSajjangadh chanced to come back to Sivamogga.

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The relatives of Sri Ramaswamy garu also had the good fortuneof seeing him once again. The devotees of Sivamogga who cameto know the power of penance and the divinity of Sri Sridharaseated him on the howdah of an elephant and arranged a bigprocession. Sri Sridharaswamy garu took part in the generalcongregation of all people and blessed all the devotees. Afterwardshe agreed to the prayer of devotees and visited each and everyvillage near to the Sagara town and brought about an awakeningof dharma (righteousness). He was sleeping in the room of thetemple Samsthanam in every village. Then Sri Ramaswamy garuwas with Sri Sridharaswamy and started serving him. Aftercompletion of that programme Sri Ramaswamy garu also returnedto Sajjangadh with Sri Sridharaswamy garu. Sri Ramaswamy garuwas in the company of Sri Guru for sometime. He was serving himand receiving his nectarine preaching comprehensively.

While things were passing like this, one time when SreeSridhara Swamy discussing spiritual matters with the groupof his disciples, ordered Ramaswamy to go anywhere and dosolitary anusthanam. Then Ramaswamy garu asked hisGurudeva, "Where shall I go now?" Then Sree Sridhara granteda divine darshan to one of his disciple there by pouring

theertham. Sree Sridhara asked thatdisciple what he saw. The disciplesubmitted to Sri Sridhara that, "It isviewed to the division vision of minegiven by You that Lord Dattatreyacame and suggested Sree SridharaSwamy to depute Ramaswamy toHim." Therefore, Sri Sridharaswamyinstructed Sri Ramaswamy garu to goto 'Narsobawadi Datta Kshethra'. Thewonder is that Sri Ramaswamy garuwas a worshipper of Rama from thebeginning. His guru Sri Sridharaswamyalso initiated him into the 'Rama

mantra (Rama incantation)'. Yet Sree Dattatreya Swamyinspired Sri Ramaswamy garu through Sree Sridharaswamyto go to Datta Kshethra. Probably because Sri Ramaswamygaru was not naturally aware that in future he would berenovating a Datta Kshethra. Whatever it is, it is all a divinedecision!

Then Sri Ramaswamy garu started for the Datta KshethraNarasobawadi as per the order of Sri Sridharaswamy. At that timeSri Ramaswamy garu had initiation into Gayathri, Rama Taraka andMaruti mantras but, he did not receive initiation into the DattatreyaMantra. Sri Ramaswamy garu performed religious practice for sixmonths in Narsobawadi doing japa of initiated mantras, doingdhyana (silent prayer) to guru, and mental adoration. During thesesix months he was taking food only once in the afternoon bycollecting alms. Also on account of the severe religious ritualisticroutine he was observing in addition, his body became fatiguedand exhaustion took place. At that time a doha (verse) of SriSamardha Ramadas came to his memory. Sri Ramaswamygaru also prayed in the same manner as mentioned in thatdoha, "Please grant me always daily continuously your yogicconnection. Only for you! Solely for your attainment only!Even if this body decays and collapses please don't neglectme!" With that firm resolve he prayed God in his mind. Thendue to the grace and pity of Sree Samardha and the results ofthe blessing of his Guru Sree Sridhara an unknown lady beganto serve him. She gave Sri Ramaswamy garu green pulsesand ghee. After eating them the healthof Sri Ramaswamy began to recover.During the period of these six months inthe mental meditation Sri Ramaswamygaru had a vision of Sri Guru SreeSridharaswamy being seated on thePaadukas (holy sandals) of Sree SreeNarasimhasaraswati. With this SriRamaswamy garu had a feeling in hismind that the grace of his Guru was onhim. Sri Ramaswamy garu thought that itwas the desire and an order of his guru andso decided to leave that place according to that command. Atthat time Sri Ramaswamy garu acquainted with Sri DevarayaKulakarni, a Datta devotee belonging to Karnataka. Then SriSatchidanandendra Saraswati swamy of Howlenarsipuram, aprominent speaker on Shankara Bhashya (commentary by SriShankara) was giving discourses in Hubli. He had good acquaintancewith Sri Kulakarni. Sri Ramaswamy garu was enthusiastic to listenthe lectures on Shankara Bhashya. So Sri Ramaswamy garu startedfor Hubli in the company of his acquaintance with Sri Kulakarni.

Sri Ramaswamy garu along with the Guru of Sri Kulakarni SriAgnihotri Shankar Bhatt resided in the house of the devotees of

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Sri Shankara Bhatt. Ramamaswamy garu spent life by followingmadhukaram (begging from house to house as a bee gathershoney from flower to flower). In the evening Sri Ramaswamygaru, Sri Kulakarni and Sri Shankar Bhatt used to go together tonectarine discourses of Sri Satchidanandendra Saraswati swamy.After the conclusion of the lectures during chatur-masya (Periodof four months during which ascetics will stay at one place) SriSatchidanandendra Saraswati swamy left Hubli.

Afterwards Sri Ramaswamy garu along with Sri Kulakarni wentto Devanagiri and put up in Sivananda Adhyatma Mandir. Therealso Sri Ramaswamy garu read many philosophical books of SriSatchidanandendra Saraswati and contemplated on them. Afterthat Sri Ramaswamy garu visited Sree Sridharaswamy garu inVaradahalli near Sagar town in Sivamogga district. There SriRamaswamy garu learnt many spiritual matters from his guru andwas practicing them. There many people were desirous of gettinginitiation in mantras from Sri Ramaswamy garu. After obtainingpermission from his Guru Sri Ramaswamy garu went to 'SivanandaMath (monastery)' in Davanagere. While he was there he receivedinformation that his maternal grand mother was nearing death. SriRamaswamy garu went there. All the people there were astonishedwhen his maternal grand mother left her body during night on thevery day of his arrival

Afterwards at the request of Sri Venugopalaswamy brahmachariSri Ramaswamy garu began to deliver speeches on spiritual mattersin Gita Mandir situated in Bangalore Cantonment. At thecommencement of chatur-masya on 'Ashada Suddha Paadyami' SriRamaswamy garu placed the portrait ofSree Sridharaswamy in Arya Vysya Hosteland performed worshipping of Guru in agrand manner. In 1954 all the devoteesof guru assembled and conductedpaada-puja (sacred worship of feet)to Sri Ramaswamy garu for the firsttime. In Devanahalli there was onedisciple of Sree Sridharaswamy namedKamalamma garu who is elder than SriRamaswamy garu by about 15 years.As both of them happened to bedisciples of Sree Sridharaswamy, SriRamaswamy garu had goodrelationship with Kamalamma garu.

At that time her grand daughter Srimati Kamalamma wassuffering from severe illness and there was no improvementinspite of many medicines and treatments. However, therewas gradual improvement in her grand daughter's health afterperforming the worship of the lotus feet (Pada Pooja) of SreeRamaswamy garu. Therefore, Kamalamma garu developeddevotion and faith in Sri Ramaswamy garu. The period of chatur-masya in Gita Mandir concluded gloriously in this manner, but thehealth of Sri Ramaswamy deteriorated. Then Srimati Kamalammagaru took Sri Ramaswamy garu to her house. She served him andsaved him till his health was stabilized.

Afterwards he stayed for sometime with his 'guru' and returnedto Bangalore. Daily he was giving religious discourses in the ValmikiAnjaneya Swami Devasthanam in Visweswarapuram in Bangalore.Exactly at the same time Sree Sridharaswamy also visited Bangaloreto give religious discourses in Narasimharaja colony. At that timeSri Ramaswamy garu took Kamalammagaru toSree Sridharaswamy to ward off her troubles.Then Sri Sridharaswamy suggested toKamalamma garu to treat Sri Ramaswamyas her son. After that Sri Ramaswamygaru went to Devanagiri as the swami ofHoly Narsipur was observing Chatur-masya there. Kamalamma garu also wentwith Sri Ramaswamy garu to Devanagiri.Only from that time the spiritual life ofKamalamma garu started. Sri Ramaswamygaru gave spiritual lectures there for two months. Afterwards hereturned with Kamalamma garu to Bangalore, but she did not goback to her house. In a short time she had the good fortune ofgoing to Devanahalli on the outskirts of Bangalore. With thecooperation of devotees she stayed in the Sree RanganadhaswamyTemple. There she did Ramakoti saptah (Religious event or Rama-nama for continuous seven days) on a grand scale through SriVenugopala Brahmachari.

On the invitation of devotees Sri Sridharaswamy garu arrivedat Sivamogga once again to conduct Datta Jayanthi. Then SriRamaswamy garu was with his guru Sree Sridharaswamy and servedhim. After some days Sri Sridharaswamy was invited to organizeDatta Jayanthi in a Datta Mandir in Kachiguda of Hyderabad.Then Sri Ramaswamy garu went there to do service to hisguru. During the Datta Jayanthi celebrations Sri Sridharaswamy

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called Sri Ramaswamy and said "Thegrace of Datta is on you. Therefore, Iwill initiate you in Datta mantra onthe auspicious day of Datta Jayanthi."Residential accommodation was arrangedto Sri Sridharaswamy in a bungalow nearthe Datta Mandir. Sri Ramaswamy garuwas also staying in the same bungalow.Sri Sridharaswamy was going to DattaMandir by walk from the bungalow everyevening to deliver spiritual discourse. SriRamaswamy garu was also accompanyinghim. On one day Sri Sridharaswamysaid to Sri Ramaswamy garu who waswalking with him, "You shouldestablish an ashram." For that SriRamaswamy garu said with humility, "I do not have that much

ability". After Datta Jayanthi according to SriSridharaswamy's command Sri Ramaswamygaru went to Narsobawadi a pilgrimage centreof Sree Datta. There he completed one saptahaparayana of Sriguru Charithra (a devotionalreading of Sriguru Charitra for seven days) andimmediately commenced another saptaha. Inthis manner he completed seven saptahassuccessively of devoted reading of SriguruCharithra. At that time many instancesindicating victorious developments happened.

After devoted reading of Sriguru Charithra SriRamaswamy garu again went back to Sajjangadh.Sri Ramaswamy garu went there even three monthsprior to the aradhana (annual

worship) of Sree Samardha Ramadas and wasdoing many works. In the year 1964 asashta graha kootami (combination ofeight planets) occurred, SriSridharaswamy got performed thirteencrores of Rama-nama Japa Anushtanam(ritualistic performance of the meditationof the name of Rama) with the assistanceof forty devotees for the welfare of theworld. Sri Ramaswamy garu was oneamong those devotees. This ritualistic

exercise continued for six months Sri Sridhara performedpenance in solitude in the upper portion of his hut. There waspaucity of money for conducting the anushtanam. At thesame time Sri Kalkar, editor of monthlymagazine 'Sridhara Sandesh' came toSajjangadh from Dharwad. Then SriRamaswamy garu requested Sri Kalkar,"Gurujee is doing japa in solitude.Please publish in your magazine to theeffect that if any devotee sends moneyfor organizing this programme startedby Gurujee, his name will be publishedin the next issue of the magazine andmantra akshathas (grains of raw ricemade yellow with saffron and chargedwith powerful incarnations) will be sentto them". Sri Kalkar who responded to the suggestion of SriRamaswamy garu published in his journal accordingly. As aresult many devotees in Karnataka freely sent money. Withthat sufficient money was acquired for the completion of the13 crore anusthan started by his gurudeva and the homam(fire oblation) to be performed there after, and Poornaahuti(the final offering to the fire in a ritualistic sacrifice). For thisyagna priests, scholars, vedic pandits came from Kashi and otherplaces. Srimati Savitramma garu a disciple of Sri Sridharaswamycame from Kashi. She established a hermitage named 'SridharaSpoorti Nivas in Kashi and was doinganusthanams there. According tothe order of Sri Sridharaswamygaru, Sri Ramaswamy garu wentto Kashi with Savitramma garu. Hestayed for six months in Kashi.There he observed regularanusthanam and was visitingKashi Visweswara, taking bath inthe sacred Ganga river. After thathe again went to SriSridharaswamy garu who was atPoona. Afterwards he went toSajjangadh where discourses duringchaturmasa were being held.

In Devanahalli in a room atthe back side of Sree Ranganadha Swamy Temple which

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Kamalamma garu named it as 'Sree Samardha Ashram', Shestarted worship and bhajan (chorus singing) there. Onaccount of the grace of Sri Sridhara in the year 1965Kamalamma garu purchased a small house in the GangaParameswari Temple street with the money offered bydevotees. That house was renovated and it was named as"Sri Samardha Ashram". From that time onwards she wasresiding there and organizing many religious programmesfrom there.

Arrival of Sri Devaraya Kulakarni of Karnatakaat the Sree Kshetra, Pithapuram

Sri Devaraja Kulakarni garu a resident of Bangalore and anupasaka (ardent worshipper) of Sree Dattatreya was an expert indelivering spiritual discourses. In the same way Sri NikhilanandaGupta garu established many bhajan societies in Andhra Pradeshand was carrying the propaganda about Bhagavad-Gita. In 1965Sri Gupta garu invited Sri Kulakarni to give religious discourses inAndhra region. In that connection Sri Kulkarni was traveling intrain along with Sri Nikhilananda Gupta. Sri Kulakarni was goingthrough the railway guide. Then he noticed that Pithapuram railwaystation will come after Samarlakota Junction in the same routethey were traveling. At once a desire cropped up in his mind tohave darshan of Sree Sripada Srivallabha in His native placePithapuram. Exactly that very day happed to be 'Ashwayuja BahulaDwadasi' during on which day Sree Sripada Srivallabha disappearedin Kurugadda. Therefore he thought that on that day in Pithapuramthere will be compulsorily special poojas (worships) to SripadaSrivallabha in Pithapuram. Then he told Sri Nikhilananda, "I will getdown at Pithapuram and had darshan of Sripada Srivallabha. Afterthat I will meet you again. So you proceed further". Having cometo know that the train will not stop at Pithapuram he got down inSamarlakota in the first halt before Pithapuram.

He was traveling in a bus to reach Pithapuram. A passengerin the bus who was sitting by his side asked him where we wasgoing. Sri Kulakarni replied that he was going to Pithapuram tohave darshan of Sree Sripada. Then that passenger clearly told,"I know about Pithapuram very well. There is no Sripada SrivallabhaDevasthanam". Sri Kulakarni garu inquired whether it was thePithapuram on the Eastern Coast which he thought about. Thatperson informed that though it was Pithapuram, there was noSripada Swamy Devasthanam there. Sri Kulakarni was astonished

at this reply and was inquiring many people after getting downfrom the bus. In the meanwhile one person introduced Sri VaranasiSubrahmanya Sastry garu a renowned scholar of Pithapuram to SriKulakarni garu. Then Sri Subrahmanya Sastry garu informed thatthere was no separate Sripada Srivallabha Devasthanam but therewas a temple of Sree Dattatreya in Padagaya Kshetra. He showedit to Sri Kulakarni garu. A big tree grew on the pinnacle of thetemple. Dogs were roaming there. No worship was conducted inthat temple.

When Sri Kulakarni garu went inside the temple he did not findany light. The entire temple was filled with darkness. Sri Kulakarnigaru saw there the ancient self-manifested idol of Sree Dattatreya.Sri Kulakarni garu laid his head on the feet of that deity which wasin a dilapidated and ruined condition. With tears flowing from hiseyes he intensely bemoaned, "What Swamy? What is thisdistressing state to you in your birth place? He met the priests ofthe Devasthanam and some prominent persons. To them heaverred," This Pithapuram is the sacred earth where Sree Dattatreyahad incarnated for the first time in the form of Sripada Srivallabhain this world. This matter was clearly emphasized in SriguruCharithra. Hence conduct abhishekams daily to Sree Dattatreya,make arrangements for the out flow of the abhisheka theertha(water etc used for abhisheka). Arrange lights in the temple.Plant an Audumbara in the temple premises. I will bring my Guru tothis place." Having given suitable suggestions he left that placeand went to Sri Nikhilananda Gupta garu. There he gave a lecturein a place arranged for the purpose and went to Bangalore again.

Afterwards Sri Kulakarni garu met Sri SatchitanandendraSaraswati Swamy, who was famous as 'Apara Sankaracharya' andwho founded the office of 'Adhyatma Prakasa' in 'Holey Narsipur'.He requested him to carry out spiritual propaganda in Pithapuramand the entire Andhra desa as no one knew about Sree Dattatreyaand Sripada Srivallabha.

Then Sri Satchitanandendra Swamiji, Sri Nikhilananda Guptagaru along with Sri Kulakarni garu reached Pithapuram and gavelectures there for three days. At that time a priest named SriKasipati Sastry garu, a Rigveda pandit and one who knewKannada language was in Pithapuram. On account of hisknowledge of Kannada language Sri Kasipati Sastry garubecame very close Sri Kulakarni garu.

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Sri Deva Raya Kulakarni garu suggestingSri Ramaswamy garu to go to Pithapuram

Sri Ramaswamy garu happened to meet once again Sri DevaRaya Kulakarni with whom he was acquainted while in Narsobawadi.Then Sri Kulakarni garu narrated to Sri Ramaswamy garu thewhole episode of his trip to Pithapuram, the birth place ofSripada Srivallabha - the first incarnation of Sree Dattatreyawhich was mentioned in Sriguru Charithra. He suggested toSri Ramaswamy garu," There is a Dattatreya temple at theback side of Sree Kukkuteswara Devasthanam. The idol ofSree Dattatreya is there but, there the people do not knowanything about Sripada Srivallabha or Sree Dattatreya.Therefore there is no worship and other services to that idol.The temple is also in a ruined condition. So you have to go toPithapuram and renovate the temple of Sree Dattatreya andpropagate about the greatness of Sree Dattatreya and SreeSripada Srivallabha".

Stepping of Sri Ramaswamy garu in SrikshetraPithapuram for the first time in 1996

However, Sri Ramaswamy garu had mental hesitation as towhether any one would speak with them at a place which wasabout one thousand miles away from Bangalore and where theywere total strangers. With such mental reservation about goingto Pithapuram Sri Ramaswamy garu kept quiet. In the meantimeonce Sri Satchitanandendra Saraswati Swamy was giving lecturesduring Chaturmasa in Bangalore. Then Sri Ramaswamy garu whowas staying in Devanahalli - an area on the outskirts of Bangalore,was going daily to hear his lectures. While going in this mannerfrom Devanahalli to Bangalore suddenly once the right ear of SriRamaswamy garu became deaf. There was no relief in spite of somany medical treatments. Then to him who was spending his lifealways in spiritual contemplation it occurred in his mind that allthat was probably leela (a play) of Sree Dattatreya. He informedKamalamma garu about the suggestion of Sri Kulakarni garu to himfor going to Pithapuram his neglect of it, and then his sudden lossof hearing. He told her that as it happened like that they shouldgo to Pithapuram during Datta Jayanthi and perform paarayana ofSriguru Charithra. Sri Kamalamma garu also agreed for it immediately.

While Sri Ramaswamy garu was going to Bangalore from

Devanahalli to gather necessary informationfor going to Pithapuram a big sound washeard to the ear on the way. The ear whichlost hearing faculty regained at oncehearing as before. He became very muchastonished. Precisely at the same time hisguru Sree Sridharaswamy came toBangalore. Then he intimated this incidentto Sree Sridhara Gurujee. Sree Sridharasaid to Sri Ramaswamy garu. "Dattaknows very well how to bring Hisdevotees to His fold. Actually you couldhave been instructed in a dream or inmeditation to go over to Pithapuram butHe has subjected you to this tough ordeal and guided you togo to Pithapuram. All this is a sport of Sree Dattatreya andnothing else. Sree Dattatreya will show grace to His devoteeswith so much love which will be commensurate with theextremely difficult tests He will impose on them. As a proofof it He created this incident to you and is attracting you toHim as an indication of His grace". In this way Sree SridharaSwamy gave a detailed explanation.

Then Sri Ramaswamy garu was also highly elated. He collectedall the necessary information for going to Pithapuram and proposedto leave for Pithapuram with Kamalamma garu. Like this as perthe advice of Sri Kulakarni garu and also due to the strangeincident he experienced Ramaswamy garu proposed he shoulddedicate himself for the service of God in Sree KshetraPithapuram, where no one is known and the local language isalso not known.

Sri Ramaswamy and Kamalamma garu were not eating anymaterials outside. Therefore, they procured rice and other materialsrequired for cooking alongwith their luggage. They arranged allthese items in one set of buckets, cloths and two beds for bedding.They have also brought with them utensils needed for cooking asalso kerosene and stove. All the above are packed into 8 luggages.On one auspicious day Sri Ramaswamy garu worshipped and prayedLord to provide all the necessary help and assistance, took swamyprasad and started for Pithapuram from Devanahalli with Kamalammagaru. Ramaswamy garu took took the model pamphlet suggestingas to how the Datta Jayanthi invitation has to be printed and alsothe letter given by Sri Kulakarni garu to Sri Kasipati Sastry garu

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with whom he was acquainted in Pithapuram previously. In theletter Sri Kulakarni garu requested Sri Sastry garu to extendnecessary help and cooperation to Sri Ramaswamy garu. At firstthey reached Bangalore. At that time there were no travel facilitiesas available now for reaching Pithapuram. One has to travel in onetrain up to Madras (Chennai) and had to change into anothertrain. Both of them took bath in the bathrooms in the railwayplatform in Madras railway station. They cooked food on the railwayplatform on the stove brought with them and ate meals. Againthey rearranged all things and started train journey in anothertrain. They traveled all the night and reached Pithapuram beforedawn. They got down in the railway station and lodged in the RajaRajeswari Choultry nearby.

Thus Sri Ramaswamygaru along with Kamalammagaru stepped in the birthplace of Sripada SrivallabhaPithapuram for the first timein the year 1966 afterundergoing much expenseand trouble.

While taking bath in thesacred 'Padagaya Kshetra' in SriKukkuteswara temple SriRamaswamy had a vision of SreeDattatreya as a 'digambara' in theform of a child. He told this thing to his guru Sree Sridharaswamywhen he reached Bangalore. After bath he came to the choultryand ate the prasad prepared by Kamalamma garu and started tomeet Sri Kasipati Sastry garu.

Sri Ramaswamy garu handed the introductory letter given bySri Devaraya Kulakarni to Sri Kasipati Sastry garu. At that timethe wife of Sri Kasipati Sastry garu was ill. Then Sri Ramaswamygaru said, "Give everyday the abhishek theertha of Sree Dattatreyato your wife. Her health will improve by the grace of Sree Datta".

After that Sri Ramaswamy garu went to Sree Kukkuteswaratemple and introduced himself to the priests there. Sri Ramaswamygaru said to them, "I came here from Devanahalli according to thewish of Sree Devaraja Kulakarni garu. I will perform Guru Charithrasaptaha paarayana (devoted reading of Guru Charitra for seven

days) in connection with Sree Datta Jayanthi. You cooperate andconduct abhishek (anointment) worship and other services toSree Dattatreya Swamy. They agreed for the request. SriRamaswamy garu called masons and got the templeof Sree Dattatreya temple repaired. The temple wasdevoid of any system of worship and was in adilapidated condition. He got the temple temporarilyrepaired and white washed. The inner portion of thetemple was however white washed by Kamalammagaru personally. Sri Ramaswamy garu had renovatedthe temple with his own money. He have got theslogans 'Digambara, Digambara' and 'Sri Guru DevaDatta' painted on the walls. After that Sri Ramaswamygaru commenced the saptaha paarayana of SriguruCharithra in the presence of Sree Datta one week priorto Datta Jayanthi.

Sri Ramaswamy garu intended to inform the public about theSree Dattatreya Saptaha Parayana in the Dattatreya templepremises through invitation leaflets. He spent his own money forthat purpose. Sri Kasipati Sastry garu extended special cooperationfor printing the invitations and distributing them to the public.

In the invitations it was stated "Sri Ramaswamy garu camefrom another province to do service to Sree Dattatreya Swamy.Pithapuram is a new place to him and he has no acquaintance withanyone here. He had renovated the Dattatreya temple with hisown money and got the slogans, "Digambara, Digambara SripadaVallabha Digambara" and "Srigurudeva Datta" painted on the walls.The reason for such writing is, 'The first incarnation of SreeDattatreya is Sripada Srivallabha.' The birth place of that SripadaSrivallabha is Sree Kshetra Pithapuram but that matter is not knownto the people here. To make it known to the people here SriRamaswamy garu undertook this mission. Not only that. There isa sloka (verse) in Bhavishyothara Purana (a quasi religious andlegendary narration)

Krute Janardhano devahTretaayaam Raghunandanah lDwapare Ramakrishnau chahKalov Sripada Vallabha ll

The meaning of that verse is this "God had incarnated in Kruta18 19

Yuga as Jananrdhana, in Treta Yuga as Sree Rama, in DwaparaYuga as Sree Krishna and in Kali Yuga as Sripada Srivallabha." Itwas announced that in the 5th Chapter of Sriguru Charithra as tohow Sripada Srivallabha incarnated in Pithapuram on BhadrapadaSukla Chaviti.

In this way due to the inspiration of Sree Dattatreyawith the paarayana programme of Sriguru Charithrain connection with Datta Jayanthi, devotion to SreeDatta began to sprout in the devotees of Sree KshetraPithapuram. It was also as it were a beginning wasmade for wide propaganda that Sree Dattatreyaincarnated in the Sree Kshetra Pithapuram as SripadaSrivallabha.

Sri Ramaswamy garu intended to perform paarayana of SriguruCharithra from one week prior to Datta Jayanthi. Daily in themorning he was taking bath in the 'Padagaya tank'. After completingmorning sandhya vandana (worship during dawn, mid day anddusk) he was devotedly reading the Guru Charithra in Marathilanguage sitting in front of the Sree Dattatreya temple. After thecompletion of the paarayana for seven days abhishekams andworships were organized for Sree Dattatreya. Devotees who cameto know about these programmes through the invitation pamphletswere coming to Sri Datta temple and taking part in the abhishekaand other worships and witnessing them. As the area of SreeDatta temple was far away from the town Sri Ramaswamy garuwas giving discourses on Sriguru Charithra in the evening times forthe convenience of the citizens in Sree Venu Gopala Swamy templelocated in the middle of the town. As the matters relating to thecult of Sree Datta were not known until then to anyone devoteesalso used to enthusiastically participate and were listening to hislectures. He intended to organize on the seventh day - the birthday of Sree Datta, Sata Rudrabhishek with eleven rutwiks (priestsofficiating in the performance of religious ceremony). DattaSahasranama and Ashtottara special pooja (special worship with1000 and 108 divine names of Datta) offering of prasad andcamphor Harathi.

When consulted the rutwiks about the conduct of theprogramme they demanded some money for the purpose but, somuch money was not available with Sri Ramaswamy garu. Thenhe told the rutwiks, "This is not for my personal gain. This is forthe welfare of the world." In spite of that request they did not

respond to conduct the programmeswithout adequate money. Then SriRamaswamy garu during his eveninglecture informed the audience abouthis proposed programmes andappealed that anyone can offer theneeded money with a spirit of service.A rich person among those who cameto listen to the lecture promised tobear the whole expenditure of theday. It was amazing. All theprogrammes of abhisheka andworship were successfully conductedunder the leadership of Veda BrahmaSri Kasipati Sastry garu. A WONDEROF WONDERS! A WONDER BEYONDWONDERS! The rich man who cameon the Jayanthi day and assisted for the programme did not appearagain. He was not to be seen again. Perhaps Sree Datta broughtthat person for His service at that time.

On the day of Datta Jayanthi abhisheka and worships on avery grand scale were performed to self-manifested Datta presidingin Sree Kukkuteswara Temple. After that naivedya (offering ofprasad), mangala harati and mantra pushpa (consecrated flowers)were offered. The holy water of abhisheka and the prasad weredistributed to all the devotees who attended. Devotees came inlarge numbers. All of them were very happy feeling that theynever witnessed such a service done to Sree Dattatreya tillthen and that they became really blessed. Devotees sawthe fall of prasad flowers on the right side of the deity. SriRamaswamy garu explained that the grant of prasad flowersin that way was to demonstrate the fact that He was verymuch there.

Sri Ramaswamy garu himself personally was going to marketand bring materials. Kamalamma garu was cooking and he waseating those meals. Sri Ramaswamy garu who stepped intoPithapuram was not requesting any body for anything till he wentagain to Bangalore. However, he was accepting anything giftedby devotees.

Kamalamma garu used to be a guide for all the programmes.All the people were addressing Kamalamma garu and Sri Ramaswamy

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garu as mother and son. Since then Kamalamma garu was regardingSri Ramaswamy as a son while, Sri Ramaswamy garu also becameclose to Kamalamma garu as a son. After the completion of thelectures they returned to Devanahalli. Sri Ramaswamy garu methis Gurudeva Sree Sridharaswamy and submitted to him all thematters which transpired at Pithapuram. On hearing the fact thatSree Dattatreya Swamy garu darshan to Sri Ramaswamy garu asa young boy in 'Padagaya Tank' Sree Sridhara Swamy felt happy.He blessed Sri Ramaswamy garu.

From that time onwards under the leadership of Sri Ramaswamygaru Datta Jayanthi Saptah programmes to Sree DattatreyaSwamy presiding in the Padagaya Kshethra were being conductedregularly every year. The number of devotees participating in theDatta Jayanthi Saptah programmes was also increasingsignificantly. After the lapse of three years Sri Ramaswamy garuwas touring the nearby villages after the conclusion of DattaJayanthi Saptah celebrations. He was visiting the towns likeKakinada, Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam and Parvatipuram and givinglectures on Guru Charithra and other spiritual matters. He madean auspicious beginning to widely propagate the devotion to SreeDatta.

Renovation of Sree Dattatreya Templein Paada Gaya Kshethra

Afterwards Sri Ramaswamy garu approached hisGurudeva, Sree Sridhara Swamy garu and submitted to him

about all the happenings in Pithapuram.Sree Sridharaswamy garu renovatedhundreds of temples. Therefore SriRamaswamy garu prayed to Sree Sridhara,"Swami! Kindly come to Pithapuram andfulfill the mission of renovating theDattatreya temple lying in a dilapidatedcondition." For that Swamiji suggested,"My disciples should discharge my work".Then only on the encouragement andprompting of his guru Sri Ramaswamy garu

decided to undertake the renovating work of Sree Dattatreyatemple himself. When Sri Ramaswamy garu consulted Sri VaranasiSubrahmanya Sastry garu with whom he was acquainted recentlyin Pithapuram, Sri Sastry garu suggested the name of Sri Pynda

Rama Rao garu. Sri Ramaswamy garu met Sri Pynda RamaRao garu and said, "The temple of Dattatreya in PadagayaKshethra is collapsing. It is a very important one. There is aneed to renovate it. Your cooperation is required for that. Iwill beg and collect the money needed for that. I will handoverthat money to you." Sri Rama Rao garu immediatelyresponded and said, "you are not asking the money for yoursake! You are asking for the service of God. So I am givingassurance for the renovation of that temple." Immediatelyhe got the work commenced.

On account of the grace of Sree Dattatreya the renovationwork was completed but there was no sufficient space on all thesides of the temple to facilitate circumambulation. Then SriRamaswamy garu submitted to Sree Sridharaswamy to give hisblessings for obtaining the space required for performingpradikshanas (circumambulations). Sree Sridharaswamy said, "Myson! It will be done". In that manner adequate space for thedevotees to go round the deity solemnly was available dueto the efforts of Sri Ramaswamy garu. That path was properlyshaped for the convenience of the devotees. For the firsttime performance of Datta pradikshanas commenced in thatpremises from 'Bahula Paadyami'. In this manner Sri Ramaswamygaru provided the facility for devotees to perform pradikshana toSree Dattatreya Swamy in that temple courtyard. He told devoteesthat performance of pradikshanas will avert all difficulties andmiseries.

The health of the wife of Sri Kasipati Sastry garu got stabilizedbecause he followed the instructions of Sri Ramaswamy garu andserved Sree Datta by participating in the programmes of SreeDatta. Then he developed a good respect for Sri Ramaswamygaru. Once Sri Kasipati Sastry garu brought two women who wereover aged but still remain unmarried. He requested Sri Ramaswamygaru to tell whether any particular worship for God was therewhich will result in very early marriage. One of those girls happenedto be the daughter of the agent of Andhra Bank there. The otherone belonged to a poor family. Sri Ramaswamy garu suggested tothem to pay homage to God by solemnly walking round the temple108 times daily with diligence and devotion contemplating uponSree Datta for 48 days. After doing like that those two girls gotworthy husbands by the grace of Sree Datta". Both of theminformed Sri Ramaswamy garu about this matter very happily. Whenthis news spread in the entire town many persons who were facingobstacles and difficulties in getting married began to perform

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pradikshanas to Sree Dattatreya. They were getting matrimonialbliss after such performance. In this manner not only marriages,any wish desired with firm resolve is getting fructified within 48days after performing 108 pradikshanas daily. This fact was toldby many people. In this fashion the miracles of Sree Dattatreyaare announced here and the devotees were experiencing them. Itall began like that. From that time it became a habit for Dattadevotees in Pithapuram also to undertake Sree Dattatreyapradikshanas. Gradually devotees had reverential feeling on SriRamaswamy garu and began to respect him.

The grandeur ofSree Datta Jayanthi Celebrations

As Sri Ramaswamy garu came to Pithapuram and inculcateddevotion to Sree Datta and service to Sree Datta in this mannerpeople had an opportunity of experiencing personally and not asmere hearsay the miracles proclaimed by Sree Dattatreya. Withthe cooperation of Sincere devotees whose minds wereconcentrated on Sree Datta and some other devotees people wereinformed about the details of programmes during Datta Jayanthithrough invitations. With the money offered by devotees andother prominent persons one week before Datta Jayanthi daily -Datta moola mantra japa and prescribed rituals were being conducted.This was all due to the grace of Lord Dattatreya. In the afternoonSree Datta Homam and different religious rituals according to thedesires were being performed. On the Jayanthi day in addition tothe above programmes the following special programmes wereconducted. Sriguru Charithra Parayana, Mahanyasa PoorvakaSatarudrabhishekam by eleven priests, Worship of Sree Dattatreyawith Sahasra-nama and Ashtottara, Nivedana, Mangala-harati,Mantrapushpa, Chamara Seva (waving soft breeze with fans,Digambara-nama Keertana, (contemplation on the mantra'Digambara'), Singing of songs on Datta Swamy and finallydistribution of the prasad to the devotees.

During those seven days Sri Ramaswamy garu personally usedto do Paarayana of Guru Charithra daily from morning till one ortwo O'clock in the afternoon. He was giving that Guru Charitrapaarayana theertha (holy water charged with the efficacy of thedevoted reading of Guru Charithra) to the devotees. From theyear 1969 free meals were provided to the priests conducting therituals and devotees coming from distant places. After some yearsall the special worships and programmes also were being conductedon all the six days prior to Jayanthi day. Just as in the case of

Datta Jayanthi day. In the evening spiritual discourses werearranged. On the Jayanthi day poornahuti (final fire ritual) wasbeing conducted. In this way due to the enthusiasm of SriRamaswamy garu, determination and the endeavour of prominentpeople who had the grace of Sree Dattatreya the Datta JayanthiCelebrations in Sree Kshetra, Pithapuram started in a modest mannergradually developed gloriously. It is indeed very fortunate. It tookeight years for Sri Ramaswamy garu from the time he stepped intoPithapuram for the first time to bring the development to thislevel.

Meeting of Sri Ramaswamy garu with the heads ofGangapur, Narsobawadi and other Datta Kshetras

After another three years Sri Ramaswamy garu came toPithapuram and conducted the eleventh Datta Jayanthi Celebrations.After the event he along with Kamalamma garu started for thegreat Kshetras of the second incarnation Sree Dattatreya-SreeNrusimha Saraswati at Gangapur and Narsobawadi to study theprocedures of worship there. Sri Pynda Rama Rao garu, Sri PyndaRama Subrahmanyam garu and Sri Chekka Ramayya garu alsoaccompanied him with their spouses in that tour. First they visitedMantralayam, and then Kurugedda famous as the land of penanceof Sree Sripada. Then they went to Gangapur-the abode of SreeSree Nrusimha Saraswati. The entire Sriguru Charithra narratesmostly the sportive plays and miracles of Sriguru in this Kshetra.There the Nirguna Paadukas of Sree Swamy are installed. Theymet the priest of that Kshetra Sri Veda Moorti, Shankar Bhatt andsaid, "We came from Pithapuram which was described as the birthplace of Sree Sripada Srivallabha, the first incarnation of SreeDattatreya. This fact was not known before to the people of thatarea. By the inspiration of our Guru we are propagating devotionto Datta and conducting worship and other services. Due to thatthe miracles demonstrated by Sree Datta are being experiencedby the people there. Hence just now only the people of thatregion are becoming enthusiastic in the services to Lord Datta.We came here with zeal of knowing from you how to develop thisKshetra in future. On that Sri Shankar Bhatt averred, "weperform everyday in this Kshetra the worship with theinvocation, "Kaluo Sripada Srivallabha. Therefore, we regardPithapuram also as a centre of origin. So you have to conductworship and other programmes there. Just as in other DattaKshethras in a grand manner". Having said that he offered116 rupees for the daily worship of Sripada Srivallabha.

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Then they reached Narsobawadi from there and met thepresident of that institution. They introduced themselves andsought his suggestions for conducting the services to Sree Sripadaat Pithapuram. He then stated that they named that institutionas "Sree Nrusimha Saraswati Samsthanam". He suggestedthat since Pithapuram is the birth place of Sree SripadaSrivallabha they can also establish an institution with thename 'Sripada Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam'. Thatsuggestion was taken as the inspiring signal of SripadaSrivallabha. After that it was inquired from the hermits therehow to develop Pithapuram as a Datta Kshethra. They advised,"you go to Karanja, the birth place of Sree Nrusimha Saraswati.There also the conditions of Pithapuram as narrated by you prevailedat the beginning. Afterwards, it developed. So if you go thereyou will get guidance from them". According to that advice theywent there. That Samithi was providing free boarding and lodgingto the devotees coming there. Satya Datta Vratham was beingperformed by the time they reached that place.

After witnessing that Vratham (special worship with recitationof various episodes), meeting the president of that Samsthanamand obtaining his suggestions the group reached Bangalore. Fromthere they reached the 'Samartha Ashram' of Sri Ramaswamy inDevanahalli. All the people who came from Pithapuram stayedthere for two or three days and received the hospitality ofKamalamma garu. Then they started back to Pithapuram.

The founding of the institution of"Sripada Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam"

in Sree Kshethra Pithapuram

After that under the aegis of Sri Ramaswamy garuan institution named, "Sripada Srivallabha MahaSamsthanam" was established with Sri Pynda RamaRao garu as President. It is understood that SreeSripada who desired to expand his empire in his nativeplace has organized it in the name of "Sree SripadaSrivallabha Maha Samsthanam."

When the eleventh Datta Jayanthi celebrations conducted inPithapuram a utsava moorti (idol used in festivals and regular worshipin place of original icon of the deity) came by the time of nextDatta Jayanthi. On the last day of the 12th Datta Jayanthicelebrations held in Pithapuram after the conclusion of all

programmes the utsava moorti of Sree Dattatreya was seated in araised plat form in a carriage The idol was decorated with variouskinds of flowers and a procession was taken out with electriclights illuminating the way in a splendid brilliance. That processionmoving with bhajans accompanied by the blare of musicalinstruments and with the blaze of fire works displayed here andthere created devotional feeling in the people who witnessed it inthat great brilliance. As Sree Datta Jayanthi Celebrations wereconducted in this manner in Pithapuram the people of Pithapuramhad an opportunity to recollect the fact that Sripada Srivallabhawas born there. Afterwards Sri Ramaswamy garu started theperformance of Sree Satya Datta Vrathams in Pithapuram as isbeing done in Karanja.

Development ofSripada Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam

Once a devotee from Maharastra came to Pithapuram due tothe divine prompting Sripada Srivallabha and after having darshanhe left. He got leaflets printed in Marathi language and distributedthem to the devotees there with a view to inform in Maharastraabout the Sree Dattatreya Celebrations held in Pithapuram It waspublished in that pamphlet that there were facilities to reachPithapuram from Maharastra by railway. With that small numberof devotees from Maharastra started coming to Pithapuramnow and then. Suitable boarding and lodging facilities werenot available to those devotees arriving from long distances.Sri Ramaswamy garu convened a meeting of all the membersof the 'Sripada Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam' Committee.He informed them that there was any amount of need toacquire a house for the accommodation of devotees of otherregions coming for the worship and darshan of SreeDattatreya. Some devotees who responded to the suggestionsvoluntarily came forward and provided some money. Then theysaw many houses ready for sale in the town but they could notget even one satisfactory house which can be purchased. At lastthey got one site which was approved by all. There was an oldhouse in that site. The owners told that they would give if theprice of the site with the house of rupees 35,000/- is paid. However,the committee was not having that much money. Then that matterwas temporarily postponed. Still Srimati Kamalamma garu insistedwith the committee that they should anyhow purchase that site.

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After that Sri Ramaswamy garu along with Kamalamma garureturned to Samardha ashram in Devanahalli. They were bringingpressure to purchase that site by writing letters to the SamsthanamCommittee. Under compelling circumstances themembers of the committee resolved to purchase thatproperty even by borrowing money. They thought thatthe loan can be repaid in future in some way the other.They purchased that property in the year 1983. Thatis the very place where we are now witnessing thepremises where the Padukas of Sree Sripada areinstalled and the Sripada Srivallabha residentialhouses are located.

At that time Sri Rama Swamy garu got some addresses ofDatta devotees in Maharastra. Sri Ramaswamy garu informed allof them, "We have purchased a site under the management ofSripada Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam in Pithapuram, the birthplace of Sripada Srivallabha for residential facilities. We want toundertake constructions there. So you intimate this to otherdevotees also with generosity. We request you to extend yourassistance and cooperation in collecting money necessary forconstruction". This matter was published in the local news papersthere. Datta devotees who came to know through 5thChapter of Sriguru Charithra that Pithapuram in AndhraPradesh is the birth place of Sripada Srivallabha werevery much happy to learn through these news papersthat a beginning was made to form a 'Samsthanam'of Sripada. Many devotees responded immediatelyand sent sufficient contributions for the constructionof the temple. They never visited Pithapurampersonally, nor did they have any acquaintance withthat place. Yet the fact that they sent contributions isa proof of their doubtless and pure devotion to SreeSripada. All of them offered in this manner theirdevotion and service to God. It can also be assumed thatSree Sripada also granted to all those devotees a great fortune ofservice to Him and a lucky opportunity. Thus He had demonstratedHis love for the devotees.

With that money they have repaid the debts contracted forpurchasing the house. With the remaining money they got thatold house repaired temporarily. In that house there were 5 roomsin the front portion and a hall in the middle. There was vacantland on the back side. After the conclusion of the next Datta

Jayanthi, purifactory programmes were performed in that houseby the Vedic Pandits according to Vedic tradition. Sri Ramaswamygaru along with Kamalamma garu entered into that house at anauspicious time and started living there. .

They were placing the portraits of Sree Sridhara Swamy. SreeSamardha Ramadas and Sree Dattatreya on a high pedestal in thehall and worshipping them. Every night discourse on SriguruCharithra was delivered. When the discourse was goingon, the flower garland from the portrait of Sripada fellon the right side as a prasad exactly at that time tomake it known that though Sripada Srivallabhadisappeared on the 'Aswiyuja Bahula Dwadasi'. He isstill granting benevolent grace to devotees. Similarly,on some days during the time ofdiscourses when all were lookingflowers were slipping down fromeach photo as a mark of His grace.It is to be understood that thisexperience shown by Him is toconfirm faith in us that He isshowing grace from all forms. Onanother day when Sri Ramaswamygaru was sleeping in the early hoursSree Sripada Srivallabha clad inochre robe sat by his side and gavehim darshan.

On one day a desire cropped in Sri Ramaswamy garu toplant an Audumbara tree in the vacant site on the back sideof the house. The reason for that desire was theinconvenience faced by some people going to PadagayaKshethra situated at a great distance from town forperforming pradikshanas everyday. He told that if anAudumbara tree was planted in that vacant site and the'Paadukas of Sree Sripada' are installed under that tree itwould be convenient for all the citizens to perform'pradikshanas. During the ensuing auspicious time ofSree Datta Jayanthi in the year 1985 Sri Ramaswamygaru, Sri Devaraya Kulkarni garu and 'Vedamoorti' SriKasipati Sastry garu jointly cleared the vacant site onthe back side of the house. The three of them planted anAudumbara tree there according to strict Vedic tenets. A smallplatform was constructed with bricks around that tree for its

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protection. A boy residing opposite to that house was asked topour water to that plant every day. As if to prove that theAudumbara tree is verily Sree Dattatreya Himself, the boygot a good job and was happily married after one year fromthe time of planting that tree as he was watering that plantdaily during that one year.

By that time Sri Ramaswamy garu completed sixty years ofage. Then Kamalamma garu and devotees intended to celebrateShashtipoorthi programmes to Sri Ramaswamy garu. They decidedto conduct them, that too, in that house itself. As the hall wassmall they erected 'shamiyanas' in the vacant space on the backside of the house and commenced the Shashtipoorthi celebrations.They setup 60 kalasas (pots or vases filled with water) below theAudumbara tree. On the first day after prayachitam (expiationritual) in Padagaya, he was given bath. From 8 O'clock to 12O'clock eleven thousand times Nakshathra Japam and Nava Grahajapam was got done by about seven to eight priests. On thesecond day in the evening Sri Ramaswamy garu was invited whilemusical instruments were played. All the deities associated withShashtipoorthi ritual were invoked and worshipped. Afterwards VedaParayana and recitation of Vedas was done. On the third day allthe deities along with kalasas were worshipped. Then with thewater kept in those vases charged with mantras the priests gaveanointment to Sri Ramaswamy garu as laid down in the scriptures.All these programmes were conducted strictly according to Sastras'under the leadership of Sri Kasipati Sastry garu.

Finally the sanmana patra (the scroll of honour) sent by hisfriend Sri Devaraya Kulkarni was presented to Sri Ramaswamy garuin the meeting. In that paper honouring Sri Ramaswamy garu theprogrammes undertaken by him in Pithapuram were explained. Itwas informed that when it was not known thatPithapuram is the birth place of Sripada Srivallabhaexcept through Sriguru Charithra, it is only SriRamaswamy garu who brought that fact to the lightof the residents of Pithapuram and the people of nearbyvillages and other places. It was proclaimed that themanifestation of Sripada Srivallabha in Pithapuram isrevealed only due to Sri Ramaswamy garu.

Devotees expressed a suggestion that the 'Paadukas of SripadaSrivallabha' have to be installed near the place where the Audumbaratree was planted. They requested Sri Ramaswamy garu to get the'Paadukas' prepared. Then Sri Ramaswamy garu after he went toDevanahalli went with Sri Kulkarni garu to Chikkaballapur which

was nearby. There they met one sculptor and asked him whetherit was possible for him to chisel the 'Paadukas of Sripada Srivallabha'.That sculptor made some models of 'Paadukas' with clay and showedthem. Sri Ramaswamy garu was enchanted with one of them andrequested that the 'Paadukas' should be after that model. Afterone month when some devotees from Pithapuram, Sri Ramaswamygaru and Sri Kulkarni garu went to Chikkaballapur to fetch those'Paadukas' that sculptor did not prepare the 'Paadukas' as yet. Herequested for one more month time. Then all of them returnedback. During that one month Sri Ramaswamy garustayed in Samartha Ashram in Devanahalli and waspraying Sree Sripada Srivallabha. "Swami! You grantsuitable intelligence to that sculptor and get the'Paadukas' prepared as desired by you". After one monththat sculptor intimated to Sri Ramaswamy garu that the 'Paadukas'were ready and he can take them. Sri Ramaswamy garu and SriKulkarni garu went to see the 'Paadukas'. As soon as the'Paadukas' were seen they appeared at once to SriRamaswamy garu, an ardent devotee of Sree Datta as the'Nirguna Paadukas' in the famous Datta Kshethra, Gangapur.To Sri Kulkarni garu they appeared as the beautiful 'Paadukas'in Narsobawadi - another famous Datta Kshetra. Probably toproclaim that Sree Dattatreya, and Sripada Srivallabha areone Sree Dattatreya might have given experience of His gloryin the same place to both of them. After that the 'Paadukas'were brought to Pithapuram.

A wish to construct a temple at the base of the AudumbaraTree and install the 'Paadukas' in that temple arose. Sri ChekkaRamayya, Sri Chekka Narasimha Murthy, Sri ChekkaMangaraju, Sri Chekka Nookaraja and Sri ChekkaSatyanarayana alias Sattipandu - sons of Sri Chekka ChelapatiRao and Smt. Chekka Bapiraju garu came forward to give theamount required for the construction of the 'Paaduka Mandir'.Sri Ramaswamy garu laid the foundation stone withhis nectarine hands. In 1987 the construction of thetemple was completed in conformity with completeprinciples of Agama Sastra. On 22nd February, 1988the 'Paadukas' were installed in the Mandir by SriRamaswamy garu with his ambrosial hands. In theMandir, precisely at the centre point Sree Dattatreya Yantra anddiamonds were placed beneath the 'Paadukas' and they wereinstalled. During that time it was intended to install the idols ofSree Dattatreya. Sripada Srivallabha and Sri Nrusimha Saraswation the back side of the 'Paadukas'. Therefore, in the places

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earmarked for installation of the idols nine varieties of diamondsand the concerned Yantras were placed. Then a priest wasappointed to conduct worship and other services to the 'Paadukas'during three times (morning, midday and evening) daily.

After that the Committee members went to Jaipur (Rajasthan)to bring the marble idols of the three saints. As some readymadeicons of Sree Dattatreya were available the members of theCommittee selected one from among them. However, the icons ofSripada Srivallabha and Sri Nrusimha Saraswati were not availablethere. Then the committee members who already brought thepictures with them from Pithapuram gave them to the sculptorsand asked them to prepare the idols according to those pictures.They gave some money to those sculptors for that purpose. SriVarada Raya Setty garu and his son of Hasan village belonging toKarnataka donated money for the idol of Sree Dattatreya. For theidol of Sree Nrusimha Saraswati the Nrusimha SaraswatiSamsthanam of Bombay (Mumbai) donated money. Similarly somedevotees came forward enthusiastically to give special donationsfor the idol of Sripada Srivallabha Swamy. However, with a nobleintention that for the statue of Sripada Srivallabha the money ofall the devotees should be utilized, that money was spent fromthe Sripada Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam. When those two iconswere ready the committee members went to Jaipur and brought allthe three idols at the same time.

On Magha Suddha Thadiya i.e., on 6th February,1992 on an auspicious muhurat (auspicious time)arrangements were made to install all the three idols.Prior to installation all the programmes such askeeping the idols in water, paddy, fruits and flowersstrictly as laid down in sastras were held. After thatthe installation of the idols was completed. On thesame day the pinnacle of the temple was erected bythe ambrosial hands of Sri Ramaswamy garu. Then'abhishekas' incense, light, prasad offering and other sevas wereperformed. To participate in the celebration the disciples of SriRamaswamy garu from Karnataka, Maharastra and various placesin Andhra Pradesh came there. With this the most importanttemple construction event was completed. From that day tilltoday everyday in all the three times services to Sree Swamy areconducted in a uniformly systematic manner. Gradually, while the'Pallaki Seva' (palanquin service) and 'Uyyala Seva' (cradle Seva),are also being conducted daily the glory of Sree Swamy is increasingday by day.

It is significant that in the middle the original formof Sree Dattatreya, on His right side His first incarnationof Sree Sripada Vallabha and on His left side His secondincarnation of Sree Sree Nrusimha Saraswati areinstalled. It can be asserted that no where such aDatta Kshetra exists where one can get a vision ofthe great trinity at one and the same time.

After few days the small place behind the 'Paaduka Mandir',was purchased and a Dhyan Mandir (Meditation Mandir) wasconstructed. Subsequently for future use when the owner of theland east of 'Paaduka Mandir' was consulted he agreed to sell it.He told that if the entire land is required 70 thousand rupees areto be paid but if a small piece of land, suitable according to vastusastra is needed for the Samsthanam 20 thousand rupees are tobe paid. Sufficient money to purchase the entire land was notavailable. Therefore, an agreement was made to pay some amountas advance and to register the entire land within a period of threemonths. Then Sri Ramaswamy garu went back to Devanahalli.Three months passed but sufficient money to pay for the entireland was not collected. Under those circumstances the committeemembers informed Sri Ramaswamy garu, "As funds are not availablewe will get the land required according to principles of vastu forrupees twenty thousand and get it registered, others are willing totake the remaining land for fifty thousand rupees. So we get itregistered for them.'' Sri Ramaswamy garu did not like it. Thereason for that being that after the land purchased and developedby others to suit them, will not be available to us again when wecompulsorily need it. Having viewed like that Sri Ramaswamy garusuggested that the land should be registered even by borrowing.Then it was purchased like that by taking a loan.

Sri Ramaswamy garu prayed to Sripada Srivallabha,"Sripada! How can it be that you made us to borrow". As asign that Sree Sripada showered His grace in response to hisfull-hearted prayers all the debt was repaid shortly with theamount donated by devotees. It appeared as if all this happenedfor the expansion of Samsthanam of Sree Sripada. Then on accountof the grace of Sree Sripada a conference hall was constructed inthe small portion lying in front of the 'Mandir' but there was nomoney to lay down the flooring. The work was left like that withthe idea that it was not proper to borrow money for that purpose.After some time that work was also completed by acquiring somefunds. All facilities required for the services and worship of SreeSwami were acquired before hand in this manner.

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Subsequently, Sri Ramaswamy garu and the members ofthe committee turned their attention for the necessity of aresidential house. After the construction of 'Paaduka Mandir'and meeting hall some dilapidated constructions were there in theremaining lands. It was estimated that one lakh rupees would bespent for their demolition and construction of new structures.They have to be kept like that for three years due to the paucityof funds. In the mean time they were further ruined. Not onlythat. There were some vastu defects in the measurements ofland. Then Sri Ramaswamy garu made bold and convenedthe meeting of the committee members. He told them, "Thereis any amount of need to start the construction of theresidential building by accumulating the money. For this allof you have to collect money by way of borrowing small smallamounts". When they agreed for this 70 thousand rupeeswere collected. Then the muhurat for the foundation layingceremony was fixed. As a first step a famous vastu siddhantifrom Parvatipuram was brought to rectify the defects of vastu. Hewas an admirer of Sri Ramaswamy garu. As it was difficult to takecorrect measurement of land when structures exists it wassuggested that they may be removed before hand. It wassuggested that if a suitable muhurat for demolition is not available,the new construction also will become difficult. Then during themuhurat time fixed for foundation laying ceremony the dilapidatedhouses began to be demolished. Sri Ramaswamy garu himselfstarted breaking the structures from North-Eastern side. It tooknearly two hours for the discussions to divide the land into twoparts to construct according to the principles of vastu science.There was a divergence of opinion between the building engineersand the vastu pandits. Finally, due to the grace of Sree Sripadaaccurate measurements to construct were decided according tothe coordination of the two people. On an auspicious date themuhurat for the foundation laying was fixed. However, anastonishing matter took place on the foundation laying day.During the early hours of the day of foundation layingceremony, a 'dandadhari' (one holding a holy staff) sage whowas a staunch devotee of Sri Datta with his disciples camefrom Kashi to have darshan of Sree Sripada. It was consideredas a grace of Sree Sripada and a divine will and the foundationstone was laid by that great sage and Sri Ramaswamy garu.During the sumuhurat Sri Ramaswamy garu thought that thegreat sage was Sree Sree Nrusimha Saraswati Himself.

For this programme many prominent persons of the townattended. For the appeal of Sri Ramaswamy garu to donate moneyliberally and get the grace of Sree Sree Swamy some devotees

contributed donations according to their capacity. When somemembers of the Samsthanam Committee who could afford, offeredcontributions of Rupees 20,000/- each an amount of 80 thousandrupees accumulated. Subsequently, Sri Ramaswamy garu also joinedwith the Samsthanam Committee and toured many villages tocollect donations for the constructions of residentialaccommodation. Devotees who could afford extended monetaryassistance immediately while some others promised and paid moneyafterwards. It was intimated to the devotees that if any one paidRupees 20,000/- for this great programme the name of that devoteewill be inscribed in front portion of the room.

The same matter was published in newspapers of other regions.This was considered as a great opportunity by many devotees inmany places who came forward and gave donations. In this way,necessary funds for accomplishing the programme undertaken wereacquired.

Nevertheless, an astounding thing happened here. SriRamaswamy garu suggested to a rich person in Bangalore whowas having great affection for him to donate Rupees twentythousand for the construction of the room and avail the goldenopportunity. Still that person did not show willingness for somereasons but the wonder was that the same affluent person senttimber worth three lakh rupees, an architect and carpenters aftersome days. He suggested that some of the rooms to be constructedhave to be constructed in modern methods. This incident makesus think how Sree Sripada will make people to do works assignedto them contrary to our thoughts! In the case of Sree Sripadamany such facts took place contrary to our thoughts.

On an auspicious muhurat during the year 1996 the inauguralceremony was performed by a Datta Upasaka (staunch dedicateddevotee of Sree Datta) who came from Maharastra. In theresidential building built as a two storeyed structure a hall waskept on the North-Eastern side. For some rooms convenientattached bathrooms and also convenient electricity and waterfacilities were provided. Free accommodation, for devotees whocame from other regions for darshan of Sree Swamy, for conductingreligious rites, for devoted reading of the sacred books, was alsointroduced afterwards. As accommodation facilities are availablethe eagerness of the devotees from distant places especially fromMaharastra to visit this place gradually increased.

Lodging facilities were provided but boarding arrangementswere not available. Added to that devotees coming from otherareas who do not have knowledge of local language were becomingmore in number. Therefore there was a dire necessity to provide

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meals in the precincts of the temple. Lot of money will be requiredto provide free meals system. Sri Ramaswamy garu decided topostpone the free meals scheme for sometime as many difficultieshave to be encountered if not carefully organized and if free mealsscheme is to be conducted without sound financial funds. In thisway two or three years elapsed but it turned out to be a helplessstate.

Sri Ramaswamy garu thought that Sripada who acquiredso much will acquire this also at the appropriate time.Nevertheless he was thinking in all angles. Once when hesought the advice of 'Pujya Sri (revered) VenvanandaswamyJee in Bangalore he immediately responded. For this nobleprogramme he donated one lakh rupees as a first contributionand encouraged to start the scheme quickly. He suggestedthat the amount should be used only for those who come toperform anushtanam; (observance of religious practice).The kitchen was already constructed by that time. So thatamount was kept as a corpus fund and only the interestreceived on that was resolved by the committee to be utilizedfor the free food provision programme. In this way inaccordance with the desire of Sri Ramaswamy garu freeprovision of meals to devotees coming from other areascommenced on an auspicious muhurat.

It is not an exaggeration to state that the following thingshappened by the grace of Sree Sripada, the thoughts and effortsof Sri Ramaswamy garu and the endeavours of the committee inaccordance with those thoughts and efforts. In this manner atemple with Audumbara tree and 'Paadukas'; to perform worshipand services to Sree Sripada Srivallabha and Sree Dattatreya, a'mandap' for doing pradikshanas, a residential complex for theconvenience of devotees, a kitchen and free food programme; thepropaganda service in the birth place of Sree Sripada, are allestablished.

The strange acquisition of the site in 2002where Annapoorna Mandir is constructed

As the number of devotees from different regions of the countrywho are stepping into the empire of Sree Sripada are increasingthere is a necessity for a large dinining hall in the distant futureeven though it may not be necessary then. There was a vacantsite measuring 500 yards ready for sale. It was lying towards theNorthern gate of 'Sree Sripada mandapa' on the way next to onehouse of the temple. This site is very useful for the 'Samsthanam'on account of the above necessity. Generally it will be a difficultmatter if some others purchase it at that time and construct a

new building there. It will be difficult to get it for Samsthanamand to use it as a dining hall even after getting it. So theSamsthanam has to compulsorily purchase it some how or other Itis not known whether or not it is Sree Sripada's inspiration - a'maatajee' (Shiva Putri) who had the manifest vision of Sree Dattaand who was living in Bombay came to Pithapuram with her disciples.Her husband Sri Sastry garu who was now a resident of Bombaybelong to Kakinada. Both of them stepped into Sripada SrivallabhaMaha Samsthanam to have darshan of Sree Sripada. After visitingSree Sripada, they searched for a suitable site as they had tofrequently come there for their anusthanam. They purchased theabove mentioned site. Then they got it levelled. It appears that'maatajee' had a vision of Annapoorna Devi there. So they intendedto set up an ashram there. Thereafter they travelled back toBombay. While traveling maatajee told her husband that she wasnot coming to Pithapuram any more and requested that the sitemight be madeover to Sripada Srivallabha. Some time after reachingBombay she left her mortal body and merged with Parama Shiva.Then Sri Sastry garu came to Pithapuram again and offered thatsite to Sree Sripada. As Maatajee had darshan of AnnapoornaDevi, Sri Sastry garu suggested that Annapoorna Mandir may beconstructed in that place. In accordance with the suggestion ofSri Sastry garu Annapoorna Mandir useful as a dining hall wasconstructed. In this way Sree Sripada had in a great mysteriousmanner acquired site for Annapoorna Mandir from those whom hewanted to secure it. Sree Sripada showed in this fashion Hisattachment and affection on Sri Sastry garu and Sree Maatajee.

In this manner, Sri Ramaswamy garu who is aged above80 years worked enthusiastically like a youth of 25 years dayin and day out for the founding of Sripada Srivallabha MahaSamsthanam. This statement is not an exaggeration. This isonly the will of Sree Sripada and the grace of Sree Sripada onSri Ramaswamy garu and the blessing of Sree Sridharaswamy.This fact is becoming understood by all after the publicationof Sripada Srivallabha Charithamrutam after some days.

After that some more developments took place in SripadaSrivallabha Maha Samsthanam. As part of them the cattlewealth increased in the temple of Sree Varu. The abhishekamto the Paadukas was being done with the milk of the cows inthe Samsthanam. Similarly Sri Pynda Rama Subrahmanyamgaru president of this Samsthanam dedicated to Sree Sripadathe residential house where he is now living which ismeasuring about 500 square yards to the utter amazementof all devotees. This he did because he was given the greatfortune of serving remarkably in the formation of Sripada

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Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam and also on account of hisyearning to extend more significant services to Lord SreeSripada. For him to get such a great fortunate service to SreeSripada it is not known for how many births he had attachmentwith Sree Sripada. Sree Sripada only is aware what kind ofattachment they had for how many births and generations!

In this manner, a beginning was made for the first timein Pithapuram for the commencement of daily worship to SreeSree Dattatreya and glorious conduct of Datta JayanthiCelebrations through Sri Ramaswamy garu. Next theestablishment of Sripada Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam wasthe fruition of the relentless selfless efforts of Sri Ramaswamygaru. On account of the cooperation of Committee membersand other devotees along with Sri Ramaswamy garu theSripada Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam has been developedto this stage which you are now witnessing.

Due to the ceaseless endeavours in propagating about theexistence of Sripada Srivallabha in Sree Kshetra Pithapuram bytouring various Datta Kshetras and holy places in Bharatdesa manydevotees from all the four corners of the country started visitingSree Dattatreya, Sripada Srivallabha in Pithapuram gradually.

These are the words uttered by Sri Ramaswamy garuwith every one daily, "I am only a nominal instrument.Only Sripada Srivallabha has designed and planned forthe development of this Samsthanam. Subsequentdevelopment also will be His will only". These wordsdeclare his nobility.

It is no exaggeration to state that late SrimatiKamalamma garu brought up Sri Ramaswamy garu asher own son and protected him like an eyelid. She tookup that responsibility merely on the one word of SreeSridhara Swamy that she should treat Sri Ramaswamygaru as her own son. It is not true to aver that SrimatiKamalamma garu did not accompany Sri Ramaswamy garuwherever he was moving in the four corners of thecountry. In this manner, Sri Ramaswamy garu directlyand Srimati Kamalamma garu indirectly became the chiefand basic persons responsible for the enhancement ofthe glory of Sree Dattatreya and Sripada Srivallabha inPithapuram.

From the first time he set his foot in Pithapuram SriRamaswamy garu along with Sri Kamalamma garu was comingto Pithapuram regularly every year for Datta Jayanthi. Aftercompleting the Datta Jayanthi Celebrations gloriously he used

to visit Dronachalam, Kurnool, Rajahmundry, Kakinada,Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Parvatipuram etc., and wasgiving lectures to his devotees. In the same way lectures wereheld in Jeypore of Koraput district in Orissa. He was givingdiscourses twice in a day in Bangalore, Tumkur, Tippatur, Huliyer,Hasan, Harsikire, Bellary, Hospet, Kolar, Srinivasashram inAgaram, Bagepalli, Devanagiri and other places in Karnataka.

One highly placed official in Nagpur of Maharastra, Sri N. L.Pandey came to Pithapuram once for paarayana and worship ofSree Dattatreya and Sripada Srivallabha. He asserted that bythis his health improved. He was visiting Pithapuram now andthen. Sri Pandey extended lot of cooperation to Sri Ramaswamygaru who wanted to carry an extensive propaganda inMaharastra about Sripada Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam inPithapuram. Sri Pandey garu appreciated the simplicity, senseof equality and broad mindedness and other qualities of SriRamaswamy garu. Then Sri Ramaswamy garu praised hisGurudev Sree Sridharaswamy whose grace only was the causefor all his sterling qualities. This is an example of theimmeasurable devotion and faith of Sri Ramaswamy garutowards his Guru. Sri Pandey garu was telling, "Sri Ramaswamygaru possesses love, mercy, kindness, affection for motherand liberal heart. In addition he is a great saint and a strictorthodox person. Above all he has an unwavering faith anddevotion towards his Guru. He gave always in his life animportant place for service to guru. He is a capable one andperfect in divine power."

Sri Gurudas Deshmukh of Nagpur is a great great upasaka(worshipper) of Sree Dattatreya. He is a good Guru also. Hegot thousands of disciples. Such a great Sri Gurudas garuwho saw Sri Ramaswamy garu for the first time requestedhim, "Sree Dattatreya has to be installed in the village whereour guru did penance. Our guru ordained that the installationshould be done through you. Kindly perform the installation".Sri Ramaswamy garu went there and conducted the installationof Sree Dattatreya as requested by Sri Gurudas Deshmukh.

When he went to Sheogaon on the way to Karanja to visitthe divine tomb ('Samadhi') of the great perfect master ('MahaSiddha Purusha') Sree Gajanan Maharaj, the devotees in thatfamous Kshetra facilitated Sri Ramaswamy garu. Once SriRamaswamy garu went to Poona.

At that time the 'Gurujee' of Sripada Srivallabha SevaKendra went to Goa. On knowing the arrival of Sri Ramaswamygaru he returned from Goa by flight. He met Sri Ramaswamy

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garu and engaged in spiritual discussion for more than anhour.

In the year 2007 the 'Sahasra Chandra Darshan' programme(the celebration to mark the witnessing of 1,000 full moonsin one's life) of Sri Ramaswamy garu the pontiff and thefounder of Sripada Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam wascelebrated. The programme was held in the premises of'Sripada Srivallabha' Mandir amidst his devotees and theirfamily members in a grand manner.

Then Sri Ramaswamy garu is being praised as a personborn for a cause. People are visiting him, inviting him to theirKshetras getting many sacred works inaugurated by him andare being overjoyed. In these four years he participated invarious prestigious spiritual programmes in many places inresponse to the invitations of several 'Gurus' and greatpersons. In the year 2010, on 'Kartika Suddha Dasami' hehas again observed his 86th birthday celebration in thepresence of Sree Sripada in accordance with the wishes ofdevotees.

Sri Ramaswamy garu is now leading his life in greatereagerness, thoughts and efforts as to what facilities are tobe provided to Datta devotees coming from other places. Heis suggesting to the committee to extend more improvedservices to Datta devotees in the manner as suggested byhim. He is encouraging them, travelling in different areasand explaining to the devotees of those areas the greatnessof Sree Sripada in Sree Kshetra, Pithapuram.

-- Sripada Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam,Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh

Sripada Srivallabha Maha Samsthanam(Birth Place of Sripada Srivallabha)

Venugopala Swamy Temple Street, PITHAPURAM - 533 450 E.G.Dt., A.P.,Ph : (08869) 250300, 252300, 250900

email : info@sripadasrivallabha.org www.sripadasrivallabha.org

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