Nithya Annadhanam is being served at : Dhanushkodi | Thiruvannamalai | Puravipalayam | Chennai | Pondicherry | Nedumaram Village
Kodi Swamigal - The Eternal Mahaan
The saint of Puravipalayam who lived for more than 300 years and has touched so many lives from the rich to poor people with his smile and cryptic blessings,
He was known as Kodi Thatha and wasn’t confined to a specific lineage or practice. With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he defied the very directives that sought to define him within the conventional bounds of a Siddha Purusha.
The divine who defied directives
Kodi Swamigal’s appearance, for starters, was a spectacle that bewildered those accustomed to the traditional garb of a sage. While most Siddhas adorned themselves with simple ascetic robes, Kodi Swamigal’s attire resembled a kaleidoscope of colours reminiscent of a vibrant peacock’s plumage. His saffron robes were decorated with red, blue, and green hues, creating an ensemble that defied the muted tones expected of a sage.
Equally amusing were his responses to earnest queries. Unlike the straightforward and solemn answers associated with enlightened beings, Kodi Swamigal’s replies were a delightful dance of wit and paradox. When asked about the nature of reality,
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he would quip, “Is a rainbow any less real because you can’t grasp it?” His words were like riddles wrapped in laughter, inviting seekers to ponder the profound amid amusement.
Siddha purusha beyond imagination
Siddhi is a Sanskrit noun that can be translated as “perfection”, “accomplishment”, “attainment”, “paranormal powers”, or “success”.
Kodi Swamigal never exhibited or wanted to be identified with any siddhis, though he possessed all the powers from the world of siddhis. His mastery over siddhis, which had hitherto only been mentioned in ancient scriptures, was an unbelievable experience for those who visited him.
The primary, secondary, and rare siddhis mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana were child’s play and part of his daily routine for him.
Kodi Swamigal emerged as a living testament to the supernatural powers known as the eight siddhis. These remarkable spiritual attainments—Animā, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prāpti, Prākāmya, Isitva, and Vaśitva—were not merely theoretical concepts for him but living, breathing abilities that defied the conventional boundaries of human potential.
A sage who could shrink to the size of an atom, expand to infinite proportions, become weightless or incredibly heavy, access any realm at will, manifest his deepest desires, command absolute lordship, and subjugate all worldly limitations, Kodi Swamigal, was more than a mystic—he was a walking embodiment of divine potential, bridging the mundane and the miraculous with each breath and each demonstration of his extraordinary spiritual prowess, yet remained elusive on the terraces of Puravipalayam palace.
Kodi Swamigal never exhibited or wanted to be identified with any siddhis, though he possessed all the powers from the world of siddhis. His mastery over siddhis, which had hitherto only been mentioned in ancient scriptures, was an unbelievable experience for those who visited him.
The primary, secondary, and rare siddhis mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana were child’s play and part of his daily routine for him.
Kodi Swamigal emerged as a living testament to the supernatural powers known as the eight siddhis. These remarkable spiritual attainments—Animā, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prāpti, Prākāmya, Isitva, and Vaśitva—were not merely theoretical concepts for him but living, breathing abilities that defied the conventional boundaries of human potential.
A sage who could shrink to the size of an atom, expand to infinite proportions, become weightless or incredibly heavy, access any realm at will, manifest his deepest desires, command absolute lordship, and subjugate all worldly limitations, Kodi Swamigal, was more than a mystic—he was a walking embodiment of divine potential, bridging the mundane and the miraculous with each breath and each demonstration of his extraordinary spiritual prowess, yet remained elusive on the terraces of Puravipalayam palace.
Kaya Sadhana - The science and art of preserving the body
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As Sivavakiyar, the Siddhar from Tamil culture, has said, the body is a doorway to God's presence. Kodi Swamigal used the human body as a threshold to transcend beyond the physical realm.
Kodi Swamigal was an exponent of Kaya-sadhana. Kaya-sadhana facilitates identifying and using the body to distinguish between the ordinary and the spiritual world.
In various instances, he exhibited extreme physical conditions. When his pulse was checked, it was like a 7-year-old child’s pulse; a lab test revealed he was at least 936 years old. He addressed puzzling questions about mortal conditions with occasional cheer or nod.
The organs and forms of consciousness were pitstops on his journey.
In various instances, he exhibited extreme physical conditions. When his pulse was checked, it was like a 7-year-old child’s pulse; a lab test revealed he was at least 936 years old. He addressed puzzling questions about mortal conditions with occasional cheer or nod.
The organs and forms of consciousness were pitstops on his journey.
From Dhanushkodi to Puravipalayam - The Mystical Journey
Journeying from Dhanushkodi to Puravipalayam, his life is woven with tales that delve into the extraordinary. Kodi Swamigal’s presence is marked by silence, and every word, though cryptic, carries significance.
Kodi Swamigal's mystical timeline of events
The information timeline is based on our interactions and the gathering of information from multiple sources, including, but not limited to, devotee sharings, books, and articles published in regional newspapers.
Circa 1940
Circa 1940
Early sightings at Dhanushkodi
First sighted by Late. Shri. Varadharajan - Ex-CBI officer
The lone figure of Kodi Swamigal stood amidst the expansive dunes of Dhanushkodi, far from the bustling harbour where crowds of visitors thronged. Read more
Early 1950s
Early 1950s
Left Dhanushkodi to Trichy
Stayed at Kallukuzhi Hanuman Temple & Shri. Palaniappa Servai's house
Kodi Swamigal resided in Trichy for over five years. Throughout this period, he joyfully visited devotees’ homes whenever they requested. Read more
1961
1961
Visiting Ekambaram's house at Chennai
With Ekambaram to stay at Tondairpet
Kodi Swamigal asked Ekambaram if he could come to Chennai with him. Ekambaram agreed happily, and they boarded the Rameswaram Express that night. Read more
1962
1962
Visiting Neikarapatti Zamin at Coimbatore
Stay at Neikarapatti Zamin in Race Course Road
The Zamindar of Neikaarapatti lived on Racecourse Road in Coimbatore. The Zamindar requested Kodi Swamigal to stay at his Bungalow, and the Swamiji agreed. Read more
1963
1963
Visiting Kozhi Bungalow, Coimbatore
With Kalaivani and her mother to Kozhi Bungalow
The Black Vauxhall car carrying Kodi Swamigal and the Puravipalayam Zamin family reached Kozhi bungalow around 7:30 pm.
1963 - 1994
1963 - 1994
The Final destination - Puravipalayam Palace
The quaint village which transformed into divine sphere of devotion
Gundu Ramaswamy drove the black Vauxhall car with Kodi Swamigal in the passenger seat in front and Soundaravalliammal, Kalaivani, and her aunt Swarnagandhiammal in the back. They arrived at the Puravipalayam Palace grounds at around 10 AM. Read more
Photograph of Kodi Swamigal 2 days before his samadhi
Glimpse of the divine one last time in the earthly body. Taken 2 days before he shed his physical body and attained Sushma shariram (subtle body)