Sri Dakshinamurthy Swamigal — the sacred murti adorned with rudraksha mala and saffron robes at Thennal

At Thennal village, on the Puducherry–Villupuram highway, there is a temple that holds the Samadhi of Dakshinamurthy Swamigal, a Siddhar whose origins remain unknown, whose wandering brought him to this land, and whose presence, those who knew him say, did not fully depart when his body did.

Origins

Dakshinamurthy Swamigal’s birthplace is not recorded. He arrived without announcement, in the manner of Siddhars, first staying at a Reddiyar’s household, and later taken in by a devotee named Varadarajan, a medico by profession. It was through Varadarajan’s family that his story has come down to us.

Early Miracles

One of the first accounts of his extraordinary nature comes from Varadarajan’s own house. Varadarajan had asked Swamigal to stay — and upon returning home, found him already there, waiting, before Varadarajan himself had arrived. This was noted as his first known leela.

On another occasion, Varadarajan told Swamigal to stay and left for Chennai on medical errands. He returned seven days or so later to find Swamigal sitting in the same place, exactly as he had been left. When asked, Swamigal replied with characteristic lightness: “You only told me to stay here.”

Devotees and Relics

His known devotees included Appaji Swamigal and Sundaram Swamigal, whose samadhi is also housed at the temple in Thennal. The relics preserved there include his hand-stick, a yantra, and his thirvodu, the begging bowl that marked his life as a wandering Siddhar.

Saemangalam Swamigal, a figure known for deep engagement in spiritual debate, came before Dakshinamurthy Swamigal for what became a duel on spiritual questions. He left as a disciple, not merely persuaded by argument, but by what he witnessed in the encounter itself.

Samadhi

During his time near the palm fields, a disciple brought him fresh palm juice every day. At some point, Swamigal made an unusual request: bring 108 vessels of water. The disciple was still arranging this when Swamigal attained Samadhi. The request, those familiar with the tradition understand, was not incidental, it marked the threshold. The 108th Jeeva Samadhi at this temple was consecrated on 15 July 2017.

Posthumous Accounts

After his passing, Swamigal appeared before a lone cowherd boy, witnessed by no one else. In Siddhar tradition, such appearances to the solitary and the unassuming carry their own significance.

A second account comes from the time his mortal remains were being taken away. A devotee stepped forward and asked why Swamigal had not said goodbye. Swamigal is said to have emerged briefly from Samadhi, offered his farewell, and returned. Those present at his final rites witnessed this.

Worship and Observance

The Guru Pooja is observed on Thiruvonam, Jenma Natchathiram, and Makara Rasi. It is also observed during Thei Pirai, the waning fortnight that follows each Pournami, when the moon begins its return to stillness.

Temple details

Location: Thennal village, Puducherry–Villupuram highway

Auspicious days: Thiruvonam, Jenma Natchathiram, Makara Rasi, Thei Pirai (post-Pournami waning fortnight)

108th Jeeva Samadhi consecration: 15 July 2017

காப்பு

பொன் நிலம் மாதர் ஆசை பொருந்தினார் பொருந்தார் உள்ளம்

தண்ணில் அந் தரத்தில் ஜீவசாட்சிமாத் திரமாய் நிற்கும்

எந்நிலங் களிலும் மிக்க எழுநிலம் அவர்றின் மேலாம்

தென்னல் மருவும் ஏகநாயகர் பாதங்கள் போற்றி!

Translation (approximation):

… We offer salutation to the feet of the Sole Lord who dwells in Thennal.

Source Note

Most of these accounts were generously provided by a revered descendant of Varadarajan, to whom our team conducted the interview. It is through this family that the living memory of Dakshinamurthy Swamigal has been preserved.

— Source: oral accounts from Varadarajan’s family lineage.