Sri S. M. Kandasamy Pillai, affectionately known as Sa. Mu. Ka., was born on 7 September 1838 in Karanappattu, a village in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu. His father was Muthusamy Pillai, his mother was Thalaiammal, and his grandfather was Chandrasekar Mudaliyar. He later married Thangam, and they were blessed with a daughter named Janaki.

From a young age, Kandasamy Pillai excelled in his studies. He served first as a village accountant in Bahour, Puducherry, and later as a Taluk Officer in the Saram area of Puducherry. Alongside his government service, he devoted himself to the study of Saiva Siddhanta philosophy and was also involved in farming.

A Life-Changing Illness

Although successful in life, Kandasamy Pillai often suffered from tremors and fainting spells. One day, an elderly visitor who witnessed his condition advised him to seek the blessings of Ramalinga Swamigal, lovingly known as Vallalar Peruman.

With faith in his heart, Kandasamy Pillai visited Vallalar. The saint blessed him with sacred ash (Vibhuti), and according to traditional accounts, his illness disappeared. Deeply moved by this experience, he became one of Vallalar’s devoted followers.

The Guru’s Command

Filled with gratitude, Sri Kandasamy Pillai wished to remain with Vallalar forever. However, Vallalar gently instructed him to return home and continue his responsibilities.

Years later, after the passing of his beloved wife Thangam, Kandasamy Pillai returned to Vallalar. This time, he remained in his Guru’s service, dedicating his life to spiritual devotion and literary work.

A Poet Inspired by Grace

Following Vallalar’s guidance, Kandasamy Pillai composed 3,507 devotional songs in Tamil. These songs were later compiled into 25 books, collectively known as Prabandha Thirattu.

His compositions include:

• Andathi – 1,212 songs
• Namavali – 634 songs
• Kannikal – 587 songs
• Venpa – 511 songs
• Keerthanai – 376 songs
• Viruttam – 114 songs
• Kalithurai – 32 songs
• Other songs – 41 songs

He has composed a large number of Pasurams for Vallalar. He published the Prabandhatirattu book in the year 1923 and gave it to everyone.   Kandasamy Pillai’s historical notes written on Vallalar are of great importance.

The Sacred Sandals

In those days, Siddha physicians facing financial difficulties were believed to prepare wooden sandals with special chambers containing mercury and herbs. According to traditional belief, when Vallalar wore these sandals, the mercury transformed into solid gold; then the physician received them back again from Vallalar.  

Inspired not by wealth but by devotion, Kandasamy Pillai offered Vallalar a simple pair of sandalwood sandals, without any special chambers. Smiling, Vallalar asked, “You too have brought me sandals?”

To this, Sri Kandasamy Pillai prayed to the Lord to bestow his blessings on all living beings in this world, and offered the padaraksha  (footwear)  at the foot of Lord Vallalar. He graciously wore the footwear for 48 days, and then he gave it back to Kandasamy Pillai.

Sri Kandasamy Pillai worshipped the sacred footwear with deep reverence, composed a hymn in praise of Vallalar, and later offered the holy sandals (Padhuka) as the foundation symbol for the Samarasa Sanmarga Sangam at Karanappattu.

A Legacy of Compassion

Sri Kandasamy Pillai attained samadhi on 2 December 1924. He spent his life spreading Vallalar’s teachings through poetry, devotion, and humble service. His writings continue to inspire people to follow the path of compassion, spiritual wisdom, and universal love.

The guiding message of Vallalar, which Kandasamy Pillai cherished throughout his life, was:“Supreme Grace-Light, Supreme Grace-Light, Infinite Compassion, Supreme Grace-Light.”