Around 400 years ago, the place now known as Sarpa Siddha Peetham in Ariyankuppam was a dense forest. A shepherd rested daily under a neem tree, unaware that the Divine Mother resided there. Over time, he realized the tree was sacred and began worshipping it with deep devotion.

The Shepherd’s Faith

The shepherd later lost both his legs and could no longer walk. Despite being ridiculed by others, he continued living beneath the neem tree, placing his complete faith in the goddess.

The Sage Arrives

The area where the shepherd was staying was a forest, so there were a lot of snakes. Those snakes often bit and threatened the people living in the area.

In such a situation, a sage who had turned his mind to Lord Shiva and attained spiritual enlightenment continued his journey with the intention of going on a pilgrimage from the Himalayas to Kumari. As part of his journey, he reached the forest area in Ariyankuppa. When he arrived, he saw a man suffering from a snakebite in that area.

Then he saw a shepherd resting under a neem tree and asked, “The people of this area are suffering from snakebites. Is there no one in this area who can cure snakebites?” The shepherd replied that there was none. Then the sage spoke to the shepherd for a while, took leave of him, and continued his journey.

Time slowly moved on. After completing his journey, the sage came to that side again. Then he saw a man suffering from a snakebite. He asked the shepherd again. Are there still no doctors here to treat him? He asked. To this, he repeated the same answer he had given earlier. Then, said the sage, can you ask the God you worship the reason why snakebites are a regular occurrence in this area? The shepherd said, “Please ask him yourself.”

The Divine Solution

The sage entered deep meditation and discovered that the real cause of the problem was a shortage of water. Following his advice, the villagers dug a canal. As water became available, the snakebites stopped. The sage also blessed the land, declaring that snakes would no longer harm the people there.

A Healer and Spiritual Teacher

Sri Sarpa Siddha chose to remain in Ariyankuppam, healing the sick, guiding people suffering from mental worries, and teaching them the path to inner peace. He said that by controlling the mind and remaining calm, the five senses would naturally come under control, allowing one to experience God within.

He explained that every action should be done with complete faith and without doubt. Such faith brings peace, satisfaction, and leads to true meditation. According to him, meditation is remembering God with a steady mind and wholehearted devotion.

The Swami ji also taught that people should live according to their needs, not luxury. Chasing wealth, luxury, and fame weakens independent thinking and distances a person from inner goodness.

He reminded devotees to have unwavering faith in God, saying that true belief should not depend on whether wishes are fulfilled.

Finally, he taught that all people are equal in God’s eyes. A person’s greatness is determined by their actions and character, not by wealth, status, or the opinions of others. Despite criticism from some people, the Swami remained peaceful, saying that everyone experiences the results of their own deeds, not the praise or blame of others.

The Sage’s Final Meditation

Sensing that his earthly life was ending, he entered deep meditation and attained Samadhi, becoming one with God.

The Sage Reveals Himself Again

Several centuries after the Swami attained Samadhi, he revealed his presence through Karthikeyan.

Karthikeyan lived happily with his wife, Sumathi, and their two children until his wife became critically ill. Despite trying many treatments, nothing helped. On the advice of Kerala Namboothiris, he searched his land and discovered the hidden Samadhi of a saint.

Soon after, Karthikeyan’s young daughter was kidnapped. Seeking guidance, he prayed at the saint’s Samadhi as instructed by Ramananda Swami. Miraculously, his daughter was found safe, and his wife also recovered from her illness.

Filled with gratitude and faith, Karthikeyan recognised the saint’s divine grace.

Sarpa Siddha Peetham

Unsure of the sage’s name, Karthikeyan discussed it with friends. A young boy suggested the name “Sarpa Siddha.” Believing it to be the sage’s divine wish, Karthikeyan accepted the name, installed a Shiva Lingam over the Samadhi, and built a small temple.

A Living Legacy Today, Sarpa Siddha Peetham continues to be a place of faith and worship. Every year, Guru Puja is celebrated during the Tamil month of Masi on the Sadayam star, honouring the saint whose blessings, wisdom, and compassion continue to inspire devotees.