SRI VIDYADHIRAJA CHATTAMBI SWAMI THIRUVADIKAL

Sri.Vidyadhiraja Chattambi Swami Thiruvadikal a Great Yogi from kerala was one of the most worshipped spiritual leaders of our country. Chattambi Swamikal was born on Chingam 11, 1029 (ME) (August 25, 1853) in a Nair family known as Ulloorcode, near Kollur Mutt in Kannanmool, Thiruvananthapuram. Sri Vasudevasharma was his father and Smt Thiruanga mother. Parents called him by name Ayyappan, but he was known by per name ‘Kunjan Pillai’. He could not join a school for his studies due to the poor condition of his family. He overheard teaching of the ‘Ashaan’ from the Kollur Athiyar Mutt and knowing this he was

Athiyar Mutt and knowing this he was permitted to sit inside the classroom. He studied Malayalam, Sanskrit and Tamil languages from this ‘Asan School’. He supervised the class and therefore, he came to be known as ‘Chattambi’, which means ‘monitor’. After his education, he practiced document writing as a job. He was also served as an Accountant in the Government Secretariat.He learnt the art of ‘Hat yoga’ from Sree Thaikkattu Ayyavu, a Tamil Pandit and hat-yogi. He also learnt Tamil vedic works from Pandit Swaminatha Desika. He became a disciple of the famous pandit and scholar Subha Jatapathikal. He traveled thoughout South India and attained knowledge in different languages and religions. On return, he obtained expert training in the art of yoga from Admananda Swamikal.

                                       Prof. John Kurakar