Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
The city of Tiruvannamalai known for its temples and ashrams is rich in mythology and lore.The first known evidence of the city's history was discovered in the Chola inscriptions discovered in temples during the ninth century.The renowned Annamalai temple is situated in Tiruvannamalai,185 kilometres from Chennai atop a hill.
Sri Seshadri Swamigal Ashram - Tiruvanamalai
According to legend, Lord Shiva manifested as a flame during the battle between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, declaring that the winner would be the one who located the flame's source. While Lord Brahma soared to the sky in the form of a swan, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a Varaha (boar) and set out to locate the flame's foundation. However, the flame did not go out, and while Brahma claimed to have found the flame's summit, Vishnu returned, acknowledging his defeat. Shiva thereupon vowed that there would never be a shrine devoted to Lord Brahma.
This location became known as Arunachalam and was connected to the Annamalai hill in Tiruvannamalai since Lord Shiva manifested as a flame. Seshadri Swamigal's birthplace was Thondai Mandalam in the year 1870. Because everyone in his community believed that he could bring luck with his touch, he was given the moniker "Golden Hand" when he was four years old. At the age of 19, he arrived at Tiruvannamalai after completing his education in Vazhur. For forty years, as a wandering ascetic, he explored the city.
He was the one who looked after the saint Ramana and declared him to be a saint to the world. When Sri Seshadri passed away in 1929, his remains were interred in accordance with the traditions surrounding a saint's funeral. At his last resting place, the Seshadri Swamigal Ashram was constructed in his honour. Anyone looking for a place to worship, feel blessed, and think can find sanctuary at this ashram. This ashram is one of the most popular destinations in southern India and normally exudes a serene vibe. It is situated close to Ramanaasram as well.
The ashram is a calm and serene spot for meditation. In addition, there is a puja mandir and the Samadhi of Sri Seshadri. Tourists can enjoy tasty, high-quality vegetarian meals at the restaurant located right outside the ashram. The Ramanaasram, the Annamalaiyar temple, and the Virupaksha cave are a few more tourist destinations close by.