(Part-1 of 10) Kunju Swami: Ramana Periya Puranam by V. Ganesan

The author, V. Ganesan born in 1936, up to the age of 14, grew up in the presence of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. After obtaininig a Master's degree in philosophy, he came to stay permanantely at Sri Ramanasramam and took care of old devotees of the Master as as his sole sadhana (spiritual practice).

From the editor: The title of this book (written by V. Ganesan, grandnephew of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi) has been inspired by the Periya Puranam, an ancient Tamil text that recounts the stories of the Nayanmar, the exalted devotees of Lord Shiva, and their moving and uplifting devotion to the Lord.

Ramana Periya Puranam is therefore, a particularly apt title for this book as it is about the old devotees of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi and their devotion to Bhagavan - Arunachala Shiva in human form. The unique power of these words is because Sri Ganesan got them from the horse’s mouth - directly from Bhagavan’s old devotees. In addition, his interactions with the old devotees are also very instructive to aspiring, earnest seekers on their march towards Truth. Sri Ganesan himself strived for it and experienced it. This, is the lodestone that gives Ramana Periya Puranam the stamp of authenticity and participation.

Another uniqueness of this book is that it is perhaps the only one where the old devotees have been presented in a chronological order. That is, their introduction is according to the year they arrived at the holy feet of Sri Bhagavan and not based on their spiritual maturity, erudition, scholarship, greatness or any other external factors.

On Bhagavan’s direct path, these devotees are signboards on the inner path that gently, but firmly, guide us to the centre, the Heart. When we read about these rocks and boulders, or sit on the inner path in silent communion with Arunachala’s rocks and boulders, we come in union with them – and with the satguru, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi.

V Ganesan moved closely with and took care of many of the direct disciples of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. satsangs recorded at Aham Center in North Carolina, were later edited in India and turned into this book (with some amazing photos as well).

Source: Photo: Recording Ramana; thumbnail photo Kunju Swami.


Ganesan now age 87, is one of the last remaining direct disciples of the Bhagavan Ramana (and also his grandnephew). He has permitted me to record two of his books, "Meetings with Sages and Saints" and "Ramana Periya Puranam"

(Please forgive any mispronunciations of Tamil, Hindi and Sanskrit words).