Karunai Prakasar

Karunai Prakasar Biography

Karunai Prakasar was a Saiva spiritual writer who lived in the 17^th century. He was a great devotee of Siva and ardent supporter of Saiva siddantha. He has contributed 5 books to Tamil literature. He was the son of famous spiritual leader and author, Kumara Swamy Desikar and family is known for many scholars and artists who have made several literal contributions to Tamil. He authored 5 books including - Seegalathi sarukkam l and Ishtalinga Agaval.

He belonged to Desikar family in Kanchipuram, which later converted to Christianity with Swaminatha Desikar who lived in Valavanoor in the late 19th century. Velaiyar, Siva Prakasar and Gnambikai ammal were his siblings and Perur Santhalinga Swamigal was his brother-in-law. He has no direct descendants and the legacy of his family was carried forward by Sundaresanar, S.V.S. Rathinam and Swaminatha Desikar and the latest descendants being Thomas Rathnam and Vincent Therraisnathan. Among the siblings only Velaiyar had a child. Though he was married, he died at the young age of 18 and hence no child was born to him.

Karunai Prakasar was born on 2 April 1756 at Kanchipuram to famous spiritual leader and author, Kumara Swamy Desikar. He had three siblings - Siva Prakasar, Velaiyar, and Gnambikai ammal. Famous spiritual leader of 18^th century, Sundaresanar was his nephew who carried forward the legacy of his family. Along with his elder brother Sivaprakasa swamigal, he travelled widely all over Tamil Nadu visiting many holy places and famous temples like Thiruvannamalai and Thiruchendur. He passed away on 5 December 1774 at Thiru vengai, aged only 18. His descendant (grandnephew) Swaminatha Desikar inherited the family name Susai, after converting to Christianity.

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Updated: July 09, 2014