Sundaresanar

Sundaresanar Biography

Sundaresanar was a spiritual writer from Tamil Nadu, belonging to the famous Desikar family from Kanchipuram. His family is known for many scholars and artists who have made several literal contributions to Tamil. Kumara Swamy Desikar - Saiva spiritual writer who lived in Kanchipuram was his paternal grandfather. His father Velaiyar was also a great spiritual writer of the 18^th century. He was also the nephew of great spiritual writers - Siva Prakasar and Karunai Prakasar, and his aunt was married to prominent spiritual figure and saint, Perur Santhalinga Swamigal. Though his grandfather had 4 kids, Sundaresanar was the only grandkid born in the family, who carried forward the legacy of this literal and spiritual family. However in the late 19^th century, his son got converted to Christianity marking a new beginning.  Thomas Rathnam and Vincent Therraisnathan are the latest descendants of the family.

Sundaresa Desikar was born to Velaiyar and Meenatchi Ammal on 25 January 1817 in Mailam. When his uncle Perur Santhalinga Swamigal renounced family life, he sent back Gnambikai ammal (Sundaresanar’s aunt) back to her maternal home. She stayed with her brother Velaiyar and played a significant role to bring up young Sundaresanar. Velaiyar was already an acclaimed author of Tamil who authored great books - Mayilathula, Nallur puranam, Mayilai thirattai mani maalai, Ishta linga kaithala maalai, Veera singhathana puranam, Namchivaya leelai and Paarijatha leelai. Sundaresanar married Karpagammal and got settled down his family in Valavanur. Their son Swaminatha Desikar got converted to Christianity in the late 19^th century.

The best contribution of Sundaresanar is the compilation of all the works written by his forefathers. He preserved all those works for the future generations. He passed away on 21 May 1878, aged 61.

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Updated: July 09, 2014