Swaminatha Desikar

Swaminatha Desikar Biography

Swaminatha Desikar was a spiritual writer who lived in Tamil Nadu during 18^th and 19^th century. He carried forward a legacy of a great Hindu spiritual family - Desikar family in Kanchipuram. Though his forefathers were great devotees of Siva and authored many books related to religion and spirituality, Swaminatha Desikar converted to Christianity in the late 19^th century and his descendants followed the same religion as well. Like his forefathers, his descendants have also become very famous. Noted musicians, publishers and actors - Vincent Therraisnathan and Thomas Rathnam are his latest descendants. As a writer, Desikar’s contributions include - Gnasounthari Koothu Kaviyam, Yesuvin uyirpu and Naan En kiristhuan Aanen.

He was born in the family of great spiritual leader - Kumara Swamy Desikar. His forefathers include - Siva Prakasar, Velaiyar and Karunai prakasar, who have given great literal contributions to Tamil literature. Famous spiritual leader Perur Santhalinga Swamigal was his great-uncle. Velaiyar was his grandfather who carried forward the legacy, as the rest three were childless. Swaminatha Desikar was born to Velaiyar’s son – Sundaresanar, who was also a philosopher and Sthapathi and compiler of all the works written by his forefathers.

He was born on 11 November 1860 in Valavanur, the place where his parents got settled. Swaminatha Desikar learnt all sort of arts. Apart from being a good philosopher, he was also known as a sculptor. During his younger days he drew Katha Kalatchepam on temple walls. His ancestors are originally Sivaites. Earlier he used to draw Yesu Matha Niragaranam, themes against Christianity in Tamil written by his great uncle - Siva Prakasar. But slowly he got drawn to Christianity and changed his religion to Christianity around 1884. He also accepted new family name, Susai through which the family later got known through. He married Jnanasundari in 1884.

Published: N/A

Updated: July 09, 2014