Chennai: Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi – a sun of wisdom. Did he seek Arunachala, or did Arunachala draw him towards itself? What is the background behind Venkataraman, an ordinary school student, rising to become Bhagavan Ramana, a sage revered by the world? How did the fear of death lead him to self-realization?
On the Aanmeegaglitz channel, screenwriter and spiritual speaker Bhoopathi Raja, based on the teachings of his Guru, Satguru T.G. Narayana Swamy, has extensively spoken about the rare life incidents of Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi and his deep connection with Arunachala.
The Story of Arunachala's Pull:
Born as Venkataraman in Tiruchuzhi, he grew up listening to lessons at the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple during his youth. Known for always speaking the truth, he was also called 'Thanga Kaiyan' (the golden-handed one). Excelling in sports during his school days, it was only later that it was understood he was in rare states like Yogic slumber (Yoga Nidra). After his father's demise, while living at his paternal uncle's house, one day upon hearing the word 'Arunachala', his body shivered, and he experienced an inexplicable bliss. That word deeply attracted him.
From Fear of Death to Self-Realization:
With the thought of Arunachala filling his mind, one day he suddenly experienced a fear that he was about to die. In that experience, closing his eyes and feeling his life force leaving the body, the question 'Who am I?' arose. Realizing that even if the body perishes, the soul does not, he attained the self-realization that 'I am the Atma (Self)'. After this experience, his state completely transformed. He lost interest in school lessons. A single remark from his elder brother Nagasamy ('What is the point of someone like this staying here?') prompted him to leave for Arunachala.
The Journey Towards Arunachala:
Leaving a letter at home, he took a few rupees from the college fees money given by his brother and boarded a train for Tiruvannamalai. Along the way, at various places like Tindivanam, Villupuram, and Tiruchy, he received food and guidance through nature's grace. Reaching Tiruvannamalai on September 1, 1886, upon seeing the Arunachala Lingam, he went inside and embraced it. The heat in his body subsided, and he completely 'surrendered' himself to Arunachala.
Bhagavan in Tiruvannamalai:
After reaching Arunachala, Bhagavan remained there. He had his head tonsured by a barber, tore his dhoti, and wore a loincloth (kaupinam). At that moment, heavy rain poured down. The song "Vetta velithanil mottai adithanai Nattamai adinai Arunachala" (You tonsured your head in the open space, and danced in bliss, Arunachala) was composed there. He lived in Tiruvannamalai for the next 50 years, granting peace and the path of wisdom to those who sought him from all corners of the world.
Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi's life teaches us the power of Arunachala and the greatness of self-realization. These explanations will help in understanding his life history and the path to wisdom.
