Draft:Swami Ongarananda

Swami Ongarananda

Swami Ongarananda, also known as Sri Ongarananda Swamigal (born in Parangipettai on 19 January 1937, as R. N. Jayanarayana Kannan) is an Indian saint and a spiritual master who presides over Ongara Ashram based in the spiritual town of Pondicherry in South India. He is the chief disciple and son of Sri Narayana Swami also known as Sri Siddhar Swamigal (15 May 1904 – 31 Aug 1964), a renowned saint from Mayiladuthurai and a scholar in the spiritual methods established by the 18 Siddhars of the Tamil Siddha tradition.

Early Life

Swami Ongarananda was born on January 19, 1937, at 8:30 a.m. in Parangipettai, South Arcot district. He was christened Jayanarayana Kannan by his parents. He has an elder sister, Mani, who also pursued the ascetic path at a young age. Swamiji's early education took place in a convent until the third standard. He then completed his schooling at Koorainadu Nagara Sabhai High School. He graduated with a B.A. in Economics from A.V.C. College, Mannam Pandhal (Mayiladuthurai), and later obtained his Bachelor of Education degree from Annamalai University. In addition to his formal education, he was trained in numerology and astrology by spiritual Guru.

Spiritual Path

A staunch devotee of Shree Rajarajeswari, Swami Ongarananda received his first gnana-deeksha at the age of 7 from his guru, Sri Siddhar Swamigal. He was trained in austere measures and penance at a graveyard on the banks of the river Cauvery, where he perfected Dhyanam and various forms of meditation. He also learned numerous tantras and mantras from his guru. Notably, Swami Ongarananda was initiated into the Pranava Mantra 'OM' at the age of 7 by Sri Siddhar Swamigal.

Swami Ongarananda is well-versed in various Shastras such as Yogam, Vedantham, Siddhantham, and Para Gnana Thatvam, and has mastered the gnana yoga and the doctrines of the 18 Siddhars (powerful seers of Tamil Nadu).

Following in his father's footsteps, he dedicated his life to spiritual practices and teachings. He is known for advocating the path of meditation, specifically Vettaveli Dhyanam, which translates to "meditation in open space." This method is considered a powerful tool for cleansing the mind and body. Swami Ongarananda's spiritual journey was marked by rigorous self-discipline and devotion, which earned him the reputation as a dedicated and compassionate spiritual leader.

Sri Siddhar Swamigal

Sri Siddhar Swamigal [Father and Spiritual Guru]

Sri Siddhar Swamigal (1904–1964), born in Kumbakonam to Shri Rathinaswamy and Smt. Dhanalakshmi Ammal was christened Narayanaswamy. He was a revered spiritual leader known for his remarkable spiritual powers and teachings. His life was marked by deep spiritual experiences, miraculous abilities, and a strong emphasis on selflessness and devotion. He was married to Rajammal at a young age and had a daughter and a son, both of whom followed the spiritual path. He was greatly influenced by his grandfather, who was an ascetic, and learned various spiritual practices from several teachers. Sri Siddhar Swamigal possessed extraordinary spiritual powers, including the ability to cure diseases and read minds, and reached a divine ecstatic state on May 19, 1944. He emphasized facing challenges directly, self-understanding, and devotion to God, discouraging the practice of siddhis among his disciples.

Sri Mathaji Siddhar

Sri Siddhar Swamigal's teachings and spiritual practices continue to inspire many through his son and chief disciple - Swami Ongarananda, who established Ongara Ashram and continues to promote his father's teachings. Sadguru Gnana Siddhar temple has been consecrated in Pudupattinam near Kalpakkam in Tamilnadu in honor of Sri Siddhar Swamigal who is the presiding deity.

Sri Mathaji Siddhar [Mother]

Pujiya Sri Mataji Siddhar, originally named Rajammal, was a revered spiritual figure born over 90 years ago near Kumbakonam. She dedicated her life to spirituality, chanting the Panchaksharam, and raising her children as Sanyasis. She was known for her foresight and spiritual power, feeding lakhs of people and initiating over 900 into spiritual practice. She meticulously prepared for her death, blessing everyone in her final days, and attained siddhi on November 25, 1998.

Teachings and Practices

Swami Ongarananda emphasizes the importance of spiritual sadhana (practice) and meditation for a healthy, happy, and fruitful life. His mass meditation programs, particularly those organized on the beaches of Pondicherry and the Marina in Chennai, are well-known for their ability to energize the air and invigorate participants. Additionally, his disciples conduct regular meditation sessions on every full moon day in various cities and towns across Tamil Nadu. Swami Ongarananda's teachings also focus on the unity of all religions and the importance of love and compassion in daily life.

Publications and Events

• Books and Periodicals: Swami Ongarananda has authored and published the monthly Tamil spiritual periodical 'Ongaram' since 1972, the first one released by Sri Gnanananda Swamigal of Tapovanam in Tamil Nadu, which continues to be circulated in prominent libraries. Other notable publications include 'Gnana Bhoomi' in 1978, 'Gnana Geethai' in 1993, 'Vettaveli Dhyanam' in 1994, and 'Aanmigathil Aayiram' in 1996. Swami Ongarananda is a prolific author, having written several books on various aspects of spirituality till date. His writings are regarded as a testament to his divine insight and the blessings he received from his Guru, Sri Siddhar Swamigal. His books cover a wide range of topics, including meditation, spiritual practices, and the philosophy of the Siddha tradition.
• Spiritual Conferences and Programs: Swami Ongarananda has organized and participated in multiple world peace and spiritual conferences - notable ones include the World Peace Conference in Pondichery in 1981, the World Hindu Religion Conference in Sri Lanka in 1982, and multiple world peace conferences in the following years. Open space meditation programs were held at various locations such as Pondicherry beach and Marina beach in Chennai. Swami Ongarananda was also instrumental in organizing the "108 Gaja Pooja" event in Coimbatore in 1987 (a special spiritual congregation and pooja involving 108 elephants), a large gathering of sadhus and sannyasis (saints) at the Thiruvannamalai temple in 1991 to chant the Siva Panchakshara mantra over 1 crore times, and multiple spiritual camps at Kollimalai hills and Sadhuragiri hills in Tamil Nadu.

Ongara Ashram

Swami Ongarananda established Ongara Ashram in Pondicherry, Chennai, and several cities in Tamil Nadu. The ashram also has branches in USA, Singapore, and Europe. The ashram serves as a center for spiritual learning and meditation, continuing the legacy of his spiritual teacher Sri Siddhar Swamigal. The ashram offers various programs, including meditation retreats, spiritual discourses, and health camps. It aims to provide a peaceful and supportive environment for individuals seeking spiritual growth and well-being.

Postage Stamp Release

In recognition of his Guru's contributions to spirituality, a commemorative postage-stamp honoring Sri Siddhar Swamigal was released on May 15, 2004, in New Delhi. This event marked the birth centenary of Sri Siddhar Swamigal and was a significant acknowledgment of his spiritual legacy. The postage stamp release was attended by various dignitaries and spiritual leaders.

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