Among the many saints who made Arunachala their home, few are as warmly remembered as Yogi Ramsuratkumar, the smiling beggar-saint with a hand fan and coconut shell who blessed thousands from the streets of Tiruvannamalai. His ashram on the Girivalam path is today one of the most peaceful places in town. This guide covers his life, the ashram, timings and what to expect.
Who Was Yogi Ramsuratkumar?
Yogi Ramsuratkumar (1918 to 2001) was born on 1 December 1918 in a village near Kashi (Varanasi) in Uttar Pradesh. A spiritual seeker from youth, he travelled south and visited Sri Aurobindo in Pondicherry and Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi in Tiruvannamalai. His spiritual awakening is associated with Swami Papa Ramdas of Anandashram in Kerala, who initiated him into the chanting of the divine name “Ram”.
From 1959 he lived in Tiruvannamalai as a wandering mendicant, sleeping on verandas, under a punnai tree near the railway station and in a small house on Sannadhi Street. He referred to himself simply as “this beggar”. He was popularly known as Visiri Samiyar (the fan swami) because he always carried a palm-leaf hand fan, along with a coconut shell as his begging bowl. He attained Mahasamadhi on 20 February 2001.
The Ashram Today
The Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram was built in his final years and is located at Agrahara Collai on Chengam Road, along the Girivalam path, a short distance beyond Sri Ramanasramam. Its highlights include:
- The main prayer hall (Pradhana Mandir): a vast, airy hall where the saint’s samadhi is enshrined.
- Continuous chanting: devotees chant his name mantra, “Yogi Ramsuratkumar, Yogi Ramsuratkumar, Yogi Ramsuratkumar, Jaya Guru Raya”.
- Meditation spaces and well-kept gardens with views of Arunachala.
- Annadanam: free meals are served to visitors on many days.
- Bookstall and archives with biographies, photographs and recordings.
Visiting Information
| Location | Agrahara Collai, Chengam Road (Girivalam path), about 3 km from Arunachaleswarar Temple |
| Timings | Usually open in the morning and evening with a midday break; arati and chanting at set times (confirm locally, as timings change on festival days) |
| Entry | Free |
| Key festival | Jayanthi on 1 December; Aradhana (Mahasamadhi day) in February |
| Stay | Limited accommodation for devotees by prior request; see our ashram stay guide |
A Peaceful Half-Day Ashram Circuit
- Sri Ramanasramam: start with the morning chanting at Ramana Maharshi’s samadhi (visitor guide).
- Seshadri Swamigal Ashram: right next door.
- Skandashram and Virupaksha Cave: a 30 to 45 minute climb up the hill (trek guide).
- Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram: end with the chanting and a quiet sit in the prayer hall.
Etiquette
- Dress modestly; remove footwear at the entrance.
- Keep phones silent and avoid conversation in the prayer hall.
- Photography rules are posted at the entrance; follow them.
- Offerings and donations are voluntary and should be made only at the official counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram?
It is on Chengam Road (the Girivalam path) at Agrahara Collai, a short distance beyond Sri Ramanasramam and about 3 km from Arunachaleswarar Temple.
Why was Yogi Ramsuratkumar called Visiri Samiyar?
Visiri means hand fan in Tamil. He always carried a palm-leaf fan, so local people called him Visiri Samiyar, the fan swami.
When is Yogi Ramsuratkumar Jayanthi?
His birth anniversary is celebrated on 1 December every year with special chanting, pujas and annadanam.
Can I stay at Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram?
Limited accommodation may be available for devotees by prior request. Otherwise, there are many guesthouses nearby in Ramana Nagar; see our hotels guide.
