Walk west from the town along Chengam Road and, just before the gates of Sri Ramanasramam, you reach a quiet, tree-shaded ashram that many visitors pass without noticing. This is the Seshadri Swamigal Ashram, the resting place of one of Tiruvannamalai’s most beloved and mysterious saints. This guide covers his life, his link with Ramana Maharshi, what to see at the ashram, timings and visiting tips.
Who Was Seshadri Swamigal?
Sri Seshadri Swamigal (1870 to 1929) was born into a devout Brahmin family associated with Kanchipuram. He showed extraordinary spiritual inclination from childhood, mastering scriptures and devotional music at a young age. After the death of his parents he renounced worldly life and, drawn by Arunachala, settled in Tiruvannamalai around 1889. He lived there for about forty years until his Mahasamadhi in January 1929.
Seshadri Swamigal’s behaviour often seemed eccentric, so many townspeople took him for a madman. Those who looked deeper saw a realised soul of great compassion. He was affectionately called “Thanga Kai” (the golden hand) because shopkeepers believed that any shop he entered or touched would prosper. Stories of his healing, his knowledge of devotees’ thoughts and his playful teaching style are still told in town.
Seshadri Swamigal and Ramana Maharshi
When the young Venkataraman, later Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, arrived in Tiruvannamalai in 1896, he sat in deep meditation in the dark underground Pathala Lingam shrine inside Arunachaleswarar Temple. Local boys threw stones at the silent youth. Seshadri Swamigal is remembered as one of the first to recognise the young ascetic’s greatness and to protect him. The two saints remained connected for decades, and today their ashrams stand side by side on the Girivalam path. Learn more in our Ramana Maharshi Ashram guide and our article on the temple’s architecture and Pathala Lingam.
What to See at the Ashram
- The Samadhi shrine: the heart of the ashram, where Seshadri Swamigal’s body was interred. A lingam and his image are worshipped here, with daily pujas and arati.
- Meditation hall: a calm, shaded space where visitors sit in silence or chant.
- Arunachala views: the ashram sits at the foot of the hill, and the peak is visible from the grounds.
- Bookstall: biographies and devotional books about Seshadri Swamigal in Tamil and English.
Location, Timings and Annadanam
| Location | Chengam Road (Girivalam path), next to Sri Ramanasramam, about 2 km from Arunachaleswarar Temple |
| Timings | Generally open from early morning to night, with pujas in the morning and evening (timings may vary on festival days) |
| Entry | Free |
| Annadanam | Free food is offered to devotees on many days, especially on Pournami and special occasions |
| Important days | Jayanthi (birth anniversary) in the Tamil month of Thai, Aradhana (Mahasamadhi day) in Margazhi, and monthly Pournami |
How to Visit
- Start at Arunachaleswarar Temple in the morning (check temple timings).
- Take an auto or walk about 2 km along Chengam Road to Seshadri Swamigal Ashram.
- Visit Sri Ramanasramam next door.
- Climb up to Skandashram and Virupaksha Cave from the ashram area (see our Skandashram trek guide).
- Continue to the Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram a little further along the road.
The ashram also lies on the Girivalam route, so many pilgrims stop here during their walk around the hill.
Etiquette for Visitors
- Dress modestly and remove footwear outside.
- Maintain silence in the samadhi hall and meditation areas.
- Ask before taking photographs; photography may be restricted inside the shrine.
- Donations are voluntary; use the official counter and ask for a receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Seshadri Swamigal Ashram in Tiruvannamalai?
It is on Chengam Road, on the Girivalam path, right next to Sri Ramanasramam, about 2 km west of Arunachaleswarar Temple.
Why is Seshadri Swamigal called “Thanga Kai”?
“Thanga Kai” means golden hand. Shopkeepers believed that any shop he touched or entered would flourish, so they welcomed his visits.
What is the connection between Seshadri Swamigal and Ramana Maharshi?
Seshadri Swamigal recognised and protected the young Ramana when he meditated in the Pathala Lingam vault of Arunachaleswarar Temple in the late 1890s. Their ashrams now stand side by side.
Is there free food at Seshadri Swamigal Ashram?
Annadanam (free food) is offered on many days, especially Pournami and festival days.
