Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar Ashram

In an earlier posting at this link here, I uploaded photographs of Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar, a Swami with a small ashram close to Tiruvannamalai. I hope to soon post biographical information about the life and spiritual journey of this Swami, but in the meantime am posting the below photographs of Swami's rustic Ashram, and of him at rest. 

The area is surrounded by rugged rock outcrops

The Small Temple in the foreground

The Ashram Temple and Bhajan Hall

The day of a function at the Ashram

Visitors and villagers participate in the function

Swami ever engaged in meeting and counselling devotees

  

Preparing thread bracelet to be worn as protection

Swami, a great animal lover, at complete rest

From the several stories of Swamiji that I have already heard, Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar had to face a myriad of difficulties and obstacles in his spiritual path. When he was younger he had to often suffer from hunger, as he had insufficient to feed or look after himself. Subsequently he feeds for free all visitors that now visit his Ashram, which sometimes number over 300 people a day. Many pilgrims, devotees or those in need journey to Swami for cures to illnesses as he is noted to be a healer. Others go to him for guidance and advice in both their worldly and spiritual lives. 

Visit to Swami's Ashram

In an earlier posting at this link I wrote about my first meeting with Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar, during his short recent visit to Tiruvannamalai.

Swamiji’s Ashram is located a short distance from Tiruvannamalai and an increasing number of people are daily visiting him for his help, inspiration and support. Swamiji is becoming a renowned healer and siddhar and many turn up for either guidance in their lives (both spiritual and worldly) and/or with hopes for Swamiji’s healing of their physical woes.

Sri Siva Jothi Mona Siddhar

Yesterday I went to Swamiji’s Ashram (with some friends) for the first time. I had several matters I wanted to discuss with Swamiji, one of which was to ask for his help in healing a chronic ulcer on my leg.

He applied vibhutti to my wound in 12-15 strong downward vigorous motions. Afterwhich he gave me blessed vibhutti with instructions to apply the ash to my wound twice a day in the same manner. He also gave me three lemons which he held in his hands for some time and told me to daily drink the juice of one lemon with a pinch of vibhutti and salt. He advised me to continue with my allopathic medication and assured me that the ulcer would soon be healed.

Providing guidance and support to devotees and visitors

Swamijii does not take food himself (limiting himself to just a liquid diet), but because of the problems he encountered for many years when he was engaged in extensive sadhana, he now takes it upon himself to feed all who visit his ashram – which often amounts to many hundreds of devotees each day. 

I shall write more about this fascinating Swamiji in the coming months. 

Illuminated Karumariamman on the way home from Ashram