Paramacharya: Life of Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam

Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal, the 68th Acharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, was popularly known as the 'Sage of Kanchi', 'Paramacharya' and 'Jagadguru'. Born on 20 May 1894, he assumed the position as head of the Mutt when he was only 13 in 1907 and became a well-known spiritual icon in Tamil Nadu, India and abroad, especially among Shaivites, for his tireless work to both embody and to teach the principles of Advaita Vedanta. Since he was considered to be a modern-day saint and an incarnation of Adi Sankara, there has been constant demand from his followers and disciples, even during his lifetime, to read about events from his life, his activities and his discourses. The first Tamil language biography, written by Sri Sambamurthi Sastri, a younger brother of His Holiness, was released in 1957. The book you hold in your hand is an abridged translation of this earlier biography with additional details of his travels and activities outside Tamil Nadu, for his non-Tamil devotees. Authored by PG Sundararajan, this book also provides insight into his views on aspects of Hindu culture like caste, religious conversions among marginalised Hindus, cow slaughter, and dowry, making it an interesting document that details his influences on national discourse, politics and social norms.