Santanda Swami

Santananda Swami of Skandasram, Salem was the disciple of Swami Swayamprakash, who was of an Avadhoota order. He was born with the blessings of Mayandi Yogi who had prophesied his spiritual glory.

Santananda Swami partook in the struggle for the independence of India. It was during the imprisonment in the course of the struggle, that the divine call came. On leaving prison, he went to Mayandi Yogi, who initiated him into the worship of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari and prescribed an year of silence and wandering. It was then that he met his guru.

The Skandasram at Salem was founded in response to a vision by him and Lord Dandapani and Goddess Durga were installed. His belief that the protection of the Vedas was necessary for the welfare of the world has led to the establishment of Veda schools at Puddukottai as well as Salem.