Sundaram – A Prasanthi Nilayam in Chennai 

Thousands throng into this heavenly abode on every Thursday and Sunday and if you are around after the evening bhajan session in Sundaram you can see that by the time they leave the holy precincts of this ‘heaven-in-Chennai’, their faces are red with emotion and radiating a rare kind of serenity and joy…it is as if they had had an audience with their Lord and all the travails and trials of life have just melted away… they are revitalized and invigorated with the power of the divine! They have been touched by His presence.
Sundaram is special simply because it is an indelible part of Swami’s glorious mission. It has not only housed the Lord whenever Swami visited the city after its existence, but also provided comfort and care to thousands of troubled hearts and mangled minds over the last two and a half decades. Miracles have happened at Sundaram. Minds have been moulded and the Lord’s presence felt every moment.
Between 1945 and 1997, Swami blessed Chennai with more than sixty-five visits, In fact, Chennai had become His temporary headquarters while visiting other places.The devotees in Tamil Nadu longed for Swami’s blessings to complete the trilogy [of Sathyam, Shivam, Sundaram – the title of Baba’s biography] by having “Sundaram” in Chennai.

The Blossoming of Sundaram

Those who were fortunate enough to be present in those days know how Swami’s involvement with the design and construction of the new edifice was comprehensive and complete. As the old timers say, “Swami shaped Sundaram brick by brick. He was in fact the architect, the engineer and the builder. Every detail – be it the doors, the imposing gopurams, the frescoes, the statue of Shiva-Parvati at the entrance, the lotus shaped Darshan balcony or even the gates and the visitors’ lounges – are all what He fashioned.” And Sundaram, true to its name, blossomed with beauty and splendour! And why should it not, with the Loving Lord blessing it with His constant loving gaze and caring touch!
The much awaited day finally dawned. On the 18th of Jan 1981, the “Kalasha Puja” (preliminary worship before inauguration) was done.

Inauguration of Sundaram

Sundaram is a synthesis of peace, love and more importantly, service. And it is this service, done with great discipline and dedication, which has made Sundaram a very unique spiritual centre. It has inspired thousands to feel for their fellowmen and extend their loving hand selflessly to other thousands who have no shelter, no basic education or healthcare facilities.
Every activity is done strictly according to the guidelines laid down by Swami from time to time. It is this disciplined approach to service and spirituality which has caught the attention of many.