Age: 61 years old (4th November, 1964)

Place of Birth: Thirupurambayam (near Kumbakonam)

Educational achievements: B.Sc. (Mathematics) ; M.A. (Journalism)

Professional Experience

Journalist/Editorial work at Ananda Vikatan Group, a leading Tamil weekly of repute (22 years) and “Trisakthi” Group, a leading Tamil religious publication (3 years).

During the quarter century of professional journalism/editorial work, have played several roles in bringing topics and personalities of relevance at the appropriate time into the print media, especially at a time when there was no multimedia or social media platforms like now. Have undertaken visits to remote corners of Tamil Nadu and other states to bring in interesting interviews and write-ups on topics varying from temples, social issues, and cinema/drama. Have played an important role in the editorial board, especially in getting the “Deepavali Malar” of Ananda Vikatan ready, which was much sought after and needed prior booking. Have brought out several interesting articles on temples and saints in the weekly columns after thorough research and personal visits. The readership was very encouraging!

Present Engagements

As a spiritual orator...

• A series titled ‘Guruve Saranam’ on Jaya TV, in South India, having a good viewership, narrating the greatness of great saints (Aired daily at 6:50 AM).
• A program titled ‘Ethikkum Thithikkum Muruga’ on Pothigai TV (National channel of Doordarshan, a Govt of India division) narrating the glory of Lord Muruga (Aired daily at 6:45 AM).
• Lectures on the ‘Greatness of Maha Periyava’ on my YouTube channel (Aired on alternate days). Commanding viewership across the globe and acclaimed. (Please scan the QR code provided at the end for the YouTube link.)

Leisure tours and lectures on popular demand

• Abroad: Countries visited for lectures include USA, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ruwais, Fujairah), Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, New Zealand, Australia, and Sri Lanka.
• India (Cities): Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Baroda, Mysore, Pondicherry, and many others.
• India (Towns & Cities): Chennai, Coimbatore, Salem, Erode, Trichy, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Namakkal, Madurai, Tuticorin, Tirupur, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Palakkad, Kalady, and Villupuram.

Awards and Accolades

• Senthamizh Kalanidhi (conferred by Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, a very big Hindu religious head)
• Seshan Sanman Award 2017
• Guru Keerthi Prachara Mani (Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham)
• Guru Krupa Prachara Ratna (Sri Skanda Sashti Festival Committee, Dubai)
• Sanjeevi Seva Award (TAMBRAS Kamadhenu Trust)
• Bhakti Gnana Ratna (Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Guruji, Art of Living, Bengaluru)
• Aanmeega Thathva Gnana Bodhagar (Canada Sri Ayyappan Hindu Temple)
• Satsaritha Vaagdevam (Sri Maha Sankara Cultural Centre, Coimbatore)
• Seva Ratna (Kamadhenu Charities, Chennai)
• Aathmeega Bala Ratna (Nemili Sri Bala Peetham)

Popular Television Programs Presented

• Zee Tamil TV: Spoke continuously for over two and a half years on the greatness of Kanchi Maha Periyava under the title ‘Deivathin Kural’ / ‘Voice of the Divine’.
• Zee Tamil TV: A program narrating the glory of temples under the title ‘Arputhangal Tharum Aalayangal’ / ‘Temples Bestowing Miracles’.
• Pothigai TV: A program about great saints under the title ‘Guru Mahimai’ / ‘The Greatness of the Guru’ — a series that surpassed 1,000 episodes and won the admiration of viewers.
• Sun News: Live broadcasts, debates
• Vijay TV: Devotional festival programs
• Colors TV & Makkal TV: Temple visits/darshan
• Vendhar TV & Thanthi TV: Live broadcasts and spiritual discourses
• News 7: Live commentary
• Vanavil: Series on great saints/sages
• Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel, Sri Sankara (Live broadcasts), Mega TV...

Special Live Broadcasts Presented

Tiruvannamalai Thirukarthigai Deepam, Vaikunta Ekadashi, Maha Shivaratri, Tiruchendur Soorasamharam, Kulasekarapattinam Dasara, Sabarimala Jyothi, Tiruvarur Chariot Festival, Srivilliputhur Aadi Pooram, the visit of Hon'ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to Rameswaram and Srirangam, Akshaya Tritiya, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Aadi Perukku, and many other events...

Live Kumbabishekam (Consecration) Broadcasts Presented

Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple, Rameswaram Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Vadapalani Andavar Temple, and many other temples...

Spiritual Writer - A Cherished Role

Currently writing regular columns for publications such as Kamakodi and Dinamalar.

Publications where weekly series have appeared: Rani, Maalai Malar, Ananda Vikatan, Aval Vikatan, Sakthi Vikatan, Trishakthi, Dina Malar, Mangaiyar Malar, Deepam, Gopura Dharisanam, Ilakkiya Peedam, Dina Idhazh, Kamadenu, Aadhan News, among others.

Have authored books based on spiritual articles shaped by 25 years of experience and hard work. These books are presently published by ‘Thamarai Brothers Media’ (A Dinamalar Group company).

Credits for Over 75 Books Primarily in Tamil

Some notable works among them include:

• The series titled ‘Sathuragiri Yathirai’ (Sathuragiri Pilgrimage) achieved tremendous success; it was through this series many people came to know about this mountain and its significance.
• The series titled ‘Aalayam Theduvom’ (Let Us Seek Temples) brought to focus many ancient and dilapidated temples that were once famous to public attention and helped facilitate their consecration (Kumbabishekam) soon. A great social and religious contribution!
• The ‘Maha Periyava’ series, comprising 15 volumes in Tamil to date; a collection that captures the experiences of devotees and evokes a sense of spiritual ecstasy through simple, accessible writing. The narration is in simple style and makes readers visualise the happening! Volume 16 is presently under printing and is expected to hit the stands soon. The jewel in the crown is that four volumes of the ‘Maha Periyava’ series have been translated into English so far and has found wide viewership.
• Four volumes in Tamil on great saints under the title ‘Thiruvadi Saranam’ (Surrender at the Holy Feet).
• Individual books on Adi Shankara, Mahavatar Babaji, Shirdi Baba, Raghavendra, Kasi, Tirupathi Laddu, etc.

Swaminathan likes travelling, meeting people, and is a keen observer of the life and practices of people across the globe, such that he has huge following and friends in every continent, apart from most places in India! Service through “Bhakthi” and preachings of Gurus has been the hallmark in the mission so far.