A paragon of saintliness, Swami Tapovanam epitomized the essence of a Vedantin sage, a rigorous instructor, a benevolent guide, a poet whose every notion pulsed with ecstatic consciousness, and a sage possessing unparalleled wisdom and serenity. He stands as a rare embodiment of the Absolute in its entirety — timeless, boundless — radiating and brilliant, gleaming with the brilliance of countless suns. Swami Sivananda hailed him as ‘Himavat Vibhuti,’ signifying “the splendor of the Himalayas.”
Founder of Chinmaya Mission
On the 8th of May in the year 1916, a child came into the world, much like countless other children. His parents, leading ordinary lives – his father a lawyer and his mother a homemaker – sent him off to school just like any other youngster. This child, named Balan, eventually pursued a degree in English Literature. As time unfolded, he immersed himself in India’s Freedom Movement against British colonial rule. This path led him to imprisonment, during which he fell severely ill. Oddly enough, he was released from jail due to his illness, only to be rescued by a mysterious woman. Subsequently, he engaged in newspaper writing, delivered impassioned speeches, and devised plans for fervent exposés. However, in a surprising turn of events, he abruptly abandoned these pursuits. None of these endeavors seemed to illuminate the purpose of his existence.