As I said earlier, my father was a stern administrator. From the day I started serving at the Asramam
till his last days, he never said a kind word to me which would smack of paternal affection. Being a
renunciate, he kept his relationship with me at the most impersonal level. He would object to my leaving
my room even for a day or two. If I left with my family to attend a marriage in a neighboring village,
he would complain to Bhagavan. Bhagavan would pacify him saying that it was not proper to object
Venkitoo fulfilling his social obligations as a house holder.
My father would occasionally be absent and I would then attend to his work. If Asramam people approached
Bhagavan for any approval, He would say, 'Why not ask Venkitto, the little Sarvadhikari?' In this way,
He upheld my authority whenever it is questioned.
Another incident which I remember with a thrill of pride is when I stood by the side of Sri Bhagavan
in 1949, received the Sri Chakra Meru blessed by Hi,m from His hands and fixed it over the Samadhi
of Mother Alagmmal. I had also the good fortune of installing the Matrubhuteswara Lingam, in the
sanctum of the Temple.
I recall with great joy meeting Mahatma Gandhi at Madras in January 1946, and presenting him with a
photo of Sri Bhagavan and some Asramam publications. Gandhiji kept looking at the photo and saying
in Hindi, 'What a great Sage!'
During His last months the Sarvadhikari would not allow anyone to enter Bhagavan's room later called
the Mahanirvana Room. I would however go in flouting his orders. Arguments would ensue. Once I said
in a firm tone, 'Bhagavan is bedridden and either of us two should always be by His side. In your absence
I will be with Him.' Bhagavan, who was lying down, turned His head towards us with effort and slightly
nodded His head in approval.
On 15th April, the day after Mahasamadhi, in the presence of Swami Niranjananda, and surrounded
by a huge gathering of devotees, I poured a large quantity of milk, curds, fruit juice, coconut water etc.,
on Bhagavan's divine head. Then, rose water, scent, oil, etc., were poured. Numerous garlands were
offered to His body. By 6.30 in the evening, His body was carried to the Samadhi pit. I offered a large
quantity of camphor, sacred ash, salt, etc., into the pit. His divine body was worshipped and then lowered
into the pit in the Padmasana posture. The Samadhi bricks were laid and cemented. The Mahasamadhi
was completed.
concluded.
Arunachala Siva.