Poondi Mahan Temple Near Tiruvannamalai: Timings, Location & Travel Details

About Poondi Mahan

Poondi Mahan was a highly revered saint and spiritual figure who lived in Poondi village near Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. He was regarded and worshipped by many devotees as an incarnation of the Supreme Being. Kanchi Mahaswami Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal, Sri Gnanananda Swamigal, and Kripananda Variyar Swamigal also spoke about his greatness and spiritual significance. His devotees considered him to be a great Hindu spiritual master and an incarnation of Lord Parameshvara.

Poondi Mahan was known for radiating a unique and intense spiritual presence that attracted thousands of people who came seeking his blessings. Although his appearance was similar to that of an ascetic, devotees believed that there was never any unpleasant odour around him and that his presence was pure and powerful.

Poondi Swami did not speak much. However, devotees who felt blessed by his presence were inspired to serve him, bathe him, and even offer him food. Thousands of people across Tamil Nadu had heard about him, and many travelled from distant places to receive his darshan.

Early Life and Spiritual Inclination

Poondi Mahan was a great saint who lived during the twentieth century in Poondi village near Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.

From a very young age, he showed a strong interest in spirituality. He regularly visited temples and performed poojas and prayers according to tradition. At times, he would wander through the streets of the village chanting mantras and the names of God.

People who saw him initially thought that he was mentally disturbed. However, after learning about his spiritual abilities, they began to respect and revere him.

Poondi Mahan lived a very simple life and was known for his kindness towards the people around him. From a young age, he was not attracted to worldly pleasures or attachments. He devoted his thoughts and actions entirely to Lord Shiva.

He would frequently meditate for several days while remaining without food. He was also believed to have exercised complete control over his senses.

Poondi Mahan blessed his followers and guided them to pray to Lord Shiva, encouraging them to lead a spiritually devoted life.

Poondi Mahan and Ma Lokanayaki

According to the traditional account, Poondi Mahan gave initiation to Ma Lokanayaki, preparing her for the birth of a divine incarnation associated with Lord Parameshvara.

During the later months of her pregnancy, Brahma Yogini (Mataji Vibhoodhananda Puri) gave clear instructions to her close friend Anusuyammal, who was also the paternal grandmother of the unborn incarnation and the mother of Sri Arunachalam.

Following these instructions, Anusuyammal took her daughter-in-law, Ma Lokanayaki, to receive the blessings of Poondi Mahan, who was revered as a great sage and an incarnation of Lord Parameshvara near Tiruvannamalai.

When Ma Lokananayaki worshipped Poondi Mahan, he showered flowers and turmeric rice, known as akshata, upon her. He is said to have blessed her by declaring, “I will be born as Ammaiyappan,” expressing the belief that Lord Parameshvara Himself would be born to her as the divine mother and father of the entire universe.

On January 2, 1978, according to this spiritual tradition, the supreme consciousness manifested through the sacred presence of Jagadguru Mahasannidhanam, Nithyananda Paramashivam, as an answer to the prayers of millions of people on Earth.

Poondi Mahan Ashram

With the assistance of his devotees, Poondi Mahan constructed a small ashram in his village in 1959. The ashram later became associated with his spiritual presence and the devotion of his followers.

Maha Samadhi

Poondi Mahan attained Maha Samadhi in 1978.

His devotees continue to visit his Samadhi and believe that they experience his divine presence and receive spiritual and mental solace.

Pooja Schedule

Distance and Travel Time from Poondi Mahan to Major Places