There are many kinds of devotees. Some are serious seekers, while others are casual visitors. Some are always demanding something from God or from saints. Some others are so childlike that they imagine saintly people to be magicians who can fulfill every wish.

In spite of these varied attitudes, Yogi descended to the level of each devotee, patiently lifting them toward a higher state of consciousness. He allowed them to remain in His presence for long periods and gradually dispelled their ignorance by showering the brilliant rays of His wisdom.

At times, devotees felt elated when Yogi gave them importance and spent considerable time with them. At other times, the very same devotees were frightened when they encountered the extraordinary purity and intensity of Yogi’s divinity. Most devotees preferred to remain at a safe distance—close enough to benefit from Yogi’s grace, yet far enough to avoid being disturbed by His radical renunciation and way of life.

Renunciation—the dropping of the self—is the only doorway to the perception of divinity. But people conveniently excused themselves, saying that Yogi was a great Yogi and therefore capable of living such a life, whereas they were ordinary human beings who could not even think of such divine living. They wished to preserve their ego, and through superficial devotion tried to please Yogi in order to enrich their own worldly lives.

Yogi never expected everyone to live a saintly life. But He did expect people to live at least with basic human qualities—love, compassion, and concern, especially toward their own families. He repeatedly emphasized that one should strive to become a simple, normal, good human being, while remembering Father as often as possible. Father, He assured, would take care of such devotees.

Only a few people truly listened to Yogi’s words and transformed themselves. Some others sincerely tried to follow the simple practices He prescribed for their own betterment. But the majority merely pretended to be transformed by Yogi’s grace, while inwardly remaining unchanged. They did not realize that they were deceiving not only others, but themselves as well. In time, a few among them recognized their falsehood, repented, and underwent real transformation. Most, however, continued in their duplicity, lived according to their old patterns, and inevitably suffered.

There were innumerable devotees associated with Yogi, and it is impossible to write about all of them. Yet, the author wishes to recount a few individuals who played significant roles in Yogi’s life.

One such person was Sri S. P. Janardhanan, a devotee who played a very important role in the unfolding of events around Yogi. Janardhanan was married to Vijaya, whose younger sister was Rathika. Janardhanan recommended Parthasarathy as a suitable match for Rathika and arranged their marriage.

Unfortunately, Rathika’s married life soon became troubled, and Janardhanan was deeply distressed. Searching for a solution, he came to know of Yogi Ramsuratkumar of Tiruvannamalai through Sri Rajamanicka Nadar.

In 1975, Janardhanan brought his sister-in-law Rathika along with her parents to meet Yogi and explained the difficulties she was facing. Yogi listened with deep concern. Unexpectedly, He expressed a desire to see Parthasarathy himself. Janardhanan replied that he would try to bring him.

Later, Yogi would often remark, “Janardhanan did not come to this beggar asking for anything for himself—he came first for the life of Rathika.”

From the time of his first meeting with Yogi, Janardhanan began sending ₹100 every month to Yogi regularly, not as an obligation, but as a spontaneous expression of devotion.

Janardhanan found Yogi immensely attractive. Whenever he visited Yogi at Tiruvannamalai, Yogi would give him special importance and spend considerable time with him.

In the middle of 1975, Janardhanan expressed his desire to have a photograph of Yogi. Yogi graciously gave him one and casually asked whether Janardhanan could print Yogi’s photograph in his printing press. Janardhanan readily agreed and said that he could do so at his press in Sivakasi.

Yogi then instructed Janardhanan to collect the original photographic print from Krishnamurti at Tapovanam, Thirukkovilur. Krishnamurti was the younger brother of Jay. Janardhanan went to Tapovanam and obtained the original photograph.

This particular photograph had been taken by Sri Vijayasekaran, the son of Sri Rajamanicka Nadar, on the steps of Sivaganga Theertham, inside the Annamalaiyar Temple at Tiruvannamalai.

Yogi gave extraordinary importance to this photograph and specifically instructed Janardhanan to be very careful while printing it. Janardhanan, with the help of his younger brother, printed the photograph at his printing press in Sivakasi. In December 1975, he delivered the printed copies to Yogi. In total, two thousand copies were handed over. Yogi received them with gratitude and preserved them with great care.

Yogi would have these photographs framed and present them only to devotees of His choice. He often said that wherever this photograph was worshipped, Yogi and His Father would be present to protect and take care of the devotees.

Yogi maintained a clear and precise account of every printed photograph. He repeatedly emphasized the significance of that particular image, saying with conviction, “This is my Father’s picture.”

At that time, Janardhanan was engaged in multiple businesses, operating both in Bangalore and Sivakasi. In Sivakasi, he owned offset printing machines, which were managed by his younger brother. In Bangalore, Janardhanan personally supervised a sales office located in a busy marketplace. He dealt in notebook covers, wedding invitation cards, envelopes, and firecrackers.

In 1976, Janardhanan was actively involved in his firecracker business in Bangalore. He had sent ₹1,00,000 in cash, packed in a briefcase, through his younger brother Dhamodharan, to be delivered to suppliers in Sivakasi. Dhamodharan travelled by a government night-service bus and placed the briefcase in the parcel compartment of the bus.

Upon reaching Sivakasi, he was shocked to discover that the briefcase was missing. A police complaint was immediately lodged and a case was registered. The police conducted an investigation, but despite their efforts, they could not trace the missing briefcase.

Janardhanan was deeply shaken. At that time, ₹1 lakh was an enormous sum, and the loss caused him great anxiety and distress.

Though he had met Yogi a few months earlier, Janardhanan had not yet fully understood the depth of faith in a Guru. He tried every possible means, including seeking help from his friends in the police department, but all attempts failed.

Finally, broken and helpless, Janardhanan went to Yogi and wept before Him. Yogi consoled him gently and assured him, “You will get your money back within two months.”

Around the same time, Yogi asked Janardhanan to read the Ramayanam. Something profound stirred within Janardhanan. For the first time, true faith began to sprout in his heart, and he started reading the Ramayanam with sincerity.

Exactly two months later, the police received an anonymous phone call informing them that a middle-aged woman in a remote village was in possession of a large sum of money. Acting on this information, the police raided her house and recovered the entire amount, safely stored inside a mud vessel. The briefcase was also found intact.

The incident was nothing short of astonishing. The briefcase had been locked and placed securely in the parcel compartment of the bus. Due to the violent jerking and vibrations on the rough roads, the parcel door had opened by itself during the night journey. The briefcase slipped out of the bus and fell onto the roadside.

Early the next morning, a woman from a nearby hut, who had gone out for farm work, noticed the briefcase. She took it home, broke open the locks, and was stunned to see such a large amount of money—something she had never seen in her entire life. Over the course of three months, she spent about ₹5,000, but otherwise kept the money hidden.

To this day, the police could never identify who had made the anonymous phone call.

For Janardhanan, there was no doubt. He firmly believed that Yogi Himself had orchestrated the entire event to relieve his suffering. This incident marked a turning point in his life and transformed him into a deeply devoted follower of Yogi Ramsuratkumar.

After Rathika’s problem was resolved by the grace of Yogi, Janardhanan’s faith in Yogi intensified manifold. Janardhanan always enjoyed being in the limelight on all occasions, and Yogi, in His infinite playfulness, delighted in Janardhanan’s childlike nature.

Yogi entertained him with great importance and affection, which gave Janardhanan a deep sense of fulfilment and achievement in life. Indeed, it was a great achievement—to be noticed, guided, and loved by a realised soul.

Yogi asked Janardhanan to read the Kamba Ramayanam. Janardhanan immediately purchased a copy and first offered it to Yogi, seeking His blessings before reading it. Yogi blessed the book and returned it to him.

Janardhanan immersed himself in the Kamba Ramayanam, and gradually it began to inspire him profoundly. He memorised hundreds of verses, learned to recite them fluently, and could also explain their meanings.

Whenever Janardhanan visited Yogi, Yogi would ask him to narrate the Ramayanam. Janardhanan would do so with great enthusiasm, using his own simple, childlike language. Yogi would listen attentively, often with visible delight. Yogi also instructed Janardhanan to narrate the Ramayanam to devotees whenever the opportunity arose.

Janardhanan took this instruction seriously. He made it a habit to narrate the Ramayanam whenever he met devotees of Yogi. Some devotees listened with interest, while others quietly slipped away as soon as he began his narration. Janardhanan was never disturbed by this. Regardless of the response, he continued narrating the Ramayanam in his own unique way, driven purely by devotion and joy.

In the late 1970s, Janardhanan encountered severe financial difficulties. He had purchased an offset printing machine and installed it at Sivakasi. Unfortunately, the machine did not function properly and resulted in heavy losses. Janardhanan was unable to meet his financial commitments to the bank and became deeply worried. He went to Yogi and poured out his troubles.

Yogi listened patiently and advised Janardhanan to run the machine under his direct supervision. Until then, the press had been managed by Janardhanan’s younger brother. Acting on Yogi’s guidance, Janardhanan began visiting Sivakasi frequently and personally supervised the operation of the machine. Gradually, the machine started running smoothly and began yielding profits.

Encouraged by this success, Janardhanan thought of purchasing another machine. Before doing so, he consulted Yogi. Yogi asked him whether he had cleared the bank loan for the first machine. Janardhanan admitted that he still owed a few thousand rupees. Yogi firmly advised him not to purchase another machine until the previous loan was fully repaid. Janardhanan agreed and returned.

However, driven by ambition, Janardhanan went ahead and purchased a second machine despite the outstanding loan. When the new machine arrived at Sivakasi, it proved to be highly problematic and failed to operate consistently. This led to yet another serious financial crisis. Distressed, Janardhanan rushed back to Yogi and explained everything.

Yogi listened with compassion and again advised him to stay at Sivakasi and manage both machines personally. Janardhanan followed this instruction and spent most days of the month at Sivakasi. Under his direct supervision, both machines began functioning properly.

Yet, living away from his wife and children took a heavy toll on him, and he became physically and mentally exhausted. After a few months, Janardhanan felt it would be more practical to shift the machines to Bangalore, where he lived.

Once again, he approached Yogi for guidance. Yogi replied that he could shift the machines provided his younger brother—who had earlier managed them at Sivakasi—was not offended by the decision.

Janardhanan discussed the matter with his younger brother, who accepted the proposal. Janardhanan compensated him by giving him a few smaller machines related to the printing industry. Thereafter, both offset printing machines were shifted to Bangalore.

From that point onward, Janardhanan gradually regained financial stability and strength.

Janardhanan extended timely help to the author during a very critical phase of his life. He gave him shelter and employment in his Bangalore office and stood by him with compassion. Janardhanan similarly helped several other devotees of Yogi during their times of distress.

In the late 1980s, Sri V. Ganesan—grandson of the brother of Sri Ramana Maharishi and then Sarvadhikari of Ramanashram—faced a severe personal crisis. At that time, Sri Ganesan was overseeing the publication activities of Ramanashram. For printing the ashram’s books, he had to frequently travel either to Madras or Bangalore, which became increasingly difficult.

During this period, he came into contact with a local offset printer in Tiruvannamalai who won his trust. The printer suggested that if he could purchase an offset machine, all the printing work of Ramanashram could be done locally in Tiruvannamalai.

When Sri Ganesan enquired about the requirements, the printer explained that he could obtain a bank loan if Sri Ganesan agreed to stand as a guarantor.

Sri Ganesan, who had spent almost his entire life within the protective and sacred environment of Ramanashram, had no exposure to the manipulations of business life. He trusted people implicitly. Believing the printer to be a devotee of Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi and assuming that the work would serve the ashram, Sri Ganesan readily agreed and signed as guarantor.

The printer purchased a new offset machine and initially paid the bank instalments regularly. However, after a few months, he stopped making payments altogether. Over time, the outstanding amount swelled to several lakhs of rupees. Despite repeated notices from the bank, the printer showed no interest in settling the dues.

Eventually, the bank approached Sri Ganesan and informed him that, as guarantor, he was legally responsible for repaying the entire loan along with interest if the printer defaulted.

Sri Ganesan was stunned. He had never imagined such a situation. He had no personal savings, had never borrowed money, and had lived his life solely in service to Ramanashram. When he confronted the printer, the latter behaved irresponsibly, evaded communication, and made hollow promises of selling the machine—which he never sincerely attempted.

The bank manager began exerting pressure on Sri Ganesan to settle the dues immediately. Deeply distressed, Sri Ganesan consulted his close friend Sri Anuradha. Together they approached several devotees of Ramana Maharishi who were involved in the printing industry. A few expressed willingness to purchase the machine, but the prices offered were far too low to clear the bank loan.

By then, Sri Ganesan had already developed a close association with Yogi Ramsuratkumar. He perceived Bhagavan Ramana in Yogi and felt drawn to the wholeness and depth of Yogi’s being. Whenever time permitted, he visited Yogi and also introduced many senior Ramana devotees to Him.

Yogi always received Sri Ganesan with warmth and affection, spending long hours discussing Ramana Maharishi and His teachings. Yogi was deeply pleased to know that Sri Ganesan was the editor of The Mountain Path, the magazine of Ramanashram.

Yogi was particularly happy when he learned that Mataji Krishnabai of Anandashram had directed Sri Ganesan to bring back elderly Ramana devotees who were scattered across different places. Obeying Mataji’s instructions, Sri Ganesan brought nearly forty such devotees back to Ramanashram and cared for them lovingly. He personally performed the final rites for many of them and listened attentively to their recollections of Bhagavan Ramana.

Sri Venkatraman, Sri Ganesan’s father, was then the President of Ramanashram, and Sri Ganesan assisted him in managing the institution. During a severe financial crisis at the ashram, Sri Ganesan mobilised support by publishing books on Ramana Maharishi and travelling extensively across India, Europe, and the United States to deliver talks. Donations began to flow, and the ashram regained stability.

Sri Ganesan authored several spiritual books and served for many years as editor of The Mountain Path. He remained unmarried, never saved money for himself, and dedicated his entire life to the service of Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi. His close friend Sri Anuradha stood by him unfailingly, and Yogi repeatedly urged Anuradha to care for Sri Ganesan with love and responsibility.

When the bank manager finally threatened legal action, Sri Ganesan, frightened and helpless, rushed to Yogi. After listening patiently, Yogi reassured him gently, saying, “Don’t worry, Ganesa. Father will help us come out of this.”

After a brief silence, Yogi picked up a letter from a pile. It was from Janardhanan, written on his official letterhead, with his phone number clearly mentioned. Yogi handed the number to Sri Ganesan and instructed him to contact Janardhanan, explaining the situation, and explicitly permitted him to mention Yogi’s name.

Sri Ganesan returned and spoke to Janardhanan over the phone, introducing himself and explaining the predicament. He also conveyed that Yogi was concerned about his welfare. Janardhanan replied that he would come to Tiruvannamalai and discuss the matter personally.

Within days, Janardhanan arrived and met Yogi, who received him with affection. Yogi explained Sri Ganesan’s difficulty and asked whether Janardhanan could help. Janardhanan immediately replied that he would do whatever Yogi wished. Yogi blessed him and asked him to meet Sri Ganesan at Anandaramana, Ganesan’s residence near Tiruvannamalai.

Janardhanan met Sri Ganesan and Sri Anuradha, listened to their concerns, and assured them that since his Guru had entrusted him with this task, he would carry it out wholeheartedly. To their astonishment, Janardhanan showed no concern about the machine’s condition, value, or depreciation. His sole focus was fulfilling Yogi’s will.

He met the printer, agreed to purchase the machine, and informed the bank manager that he would clear the outstanding dues. The bank manager—himself a devotee of Yogi—assisted Janardhanan in securing a loan from Bangalore to complete the purchase.

Janardhanan then returned to Yogi along with Sri Ganesan and Sri Anuradha and reported the resolution. Yogi was overjoyed and blessed Janardhanan profusely. Through subtle and indirect means, Yogi had orchestrated the entire solution.

This single act not only liberated Sri Ganesan from a crippling burden but also contributed to Janardhanan’s further business growth. One compassionate intervention of Yogi produced multiple transformations.

Earlier, Yogi had asked Sri Ganesan whether he would fulfil a request once his problem was resolved. Sri Ganesan had readily agreed.

Yogi then instructed him to go to Kasi and live for one full year on the banks of the sacred Ganga. True to his word, Sri Ganesan went to Kasi and stayed at the Krishnamurti Foundation School, spending long hours daily by the river, immersed in deep spiritual experiences.

Thus, Yogi used Janardhanan as an instrument to remove Sri Ganesan’s worldly obstacles so that he could continue his sadhana unhindered. Sri Ganesan’s unwavering devotion to Bhagavan Ramana Maharishi found its reflection in Yogi Ramsuratkumar.

This incident reflects the profound truth that All Spiritual Masters are One and the same.

After Janardhanan purchased the offset machine, his business began to flourish. He gained renewed confidence and gradually expanded his activities. In due course, he became one of the well-known printers in Bangalore. He printed spiritual books of Papa Ramdas, Sri Ramana Maharishi, and later, books related to Yogi Ramsuratkumar as well.

Janardhanan’s devotion to Yogi steadily deepened. He remembered Yogi constantly. Yogi encouraged him to study the works of Swami Ram Tirtha, Swami Ramdas, and several other saints.

Yogi repeatedly emphasised the importance of the Ramayanam and advised Janardhanan to recite it daily. Janardhanan already had a deep passion for the Ramayanam and would never miss an opportunity to narrate its story whenever he was among devotees.

Yogi also encouraged Janardhanan to visit Anandashram whenever possible. Swami Satchidananda of Anandashram showered his love and compassion on Janardhanan. He was also well recognised and respected by the devotees of Ramanashram. In Bangalore, Janardhanan was attracted to Tiruchi Swamigal, and whenever he could not travel to Tiruvannamalai, he would visit Tiruchi Swamigal to seek guidance and clarity regarding family or business matters.

In 1990, violent riots broke out between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the sharing of Cauvery river water. During these riots, Janardhanan’s printing press in Bangalore was set on fire. The entire press—including costly offset machines and paper stocks—was completely destroyed.

This devastating incident occurred while Janardhanan was in Sivakasi conducting his daughter’s marriage. After completing the marriage rituals, he rushed immediately to Bangalore, only to find the charred remains of his machines and ashes where his livelihood once stood. The building itself bore deep scars of the inferno.

Janardhanan and his brothers had worked tirelessly for years to build their business, and this sudden destruction was a severe shock. The loss was enormous, and the insurance coverage was minimal.

Yet Janardhanan did not break down. With remarkable fortitude, he comforted his brothers and reassured his family. He then went to Tiruvannamalai and narrated the entire episode to Yogi.

Yogi listened patiently and blessed Janardhanan, assuring him that His Father would give him the strength to withstand the blow and that he would rise again in business.

As blessed by Yogi, Janardhanan recovered financially within a couple of years—stronger than before—even without any government compensation. He purchased two four-colour offset machines from Japan and personally travelled there to import them. With the new machines, the very first print he produced was Yogi’s photograph.

For the next two years, Janardhanan worked relentlessly to rebuild his business. The intense effort eventually took a toll on his health. In early 1993, he experienced severe breathing difficulty and felt as though he was standing at the threshold of death.

Instinctively, he remembered his Guru, Yogi Ramsuratkumar. Immediately, the fear of death vanished, though his body remained weak.

He consulted his doctor, who advised complete rest for at least a month and admitted him for observation and medical tests for two days. After discharge, Janardhanan rested at home and then wrote a letter to Yogi, expressing his wish to stay in Tiruvannamalai for two weeks to recover in Yogi’s holy presence. He travelled there and had Yogi’s darshan, and Yogi encouraged him to stay for a few days.

By this time, after the passing away of Murugeshji, Yogi had begun sitting in the verandah of the Sannathi Street house. From 1984 onwards, many remarkable personalities visited Yogi.

From the film world, Ilaiyaraaja, the renowned music composer, K. J. Yesudas, the celebrated playback and Carnatic singer, and several actors came for Yogi’s darshan. Judges and advocates—from lower courts to the Supreme Court—frequently visited Him.

Political figures such as Sri Chandrasekhar, former Prime Minister of India, Sri P. Ramachandran, former Governor of Kerala, and several other leaders sought Yogi’s blessings.

Yogi also drew close many distinguished Tamil writers, notably Balakumaran. After his first meeting with Yogi, Balakumaran was deeply inspired. He wrote about Yogi in his short stories, novels, and magazine articles, describing his spiritual experiences and the mysterious events he witnessed in Yogi’s presence.

Through his writings, Balakumaran became an instrument in drawing large crowds to Yogi. Long serpentine queues would stretch to the end of Sannathi Street, with devotees patiently waiting in scorching heat or rain just to have Yogi’s darshan.

In early 1993, Janardhanan and his wife Vijaya stayed at Sivakasi Nadar Chatram in Tiruvannamalai. Every morning at ten o’clock, Janardhanan would go to Sannathi Street house. Sashi, Yogi’s personal assistant, would inform Yogi of their arrival, and Yogi would ask that they be seated in the verandah before Him.

From 10 a.m. to 12 noon and again from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Janardhanan and Vijaya would sit before Yogi, while long lines of devotees waited outside for darshan. Yogi would bless everyone, offering sugar candy as prasadam. Whenever time permitted, He would converse with the devotees seated near Him.

Janardhanan and Vijaya felt deeply refreshed and joyful in Yogi’s presence. After darshan hours, they would visit Sri Ganesan, Anuradha, and other devotees in Tiruvannamalai.

After a few days, Janardhanan felt fully rejuvenated. His health improved considerably. Years earlier, when he had complained to Yogi about health issues, Yogi had advised him—after deep contemplation—to consume cashew fruit or, if unavailable, cashew nuts.

Janardhanan followed this advice faithfully and recovered, though his weight increased due to regular consumption. When he later complained about this, Yogi laughed and told him not to worry.

It was a delight to watch Janardhanan converse with Yogi. He spoke with childlike innocence, and Yogi took great joy in listening to him.

Often, Yogi would ask him to narrate the Ramayanam. Janardhanan would recount the epic in his own lively, colloquial style, complete with gestures. Yogi and the devotees would listen with deep enjoyment.