One day, while Janardhanan was staying in his room at Sivakasi Nadar Chatram in Tiruvannamalai, Sri Perumal Sadayan came to meet him. They spoke casually for some time, as usual. Suddenly, Perumal became serious. He requested Janardhanan to seek Yogi’s permission to construct an ashram for Him. Perumal was convinced that Yogi would accept the proposal if it came from Janardhanan.

Janardhanan was surprised by this suggestion and, at the same time, apprehensive about Yogi’s reaction. However, Perumal insisted that it was the right moment to speak about an ashram.

Janardhanan himself had often observed the difficulties faced by devotees—standing for long hours in scorching heat and rain just to have Yogi’s darshan. He therefore told Perumal that he would speak to Yogi about the ashram the following day.

The idea of building an ashram was not new. As early as 1977, Sri G. Murugesan of Tuticorin had wanted to construct an ashram for Yogi Ramsuratkumar. He had even chosen a fertile piece of land near the famous Punnai tree, under whose shade Yogi used to sit during the daytime. However, the project could not materialise due to defects in the land’s title deed.

Later, in the late 1980s, another sincere and serious devotee, Sri Ramamurti of Virudhunagar, wished to build an ashram for his Guru. At that time, Yogi categorically stated that He did not require an ashram, and Ramamurti immediately dropped the idea.

Janardhanan was aware of all these earlier attempts. This knowledge made him hesitant, for he feared that Yogi would once again refuse the proposal. Yet, Perumal Sadayan’s persistent insistence and Janardhanan’s own concern for the devotees gave him the courage to approach Yogi.

On the chosen day, Janardhanan went to the Sannathi Street house. As usual, Sashi called him inside at Yogi’s instruction. A long queue of devotees stretched to the end of the street. It was an extremely hot day. Yogi saw every devotee, blessing each one with a sugar candy as prasadam. Whenever there was a brief pause, Yogi would speak to the devotees seated near Him.

Seizing a rare moment when no devotee was present before Yogi, Janardhanan expressed his wish to construct an ashram for Him. Yogi immediately responded,

“This beggar does not need an ashram, Janarthana. In this small place, this beggar is able to do my Father’s work.”

Janardhanan gently pleaded again,

“Swami, the devotees are suffering in the hot sun and rain, standing in long queues. That is why I humbly pray for your permission.”

Yogi did not reply. He ended the conversation and resumed attending to the devotees. Janardhanan did not pursue the matter further.

A few days later, during a morning session, an unusually large crowd had gathered outside the Sannathi Street house. Janardhanan was seated in the verandah opposite Yogi. One by one, devotees came forward, prostrated, and received prasadam.

Suddenly, Yogi turned towards Janardhanan and said, “Janardhana, you were telling something the other day.”

Janardhanan was confused. He had completely forgotten about the earlier conversation, especially since Yogi had already said He did not need an ashram. He replied honestly that he could not recall what he had mentioned.

Yogi smiled and gently reminded him, “You were talking about an ashram.”

Janardhanan responded, “Swami, you had said that you do not need an ashram.”

“But Janarthana,” Yogi continued softly, “you said that the devotees are suffering.”

Janardhanan immediately replied with renewed conviction,

“Yes, Swami. The devotees are suffering—especially women, who face many difficulties while standing for darshan. That is why I prayed for permission to build an ashram.”

Yogi then said calmly,

“If it is for the devotees, then it is alright. This beggar does not need an ashram. This beggar can manage in this small place to do my Father’s work. But since you say the devotees are suffering, you may proceed, Janardhana.”

On hearing these words, Janardhanan was filled with indescribable joy. He saluted Yogi with deep gratitude.

Then Yogi added,

“But there is one condition, Janardhana. You should not insist that this beggar come to the ashram. This beggar may come or may not come. What do you say?”

Janardhanan hesitated for a moment. Yet he felt that once the ashram was built for the devotees, Yogi would surely come of His own will. How could Yogi stay away from His devotees? With this thought, Janardhanan accepted the condition.

Immediately, Yogi asked, “What are you going to do now?”

Janardhanan replied, “I will go to Sivakasi, meet the devotees there, and inform them that Swami has granted permission to build an ashram for the devotees.”

Yogi blessed him and allowed him to proceed.

Janardhanan conveyed the development to Perumal Sadayan, who was overjoyed. Thus, through the quiet initiation of Perumal Sadayan, the idea of the ashram took concrete form.

However, today there is no visible recognition of Perumal Sadayan in the ashram. The selfless service of Perumal Sadayan and many such silent devotees has remained unnoticed. The present-day management of the ashram has neither the inclination nor the sensitivity to acknowledge those great souls who lived anonymously, yet remain inseparably woven into the life and work of Yogi Ramsuratkumar.

The next day, Janardhanan, along with Vijaya, left for Bangalore. Soon after reaching Bangalore, Janardhanan met Smt. Rajini Rajagopal, a long-time devotee of Yogi since 1976. Yogi had arranged Rajini’s marriage with Rajagopal and had also named their children. Yogi had a deep love and affection for the family of Smt. Rajini Rajagopal.

When Janardhanan informed her that Yogi had granted permission to build an ashram, Rajini jumped with joy. She immediately opened her purse and found that she had only Rs.16/- with her. She handed over the entire amount to Janardhanan. Thus, Rs.16/- became the very first contribution for the ashram.

This first donation, which was given without asking, boosted Janardhanan’s confidence.

The next day, Janardhanan went to Sivakasi and arranged a meeting of Yogi’s devotees at his mother’s house. Devotees from Sivakasi and nearby towns were invited.

During the meeting, Janardhanan explained how Perumal Sadayan had urged him to seek Yogi’s permission and how Yogi had finally granted approval to build an ashram for the devotees. He sought the guidance of the gathered devotees on how to proceed further.

All the devotees joyfully expressed their wholehearted support for Janardhanan in building an ashram for Yogi Ramsuratkumar and His devotees. Some devotees immediately promised substantial contributions so that Janardhanan could proceed to purchase land of Yogi’s choice at Tiruvannamalai.

Within a couple of days, a considerable amount of money was collected. Janardhanan returned to Bangalore, and within another few days, he went to Tiruvannamalai.

Janardhanan met Yogi at the Sannathi Street house and narrated the developments at Sivakasi. He asked Yogi in which direction he should search for suitable land.

Yogi replied that the ashram should not be located on Chennai Road, Vellore Road, or Thirukkovilur Road. This left Chengam Road as the only option, where Ramanashram and several other ashrams were situated.

Janardhanan asked Yogi whether he could look for land on Chengam Road. Yogi said he could, but added that the place should not be far from Ramanashram.

With the help of land brokers, Janardhanan identified three sites and informed Yogi. He requested Yogi to visit and select one of them. Yogi visited all three sites with Janardhanan but did not approve any of them.

A few days later, Janardhanan requested Yogi to inspect another piece of land located opposite Ramanashram. Yogi saw the land and agreed to its purchase.

However, one of the co-owners refused to sell his share. Despite Janardhanan’s best efforts, the co-owner remained adamant. When Janardhanan informed Yogi, Yogi asked him to search for another site.

Seeing Janardhanan’s predicament, the other co-owner—who was willing to sell—offered an alternative. He said he could arrange the sale of an adjacent piece of land known as Agraharacollai, belonging to a close relative.

Janardhanan inspected the land. It consisted of three acres of barren land, with only a single palmyra tree. However, the view of Arunachala Hill from the land was magnificent.

Janardhanan informed Yogi, who personally came to inspect the land. Yogi walked barefoot all over the thorn-filled terrain and finally gave His approval. Janardhanan fixed the price, paid the advance, and entered into an agreement to register the land on or before 15-09-1993.

Being a businessman with sound accounting knowledge, Janardhanan informed Yogi that a Public Charitable Trust should be formed to properly account for donations received from devotees.

Yogi initially replied, “Janardhana, this beggar has trust on you. There is no need for a Trust.”

Janardhanan respectfully insisted, explaining that collecting public funds without a registered Trust could lead to legal complications. After listening to him, Yogi said, “Then do what has to be done.”

Accordingly, on 11th May 1993, the Yogi Ramsuratkumar Trust, a Public Charitable Trust, was registered. Auditor Ramanan of Tiruvannamalai drafted the Trust Deed. He suggested that a resident of Tiruvannamalai be named as the author of the Trust.

Janardhanan immediately recommended Sri Anjaneyalu, a building contractor who worked extensively for Ramanashram. Anjaneyalu had been introduced to Janardhanan by Sri V. Ganesan and Sri Anuradha of Ramanashram. Yogi approved the suggestion.

Yogi further instructed that Janardhanan alone should be the Life Trustee. Janardhanan protested, saying that other trustees were necessary to assist him. Yogi stated that additional trustees could be appointed later. Thus, the Yogi Ramsuratkumar Trust came into existence, with the sole objective of establishing and running an ashram for Yogi’s devotees.

Initially, Yogi suggested that the land be purchased in Janardhanan’s name. Janardhanan politely refused, stating that since public funds were being used, the land should be registered only in the name of the Trust. Yogi agreed.

Over the next five months, Janardhanan, along with Sri Ramamurti of Virudhunagar, Sri Raghunath of Pondichery, and Parthasarathy of Sivakasi, travelled extensively to collect funds. The team travelled throughout Tamil Nadu and contacted devotees in India and abroad.

Sri V. Ganesan of Ramanashram provided significant support by mobilising contributions from devotees overseas as well as within India. Still, as the registration deadline approached, a large shortfall remained. With barely a month left, the team felt anxious and uncertain.

While in Madras, they met a devotee of Yogi who was a Nadi astrologer. Janardhanan explained the financial difficulty. The astrologer went into a trance and declared that two men would soon come forward and provide the required amount.

Throughout this period, it was a joy to watch Janardhanan and his team at work. They were constantly cheerful, singing, laughing, and remembering Yogi. They never demanded money; they merely spoke of Yogi’s grace and greatness. Yet devotees came forward spontaneously, often contributing far more than expected.

The team members always spent their own personal money for all expenses connected with the work—petrol for the car, the driver’s salary and allowances, boarding and lodging, stationery, and postal charges. Janardhanan devoted nearly a full year to this noble task, and the other friends stayed with him to assist in every possible way.

Whenever the money that the friends had brought with them got exhausted, they would return to their respective places. Within a few days, they would again come back with sufficient money and continue the work.

Every single rupee received as a contribution for the ashram was deposited directly into the Trust’s bank account. During that entire period, the Trust’s accounts reflected only credit entries. There were no expense entries at all.

The team was extremely particular that not a single paisa donated by devotees should be used for anything other than the purchase of land for the ashram. Even minor expenses were borne personally by the friends. Receipts were sent promptly to every donor along with Yogi’s photograph.

At one point, Janardhanan purchased some vibhuti (holy ash) and requested Yogi to bless it so that it could be sent to the donors along with the receipt as prasadam. Yogi firmly refused, saying:

“This is not the work of this beggar, Janardhana.”

Whenever Janardhanan and the team came to Yogi to report on the ashram work or seek guidance, Sasi, Yogi’s confidential attendant, would immediately inform Yogi of their arrival.

Yogi would then instruct Sasi to stop allowing other devotees inside. He would take the team into the house, enquire about the progress, and patiently listen as Janardhanan explained the status of collections and related matters.

By mid-August 1993, there was hardly one month left to complete the land registration by paying the full amount to the landowner. A significant shortfall still remained.

In a half-serious, half-playful attempt, Parthasarathy purchased a large number of lottery tickets, hoping luck might help bridge the gap.

In a similarly light-hearted manner, the friends even joked about capturing the notorious forest brigand Veerappan, for whose head both the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments had announced a reward of Rs.40 lakhs.

One day, Yogi enquired about the progress of the collections. Janardhanan explained the financial situation and, half-complaining, mentioned that Parthasarathy had become too focused on money matters. Yogi replied calmly: “We require money, Janardhana.”

Yogi then asked what methods they were exploring to raise the remaining amount. Janardhanan told him about the lottery tickets and the joking reference to Veerappan. Yogi laughed gently and said: “Veerappan lives in dense forest.”

Suddenly, Yogi asked Janardhanan about his recent visit to Madras. Janardhanan then recalled his meeting with Ramani Guruji, the Nadi astrologer, and narrated the astrologer’s prediction that two men would come forward to provide the required funds.

Yogi became serious and asked: “Who are those two?”

Janardhanan replied that only Yogi could reveal their identities. After a deep silence lasting a few minutes, Yogi revealed the names of two devotees and said:

“These devotees have both the capacity to give and the mind to give. Janardhana, you may use this beggar’s name and approach them.”

Yogi specifically instructed Janardhanan to contact one of the two devotees first. Remarkably, when Janardhanan approached that devotee and conveyed Yogi’s message, the devotee immediately and reverentially promised to contribute the entire required amount within a week. True to his word, the devotee paid the full amount within a few days, with love and devotion.

On 15 September 1993, as per the agreement, Janardhanan successfully registered the land in the name of the Yogi Ramsuratkumar Trust, paying the full amount to the landowner. To mark this sacred occasion, he arranged a grand celebration.

Yogi asked the friends to take him from the Sannathi Street house to the newly registered ashram land so that he could participate in the celebration.

Sri Meenatchisundaram, along with his friends and relatives from the Nagarathar community, made elaborate arrangements for cooking and serving food to all the devotees. Their tireless service on that day was deeply appreciated and blessed by Yogi.

A grand feast was arranged. Yogi personally served food first to the sannyasis and sadhus. Janardhanan also organized annadanam for the poor.

One of the devotees, Sri Thinnappan of Devakottai, along with his friend Sri Raju of Madurai, contributed and distributed ocher robes to the mendicants.

From early morning until evening, the entire atmosphere was filled with joy, devotion, and celebration. Yogi danced in ecstasy, surrounded by devotees.

After months of intense effort, the gala celebration of the land registration came to an end. Janardhanan, physically exhausted after sustained work, longed to return home and attend to his business.

Janardhanan had been away from his family and professional responsibilities for over six months. His family members, too, were anxious—wondering whether Yogi would relieve him or retain him in Tiruvannamalai to oversee the next phase of ashram construction.

Meanwhile, Anjaneyalu erected a small thatched-roof shed on the land for devotees to sit and have darshan. Another structure with asbestos roofing was built for the watchman, and Chinnaraj was appointed to that role.

Since sufficient funds were available, Janardhanan sought Yogi’s permission to put up wired fencing around the land. Yogi readily agreed. The work of erecting stone pillars for fencing began with Yogi’s blessings and was celebrated joyfully, drawing a large gathering of devotees.

Yogi began visiting the ashram land frequently. Raghunath of Pondicherry, one of the core members of the team that had toured to collect funds, would hand over his car to Parthasarathy whenever he visited Tiruvannamalai.

Parthasarathy used the car exclusively for Yogi, transporting him between the Sannathi Street house and the ashram land. He did not allow anyone else to occupy the back seat as long as the car was in Tiruvannamalai.

Raghunath, an auditor by profession, meticulously maintained the ashram accounts. It was a delight to watch him sitting late into the night in his room at Sivakasi Nadar Chatram, balancing the books. Constantly chewing betel leaves and nuts—his mouth always full—he would still converse animatedly with those around him.

His focus, dedication, and discipline were remarkable. Though he was a busy and well-known auditor in Pondicherry, he spent most of his time in Tiruvannamalai, staying close to Yogi.

Once the fencing was completed, Sri P. Ramachandran, former Governor of Kerala, visited Yogi at the Sannathi Street house. He was delighted to see the progress of the ashram project and expressed his wish that on his next visit he should see Yogi seated in the ashram itself.

That same evening, Janardhanan and his friends—Raghunath, Ramamurti, Anjaneyalu, and Parthasarathy—met Yogi to discuss the next steps. They had already approached Sri Padmanabha Iyer, the architect who designed Ramanashram and the professional mentor of Anjaneyalu, to prepare a plan for the ashram. He had submitted a simple, functional design, well suited for both Yogi and the devotees.

Yogi shared with the group the former Governor’s expectation that the ashram should soon become functional. He himself wished that construction begin at the earliest.

Encouraged by Yogi’s intent, the friends spread the architectural plan before him for approval. Yogi examined it carefully and asked who had prepared it. When Anjaneyalu replied that it was designed by Sri Padmanabha Iyer, Yogi approved it with visible joy.

At this point, Raghunath raised a practical question: how much money would be required to complete construction according to the plan. Anjaneyalu hesitated, remarking that when establishing an ashram one should not set rigid financial targets.

But Raghunath, speaking from an auditor’s standpoint, insisted that a clear financial estimate was essential and that devotees should be informed transparently. The discussion took place in Yogi’s presence.

Yogi then intervened and asked Anjaneyalu directly how much money would be required to construct the ashram as per Sri Padmanabha Iyer’s plan. After studying the drawings for a while, Anjaneyalu replied that approximately Rs. 30 lakhs would be needed to complete the structure.

Yogi immediately turned to Raghunath and said with assurance:

“Raghu, you understood now. We require Rs. 30 lakhs to complete the ashram. You may inform the devotees.”

The group was filled with renewed enthusiasm and joy. They prepared themselves once again to approach the devotees.