Ramalinga wrote a number of lyrics and poems during this period. One of his best composition, Ingittamaalai was written at this time. It was written in the form of a dialogue between a husband andhis wife, who are none other than God and the individual soul. Ramalinga attempted prose writing also during this early period of his life. He produced a book onjustice. It was based on the story of the ancient Tamil Kind Manu Nidi Cholan. The Book was commended by several Tamil scholars of th day. By this time Ramalinga had gathered round him a small circle of friends and disciples – which included his former teacher Kanchi Sabapathy Mudaliar.

Desire for Ascetic Life

Ramalinga’ s brother wanted him to get married. He was persuaded to accept the proposal. It is recorded that he spent the first night of his wedded life in reading Tiruvaasagam with his wife. He never tried the life of a married man. He desired thelife of an ascetic from his young age and led a life of simplicity and humility. In one of his poems he says that he would hold his hands folded while walking and cover hisbody with two pieces of white cloth. He feared to sit on a high pedestal and cross his legs in a majestic manner, He was afraid to sing aloud and would not sleep ona soft bed. He had no desire for money and as a sign of his disdain for wealth would often throw coins in ponds and tanks. ( 3454: 3461) In this he resembled Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Ramalinga did not like living in Madras. He hated city life He liked spending his time in meditation in rural and forest areas.

Finally he decided to leave Madras and make a pilgrimage to some of the sacred places in Tamilnadu. Some friends of his accompanied him. The pilgrimage was undertaken by foot. He visited Kanjipuram,Chidambaram , Sirkali and several other places. Aceepting the invitation of a friend he came to Karunguli, a village near Chidambaram.

The Mission and Message of Ramalinga Swamy

By T. Dayanandan Francis..

Contd…..

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