>Serols at 15:10, 3 July 2021

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{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox Hindu leader
| name = Chattampi Swamikal
| image = Chattampi Swamikal.jpg
| caption = Chattampi Swamikal
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1853|8|25}}
| birth_place = [[Kollur]], [[Trivandrum]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|1924|5|5|1853|8|25}}
| death_place = [[Panmana]], [[Kollam]]
| resting_place = Samadhistanam at [[Panmana]]
| guru = Pettayil Raman Pillai Asan, [[Ayyavu Swamikal]], Subba Jadapadikal
| disciples = [[Narayana Guru]], Neelakanta Therthapada, Theerthapada Parmahamsa
| philosophy = [[Advaita]]
| literary_works = Advaita Chinthapaddhathi, Vedadikara Nirupanam, Pracheena Malayalam etc.
| honors = Sree Vidyadhiraja <br/> Parama Bhattaraka
| nationality = Indian
| module = {{Infobox person|child=yes| other_names = Kunjan Pillai}}
| free_label = Quote
| free_text = The whole universe is one mind. Between mind and mind there is no vacuum.
| ethnicity = Indian
| religion = [[Hinduism]]
}}

'''Chattampi Swamikal''' (25 August 1853 – 5 May 1924) was a Hindu sage and social reformer. His thoughts and work influenced the launching of many social, religious, literary and political organisations and movements in Kerala and for the first time gave voice to those who were marginalised.

Chattampi Swamikal denounced the [[Orthodoxy|orthodox]] interpretation of Hindu texts citing sources from the [[Vedas]]. Swamikal along with his contemporary, [[Narayana Guru]], strived to reform the heavily [[ritualistic]] and caste-ridden Hindu society of the late 19th century [[Kerala]]. Swamikal also worked for the emancipation of women and encouraged them to come to the forefront of society. Swamikal promoted [[vegetarianism]] and professed non-violence ([[Ahimsa]]). Swamikal believed that the different religions are different paths leading to the same place. Chattampi Swamikal throughout his intellectually and spiritually enriched life maintained many friends from different regions of Kerala. He authored several books on spirituality, history, and language staying with these friends.

==Early life==
[[File:Statue of chattampi swamikal at attukal temple DSC 8709.jpg|thumb|right|Statue of Chattampi Swamikal at Attukal temple]]
Chattampi Swami was born on 25 August 1853 at Kollur in southern [[Travancore]]. His father was Thamarassery Vasudeva Sharma, a [[Nambudiri]] [[Brahmin]] from Mavelikkara, and his mother was Nangamma Pillai, a [[Nair]] from Kannammoola. He was called by the pet name of Kunjan Pillai – meaning "small male baby" – by all. As his parents were not able to provide him formal education, he learned letters and words from children of his neighbourhood who attended schools. Also he learned Sanskrit by overhearing the classes at a Brahmin house nearby. Knowing his thirst for learning an uncle took him to the traditional school conducted by Pettayil Raman Pillai Asan, a renowned scholar and writer who taught him without any fee. It was there that he earned the name Chattampi on account of his assignment as the monitor of the class.<ref name="Raman">[[#Nair|Raman Nair]], pp. 44, 48</ref>

==Jñānaprajāgaram==

In the 1870s Raman Pillai started a scholarly group named 'Jñānaprajāgaram' with experts on different subjects with progressive attitude. It served as a meeting place for many scholars of that time and facilitated Kunjan to acquaint himself with many great men. He also could learn Tamil from Swaminatha Desikar and philosophy from Professor Manonmaniyam Sundaram Pillai during his participation in 'Jnanaprajagaram'. Kunjan Pillai was introduced into the science of [[yoga]] by the [[Ayyavu Swamikal|Thycaud Ayyavu Swamikal]]<ref>Ayyavu Mission (1997). ''Brahmasree Thycaud Ayyavu Swami''. Trivandrum.</ref> a scholar and yogi who used to give lectures at 'Jnanaprajagaram'. While so a wandering sadhu who came to his village temple initiated him into spiritual world by giving the Balasubramanya Mantra. Mastering this mantra gave him a new vigour and zeal and he assumed the name Shanmukhadasa due to his deep devotion of [[Murugan|Subramanya]].

==Ordinary days==
As the burden of supporting the family fell on him, Kunjan Pillai took to many manual works. For many days he served as a labourer carrying building materials for the construction of Government Secretariat building in Trivandrum. For some time he worked as a document writer and also as an advocate's clerk. He stood first in a test for clerical posts in Government Secretariat [[Thiruvananthapuram|Trivandrum]] conducted by Sir T Madhava Rao the then Divan of Travancore State. But he left the service after a short while as it curtailed his freedom and prevented his wanderings for spiritual exploitations and research.<ref>[[#Nair|Raman Nair]], p. 59</ref>

==Meets Subba Jatapadikal==

In one of the Philosophical Conferences organised annually by the Travancore Kings at the Palace complex adjacent to Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple Kunjan Pillai met Subba Jatapadikal from Kalladaikurichin in Southern [[Tamil Nadu]]; a renowned teacher well versed in Tarka, Vyakarana, Mimasa, and Vedanta.<ref>[[#Nair|Raman Nair]], p. 71</ref> Both were impressed by the other and Kunjan's wish to learn at Kalladaikurichin under him was granted.

He spent many years learning under Subba Jatapadikal. There he acquired deep and extensive mastery of all sastras in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Sanskrit]]. He also learned Siddha medicine, music, and martial arts. During this period he was greatly influenced by the works of Kodakanallur Sundara Swamikal a great Advaitin. He later translated his work Nijananda Vilasam containing the cream of Vedanta into simple Malayalam to guide spiritual aspirants.

==Study of other religions==
After completing his studies under Subba Jatapadikal he spent long periods of learning under a Christian priest. In a secluded church in Southern Tamil Nadu assisting the priest he learned Christian Religion and philosophy. Later he lived with an old Muslim well versed in Qur'an and [[Sufism|Sufi]] mysticism who taught him the main tenet of Islam. Kunjan acquired proficiency reading [[Quran|Qur'an]] in the traditional way. Leaving him he wandered for months with many [[avadhuta]]s in Southern Tamil Nadu and also traveled all over India. These days revealed to him that the basic concepts of all religions are the same.<ref>[[#Nair|Raman Nair]], pp. 78–79</ref>

==Self-realisation==
At the end of his wanderings and quest Kunjan Pillai was led to self-realisation by an [[avadhuta]] whom he met at a wayside in Vadaveeswaram a village in Tamil Nadu with whom he lived for many months in the forests without any contact with the outside world.<ref>[[#Nair|Raman Nair]], p. 91</ref> It is believed that this [[avadhuta]] belonged to the line of immortal masters of Southern India; the [[siddhar|Siddhas]] who knew the scientific art for realising God. He returned to Kerala as a great scholar and saint.<ref>Sukumaran Nair, G (2000) ''Chattampi Swamikal'' (Navakerala Silpikal Series). Ernakulam, Kerala History Association. p. 25</ref>

==Major disciples==
Swamikal's prominent disciples are Narayana Guru, Neelakanta Theerthapada and Theerthapada Parmahamsa.<ref>Poulose, C (2002). Advaita Philosophy of Chattampi Swamikal. Kanyakumari, Ayya Vaikunta Nathar Siddhalayam. p. 25</ref> In 1882, at the Aniyoor Temple near Vamanapuram, Swamikal met Nanu Asan, later known as Narayana Guru. Asan was three years younger than Swamikal and in search of spiritual guidance. By then Swamikal was well-versed in yoga and spiritual matters and their meeting proved to be the start of a profound and cherished companionship, although the two were of different temperaments<ref>Nataraja Guru (1980). ''Word of the Guru''. Cochin, Paico. p. 259</ref> In those days Nanu Asan was a soft-spoken introvert and Swamikal was an outspoken extrovert. They lived and travelled for many months together. Swami introduced Asan to all arts and sciences he had mastered and also gave him the Balasubrahmanya mantra. These were the formative years of Asan, who later became a social reformer. Later Swamikal took Asan to his guru, [[Ayyavu Swamikal]].<ref>Maheswaran Nair, K (2016). ''Sree Narayana Guru''. Kottayam, Sahithya Prvarthaka Sahakarana Sangham. pp. 104–105.</ref> After completing Asan's studies under Ayyavu Swamikal the men left him and wandered together in southern Tamil Nadu where they met many scholars. Narayana Guru practised austere Jnana and Yoga under Swamikal during this period.<ref>Poulose, C (2002). ''Advaita Philosophy of Chattampi Swamikal''. Kanyakumari, Ayya Vaikunta Nathar Siddhalayam. p. 26</ref> It was with Chattampi Swamikal that Asan made his first trip to Maruthuvamalai, and later to Aruvippuram, which was chosen as his abode for meditation and spiritual activities and which was where he was led to self-realisation. It was after this that he was known as Narayana Guru. Swamikal did not stay there for long, although the two maintained a lifelong contact, respect and regard for each other.<ref>[[#Nair|Raman Nair]], p. 145</ref> The poem Narayana Guru composed when he came to know of Swami's samadhi was the only offering he gave to any person and it reveals how he considered Swamikal to be a realised soul.<ref>Bhaskaran, T (1985) ''Narayana Guru. Sree Narayana Guruvinte Sampoorna Krithikal: Vidhyothini Vyakhyanam''. Calicut, Mathrubhoomi. pp. 530–531</ref> It is the most authoritative critical assessment on Swamikal ever done.<ref>Gopinatha Pillai, N. R (1985) ''Sarvajnanum Sadguruvum''. Kerala Kaumudhi. p. 4.</ref>

In 1893 Swamikal met his second disciple, Theerthapada, a Sanskrit scholar and an expert in treating snakebites. Inspired by Swamikal, he prepared many works interpreting Advaita for the common man. He also reformed the social and religious rituals and rules and prepared manuals for them. He died in 1921 and Swami installed a Sivalinga above his Samadhi Peeta, which is the only temple, consecrated by him.<ref>[[#Nair|Raman Nair]]</ref>

In 1898, Theerthapada Paramahamsa became Swami's disciple. He, too, worked for the removal of caste-related injustices in Kerala society. He established many ashrams and also Theerthapada System for the line of sanyasins following Swami's teachings and methods.<ref>Vidyananda Theerthapada and Ramakrishnan Nair (1962). ''Sree Theerthapada Paramahamsa Swamikal''. Kottayam, Theerthapada Ashram</ref>

Swami Chinmayananda,<ref>{{cite book|author=Nancy Patchen|title=The Journey of a Master: Swami Chinmayananda: The Man, the Path, the Teaching|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lXbXAAAAMAAJ|date= 1989|publisher=Asian Humanities Press|isbn=978-0-89581-922-2}}</ref> Swami Abedananda,<ref>[[#Nair|Raman Nair]], pp. 220–222</ref> and many other saints ascribes to Swami the responsibility for their turning to spiritual life. Swami has also many grihastha disciples like [[Bodheswaran]], Perunnelli Krishnan Vaidhyan, Velutheri Kesavan Vaidhyan, Kumbalath Sanku Pillai etc. as well as sanyasi disciples like Neelakanta Therthapada and Theerthapada Parmahamsa who played very important role in renaissance and reformation in Kerala.

==Death==
[[File:Chattambi swamy samadi2.jpg|thumb|Chattambi swamy samadi]]
[[File:Chattambi swamy samadi1.jpg|thumb|Chattambi swamy samadi2]]
[[File:Chattambi swamy samadi4.jpg|thumb|chattambi swamy samadi]]
Swamikal settled down at [[Panmana]], a village in Kollam district, towards the end of his life. He attained samadhi (died ) on 5 May 1924 after a short illness during which he objected to taking any medicine<ref name="Gopala">Gopala Pillai, Paravoor K (1935). Parama Bhattara Chattampi Swami Tiruvatikal.Trichur, Ramanuja Mudranalayam</ref> He was buried at his Samadhistanam at [[Panmana]].

==Major works==
[[File:Pracheena Malayalam 2-page5-855px djvu.jpg|thumb|A page from ''Pracheena Malayalam'']]
[[File:Chattampi Swamikal 2014 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|Swamikal on a 2014 stamp of India]]
Swamikal's writings comprise various forms, such as single stanzas, muktakas,{{which lang|date=August 2020}} bhajan songs, essays, critical works, translations, commentaries, short notes, and letters.<ref>[[#Nair|Raman Nair]], pp. 212–213</ref> Swamikal led a wandering life and left what he wrote with those who were with him at the time of writing. Most of the works were only partially recovered and published. There were no later attempts to collect and conserve them, which led to the gradual loss of many of them. A few works were discovered and published eight decades after his death and inspired serious discussion, such as Adhibhasha and Pracheena Malayalam Part -II.<ref>Chattampi Swami (2010). ''Pracheena Malayalam'' (Randam Pusthakam) With Study by Vaikkam Vivekanandan. Trivandum, Chattampi Swami Archives</ref> The Centre for South Indian Studies has formed the Chattampi Swami Digital Archive (CSDA) project as an attempt to collect and collate extant documents related to Swamikal. Important works available in print are:<ref name="Raman2">[[#Nair|Raman Nair]]</ref>

* ''Advaita Chinta Paddhati''
* ''Vedantasangraham''
* ''Vedanta Saram''
* ''Vedadikara Nirupanam''
* ''Christhumatha Saram''
* ''Christhumatha Nirupanam''
* ''Adi Bhasha''
* ''Keralathile Desa Namangal''
* ''Jivakarunya Nirupanam''
* ''Devarcha Paddhatiyude Upodghatam''
* ''Devi Manasa Puja Stotra Vyakhyanam''
* ''Nijananda Vilasam''
* ''Pranavavum Sankhya Darsanavum''
* ''Moksha Pradipa Khandanam''
* ''Prapanchathil Stri Purushanmarkkulla Sthanam''
* ''Pracheena Malayalam''
* ''Tamizhakam''
* ''Dravida Mahatmyam''
* ''Kerala Charithravum Tachudaya Kaimalum''
* ''Bhasha Padma Puranam''
* ''Malayalathile Chila Sthala Namangal''
* ''Srichakra Pujakalpam ''

The following works are not available, except through excerpts published in various journals and books by contemporaries.

* ''Advaita Panjaram''
* ''Ozhuvilodukkam (Translation)''
* ''Chidakasa Layam''
* ''Tarka Rahasya Ratnam''
* ''Parama Bhattara Darsanam''
* ''Punarjanma Nirupanam''
* ''Brahmatatva Nirbhasam''
* ''Bhugola Sastram''
* ''Shanmata Nirupanam''
* ''Sarva Mata Samarasyam''
* ''Stava Ratna Haravali''

===Vedadikara Nirupanam===
''Vedadikara Nirupanam''<ref>Chattampi Swami (1899) Vedadikara Nirupanam. Printed in 1920. Kottayam, Vaneekalebaram Press</ref> is considered as one of his greatest works. It refuted the baseless customs and rules that existed in Kerala. For the first time in the region's history the work questioned the monopolisation of Vedas, sciences and education by a minority.<ref>[[#Nair|Raman Nair]], p. 216</ref> While Nitya Chaitanya Yathi read it to his Master [[Nataraja Guru]], the Master told that 'The words of the book are true like fire and it was to be considered our luck that these papers have not got burned'.<ref>Nitya Chaithanya Yathi (1980). "Preface" to Chattampi Swami (1980) ''Nijananda Vilasam''. Varkala, Narayana Gurukulam.</ref>

===Works on Vedanta===
Swami wrote many guides and commentaries on Vedanta for the common man. Notable among them is ''Advaita Chinthapaddhathi'' (1949), an introductory manual on practical Advaita.<ref> Vijayalaksmi, K V (2011). Contribution of Chattampi Swamikal to Advaitha Philosophy: A Study with Special Reference to Advaithachinthapaddhathi (PhD Theses). Kannur, Kerala: Kannur University</ref> written in simple language to enable ordinary people without knowledge of Sanskrit to learn Vedanta. The book describes the trigunas,{{which lang|date=August 2020}} trimurthees, jivatmas, panchabutas, sukshma, sthula, sarirotpatti, dasagunas,{{which lang|date=August 2020}}prapancholpatti, Tatvamasi, and related Vedic concepts.<ref> Vidyanandha Theerthapada Swamikal (1974). Forward to Advaitha Chinthapaddhathi of Chattampi Swamikal (Malayalam). Vazhur, Kerala: Theerthapadha Ashram</ref>

===Works on Christianity===
''Christumatha Nirupanam'' contains two books – the ''Christumatha Saram'' (meaning Cream of Christianity) and ''Christumatha Nirupanam''. The ''Christumatha Saram'' is his summary of what Christianity is, in accordance with the classical Indian [[Purva paksha]] tradition. In ''Christumatha Chedanam'', he criticises various tenets of Christianity which goes against the teachings of Christ. Relying on the Bible itself he disapproves the arguments supporting conversion presented by the missionaries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chattampi Swamikal (1995). Christhumatha Chedhanam|url= https://archive.org/stream/KristumataChedanamChattampiSwamikalEnglishTranslation/Kristumata%20Chedanam%20-%20Chattampi%20Swamikal%20-%20English%20Translation#page/n147/mode/2up}}</ref>

===Research methods===
''Pracheena Malayalam'' also aimed at awakening the mind of the people of the region divided by various complexes to a collective sense of 'We'. Convictions of common origin and belief in a common ancestry were indispensable for the development of a collective mindset. Swami explored the roots of Kerala society and original inhabitants, and sociologically and genealogically connected most of the present groups in Kerala including the priestly class to common ancestors who were the original inhabitants known as the Nakas. B. Hrdaya Kumari says that ''Pracheena Malayalam'' is not only a good example of Swamikal's logical arguments but is the earliest example of application of hypothesis and fixed methodology for historical studies.<ref>Hridaya Kumari, B (2002). ''Chila Keraleeya Navodhana Pravanathakal''. Bhashaposhini, pp. 16–23</ref>

===Women's rights===
Swamikal also worked for the emancipation of women and encouraged them to come to the forefront of society. He stated that ancient religion and law in India gave equal status to women and that their role is very important in family and society.<ref>Chattampi Swami (1953). ''Prapanchathil Stree Purushanmarkulla Sthanam'' (The position of women and men in the universe). Quilon, Sadabdha Smaraka Grantham. p. 154</ref> He stated that it was the misinterpretation of ancient texts resulting from male arrogance that degraded the position of women and their enslavement.{{cn|date=May 2018}}

===References===
{{reflist}}

== See Also (Social reformers of Kerala) ==

* [[Narayana Guru|Sree Narayana Guru]]
* [[Padmanabhan Palpu|Dr. Palpu]]
* [[Kumaran Asan|Kumaranasan]]
* [[Ayyathan Gopalan|Rao Sahib Dr. Ayyathan Gopalan]]
* [[Brahmananda Swami Sivayogi]]
* [[Vagbhatananda|Vaghbhatananda]]
* [[Mithavaadi Krishnan]]
* [[Moorkoth Kumaran]]

* [[Ayyankali]]
* [[Ayya Vaikundar]]
* [[Pandit Karuppan]]

==Cited sources==
*{{cite book|ref=Nair |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K-JRfipEdV0C&pg=PA44 |first1=R |last1=Raman Nair |first2=L |last2=Sulochana Devi |year=2010 |title=Chattampi Swami: An Intellectual Biography |publisher= Chattampi Swami Archive, Centre for South Indian Studies|isbn=9788190592826}}

==Further reading==

* {{cite book
| title = Parama Bhattara Chattampi Swami Tiruvatikal(Malayalam)
| author = Gopala Pillai, Paravoor K
| year = 2010
| publisher = Current Books
| location = Thrissur, Kerala
}}

* {{cite book
| title = Chattampi Swamikal: Jeevithavum Krithikalum
| author = Maheswaran Nair, K
| year = 1995
| publisher = Dhuma Books
| location = Trivandrum
}}

* {{cite book
| title = Chattampi Swamikal: The Great Scholar saint of Kerala
| author = Karunakara Menon, K P
| year = 1967
| publisher = PG Narayana Pillai
| location = Trivandrum
}}

* {{cite book
| title = Sree Chattampi Swamikalu (Kannada)
| author = Narayana Moodithaya
| year = 2008
| publisher = Kasaragodu Prakasana
| location = Kasaragod, India
}}

* {{cite book
| title = Advaita Philosophy of Brahmasree Chattampi Swamikal
| author = Poulose, C
| year = 2002
| publisher = Ayya Vaikunta nathar Siddhasramam
| location = Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
}}

* {{cite book
| title = Sree Vidyadhiraja Chattampi Swamikalude Jeevacharithravum Pradana Krithikalum
| author = Prajnananda Theerthapada Swami, Ed and Comp.
| year = 2011
| publisher = Sree Theerthapadasramam
| location = Vazhoor, Kottayam, Kerala
}}

* {{cite book
| title = Chattampi Swamikal: Oru Dhyshanika Jeevacharithram (Malayalam)
| author = Raman Nair, R and Sulochana Devi, L
| year = 2016
| publisher = Chattampi Swami Archivr, Centre for South Indian Studies
| location = Trivandrum
}}

* {{cite book
| title = Vidyadhiraja Chattampi Swamikal
| author = Santhkumari Amma, Kumbalath
| year = 2003
| publisher = Dept of Cultural Publications, Govt of Kerala
| location = Trivandrum, Kerala
}}

* {{cite book
| title = Contribution of Chattampi Swamikal to Advaitha Philosophy: A Study with Special Reference to Advaithachinthapaddhathi (PhD Theses)
| author = Vijayalaksmi, K V
| year = 2011
| publisher = Kannur University
| location = Kannur, Kerala
}}

==External links==
*[http://www.panmanaashram.com/default.aspx Panmana Ashram]
*[http://chattampiswami.com/ Parama Bhattara Vidyadhiraja Chattampi Swamikal]
*[http://chattampiswami.in/ Chattampi Swami Archive]
{{commons category-inline}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Swamikal, Chattampi}}
[[Category:1853 births]]
[[Category:1925 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian Hindu spiritual teachers]]
[[Category:Indian social reformers]]
[[Category:Writers from Thiruvananthapuram]]
[[Category:Advaitin philosophers]]
[[Category:19th-century Hindu philosophers and theologians]]
[[Category:20th-century Hindu philosophers and theologians]]
[[Category:Vedanta]]
[[Category:Malayali people]]
[[Category:Malayali Hindu saints]]
[[Category:Malayalam-language writers]]

Chattampi Swamikal - Revision history

>Serols at 15:10, 3 July 2021