Thiru Arutprakasa Vallalar (Ramalinga Swamigal): Tamil Saint & Reformer

Life Overview

Born Ramalingam on 5 October 1823 in Marudur, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. Died (attained soruba samadhi) 30 January 1874 at Vadalur. Revered as Vallalar ("the radiant one")—one of Tamil Nadu's greatest 19th-century saints, poets, and social reformers.

Spiritual Awakening

At 16, a transformative vision of Lord Murugan (as divine light) ignited his lifelong God-consciousness. He renounced worldly life, embracing intense meditation, devotion, and service.

Literary Masterpiece: Thiru Arutpa

Over 6,000 verses across six Thirumuraigal. Blends high philosophy (Advaita, Siddhanta) with ecstatic bhakti. Themes: divine light (Arutperumjyoti), universal oneness, compassion, deathlessness, grace. Considered a pinnacle of Tamil mystical poetry.

Core Teaching: Suddha Sanmargam (Pure Path)

• Oneness: All beings are manifestations of the same Divine Light.
• Compassion (Jeeva Karunyam): Non-violence, vegetarianism, active service to suffering beings.
• Self-Realization: Through meditation on inner light, mantra, surrender.
• Equality: Rejected caste, gender, sectarian barriers.

Social Reform: Sathya Dharma Salai

Founded at Vadalur (1867)—a free kitchen feeding all comers regardless of caste/creed, still operating today. Also established schools, promoted women's education, opposed child marriage, advocated labor dignity.

Legacy

Global following; Samadhi at Vadalur is a major pilgrimage. Thiru Arutpa is daily liturgy for thousands. Inspires interfaith dialogue, animal rights, humanitarian service. A beacon of inclusive spirituality rooted in Tamil culture.