300th birth anniversary of Saint Kaivara Thataiah celebrated in Mysuru

Mysuru: Describing Saint Kaivara Thataiah as a rare soul and a visionary social reformer, Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited (MPVL) former chairman H A Venkatesh on Monday said that the saint's life was a testament to inner purity and simplicity.

Venkatesh, also chief coordinator of Sri Yogi Narayana Yatheendra Prachara Sabha, was speaking after inaugurating the 300th birth anniversary (Jayanthi) celebrations of the saint at Banajiga (Balija) Student Hostel in Saraswathipuram, Mysuru.

Bangle seller to Yogi

Reflecting on the saint's life, Venkatesh noted that Yogi Narayana Yatheendra (popularly known as Kaivara Thataiah) lived a full and meaningful life of 110 years from 1730 to 1840.

“For nearly half a century, he lived a family life, earning his livelihood as a bangle seller. Later, he renounced worldly life to become a monk, dedicating himself to guiding the society toward a spiritual path. His transition from a trader to a mystic is nothing short of a miracle,” Venkatesh said. He added that the saint emphasised on achieving ‘inner purity’ through devotion, bhajans, and meditation.

Literary, scientific legacy

Venkatesh highlighted that Thataiah was not just a yogi, but a profound poet and thinker who addressed social evils. His philosophies are a unique blend of literature, science, technology, and economics, making them applicable even in the modern era.

Kaivara Thataiah’s literary and spiritual works include Kalagnana (Prophetic visions), Narayana Kavi Shataka, Sukshma Beemalinga and Prapancha Narayana Kavi Padya, he added.

Banajiga (Balija) Sangha president M Narayan, general secretary H R Gopalakrishna, treasurer K Chandrashekhar, directors B K Suresh, T S Ramesh, and A Channakeshava, retired teacher Ramesh, Manjunath, H R Venkatesh, and hostel warden Ramakrishnaiah, were present.