Shri Vethathiri Maharishi was born in 1911, in the village of Guduvancheri, 30 km south of Chennai, India. From his youth he was driven by the desire for knowledge and in particular strove to find answers to three questions: “What is God?”, “What is life?” and “Why is there poverty in the world?” He grew into a self-educated man and a profound thinker.

Through several years of intense contemplation and introspection, he formulated a complete science of living for the betterment of all men and women. He came to the firm conviction that training of the mind, introspection and reformation of unwanted habits are necessary for achieving success, peace, happiness and wisdom.

Throughout his adult life, he has continuously received knowledge of the origin and functions of the cosmos and all aspects of life, as Nature revealed to his inner vision. He has spontaneously written over 2000 philosophical poems on a wide range of subjects and remains dedicated to serving his fellow beings by conveying his understanding of universe and the One Supreme Power through his speeches and writings. His language and attitudes are contemporary, liberal, non-sectarian and non-dogmatic. As of date, he has authored about 70 books in Tamil and English. He has traveled all over Tamil Nadu and other parts of India for more than five decades. From 1972 to 1993, he traveled abroad annually, lecturing and teaching extensively in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and U.S.A. tirelessly spreading his message to common man and intellectuals alike. He also addressed the United Nations in the year 1974.

Shri Vethathiri Maharishi has given us a comprehensive and integrated revelation of the existence and functions of the One Reality; his exposition of the origin of the cosmos and the laws of observed natural phenomena comprises the Vethathirian Model of Universe and Beyond. With this comprehensive knowledge, science and philosophy find a common ground without detriment to either. Thus, through the individual’s understanding and acceptance of the realities, interrelations and functions of microcosm and macrocosm, harmony and peace in society can be brought about. Only in that understanding of oneness can the feeling of fraternity, love and compassion will flow unhindered making this world an abode of happiness and prosperity.

On March 28th 2006, Yogiraj Shri Vethathiri Maharishi, the Greatest Spiritual Guru of the 20th century, left his fragile and aging body after a brief period of illness.

Number of people continue to follow and spread Swamiji's Divine message and teachings all across the world, thereby taking his journey on to the next level and to a different dimension.