Mr Sivagurunathan was born in Jaffna (Sri Lanka) in
1922, and passed away in 1999. He was a great Tamil, Hindu Scholar, equally
good in English, well read and versed in Buddhism and Christianity. He was the
favourite student of Swami Vipulananda (சுவாமி விபுலானந்தர்) at the University of
Ceylon where he did his B.A.
He then got a Scholarship to do M.A. at the Annamalai University in
1949. This was probably when his interest in Saiva Sithaantham (சைவ சித்தாந்தம்), Tamil Nadu Temples and Saiva Saints (சைவ நாயன்மார்கள்) grew.
In 1967, he formed a Co-operative Society and presided over the
publications of 28 rare Saiva books that were nearly extinct and 2
Medical-related books in Tamil, and one book (Words of Our Master) in English
(see Book List).
He hailed from a family that distinctly associated with Educational
& Social Services. His paternal grand-father, Pasupathi Chettiyar was one
of the Founders of Jaffna Hindu College, the leading Tamil-Hindu educational institution
in Sri Lanka, and the Saiva Paripalana Sabai (சைவ பரிபாலன சபை). He also rejuvenated
the Spirit of Saiva heritage by locating the old Thiruketheeswaram Temple
(destroyed by the Portugese & Dutch) and re-building the new Temple.
His maternal grand-father also founded a Hindu school in Jaffna.
He also served in the Saiva Paripalana Sabai (சைவ பரிபாலன சபை), and helped to
maintain its association in Chidambaram, among many other things.
