K. Krishnamurthy

K. Krishnamurthy, affectionately called ‘Kittu’ or ‘Kittu Mama’, the chief Priest of the Ashram Shrines, who celebrated his 60^th birthday in 1987, was a product of the Ashram's Veda Patasala. Brawny, of medium height and wheat-complexioned, Kittu was a picture of calm majesty. Whether he was performing the pujas, archanas, mahanyasa japam, attending to the Tamil correspondence of the Ashram for the President, scanning the newspapers, briefly chatting with his colleagues in dulcet undertone, or delivering his customary thanks-giving speech at the end of functions, Kittu Mama was totally relaxed, poised, elegant and dignified.

His scholastic career ended at the primary level but he had an urbanity and a bearing which would do honour to a University Don, knew Sanskrit and spoke Tamil, Telugu and English. If his Veda chanting was perfect, it was not only due to his innate flair but also thanks to Sri Bhagavan who would not let the slightest error in pronunciation or intonation go uncorrected.

Kittu had the privilege of serving food to Sri Bhagavan in His last days and the mindful manner in which he did it elicited the approval of everybody, including the Doctors.

Kittu was a polished speaker and had a bubbling sense of humour. In a few short, sharp, staccato phrases, he would deftly distil the essence of any Ashramites personality and could generate much mirth at nobody's expense and in impeccable taste. It is amazing how keenly he managed to observe everybody because he had neither the time nor the talk.

Those who look down on rituals and the priestly profession should observe Kittu Mama and his colleagues in the Ashram and could learn how wisely and beautifully one could live. Head of a large family with seven children, Kittu Mama flowered into a householder-ascetic, utterly devoted to his family, his noble work and to Sri Bhagavan, who to him is Father, Master and God!

While walking within the Ashram premises — to be precise — in between the present Office and Sri Mathrubhutesware Temple, he had a sudden Heart attach and fell down dead with a smiling face in October 1995.

A great Priest ! A great Ramana-bhakta !