God reveals Himself at times, through different people.

One of the Divya Desams in Nagapattinam District, near Sirkazhi, in the Thirunangur area, is the Keezhasalai Madhava Perumal Temple.

This temple, sung by Thirumangai Azhwar, doesn’t have bus facilities. Devotees arrive by auto or car. After completing the darshan, they return by auto again.

When I visited, the temple doors were closed. A person came out from a nearby house. I approached him and asked, “I want to have darshan of Swami… are you the priest?” He replied humbly, “I’m not the priest, I’m an auto driver.”

He invited me, saying, “Please sit inside the house until the temple doors open.” He then kindly served me pongal and coffee from his house.

Later, he began to tell me about himself:

“My name is Sudarshan, age 64. I’ve been driving an auto in this area for over 30 years. Everyone knows me as ‘Auto Swami.’

My father’s name was Ramanujam, a teacher, a man of great integrity. He passed away suddenly. I have four younger sisters. My father’s pension was the only income, and it was barely enough to buy rice. Still, my mother managed everything. To support her, I searched for a job but couldn’t find one, so I began driving an auto.

My mother blessed me, saying, ‘There’s no shame in earning an honest living through hard work.’

I take devotees to all 11 Divya Desams in this area like a guide. In Sirkazhi, everyone knows me as ‘Swami Auto.’ I never demand a fixed fare from anyone. At the end of the journey, I simply say, ‘Give what you feel is right.’ Most passengers offer generously, and even if they don’t, I don’t mind.

Once, a couple traveled in my auto and asked about my family. I told them, ‘My son Gururajan scored well in his Plus Two exams. He wants to join an engineering college, but we don’t have the financial means.’

The next day, we received a call from the college my son wanted to attend. They asked him to come and enroll immediately. My son studied well and is now working in a good job in the Gulf.

I’ve never asked for help from anyone. That was the only time I spoke up. I felt distressed for a single day, thinking I couldn’t support my son’s education. Immediately, someone—like Perumal (Lord Vishnu) himself—came to help. I still don’t know that person’s name.

My house is near the Madhava Perumal Sannidhi. I allow devotees who visit the temple to rest in my house. We serve coffee, tea, and food, and we don’t charge anything. I see it as my service to the devotees of Perumal.

I could have chosen to make more money, but I find joy in sharing what I earn with others and eating together. That’s why I still drive my auto. Now, I don’t drive long distances anymore.”

These words touched my heart.

May such good souls thrive! May our nation cherish them!

lightuptemple