Swami Gopalananda Theertha was born to Smt. Lakshmikutty Amma and Vasudevan Pillai on 11th December 1932, in Midala Desom, Kanyakumari District, a part of the erstwhile Travancore State. From childhood onwards, he was a monotheist and the preaching and philosophy of Sri. Ellankath Velayudha Pillai inspired him greatly, and he began to serve society, helping the poor and downtrodden groups differently.
By 1960 he reached Aluva and continued his social and cultural activities among children in and around Aluva through ‘Matha Paadashaala’ and left a strong footprint in the history of Aluva. He came in to the lime lights of Aluva by influencing the society with the charisma of his Geetha classes. Gopalan Nair (Name in poorvasrama) rose to become very popular figure within a couple of years.
He received his Sanyasa Deeksha from Swamy Athurdas Maharaj, guruparampara of His Holiness Sree Vidyadhiraja Parama Bhattaraka Chattambi Swamikal and came to be known as Swamy Gopalanda Theertha. He founded Haindhava Sevasramam at Nochima, Aluva, in 1961 where his Samadhi is situated and started Geetha Bhavan Trust in 1973.
Hectic initiatives to revive the society by developing educational establishments followed. Swamiji established Geetha classes across Kerala and started ITI in Thrichur, Kalamassery and Moolamattom. He also established Vidyadhiraja Vidyabhavan HSS at Aluva and a school Angamali.
Swamiji’s relentless lifestyle made him increasingly weak. Inconsiderate Swamiji indulged in his services to the society. Swamiji wanted all those who are associated with his institutions to be responsible citizens, and assured systems that ensured it. He considered the society as single entity and channelized activities for its improvement as a whole. The society as a whole was attracted to him and the acceptance raised him to the spotlights of social setup.
His relentless lifestyle did not permit him to continue for long. On the star day of Karthika, 8th October 1979, after darshan of his adorned Lord Guruvayurappan Swamiji left for his heavenly abode at Guruvayoor due to a massive heart attack. The crowd that attended his funeral included the rich and poor from all religions and creed, was justifying to his wrathful life.
He is and will be inspiration, role model to guide for true dedicated, disciplined selfless service to society.
