Dr S.Venkata ragavan was born on 30/1/1930 to Sri G.Srinivasacharya and his noble wife Shrimathi Chellama in a village in Chinna Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu.He was born in Shathabishak nakshtara. He was well versed in Sanskrit from an early age. He could compose songs in Sanskrit from his childhood. He passed his intermediate with science and went on to become an Ayurveda Siromani in the year 1951.He got his Vaidya Visarada from Venkata Ramana Ayurvedic College, Mylapore, chennai. He met his Guru Sri Devinatha while in this college. He got married to Shrimathi.Padma on September 13, 1955.  He has worked in IMCOPS, Adyar, Chennai and retired as Assistant Director in Central council for Ayurvedic Research in the year 1990.During his distinguished service he has published more than 70 research papers in ayurveda and received awards for many of them.

Sri Devinatha was very affectionate to Dr.S.Venkata ragavan and his wife Mrs Padma. Sri Venkataragavan & Mrs Padma were initiated to Sri Vidya in the year 1957 on Thiruvadurai day-Margahi poornima and his intiation name was Sri Yagnesa & She was named Amriteshi.He was very attached to his spiritual master, and by his masters grace his, poetic talents improved. He was commanded by his master to read Vayakarna, Mimamsa and various Agama sastras.He had specially read Kashmiri saivisam as directed by his master.By the anugraha of his master, Sri Devinatha, he had certain unique experiences during his anushtan of Sri vidya. He had performed all the anushtans and rituals required by Sri Vidya shastra, which is very rare in these times. Sri Yagnesa was always in Gurudhyanam.He was very devoted to his master and his teaching it till he breathed his last on 24 Jan 1996 Thai shukla vasantha panchami.

 

Sri Yagnesa had an in depth knowledge of Sri Vidya anushtanam and was himself a very great Upasaka.He had a very devoted wife, who stood by him in all his endeavor.He has composed many poems which were published in name Sri Vidya Saparya. He has written commentary in Tamil on the Sri Vidya Sutras written by his master Sri Devinatha.He has written a collection of verses titled Baja Kamesham[1] which replies too many questions posed by Adi Shankars Baja govindam. He was involved in clarifying the doubts of any spiritual seeker and was associated in writing of many of books published by Sri Chidananda Mandali of Madras. Thus he was popularity was not limited. Whatever he wrote or spoke was with authority and conviction.

We can copy his colourless words but cannot communicate the real presence, the radiance of person, the tone of the voice, the look in the eyes and the captivating smile. His disciples feel his presence and he is guiding them in conducting their daily routine in the midst of troubles and tribulations.

 

Sri Devinathas and Sri Yagnesas greatness should be known to all

May Sri Devinatha and Sri Yagnesa bless all of you who absorb the teachings embedded in Srividya.