In his purvashrama (previous phase in life) Sadguru Appayya Swamigalu (1885-1956) was known as Palanganda Appayya. Born to a Kodava farmer in Coorg, Appayya did his schooling in English and Kannada in Central High School, Mercara. Later he joined the Government Service under the Raj.However he was of a religious bend of mind since childhood, and inspired by the lives of Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda. He renounced all worldly matters and sought a spiritual guru, whom he eventually found in Guru Ramagiri. His Guru then initiated him into monkhood. In the monastery, Swamigalu learnt and composed several hymns. Through the path of devotion he attained self-realisation. Over time he became head of the monastery and was given the title of Sadguru. He left this world aged 71. His work in sustaining Hindu spirituality and culture in Coorg and it's surrounding regions is being carried on by the Kaveri Ashram( in Virajpet) today.
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