Sri R.Krishnaswamy Aiyer (H.H. Gnanananda Bharathi : Sannyasa Yoga Patta), was born to the pious Brahmin couple, Smt Janaki Ammal and Sri G.Ramachandra Aiyer on 26 Oct 1889. After finishing his early education at Tirunelveli, he completed his BA and MA in Sanskrit from Presidency College, Chennai as well as Bar at Law (BL).

          He was an Advocate by profession and practiced at Tirunelveli District court. He was completely devoted to Sanathana Dharma and was an ardent follower of Advaitha Philosophy propounded by Adi Sankarcharya. His devotion bestowed upon him the grace of three successive Jagadgurus of Sringeri Mutt i.e., H.H. Sachidananda Sivabhinava Narasimha Bharati Svaminah, H.H. Chandrasekhara Bharathi Svaminah and H.H. Abhinava Vidya Theertha Svaminah.

          A prolific writer, he has many books and articles to his credit, written in English, Tamil and Sanskrit and they were published with the blessings of the Mahasannidhanams of Sri Sringeri Sarada Peetam. The books were written with the sole aim of furthering and propagating the cause of Sanathana Dharma, Advaitha Philosophy, the Sringeri Sarada Peetham’s greatness and the teachings of Their Holiness, the Jagadgurus of Sringeri.  The books are written in lucid language so that they can be easily understood by one and all. Some of his books have been reprinted many times and some are under reprint (details given separately).

          Sri Krishnaswamy  Aiyer  took sanyasa, as per the  path specified in  Sanathana Dharma, (following  the foot steps of his father, who had taken sanyasa  with yoga patta of  Sri   Ramananda Saraswati) on the banks of River Yamuna in Brindhavan in the august presence of H.H. Abhinava Vidya Theertha Svaminah, from a  sanyasi  selected by His Holiness on 3^rd November 1966  and was consequently known as Sri Gnanananda Bharathi.

          He was blessed in person on 1^st February 1975 by H.H. Abhinava Vidya Theertha Svaminah and the then newly ordained H.H. Bharathi Theertha Svaminah (whose initiation, he could not attend due to poor health).  He attained Samadhi on 9^th April 1975. His Adhistanam is at Mannadimangalam, a village near Sholavandan Ry.S, Madurai Dist.  His Aradanai is conducted every year at the Adhistanam during the Tamil month of Panguni, Krishna Triyeodasi (March-April).

          "Sri Gnanananda Bharathi Grantha Prakashana Samiti" (a registered Trust) has been formed to perpetuate his memory, arrange annual Aradhana and to take steps to republish his works from time to time. 

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:: Aradhanai of H.H. Gnananada Bharathi conducted with reverence & adulation at Adhistanam at Manadi Mangalam village on 20 Mar 2012.

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