Brahmasree Neelakanta Gurpadar is the founder of Sree Ram Dasa Ashram. The Gurupadar was born at Chenkottukonam in Ayiroopara village, where the headquarters of the Mission is now located, The Gurupadar is a self-made saint. He never sat at the feet of a Guru. He based his Sadhana on the spiritual findings of the ancient rishis. The Gurupadar himself installed the idols of SreeRama, Sita and Hanuman and introduced the recital of Adhyatma Ramayana in the Ashram. Since the time of the founding of the Ashram, the Gurupadar celebrated Sree Rama Navami Hanumad Jayanthi and Mantalapooja every year. The performance of Sree Ramapattabhishekom at the end of each festive day and the Laksharchana day fill the hearts of devotees with joy and bliss. The Gurupadar who has realized the “Atmaram” within, offered worships and sacrifices to himself. Such unique, rare and sublime realization of the Gurupadar credited him with the distinction of Brahmavidya, the knowledge of Brahma, the highest stage to be attained by man.
The Gurupadar’s simple and ascetic life unattended by the saintly emblem of ochre robes, kamandalu oryogadandu gives an idea of his spiritual perfection. Clad in a single dhoti, the august saint presented a striking personality. The sum total of his sayings are “The entire world is one family where all beings are members.” There is only one religion that is the prime cause of all, it is the truth that itself is God. Stand united and be cheerful, all else will follow”.
The Gurupadar could bring relief to thousands who suffered many ills, both mental and physical, The Gurupadar who attained Divyasamadhi on 26th May 1965, the day on which there was a strange coincidence of the Utarayana and Suklapaksha Ekadasi, has been a shining link in the luminous chain of the Rishis of India.
The Gurupadar continues to live in the beloved disciple Swamy Satyananda Saraswathy, Whose unique devotion and selfless service bring solace to the devotees. Swamy Satyananda Saraswathy relinquished the bright career of a teacher for the service to mankind. Swamiji remembers the words of the Guru “Lad, let your life be useful to humanity”. This prompted Swamiji to give leadership in social activities which include the establishment of educational institutions, printing press and publication wing, medical mission, child welfare complex etc. Swamiji felt that his activities will one day or other be recognized by the whole world. He also felt that there shall be an organization and that is the present Sree Ramadasa Mission.