Annadhanam on wheels

| S VENKATESHWARAN |

A special Re. 1 annadhanam service vehicle of the Sri
Mahaperiyava Sharanalayam, Nanganallur, to be run by the Sri
Mahaperiyava Arul Trust (SMART), was launched Wednesday,
August 26, 2026. The vehicle was flagged off in the presence of
Justice G.R. Swaminathan, judge, Madras High Court, who was
the chief guest.
Dhamal Sri S. Ramakrishnan presented a mini-pravachanam
on the greatness and importance of annadhanam, referring to
various teachings from the Vedas and spiritual texts.
He explained the importance of annadhanam with references
from the Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharata. He also narrated
the story of King Mahabali and Lord Vamana, explaining the
significance of offering food to others.
He beautifully spoke about the incarnation of Andal Nachiyar
and her teachings on the benefits of annadhanam.
Sri Ramakrishnan also recalled the annadhanam initiatives
started by Mahaperiyava and said the practice continues in
many places with his blessings. He appreciated the efforts of
the Sharanalayam in taking this service to the people through
the new annadhanam vehicle.
Sri G.R. Mama, founder of Sri Mahaperiyava Sharanalayam,
formally commenced the service by distributing annadhanam
bags to people. Children and members of the public received
the food bags. Prasadam was subsequently distributed to all
those who attended the programme.
The launch marked the beginning of a meaningful initiative to
make annadhanam available to people at just Re. 1, with the
aim of taking the service to more people.