Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya (born Subramanyam Mahadeva; 18 July 1935 – 28 February 2018) was the 69th Shankaracharya Guru and head or pontiff (Pïțhādhipati) of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. Subramanyam Mahadeva Iyer was nominated by his predecessor, Chandrashekarendra Saraswati, as his successor and was given the pontifical title Sri Jayendra Saraswathi on 22 March 1954. Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal succeeded Mahaperiyava Chandrashekara Saraswati Swamigal in 1960, a fact not many people know. He conducted all the activities of the mutt with the oversight of his Guru out of reverence. His successor was anointed by the then Senior Pontiff Mahaperiyava during his lifetime in the early 1980s. Early life Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal was born as Subramanyam to Mahadeva Iyer and Saraswathi Ammal on 18 July 1935. He completed schooling at Irulneeki primary school and at a middle school at nearby Adichapuram village. Then he shifted to a vedha padasala at Thiruvanaikoil in Trichy. He visited the village on holidays and used to play normal games such as marbles and 'killi-thandu' like other children of his age. Chandrashekarendra Saraswathi selected him as his successor, when Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal was only 19 years old. Contributions Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Mahaswamigal was head of the mutt established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 5th century. He had His spiritual tutelage from 'Maha Periyava' and travelled the length and breadth of the country with His guru. He delivered religious discourse besides involving Himself in various spiritual and social activities as well. Under His guidance, the mutt started several schools and hospitals. The Mahaswamigal ensured that the Mutt involved itself in various social activities. Thanks to His efforts, the mutt today runs several schools, eye clinics and hospitals. He also managed to establish a direct connect with the people. Although the mutt is primarily a religious organisation, the Mahaswamigal, whose character was underpinned by a strident social consciousness, had both the conviction and courage to steer the mutt into territories into which it had not ventured before. The Mahaswamigal found strength from His own inner conviction and the need for both the mutt and the Hindu religion to reach out to the poor and downtrodden. He was still strong on religious practices and their understanding — it was one of the reasons He was handpicked as the 69th pontiff of Kanchi mutt when He was just 19 years of age. It took enormous amount