Shri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Mahaswamigal, more popularly known as "Mahaperiyava" and also as the Sage of Kanchi, was the 68th Acharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. ​​Shri. Mahaperiyava fondly called as Jagadguru or Mahaswamigal has been greatly regarded and revered as a divine and living God form by millions of staunch devotees across the globe.
 

Mahaperiyava was born as Swaminathan Sastri on 20 May 1894. He was the second child of Shri Subrahmanya Sastri and Smt. Mahalakshmi. He spent his childhood years in Villupuram in Tamil Nadu. ​

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Swaminathan underwent his upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony) in 1905 at Tindivanam. When Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati VI, the 66th Acharya attained siddhi (spiritual liberation) in Kalavai, Swaminathan's maternal cousin was appointed the 67th Acharya. However, shortly thereafter the 67th Acharya attained siddhi due to a sudden illness and Swaminathan was unexpectedly chosen as the 68th Acharya of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.​​

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​​Mahaperiyava underwent training and excelled in studying the Vedas, Puranas, Hindu scriptures, and ancient Indian literature. He achieved great progress at a young age and over the next few years continued His education under the tutelage of distinguished pandits.

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​​Mahaperiyava undertook several extensive spiritual journeys across India, spreading his profound wisdom and teachings. He encouraged devotional practices, performing Vedic rituals and reciting Vedic hymns. He preached about devotion and supported the chanting of shlokas and hymns and writing the holy name of Lord Rama. He endeared Himself to devotees and to the common people and they affectionately called Him as “Mahaperiyava”.  He always tried to resolve people's challenges. This led devotees to revere Him. He devoted his life to Kamakshi Amman.  

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Mahaperiyava adhered to the Advaita Vedanta philosophy that was expounded and popularised by Adi Shankaracharya, the renowned Hindu philosopher and reformer. He played an important role in renovating numerous temples across India and encouraged the widespread recitation of sacred texts. 

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​​He attained moksha on January 8, 1994 at Kanchipuram.​ Even today crores of devotees pray to Him to deliver them from the various challenges that life throws at them and their implicit faith in Him is unwavering and resolute. ​​