SWAMY GOPALANANDA THEERTHA was born on 11th December 1932, in Midala Desom, Kanyakumari District, a part of the erstwhile Travancore State. His mother was Smt. Lakshmikutty Amma and his father was Sri. Vasudevan Pillai. From childhood onwards, he was a monotheist and the preachings and philosophy of Sri. Ellankath Velayudha Pillai inspired him and began to serve society, helping the poor and downtrodden groups differently.By 1960 he reached Aluva and continued his social and cultural activities among children in and around Aluva through “Matha Paadashaala”. He founded Haindhava Sevasramam at Nochima, Aluva, in 1961 and started Geetha Bhavan Trust in 1973. Swamiji left for his heavenly abode in 1979 due to a massive heart attack at Guruvayoor.