The title 'Sethupathy', carried by the rulers of Ramanathapuram, means protectors and caretakers of the passage across the sea from Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka, built as per the legend, by Lord Rama, and of the Ramlinga Idol. They considered themselves not only the rulers of the State of Ramanathapuram, but also the caretakers of the holy temple in Rameshwaram.

It was in this illustrious dynasty that Bhaskara Sethupathy was born on 3rd November 1868, as the first son of the King Muthu Ramalinga Sethupathy II and Muthathal Naachiyar. He was educated in Madras through both Indian and English systems of education.
On the 3rd of April, 1889, he took over as the Head of the Ramanathapuram State. Bhaskara Sethupathy implemented welfare schemes for the common people and also patronized fine arts. He facilitated the entry of Harijans into the temples and stopped the custom of animal sacrifice in the Rajarajeshwari Temple with the help of Jagatguru Sringeri Sankaracharya Swamigal. He donated more than 40 lakhs of rupees for religious, educational and public welfare schemes between 1890 to 1893.

King Bhaskara Sethupathy was instrumental in Swami Vivekananda attending the World Religion Conference held in Chicago (USA) in 1893 and made necessary  arrangements for his visit and stay in the United States of America (USA). On 23rd January 1897, he arranged for a rousing reception for Swami Vivekananda upon his return from the world Religion Conference, and later, also constructed a monument in the place where swamiji landed and inscribed the holy words 'Satyameva Jayate' on it in the year 1897. In appreciation of the services rendered by King Bhaskara Sethupathy, Swami Vivekananda conferred the title 'Raaja Rishi' (Ascetic King) on him. As an erudite Tamil scholar, he wrote some books in Tamil and also helped his cousin Pandithurai Thevar towards organizing the 'Fourth Tamil Sangam'.

The demise of Swami Vivekananda affected him deeply and he went to lead an ascetic life in the 'Mutt' on the banks ofTamirbarani in Kallidaikuruchi, where he spent his time in meditation.

Bhaskara Sethupathy breathed his last on the 27th of December, 1903. Though he lived in this world only for 35 years, he made a lasting impact in the socio­ cultural canvas during his short life span.

The Department of Posts honours the memory of King Bhaskara Sethupathy through this issue of the commemorative postage stamp.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India