Sri R Krishnaswamy Aiyer (Sri Gnanananda Bharathi Swamigal : Sanyasa Yoga Patta), was born to the pious Brahmin couple, Smt Janaki Ammal and Sri G  Ramachandra Aiyer on 26 Oct 1889. After finishing his early education at Tirunelveli, he completed his BA and MA in Sanskrit from Presidency College, Chennai as well as Bar at Law (BL).

He was an Advocate by profession and practiced at Tirunelveli District court.  He was completely devoted to Sanathana Dharma and was an ardent follower of Advaitha Philosophy propounded by Adi Sankaracharya. His devotion bestowed upon him the grace of three successive Jagadgurus of Sringeri Mutt i.e., H.H. Sachidananda Sivabhinava Narasimha Bharati Swamigal, H.H. Chandrasekhara Bharathi Swamigal and H.H. Abhinava Vidya Theertha Swamigal.