During his final days, Swamigal was afflicted with fever. Devotees had a desire to take a picture of Swamigal, shaved, bathed and dressed him well. They then performed "Pattabhishekam" (Crowning). Swamigal first refused, saying, he would come down with fever, but finally gave in to his devotees wishes. It is said, that for some months before this, he kept asking a devotee, whether he should build a new house and move there, metaphorically asking if he should shed his mortal coil.