Major Mariappan Saravanan was born on 10 August 1972 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, to Lieutenant Colonel Adhi Mariappan and Smt. Amrithavalli Mariappan. Growing up in a military family, he developed a deep sense of patriotism and discipline from an early age. He studied in Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2, Gaya, and later attended schools across India as his father's Army postings changed. After completing his education at St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, where he served as President of the Student Council, excelled in karate, and earned the NCC 'C' Certificate, he joined the Officers Training Academy, Chennai.
He was commissioned into 1 Bihar of The Bihar Regiment on 11 March 1995. During his service, he served in Tamulpur, Cooch Behar, Bhutan, and other operational areas. He successfully completed the Young Officers Course, Commando Course, IED Course, and the High Altitude Warfare Course, establishing himself as an outstanding infantry officer.
During Operation Vijay in May 1999, 1 Bihar was assigned the task of capturing Point 4268 on Jubar Ridge in the Batalik Sector. In the early hours of 29 May 1999, Major Saravanan led one of the assault companies through extremely difficult terrain under heavy enemy artillery and machine-gun fire. While advancing, he fired a rocket launcher that destroyed an enemy bunker and killed two enemy soldiers. Although seriously wounded by shrapnel, he refused to stop and continued charging uphill. Reaching the enemy position, he engaged the enemy in close combat, killing two more enemy soldiers before receiving a fatal bullet wound to the head. His body remained on the battlefield for 37 days until the area was completely secured.
Major Saravanan became one of the first Indian Army officers to attain Veergati during the Kargil War. His courage inspired the soldiers of 1 Bihar, who vowed to capture Point 4268 and successfully secured Jubar Ridge by early July 1999. For displaying extraordinary bravery, indomitable leadership, and supreme devotion to duty, he was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra. His legacy is commemorated through the Major Saravanan Memorial in Tiruchirappalli and numerous institutions that bear his name.