THANJAVUR: The decision by Mahalinga Pandaran Sannadhi, the 28th pontiff of the Suryanarkovil Arulmigu Sivagraha Yogigal Adheenam, to hand over the administration of the mutt to the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department has triggered widespread condemnation. This development follows a series of controversies surrounding the pontiff, including his recent marriage, which has led to allegations of violations of traditional Saiva mutt practices.
Mahalinga Pandaran Sannadhi, 54, who recently married a 47-year-old woman from Bengaluru, announced his decision to relinquish administrative control of the mutt to the HR & CE Department. In his letter to the authorities, he stated, “As the 28th pontiff of the Suryanarkovil Adheenam, I would like to hand over the adheenam, administration, and all responsibilities to HR & CE.” However, the letter did not explicitly mention his resignation from the position of pontiff.
இந்த நாயி முதல் தடவை திராவிடத்துக்கு சொம்படிச்சப்பவே தெரியும், என்னைக்காவது ஒருநாள் செருப்படி வாங்கும்னு.
இந்த நாய திட்டும் போது நம்ம மக்கள் தான் வரிசையா வந்து ஆதீனத்தை பழிக்கக் கூடாதுன்னு பாடம் எடுத்தாங்க 🤷♂️🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/agcFKLtgFy
— ஈன வெங்காயம் 🇮🇳 (@eena_vengayam) November 13, 2024
He cited the need to submit the mutt’s accounts to the HR & CE Department as part of his responsibilities, stating, “I am going to reside outside presently but not relocating to Karnataka.” This announcement came shortly after villagers and devotees gathered at the mutt, demanding that he step down following his marriage, which they claimed violated Saiva mutt traditions.
Traditional Practices Challenged
Critics argue that married individuals cannot lead a Saiva mutt without renouncing their marital life. Sri Swaminatha Desigar Swamigal, the mutt’s Sri Karyam (secretary) and a disciple, publicly challenged the pontiff’s decision, asserting that a pontiff entering matrimony is a breach of long-held traditions.
Swamigal stated, “A married person can only become a pontiff after renouncing their married life, but a sitting pontiff cannot enter into matrimony. This act is a violation of the mutt’s principles.”
Tensions in Suryanarkoil
On November 11, tensions escalated in Suryanarkoil village, Thiruvidaimarudhur taluk, as villagers stormed the mutt premises and demanded that Mahalinga Pandaran Sannadhi vacate immediately. The situation turned volatile as protesters gheraoed the mutt, prompting police intervention to restore order.
Facing mounting pressure, the pontiff handed over the mutt’s keys to HR & CE officials and left the premises, temporarily taking shelter at the village panchayat office.
The decision to transfer control to the HR & CE Department has been met with strong opposition from Hindu Munnani, BJP leaders, and mutt followers. Hindu Munnani leaders criticized the move as an attempt to usurp the mutt’s vast resources, including its movable and immovable properties, gold, and silver.
ஆதீனத்தின் சொத்துக்களை ஆக்கிரமிக்க சதியா?
'மகாலிங்கம்' சூரியனார் கோவில் ஆதீனமாக இருந்த போதே ஆளும் திமுகவின் துதிபாடியாக செயல்பட்டவர்
ஆதீனத்தை இந்து சமய அறநிலையத்துறையிடம் ஒப்படைக்க அவருக்கு எந்த உரிமையும் இல்லை
மகாலிங்கம் கொடுத்த கடிதத்தின் அடிப்படையில் ஆதீனத்தை அரசு தனது… pic.twitter.com/M22z2ieqCB
— Tamil Janam (@TamilJanamNews) November 13, 2024
A Hindu Munnani spokesperson stated, “Mahalingam has no authority to hand over the mutt to HR & CE. The moment he resigns as pontiff, all administrative rights should pass to the junior pontiff or designated successor. HR & CE cannot take control based on Mahalingam’s unilateral decision.”
They also accused Mahalingam of misusing his position and confusing devotees by citing instances of married individuals leading mutts, calling it an attempt to divert attention from his actions.
Political Allegations
Several critics have alleged that Mahalingam’s actions are part of a larger political agenda orchestrated by the Tamil Nadu government. Posters in the village accused the Dravidian-led government of staging a “well-scripted drama” to take over the mutt and its assets.
It has been noted that Mahalingam has openly supported the DMK during his tenure, straining his relations with junior mutt officials and devotees. BJP state secretary SG Suryah questioned the HR & CE’s eagerness to intervene, stating, “Why is HR & CE so keen to take over the mutt’s administration? If internal issues arise in mosques or churches, would the government interfere in their traditions?”
Suryah called for a resolution through dialogue among devotees, villagers, and mutt officials, emphasizing that government intervention should be avoided to protect the mutt’s traditions.
சூரியனார் கோயில் ஆதீனத்தின் நடவடிக்கைகள் சர்ச்சைகளை ஏற்படுத்தினால், அவருடைய மடத்தின் தம்பிரான்களில் ஒருவர் புதிய ஆதினமாக பொறுப்பேற்றுக்கொள்ளட்டும்
மாறாக ஏன் அறநிலையத்துறை இந்த ஆதீனம் பொறுப்பை கையில் எடுக்க துடிக்கிறது?
தமிழக அரசுக்கு பா.ஜ.க மாநிலச்செயலாளர் எஸ்.ஜி.சூர்யா கேள்வி… pic.twitter.com/EuBnv7DMBe
— Tamil Janam (@TamilJanamNews) November 13, 2024
The decision to hand over the mutt to HR & CE is likely to face a legal challenge. Critics argue that the move is unconstitutional and an overreach by the state government. Devotees and prominent figures have expressed concerns about HR & CE’s ability to manage religious institutions effectively, citing demands to free temples from government control.
Broader Implications
The controversy has reignited debates over government involvement in religious institutions and the autonomy of mutts. Opponents of the HR & CE’s role have pointed to past instances where the department has been accused of mismanaging temple resources.
As tensions simmer in Suryanarkoil, Hindu Munnani and BJP leaders have urged villagers and devotees to remain united and find an amicable solution. They have emphasized the importance of respecting the mutt’s traditions and ensuring its continuity without government interference.
The situation remains unresolved, with legal action and further protests likely in the coming days. For now, the focus shifts to the response of the HR & CE Department and whether it will formally take over the administration of the Suryanarkovil mutt.
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