The recent marriage of Mahalinga Swami, the 54-year-old head (Adheenam) of the renowned Suriyanar Temple in Kumbakonam, to 47-year-old devotee Hema Sri has caused a major uproar within the Adheenam and among the temple’s followers. The union has sparked intense criticism and anger among locals, leading to widespread protests against the Adheenam head, with many demanding that he step down from his post.
The controversy has been further fueled by statements from HR&CE Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, who has suggested that the HR&CE department may intervene and take over the administration of the Adheenam. Legal consultations are reportedly underway to explore this possibility.
The Issue
Mahalinga Swami, who had long upheld the tradition of celibacy expected of religious leaders, broke with that tradition by marrying Hema Sri, a 47-year-old devotee from Bengaluru, on 10 October 2024 through register marriage.
Mahalinga Swami, who became the 28th head of the Suriyanar Temple Adheenam in 2022, married Hema Sri in Bengaluru after becoming a regular temple devotee. Their relationship reportedly grew over time during her visits to the temple. Apparently, she has offered her own land to start a mutt in Karnataka’s Bidadi. Traditionally, the heads of Adheenams are expected to lead celibate lives, focusing solely on their spiritual responsibilities. While some past pontiffs have taken up the role after renouncing family life, there are virtually zilch instances of an Adheenam head returning to family life.
The private wedding, which was kept secret for weeks, was only recently revealed after it got circulated through social media. This has ignited widespread criticism from local Hindu devotees and followers.
Swaminatha Desika Swami, the srikaryam (administrator) of the Suryanar Temple mutt, alleged that the marriage took place to expropriate assets worth around ₹1,000 crore belonging to the mutt.
A BBC Tamil report quotes Mahalinga Swami as saying that Hema Sri will only look after the administrative responsibilities of the Ashram located in Karnataka and will not claim the mutt in Tamil Nadu.
The controversy reached a boiling point on 12 November 2024, when villagers and devotees of the Suriyanar Temple, a major Navagraha worship center, demanded that Mahalinga Swami step down as head of the mutt. The protestors forcibly ousted him from the mutt’s headquarters, calling for him to renounce his leadership position due to his marriage. In response, Mahalinga Swami, sent a letter to the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, requesting that the government take over the administration of the mutt.
Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam Response
Apparently, the HR&CE officials who were present at the time of the tiff had asked Mahalinga Swami to hand over the mutt to Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam according to Srikaryam Swaminatha Swamigal but Mahalinga Swami was adamant about handing it over to only the HR&CE department.
In an interview with BBC Tamil, Rajendran, the General Manager of Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, noted that their responsibility was solely to appoint the Adheenam of Suriyanar Temple Mutt and not manage its affairs.
Rajendran further mentioned that the Suryanar Kovil Adheenam has been making complaints against them from the start. He said that there have been complaints against the Adheenam from locals and had visited the site having become aware of the seriousness of the issue. Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam has noted that Mahalinga Swami is speaking against them to cover up the controversies against him.
Defending his marriage, Mahalinga Swami explained that his decision was a personal matter and pointed out that there had been instances in the past where heads of Adheenams had married. He insisted that his marriage did not impact his spiritual duties. Despite the protests, Mahalinga Swami claimed that he still remained the head of the mutt, which is one of the 18 Shaivite mutts founded centuries ago in Tamil Nadu.
However, the local community was adamant that he leave, and Mahalinga Swami stood his ground, declaring that he would not leave the village until the administrative control of the mutt was transferred to the HR&CE. “I won’t leave the village until the transfer is complete. Afterward, I plan to move to Karnataka,” he said.
HR&CE Response
In this regard, HR&CE Minister P.K. Sekarbabu announced that the government was considering taking administrative control of the mutt, citing Sections 60 and 60(A) of the HRCE Act. Legal experts are being consulted, and an official decision is expected soon. Sekarbabu also mentioned that an evaluation of the mutt’s assets would be undertaken as part of this process.
P.K. Sekarbabu said, “Under Sections 60 and 60(A) of the HR&CE Act, if such allegations arise, the HR&CE has the power to take control after conducting a proper investigation. Alternatively, another provision allows them to voluntarily request the HR&CE to take over by submitting a letter. We are currently consulting with legal experts on this matter. Yesterday, the Executive Officer (EO) of the temple received a letter from the mutt to take over, and we are reviewing it. Today or tomorrow, the HRCE will announce its decision.”
#JUSTIN சூரியனார் கோயில் மடத்தை அறநிலையத்துறை எடுத்து நடத்துவது குறித்து அதிகாரிகளுடன் கலந்தாலோசித்து முடிவு எடுக்கப்படும் – சென்னையில் அறநிலையத்துறை அமைச்சர் சேகர்பாபு பேட்டி#SooriyanarTempleMadam #TNHRCE #News18Tamilnadu | https://t.co/3v5L32pLWJ pic.twitter.com/VaMC7hVNRh
— News18 Tamil Nadu (@News18TamilNadu) November 13, 2024
It is important to note that Mahalinga Swami, who has recently been at the center of attention, had previously attracted controversy for his involvement in political matters. He had supported for Dravidian ideology, attended a DMK function celebrating Christmas, and publicly praised current Chief Minister MK Stalin as well as the late former Chief Minister Karunanidhi. His remarks, which resembled those of a political leader rather than a spiritual head, raised questions about his role as a responsible religious leader.
He praised organizations known for their anti-Hindu sentiments, stating, “In North India, there is a philosophy of ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’, but they couldn’t gain entry into Tamil Nadu or Kerala due to (the influence) of the Communist in Kerala and the Dravida Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu.” He also openly courted minority groups, encouraging them to vote for the DMK without hesitation.
He also promoted the agenda of Christian missionary conversions, saying, “You don’t need to go anywhere for conversions. Just do your worship well, and they will come on their own. Do you understand? I urge you to just embrace this principle.”
About Suriyanar Temple Adheenam
The Suryanar Koil Adheenam is one of the 18 prominent Shaiva Maths in Tamil Nadu, with a rich history dating back to its establishment by Sivagra Yogi in the early 14th century. Situated in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district, this monastery holds significant spiritual and cultural importance within the Shaivaite tradition.
Historically, the Suryanar Koil Adheenam has received substantial patronage from various royal dynasties. The kings of Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, and Pudukottai, as well as the illustrious Sarabhoji rulers of Thanjavur, donated vast tracts of land to the temple.
Traditionally, the position of Adheenam in this math has been held by celibate ascetics who have renounced worldly life. This monastery, also known as the ‘Shivachariyar Math,’ has been a beacon of Shaivaite teachings and practices for centuries.
Due to administrative challenges, the management of the Suryanar Koil Mutt was temporarily handed over to the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, another significant Shaiva math in Tamil Nadu. Under this arrangement, senior monks (Thampirans) from Thiruvavaduthurai have been appointed as Adheenams of the Suryanar Koil Mutt to ensure continuity and effective stewardship.
In line with this tradition, Mahalinga Desika Bandara Swami was appointed as the 28th Adheenam following the demise of Sankaralinga Desika Swami in 2022, who had previously served as the Adheenam of the Suryanar Temple. This succession ensures the preservation of the math’s spiritual legacy while adapting to contemporary challenges.
(With Inputs From Deccan Herald)
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