In a startling revelation, temple activist Rangarajan Narasimhan has alleged that a “Padha Pooja” ritual was performed at the residence of DMK scion and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. This development comes despite Udhayanidhi publicly identifying as a Christian and atheist sometimes while simultaneously advocating for the eradication of Sanatana Dharma aka Hinduism. Rangarajan claimed the ritual was conducted to secure a thumping victory in 2026 Assembly elections.
According to Rangarajan, this sudden embrace of Hindu rituals stems from an astrologer’s advice, who purportedly identified that the family had incurred a ‘Brahma Hatya Dosha’ due to their ridicule of the Hindu community, particularly Brahmins.
“Padha Pooja” is a significant Hindu ritual, considered one of the nine forms of devotion (Navavidha Bhakti), in which devotees worship the feet of a revered individual. It is a profound expression of gratitude and devotion rooted in Vedic Hindu tradition.
Temple activist Rangarajan Narasimhan released an audio recording of a conversation between Sriperumbudur Embar Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamigal and himself. The recording begins with their introductions, after which Rangarajan asked, “You became a sanyasi to protect our Mutt and tradition, right?”
Jeeyar responded, “Yes, I have become one.” Rangarajan followed up, asking, “You didn’t become one (sanyasi) to please an individual, correct?” Jeeyar replied, “No, I did not. The Mutt has assets, but they are under the control of the HR&CE Department, so we are told not to interfere in it.”
As Jeeyar explained further, Rangarajan interrupted with another question, “Did you go to Durga Stalin’s house?” Jeeyar immediately denied it, saying, “No, I did not go.” However, Rangarajan pressed him, saying, “I heard you went.” Smiling, Jeeyar clarified, “I just went for a function.” Rangarajan asked inquisitively, “What function?“. Jeeyar explained, “It was a Ramanuja book release function. I attended it.”
Rangarajan continued his questioning, “I heard that they had ‘brahmana dosha’ and were advised to perform (parihara) for two yathis. Isn’t that true?” Jeeyar admitted, “Yes, yes.” Rangarajan urged, “Then what? You should say that right, Swami.”
Jeeyar elaborated, “(An astrologer had said that) ‘brahmana dosha’ has occurred, and they were advised to perform (parihara) for yathis. But I declined to align with any politics. It was a Hindu event, and I attended out of respect for the Lord and the book release. Members of the Malavalan group also made Ethiraja Jeeyar to sit there firmly. I, too, was too compelled in that manner.”
Rangarajan pressed further, “Who were the two who went? You and who else?” Jeeyar laughed and replied, “No, not right now. I’ll tell you that (later).” Rangarajan laughed and said, “After getting completely wet, what’s the need for a cover?”
They both laughed, but Rangarajan persistently pressed, “Who is the other one? Is it Mannargudi Jeeyar?” Jeeyar, still laughing, replied, “No, Mannargudi Jeeyar is RSS (person); he wouldn’t come. It was Azhwar Thirunagari Jeeyar, me, and Srivilliputtur Jeeyar who went. Yes, the short one.”
Playfully, Rangarajan asked, “Did they give you money (sambathanai)?” Jeeyar laughed and denied, “There was nothing like that, Swami. We didn’t just go expecting money. We visited both houses, including Udhayanidhi’s house. He also wished us to come, ‘Swami is so simple and attends all our invited functions.’ Some astrologer had said, ‘If a sanyasi’s feet are touched, they will come to power next time.'” Rangarajan then asked, “Did they serve you food?” Jeeyar clarified, “No, I didn’t eat there. They just prayed. That’s all.”
DMK Scion Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Hindu Hate
Addressing a conference hosted by the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association, titled “Eradicate Sanatana Conference,” on 2 September 2023, in Teynampet, Chennai, DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “The title of this conference has been excellently coined. You’ve named it as ‘Eradicate Sanatanam Conference’ and not ‘Oppose Sanatanam Conference’, so my best wishes to that.”
தமிழ்நாடு முற்போக்கு எழுத்தாளர் கலைஞர்கள் சங்கம் சார்பில்
சமத்துவத்தையும் – சமூகநீதியையும் நிலைநாட்டும் வகையில் நடைபெற்ற சனாதன ஒழிப்பு மாநாட்டில் இன்று (02.09.2023) மாண்புமிகு அமைச்சர் திரு.@Udhaystalin , திராவிடர் கழகத் தலைவர் ஆசிரியர் திரு.@AsiriyarKV ஆகியோருடன் பங்கேற்றோம். pic.twitter.com/TcC2TVh4HQ— P.K. Sekar Babu (@PKSekarbabu) September 2, 2023
Udhayanidhi Stalin also said that some things need to be eradicated and not opposed. “Mosquitoes, dengue, flu, malaria, corona – we should not oppose these things. They’ve to be eradicated completely. Same is the case with Santanam (Hinduism). Our first work should be to eradicate Sanatanam instead of opposing it. So, my appreciations to you all for giving an apt title to the meeting”, DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said.
He also further went on to say “What is Sanatanam? The name Sanatanam itself comes from Sanskrit. Sanatanam is opposed to equality and social justice. What is the meaning of Sanatanam? Eternal or something that can’t be changed. Something that can’t be questioned. That is the meaning of Sanatanam.”
The speech sparked widespread controversy across India, leading to numerous legal cases filed against DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin.
I.N.Di.A alliance partner organizing conference to finish Sanatana dharma… pic.twitter.com/5tY84luLyq
— Vishwatma 🇮🇳 ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) September 2, 2023
Udhayanidhi’s Reply During Ram Temple Inauguration
When the nation was gearing up to welcome Lord Ram at his grand temple in Ayodhya, DMK scion Udhyanidhi Stalin said that his party is against the demolition of the Babri Masjid and building the temple on that site.
DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin was addressing reporters at Chennai’s Anna Salai after inaugurating the torch run ahead of his party youth wing’s conference scheduled in Salem on 21 January 2024. When asked about the AIADMK’s stance that attending the Ram Temple inauguration is a personal choice and should not be politicized, Udhayanidhi Stalin stated that the DMK opposes the construction of the temple on the site of the Babri Masjid.
He said “They (AIADMK) have expressed their wishes. They sent people for the karseva. Kalaignar had already told that we’re not against the beliefs of anyone. We don’t have a problem with the temple coming there. But razing down the mosque present there and building the temple on that site is what we do not agree. Our treasurer has already said. Religion and politics shouldn’t be mixed.”
மசூதியை இடித்துவிட்டு கோயிலை கட்டியதில் திமுகவிற்கு உடன்பாடு இல்லை – அமைச்சர் உதயநிதி#UdhayanidhiStalin | #DMK | #AyodhaRamMandir | #Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/DMp7fWaDgJ
— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) January 18, 2024
Declaring Himself As Christian
DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin who is also a Minister in his father MK Stalin’s government, participated at the Christmas celebrations held in Chennai’s Harbour constituency. Seated on the dais was Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Minister PK Sekar Babu, Chennai Mayor Priya and other Christian pastors.
Addressing the audience, Udhayanidhi Stalin said “From the same platform last year, the speech I made became a big topic of discussion. I said that I’m proud to be a Christian, I studied in Don Bosco school and Loyola College. Again I’m saying, I’m a Christian and I am proud to call myself a Christian.”
The DMK scion went on to play safe saying “But I am not going to stop there this time. If you call me a Christian, I’m a Christian. If you call me a Hindu, I’m a Hindu. If you call me a Muslim, I’m Muslim. I don’t have any caste or religion. I will keep telling that everybody is equal by birth. Our leaders – ‘Thanthai’ Periyar, ‘Perarignar’ Anna, ‘Muthamizharignar’ Dr. Kalaignar (Karunanidhi), our leader CM (Stalin) has taught us only this. I will keep talking about it anywhere, anytime, how many ever times. I am sure that you will agree with what I say.”
Earlier in 2022, Udhayanidhi Stalin speaking at the Christmas celebrations organized in the same Harbour constituency said that he and his wife are Christians.
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