Sri Ranganatha Yatheendra Mahadesikan formally took charge as the 46th Azhagiyasingar of Ahobila Mutt at a simple ceremony at Dasavathara Sannidhi in Srirangam here on Thursday.
The seer first offered puja to the padukas of his acharya before ascending the peetham.
Soon after taking over, the swami in his message said: “I appeal to all the followers of the mutt to cooperate in preserving its great heritage. I consider myself as the first servant of god as taught by elders and urge everyone to be dedicated to the tenets of Visistadvaitha and follow the path shown by our great acharyas.”
He appointed S. Anantha Padamanbhacharya, Professor of Sanskrit in Madras University and a relative of the 42nd Azhagiyasingar, as the Srikaryam of the mutt.
Describing the pontiff as an erudite scholar, M.V. Ananthapadmanabhan, Vishistadvaitha scholar who is well-known for his discourses on TV, said: “He is an agnihotri and ganapadi. It is rare to come across a Vedic scholar who has accomplished both.”
R. Manoharan, MLA and Chief Whip of the AIADMK in the Assembly, felicitated the jeer.
