V. Thirunavukarasu (38) from Pillaiyarpatti has been anointed successor to the present head of Madurai Adheenam, the centuries-old Saivite institution.
Introducing the junior pontiff to media here on Thursday, the reigning pontiff Arunagirinatha Gnanasambanda Desika Paramacharya said that the ceremony to crown the junior pontiff as per the rituals of the Adheenam was already over.
Mr. Thirunavukarasu assumed the name of Kumara Sundara Gnanasambanda Desika Paramacharya after the crowning ceremony.
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The senior pontiff said that the junior was well-read, with good oratorical and writing skills. Apart from completing his postgraduation in Tamil, the junior pontiff had excelled in Sanskrit and religious texts. He was also a qualified yoga trainer, he added.
In a letter sent to the Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, the reigning pontiff said that all the privileges and rights enjoyed by him as the head of the Adheenam would be applicable to the new pontiff.
It may be noted that controversial godman Nithyandanda was anointed successor to the Madurai Adheenam in 2012. However, he was subsequently removed from the position.
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Though the senior pontiff had expressed his support to the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam earlier, he refused to comment on his stand for the upcoming Assembly elections.
However, later in the day, three AIADMK contestants, including Tamil Nadu Minister for Cooperation and Madurai West candidate ‘Sellur’ K. Raju, received blessings from him.
The senior pontiff said that the junior was well-read, with good oratorical and writing skills