Madurai Adheenam

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Madurai Adheenam is the oldest Saivite adheenam[1] (also known as a matha or mutt), a form of Hindu monastery, in South India. It was established more than 1,300 years ago, and is said to have been rejuvenated by Thirugnana Sambandar.[2][3] It is located near the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, one of the most important Shiva–Shakti shrines. It is an active centre of Saiva Siddhanta philosophy.

In 2016, Madurai Adheenam was headed by Srila Sri Arunagirinatha Gnanasambantha Desika Paramacharya,[4] who is the 292nd Guru Maha Sannidhanam or Pontiff of the Aadheenm.[5] Arunagirinatha had appointed V. Thirunavukarasu as Ilavarasu or successor, with the given holy name of Srila Sri Kumara Sundara Gnanasambanda Desika Paramacharya.[4] In 2019, the Adheenam became the subject of a legal dispute when Arunagirinatha removed Kumara Sundara and appointed Srila Sri Harihara Gnanasambanda Desika Paramacharya as the new Ilavarasu, with the Saivaneri Meetpu Peravai filing a petition at the Madras High Court that alleged that Kumara Sundara has not been legally removed at the time of the new appointment.[6]

The 27th head of Dharumai Adheenam, declared that junior pontiff Harihara Sri Gnanasambanda Desika Swamigal, who was appointed by Arunagirinatha on June 6, 2019, as his successor, would become the 293rd pontiff.

Sri La Sri Harihara Sri Gnanasambanda Desika Swamigal took over as the 293rd pontiff of the Madurai Adheenam, at a grand coronation ceremony that took place on 23rd August 2021.

Sri La Sri Harihara Sri Gnanasambandha Desika Swamigal was born in a village called Udankudi in Tirunelveli. He became a saint when he was 21-years old. For about 39 years, he has held different positions in famous Shaivite mutts such as Kundrakudi Adheenam, Thiruvavadudurai Adheenam and Dharmapuram Adheenam.

Temples[edit]

The adheenam is the hereditary trustee of four temples in Thanjavur District

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Also transliterated ādīnam, adinam, aadheenam, aadheenm, etc.
  2. ↑ சைவ ஆதீனங்கள் (History of Śaiva Ādīnams), by முனைவர் தவத்திரு ஊரான் அடிகள் (Professor Ūrān Adigal), வர்த்தமானன் பதிப்பக வெளியீடு (Vardamāna Publishers), 2002, pp. 545–550
  3. ↑ How to Become a Hindu: A Guide for Seekers and Born Hindus, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, Motilal Banarsidass Publ., 2002, p. 387
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Successor to Madurai Adheenam announced". The Hindu. 22 April 2016. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  5. ↑ "Nithyananda seeks protection to enter adheenam". The Hindu. 28 September 2017. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  6. ↑ Chandar, B. Tilak (29 August 2019). "Appointment of successor in Madurai Adheenam challenged". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
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