Suriyanarkoil Mutt pontiff hands over charge amid his marriage controversy

In a dramatic turn of events, Sri Mahalinga Pandara Sannidhi, the 28th pontiff of the Suriyanarkoil Adheenam, handed over the administration of the mutt to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department on Tuesday night, following a wave of protests.

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The handover came after local residents gathered at the mutt, demanding that the pontiff relinquish his position due to his recent marriage, a move that has sparked considerable debate.

Sources indicate that the pontiff initially attempted to resolve the issue by inviting three representatives from the protesting group for discussions. However, the locals remained adamant in their call for him to step down. As tensions rose, Sri Mahalinga Pandara Sannidhi relocated to the village panchayat office within the mutt premises. Police were called in to disperse the crowd, but arguments continued between the pontiff's supporters and detractors.

Officials from the Tiruvavaduthurai Mutt, responsible for appointing pontiffs to the Suriyanarkoil Mutt, intervened, and after further discussions, the pontiff decided to transfer administrative duties to the HR&CE department. The handover took place in the presence of HR&CE Inspector T. Aruna, local authorities, and police, with the pontiff submitting a formal letter to HR&CE officials. Although he ceded control, he did not explicitly resign from his position, sources said.

The controversy emerged after Sri Mahalinga Pandara Sannidhi announced his marriage to a woman from Karnataka in October. Critics argue that, while tradition permits married individuals to become pontiffs if they renounce marital life, no pontiff has ever married after assuming the role.