Fugitive godman Nityananda claims to have assumed charge as 293rd pontiff of Madurai Aadheenam

Team Udayavani, Aug 18, 2021, 5:49 PM IST

Image posted on Facebook

Fugitive godman Nithyananda in a controversial claim, made on social media, stated that he has assumed charge as the 293rd pontiff of Madurai Aadheenam.

The declaration comes following the demise of the 292nd pontiff of Madurai Aadheenam Arunagirinatha Gnanasambantha Desika Paramacharya Swamigal, on August 13 at a private hospital in Madurai due to respiratory illness.

After his mortal remains were laid to rest on August 14, Harihara Desika Gnanasambantha Paramacharaya, who was named as the junior pontiff by Arunagirinatha Swamigal in 2019, was announced as his successor.

However, to the surprise of devotees and followers of the Madurai Aadheenam as well as common people, Nithyananda announced on social media on Tuesday that he has assumed charge as the 293rd pontiff of Madurai Aadhenam.

“All the spiritual, dharmic, traditional rituals as per the cosmic laws of Kailasa and official succession formalities as the 293rd pontiff of Madurai Aadheenam is completed,” he said in his post.

The fugitive godman had, in a similar message on August 9 when Arunagirinatha Swamigal was hospitalised, said that he was the successor of the 292nd pontiff as he wished Arunagirinatha Swamigal a speedy recovery.

Nithyananda was formally announced as the junior pontiff by Arunagirinatha Swamigal on April 27, 2012, removed from the post on December 19, 2012.

Arunagirinatha Swamigal later appointed and removed two junior pontiffs and was entangled in a legal battle. Nithyananda in the social media post also said that he was blessing his devotees virtually on a daily basis.

With agency inputs