MADURAI, INDIA, August 14, 2021 (New Indian Express): The 77-year-old pontiff of the Madurai Aadheenam, Arunagirinatha Gnanasambantha Desika Paramacharya Swamigal, breathed his last at a private hospital here at 9.15 pm on Friday. He was undergoing treatment for respiratory illness. The Madurai Adheenam, considered one of the oldest Saivite Aadheenams (Hindu monasteries) in the State, is said to have been established more than a millennium ago and rejuvenated by Thirugnana Sambandar, one of the Nayanmars (disciples of Lord Shiva).
The pontiff was a native of Sirkazhi and joined the Dharmapuram Aadheenam as a disciple soon after his schooling. Since 1980, Arunagirinatha Swamigal, who was formerly a journalist with the DMK’s mouthpiece Murasoli, has been serving as the 292nd pontiff of the Madurai Aadheenam, which is the hereditary trustee of three temples in Thanjavur district. Well-known for respecting all faiths, he took special interest in the welfare of Sri Lankan Tamils.
More at “source” here:
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2021/aug/13/77-year-old-pontiff-of-the-madurai-aadheenam-no-more-2344381.html