TAMIL NADU, November 16, 2024 (The Hindu): The recent marriage of Mahalinga Swami, the 54-year-old head of the renowned Suriyanar Temple in Kumbakonam, to 47-year-old devotee Hema Sri has caused a major uproar within the Adheenam and among the temple’s followers. The union has sparked intense criticism and anger among locals, leading to widespread protests against the Adheenam head, with many demanding that he step down from his post. The controversy has been further fueled by statements from HR&CE Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, who has suggested that the HR&CE department may intervene and take over the administration of the Adheenam. Legal consultations are reportedly underway to explore this possibility. Mahalinga Swami, who had long upheld the tradition of celibacy expected of religious leaders, broke with that tradition by marrying Hema Sri, a 47-year-old devotee from Bengaluru, on 10 October 2024 through register marriage.

Mahalinga Swami, who became the 28th head of the Suriyanar Temple Adheenam in 2022, married Hema Sri in Bengaluru after she had become a regular devotee of the temple. Their relationship reportedly grew over time during her visits to the temple. Apparently she has offered her own land to start a mutt in Karnataka’s Bidadi. Traditionally, the heads of Adheenams are expected to lead celibate lives, focusing solely on their spiritual responsibilities. While some past pontiffs have taken up the role after renouncing family life, there are virtually zilch instances of an Adheenam head returning to family life. Swaminatha Desika Swami, the srikaryam (administrator) of the Suryanar Temple mutt, alleged that the marriage took place to expropriate assets worth around US$11.8 million belonging to the mutt. The Suryanar Koil Adheenam is one of the 18 prominent Shaiva Maths in Tamil Nadu, with a rich history dating back to its establishment by Sivagra Yogi in the early 14th century. Situated in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district, this monastery holds significant spiritual and cultural importance within the Shaivite tradition.

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