[1]Even as Hindu outfits and religious leaders expressed dismay at his decision, the Madurai Aadheenam head reiterated on Sunday controversial self-styled godman Nityananda was his successor to be the 293rd pontiff of the influential Saivite mutt.
Police had a tough time controlling protesters who tried to enter the mutt where Nityananda was introduced to the media.
Hindu Makkal Katchi leader Arjun Sampath said it was shocking the Aadheenam head had chosen to ignore strong sentiments of Saiva Hindus and crowned Nityananda, who faced criminal cases.
“We are not sure if the Aadheenam followed tradition. We want a personal audience with the mutt head. We fear he is a prisoner of circumstances.”
Mr Sampath said Saivite Thirugnana Sambandar, who founded the mutt 1,600 years ago, wore rudraksha, but the Aadheenam head and Nityananda wore gold.
Nityananda hit the headlines in March 2010 after TV channels showed his sleazy video with an actress. He was arrested a month later in Himachal. He claimed the video was fake, but police insisted they had evidence.
Read more: Protest against Nitya’s appointment [2]
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/30p1nitya10jpgcropdisplayjpg-527
[2] http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/nation/south/protest-against-nitya’s-appointment-142