The Chief Minister, MK Stalin, has expressed his condolences on the passing of Melmaruvathur Bangaru Adikalar. Saint Bangaru Adikalar, the president of ‘Melmaruvathur Adiparasakthi Anmika Peedham’, passed away due to his deteriorating health condition.
He was 82 years old. The demise of Bangaru Adikalar evoked mourning from a wide array of individuals, including political leaders and celebrities, owing to his contribution to all people across the spectrum.
வழிபாட்டு உரிமைகளில் புரட்சி செய்த ஆன்மீகப் பெரியவர் பங்காரு அடிகளார் அவர்களது திருவுடலுக்கு இறுதி மரியாதை செலுத்தினேன். pic.twitter.com/JQB3sHJr06
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) October 20, 2023
The Contribution of Adigalar
For the last 50 years, Adigalar has contributed immensely to the marginalised section of the community. He aided the poor in accessing education and healthcare. Moreover, he strives for social equality among the Hindus, annihilating the caste system and its Brahminical practices. Moreover, Adigalar envisioned social reforms and an egalitarian society.
Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Bangaru Adigalar Ji. His life, rich in spirituality and compassion, will forever be a guiding light for many. Through his tireless service to humanity and emphasis on education, he sowed the seeds of hope and knowledge in the lives of many.… pic.twitter.com/J42xo42Kxc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2023
Bangaru Adigalar, initially a teacher, developed a strong propensity towards spiritualism, resulting in a shift of focus towards worship, divination, and spiritual service. Over time, he transformed into a guru. Albeit, Adigalar originated from a population classified as Other Backward Class (OBC) and was regarded for his amicable demeanour towards all individuals.
The development of his public persona can be attributed to his emphasis on women’s empowerment and the facilitation of accessible and accessible worship practices. One notable aspect of his extensive spiritual service spanning more than forty years was his facilitation of women’s access to the sanctorum of Shakti temples under his administration and that of his followers.
He was held in high esteem and referred to as ”Amma” (a term meaning mother) by his followers. They demonstrated their devotion by wearing red attire to symbolise their reverence for the divine feminine energy known as Shakti. Nevertheless, Shelvi, a spiritual commentator and astrologer, commended Adigalar as a transformative spiritual leader for his inclusion of women in temples’ sacred sanctum sanctorum.
State Honour for the Saint!
The Chief Minister, Stalin, has expressed his condolences for the passing of Melmaruvathur Bangaru Adikalar and has declared that his final ceremonies will be conducted with state honours as a gesture of recognition for the deceased’s dedicated service to the society.
In expressing condolences, Stalin conveyed a profound sorrow at learning about the passing of Bangaru Adikalar, the esteemed founder of Melmaruvathur Adiparasakthi Peedham. He founded the Adiparashakti Peedam and successfully managed its operations over a span exceeding fifty years.
CM Stalin said, “I am deeply grieved. Bangaru Adigalar sparked a profound spiritual revolution by advocating for women’s rights to worship and perform puja within the sanctum sanctorum.”
During this time, they diligently offered a range of social services, encompassing education and healthcare, to the community, bringing a social revolution.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin pays last respects to spiritual guru Melmaruvathur Bangaru Adigalar at his residence in Chengalpattu District.
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2023
Melmaruvathur Bangaru Adigala passed away yesterday at the age of 82.
(Video Source: CMO) pic.twitter.com/QpgnFMe06l
Tribute from All Quarters
The Chief Minister reflected on his trip to Melmaruvathur in December 2021, where he inaugurated the ”Nammai Kakkum 48” initiative and had an audience with Bangaru Adigalar. Further he expressed his deep sorrow on the passing of Bangaru Adigalar, emphasising the substantial impact it had on his devoted followers.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said that though the Adigalar had a humble beginning as a teacher, he rose in stature as a spiritual leader, transforming diverse fields, including education, healthcare, and upliftment of the poor.
Shri @annamalai_k pays homage to Melmaruvathur Bangaru Adigalar and reminds us of how @narendramodi ji was awed by the spiritual revolution caused by Amma. 🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/cduNWG9i7F
— karthik gopinath (@karthikgnath) October 20, 2023
Expressing shock, BJP state chief K Annamalai said the spiritual guru totally involved himself in spiritual and educational work and guided the poor and downtrodden.
Apart from that, numerous prominent figures, such as O Pannerselvam, Thol. Thirumavalavan, S Ramadoss, TTV Dhinakaran, L Murugan, Tamilisai Soundararajan, VK Sasikala, MH Jawahirullah, JP Nadda, and KS Alagiri, expressed their condolences at the demise.
VIDEO | Tamilisai Soundararajan, the governor of Telangana and lieutenant governor of Puducherry, visited the residence of spiritual guru Bangaru Adigalar yesterday.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 20, 2023
Adigalar, popularly known as 'Amma', passed away yesterday at the age of 82. pic.twitter.com/Ro0T0YyPa5
The Chengalpattu collector officially announced a holiday for all educational institutions, including schools and colleges, within the Madhurandhagam region.