Tamil Nadu: Leaders, Devotees Pay Last Respect To Padma Awardee Melmaruvathur Bangaru Adigalar

Bangaru Adigalar, the founder of Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Siddhar Peetam, paved the way by allowing women to enter the sanctum sanctorum and perform poojas at this temple.

PM Modi remembered Bangaru Adigalar's work and extended his condolences. 

Padma Shri Bangaru Adigalar, the founder of Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Siddhar Peetam, passed away due to a heart attack on Thursday. He was 82 years old. Bangaru Adigalar paved the way by allowing women to enter the sanctum sanctorum and perform poojas at this temple. Devotees, leaders and general public gathered in huge numbers at his residence to pay respect to Bangaru Adigalar in Chengalpattu. 

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin and Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan paid respect in Chengalpattu. Telangana Governor and Puducherry LG Tamilisai Soundararajan said, "I respect Amma Bangaru Adigalar for his revolutionary thoughts. He made all the women do puja in the Shrine and he used to conduct free medical camps every Sunday. So as a student, I used to come to this shrine to take part in the medical camps, to do service. Our Prime Minister met him and he was awarded with the Padmashree. I pray God, to give strength to his devotees to bear this loss, including me..."

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Telangana Governor and Puducherry LG Tamilisai Soundararajan pays tribute to spiritual guru Melmaruvathur Bangaru Adigalar in Chengalpattu District, who passed away yesterday. pic.twitter.com/r5PEm1HeFv

— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2023

PM Modi remembered Bangaru Adigalar's contribution and extended his condolences. 

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

People got emotional and broke down as they arrived at the residence of spiritual guru Melmaruvathur Bangaru Adigalar in Chengalpattu District to pay him their last respects. Other Tamil Nadu leaders including Minister Udhayanidhi, AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, BJP TN chief Annamalai expressed their condolences.

Who Is Bangaru Adigalar? 

Spiritual guru Bangaru Adigalar, commonly known as 'Amma,' instituted revolutionary reforms such as allowing women to enter the sanctum sanctorum of Shakti temples.

Beginning his career as a teacher, his strong spiritual inclination drove him to dedicate more of his time to worship, soothsaying, and spiritual service, and he eventually grew into a guru.

The spiritual leader, who was raised in an OBC community, was well-liked for his outgoing personality. He gained popularity because he made worship simple and easy, and because he valued women.

Adigalar brought healthcare facilities and founded educational institutions to serve the people.

'Amma' was conferred the Padma Shri Award in 2019 for his spiritual services to the nation.