10 May 2012
Immediately, after His Divine Holiness Paramahamsa Nithyananda was anointed as the 293rd Pontiff of Madurai Aadheenam, several Hindu groups opposed His appointment, including Hindu Makkal Katchi, and filed petitions against Him. The courts and 292nd pontiff stand by Paramahamsa Nithyananda as the successor of Madurai Aadheenam.
On April 27th 2012, His Divine Holiness Paramahamsa Nithyananda was coronated as the 293rd Pontiff (head) of Madurai Aadheenam, an ancient Hindu temple and monastery complex in Southern India. Within an hour of His coronation, several Hindu political parties like Hindu Makal Katchi (HMK), Devar Desiya Peravai, Bharatha Sena, and Bharathiya forward block instigated trouble. When Paramahamsa Nithyananda was introduced as the head, police had a tough time controlling protesters who tried to enter the mutt. They were opposed to Him being the successor to Madurai Aadheenam and they intended to make it known.
Solai Kannan of HMK files petition against Paramahamsa Nithyananda’s appointment
HMK boldly stated that they would continuously protest against Paramahamsa Nithyananda until the control of Madurai Aadheenam was removed from him. In an attempt to harass and expel Him as the head, HMK tried several strategies including spreading lies in print and social media, giving false complaints to the government, and organizing violent protests. Below is one of the complaints filed by Solai Kannan of HMK, referencing the 2010 controversy against Paramahamsa Nithyananda as one of the reasons.
The petition was dismissed in court as meritless. The court asserted that “the petitioner is mainly interested in publicity.”
Hindu Makkal Katchi went so far as to disturb public services offered to the people of Madurai. Without regard to the religious sentiments of Paramahamsa Nithyananda’s devotees worldwide, they repeatedly propagated false allegations and defamatory stories about Him in order to assassinate His character and deceive the public. As a result, many did not benefit from the free public services offered through Madurai Aadheenam by Paramahamsa Nithyananda and His disciples.
292nd Pontiff of Madurai stands by his decision to appoint Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Members of the Hindu Makkal Katchi, led by Arjun Sampath and Solai Kannan, condemned His appointment and argued over the legitimacy of it. Meanwhile, Arunagirinatha Gnansamandesikar, the current Pontiff of Madurai Aadheenam, categorically told members of these Hindu political parties that Paramahamsa Nithyananda had all the qualities to be appointed as the 293rd pontiff. He blatantly stated that it was not necessary to consult any other Aadheenam before appointing a Pontiff for Madurai Aadheenam.
However, that did not stop HMK and other Hindu groups. The attacks against Paramahamsa Nithyananda went on for months.
