THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major setback that could reshape power equations at Sivagiri Mutt, incumbent president Swami Satchidananda lost the election to the Sreenarayana Dharma Sangham Trust board for 2026-2031. In a closely fought election, 11 members were elected, including incumbent general secretary Swami Subhangananda, who secured 29 votes, and former general secretary Swami Rithambharananda, who polled 24.
The panel led by Subhagananda has now six members and is likely to steer the new administration, which will govern the Mutt for five years.
The verdict assumes significance amid the current political dynamics. Satchidananda shares warm ties with the ruling Congress but has had a strained relationship with SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan. Incumbent treasurer Swami Saradananda, former president Swami Visudhanandan and former general secretary Swami Sandrananda, all part of a rival panel, were among those re-elected.
The newly elected members are Swami Anapekshananda, Swami Nithyaswaroopananda, Swami Dharmachaithanya, Swami Yogananda, Swami Ambikananda and Swami Guruprakasham. Anapekshananda had served on the board of directors.
Swami Satchidananda secures just 16 votes
Sources said six of the elected members had served on the existing or earlier boards, while five were new sanyasis. Six members of the Subhangananda panel won, while Swami Visudhananda, Swami Saradananda and Swami Sandrananda belonged to a rival panel.
The election, conducted by retired district judge K Viswanathan Nair, saw 32 candidates contest for the board.
Of the 55 sanyasis who voted, incumbent president Swami Satchidananda secured just 16 votes. Among the elected members, Swami Ambikananda polled the highest, with 31 votes. Other prominent losers included former treasurer Swami Visalananda, who secured 22 votes, and Swami Sivaswaroopananda, who polled 23. Elections to the Sivagiri Mutt board have traditionally been fiercely contested. After Swami Saswathikananda, two powerful factions emerged, led by Swami Prakasananda and Swami Sookshmananda.
Prakasananda assumed power through legal proceedings, followed by Swami Visudhananda. Though Sookshmananda won the last election, Satchidananda took over the administration. This time, Sookshmananda opted out of the contest.
Top among elected
Among the elected members, Swami Ambikananda polled the highest, with 31 votes.
Poor show: Other prominent losers included Swami Visalananda, ex-treasurer, who secured 22 votes and Swami Sivaswaroopananda (23 votes).
