Chief Minister N Rangasamy, who is into his third term as Chief Minister of the UT, takes all important decisions at the Jeeva Samadhi of Appa Paithyam Swamy near Salem. But now some of these activities are going to shift to Gorimedu, where the CM is building a temple for his guru.
This may sound as an exaggeration, but the 63-year-old bachelor’s entire life revolves around his guru, Appa Paithiya Swamy, and he never undertakes any important work without guru’s permission.
Rangasamy who attributes his political success to his guru’s guidance and direction, is now building a temple for him, just adjoining the court where he plays tennis regularly. The construction of the temple has commenced, and the ‘gopuram’ is getting shaped. There would also be a statue of the guru in the temple.
“Though I had been wanting to construct a temple for a long time, I got the green signal (telepathic message) from my guru only recently. Thereafter I started the work. It is going to be completed in about five months,” Rangasamy told Express. “I am planning for “kumbhavisekham” in the auspicious Tamil month of Karthigai (Nov-Dec),” he said.
As per the wishes of guru, like in the Samadhi of Appa paithiayasamy near Salem, ‘Annadhanam’ would be offered , he said.
Appa Paithiyam Swamy was born in the zamindar family of Karur Fort in 1859. In his 16th year, he is said to have left home and gone to Palani. While he was roaming around in the hills of Palani, he is said to have met his gnana guru, Sri Azhukku Swamigal of Vettaikaaran pudhur. Together they travelled all over India. After Azhukku Swamigal attained samadhi at Pollachi, Sri Appa Paithiyam Swamigal moved to several places like Tiruvannamalai, Tindivanam, Cuddalore, Puducherry and finally to Salem where he attained samadhi in 2000 when he was 141 years old.
During his years at Puducherry, Rangasamy had met him, when he lost the 1990 elections and was about to quit politics. However, on the prediction of guru that he was destined for a bright political career and would become the Chief Minister, he continued with politics. The guru’s words came true and Rangasamy became his ardent devotee. Ever since then, Rangasamy takes all major decisions only after consulting his guru. This practice continued even after the guru attained samadhi. He would sit near the samadhi and get divine guidance. Based on this he would take decisions. Be it the budget , which he used to read out at the samadhi before finalization, the decision to quit Congress and float a new party, the alliance with AIADMK, the party name, symbol and to form government independent of AIADMK have been taken as per the directions of the guru.
This has prompted several people who aspire for a career in politics to visit this temple and seek guidance from this Siddhar.
Now with the temple of the guru in Gorimedu, Rangasamy would be able to interact with his guru more frequently and get guidance and advice .