MADURAI: Godman Nithyananda on Wednesday warned the heads of the 13 Saivaite Mutts, who passed resolutions against his anointment as the 293rd pontiff of the Madurai Aadheenam, that his devotees have decided to file defamation suits against them.
Briefing reporters on the premises of Madurai Aadheenam, the controversial godman said the followers of the Nithyananda Dhyana Peetam were ‘constrained’ to approach the courts as his side was not given a chance to explain its position. “It is regrettable that the heads of the mutts have taken a decision without seeking an explanation from me. We have tried to meet the heads of the mutts in person to explain our position. But, they have declined the offer,” he said.
The pronouncement of the heads of the mutts that Nithyananda’s appointment was against the traditions of the mutt, has hurt the devotees of Dhyana Peetam, the godman said, while adding, “Moreover the decision of the heads of the mutt was defamatory.”
Stating that his devotees have decided to stage a fast in front of the Dharumapuram Aadheenam, he said, “They will also send an appeal to the government, signed with their blood, to book a case against the heads of the mutt under section 295 A of IPC, for hurting religious sentiments.”
Defending his decision to accept the position, he said: “I have accepted the responsibility only to propagate Saivism and the services rendered by the mutt throughout the world. We have decided to establish branches of the Madurai mutt in 40 countries in the next six months.”
Anticipating that his appointment would “trigger controversy”, he had suggested that his disciple, Gnana Sorubananda, be anointed the 293rd pontiff instead. “However, the incumbent did not accept the proposal,” he said.
“I accepted the responsibility only after consulting the former and present officers of the Hindu Religious and Endowments Department. I vow that I will not take any steps to sell the property of the mutt,” he added.
Arunagirinatha Desikar, the 292nd pontiff of the mutt, who was also present at the press meet, said there was “no transgression of rules” in anointing Nithyananda as the junior aadheenam of the mutt. “He was anointed after giving seven Dikshas as per tradition,” he said.
On the averment of the heads of the mutt about taking legal course against the appointment of Nithyananda, Arunagirinatha Desikar said, “We will also face it legally.”
On Tuesday, during a meeting held in Dharumapuram in Mayiladuthurai of Nagappattinam district, the heads of 13 Saivite Mutts resolved to urge the 292nd pontiff of the Madurai Aadheenam to reconsider his decision to anoint the controversial godman Nithyananda.