Decision-making in the Rangasamy-led government would perhaps be faster with the consecration of a temple in memory of the CM’s spiritual mentor here on Monday. Till now, CM had been taking all important decisions at the Jeeva Samadhi of his guru Appa Paithyam Swamy near Salem, which was one reason why decision-making took time. With Monday’s kumbabhishegam of the shrine at Bheema Coundanpalayam at Gorimedu, which adjoins the tennis court where he plays regularly, guidance would be barely a street away. The shrine has an idol of his guru.
The consecration ceremony was performed by Bommapuram Aadheenam pontiff Sri Sivagyana Balaya Swamigal. Rangasamy adhering to the ideals of his guru, who had said that ‘annadhanam’ was the best form of ‘puniyam’, served food to devotees who thronged the venue.
The kumbabhishegam was the culmination of special poojas, that had commenced on April 12. The consecration took place after the ‘Naalam Kaala yaga Pooja’.
Rangasamy, who attributes all his political success to his guru’s guidance, started the construction works after getting the approval of his guru. “Though I had been wanting to construct a temple for a long time, I got the telepathic message from my guru only in the beginning of last year. Only then did I start the work,” Rangasamy told Express.
Initially, Rangasamy had plans of performing kumbabhishegam in the auspicious month of Karthigai (Nov-Dec). However, the works completed only recently and he chose the month of ‘Chithtrai’ to consecrate it.
With Rangasamy realising his dreams of building a temple for his mentor, most of the decisions pertaining to governance will be taken here. It is likely that the CM would read out this year’s draft budget before his idol in the temple instead of going all the way to Salem to get it sanctioned. He claims that in case of his guru wanting any changes in the draft budget, the latter would send a telepathic message.
With Rangasamy openly citing Appa Pathiyasamy as the reason behind his success, many a political aspirant has taken to visiting the temple to gain the favours of the guru. Speaker V Sabapathy, Rangasamy’s cabinet members, party MLAs, general secretary of the party V Bhalan and other functionaries were present.
Appa Paithiyam Swamy was at Karur Fort in 1859. In his 16th year, he left his home and went to Palani. While roaming around on the hills of Palani, he met his guru, Sri Azhukku Swamigal of Vettaikaaran Pudhur. They travelled all over India. After Azhukku Swamigal attained samadhi at Pollachi, Sri Appa Paithiyam Swamigal moved to several places like Tiruvannamalai, Tindivanam, Puducherry and finally to Salem where he attained samadhi in 2000, at the age of 141 years.
It was during the swamy’s years in Puducherry that Rangasamy met him. After losing the 1990 elections, when Rangasamy was about to quit politics, the guru predicted that he was destined for a bright political career and would become the Chief Minister. Heeding the guru’s advice Rangasamy continued with politics.
When the guru’s prophecy materialised, Rangasamy became his ardent devotee. Ever since then, Rangasamy has been taking all the major decisions only after consulting his guru. The practice has continued even after the guru attaining his samadhi.