CHENNAI: Governor RN Ravi and Chief Minister MK Stalin along with senior Ministers on Friday paid homage to Bangaru Adigalar, the founder of Melmaruvathur Aadhi-parasakthi Siddhar Peedam, who passed away on Thursday.
The CM visited Bangaru Adigalar’s residence and paid his last respects, later his body was taken to the Melmaruvathur Aadhiparasakthi Peedam for the public to pay homage.
Ministers Duraimurugan, KN Nehru and K Ponmudy paid their respects along with the CM.
CM Stalin also announced that Bangaru Adigalar’s funeral would be conducted with State honour.
Fondly referred as ‘Amma’ by his devotees, Bangaru Adigalar was conferred the Padma Shri by the Centre in 2019 for his spiritual services.
He also made notable progressive changeover in worshipping method by letting women and devotees from Schedule Class (SC) to worship in the sanctum sanctorum. After he established the Aadhi Parasakthi Peedam at Melmaruvathur in the 70s, crores of devotees has flooded to his peedam distinctly cladded in red robes.
Various political leaders, including former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had visited the peedam. Apart from the spiritual services, Bangaru Adigalar also established various education institutions and hospitals for the well-being of the downtrodden.