Date:22/11/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/11/22/stories/2004112205061002.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

The Mutt affairs

Sir, — I refer to the article, "The challenges before Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi" (Nov. 19). It is true that the restoration of the lost image of the Mutt is the prime challenge now. But this is clearly not the time to worry about the next Madathipathi and the empowerment of the junior Sankaracharya.

Establishing the truth in Sri Jayendra Saraswathi's case should be the priority.

Naresh Chandrasekaran,
Hyderabad

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Sir, — It is only appropriate that the Acharya abdicate his position and stand trial as an ordinary sanyasi.

S. Krishnamurti,
New Delhi

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Sir, — The Hindu religion is all for standing up and fighting injustice without giving up. The Acharya, therefore, should not renounce his title.

Shalivahan Sharangpani,
Boston, Massachusetts

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Sir, — The junior Acharya should be firm in flushing out relatives and friends who do more harm than good. To honour the memory of the Paramacharya, the Mutt should be administered by service-minded, retired professionals from all walks of life.

D. Sundaram,
Bangalore

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Sir, — The Paramacharya, while camping at Nagari in 1932, without even opening the telegram which brought the news of his mother's death, asked his followers: `what is a sanyasi, who has lost his mother, expected to do?'

He was a role model of a true sanyasi in appearance, deeds and spirituality. None of his relatives had any say in the Mutt's administration. But it is painful to note that the relatives of the present Acharyas are deeply involved in the Mutt's activities.

R. Suresh,
Chennai

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Sir, — The article has alleged that the family members of the Acharyas are influencing the Mutt's administration. A few relatives of the Sankaracharyas are only rendering honorary noble service. It is unfair to make allegations on the basis of hearsay.

S. Parthasarathy,
Manama, Bahrain

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Sir, — The article rightly talks about the reforms the Mutt desperately needs. Instead of trying to cover up for the lapses, it is time to introspect, reform and invigorate the activities of the Mutt.

Chandrasekar Nagarajan,
San Jose, California

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Sir, — The Paramacharya had set high standards that are for other peetathipathis to follow. Sri Jayendra Saraswathi was more inclined to attending conferences. He deviated from the practice of padayatras and started moving about in vans. Lately, he had even started flying. But all this cannot belittle his yeoman services in the fields of education, health or social welfare.

S. Ganesh,
Chennai

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Sir, — The sanyasis of the Kanchi Mutt are chosen at a young age and they follow a rigorous, austere lifestyle. If, within the constraints of the ordained austere life, they adapt to some changes in society and use a car or a mobile phone, what is wrong or unholy about it?

T.V. Tyagarajan,
Chennai

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Sir, — The Paramacharya kept himself away from politics and the media and confined himself to religion and welfare of the common people. Kings, Queens, Presidents, Prime Ministers, scientists, solicitors, soldiers, rich and poor from far and wide came to Kanchi to pay their respects to him, but he continued to be humble, never deviating from his chosen way of life.

V. Veda Iyer,
Chennai