Date:30/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/30/stories/2008123055101100.htm

National

Ramanuja Thathachariar passes away

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Agnihotram Ramanuja Thathachariar, renowned Vedic scholar, passed away at his residence on Monday after a brief illness. He was 100. He is survived by a son and two daughters.

Born into a family of Vaishnavite preceptors, Thathachariar belonged to a distinguished line of “acharya purushas,” and had a large number of followers.

A rare blend of erudition in the Vedas and other scriptures and expertise in the performance of yagas and yagnas sanctioned by them, he was much sought after for delivering lectures, participating in seminars or conducting yagas.

When the Constitution was being framed, Thathachariar was actively associated with the efforts to incorporate the ‘freedom of religion’ provisions.

A keen campaigner for promoting a scientific temper vis-À-vis religion, Thathachariar was as comfortable in the company of students of science as he was in the company of religious scholars. He was also involved in various initiatives of Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati of Kanchi Mutt such as Agama Silpa Sadas (intended to propagate temple architecture) and Tiruppavai-Tiruvembavai conferences (aimed at a fusion of Vaishanavism and Saivism).

Thathachariar was a recipient of several honours and awards. In 1977, he was given the President’s award for the promotion of Vedic studies.