On Kanchi Sankaracharya Swami

[Guest guest]

Dear Srivaishnavas,

Till 1952, the headquarters of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham was Kumbhakonam. In that

year, the venerable Sri Chandrasekhrara Saraswati Swamiji shifted to

Kancheepuram with his retinue. The move was either due to his respect for Kanchi

or due to his compulsion to give legitimacy or authenticity to the Peetham. They

lived in rented houses. The Sri Karyam lived in the house next to ours. Later,

they purchased properties and moved into their own premises. In my younger days,

I had seen the name board "Sri Sringeri Matham" in the present Kamakoti Mutt

complex. I have heard that Srigeri Mutt covered the entire South India. It had

branches at difrent places, including Kumbhakonam and Kancheepuram. It appears

that about 300 years ago, there was a very pious Swamiji at Kumbhakonam Branch.

His qualities attracted many admirers and in due course, the Kumbhakonam Branch

Mutt became an independent Mutt. Sri Chandrasekhara Saraswati came in that line.

Till 1960's, there were lively debates about the authenticity of Kamakoti Mutt.

But now most people of Tamil Nadu have accepted Kamakoti Mutt. Partly because of

the personality of Sri Chandrasekhara Saraswati and partly also because of

political clout of the present head of the Mutt.

Sri Chandrasekhara Saraswati Swamiji had a spritual bent of mind and an ability

to cast a benign and soothing influence on his followers. He was sincere and

genuinely reclusive. In stark contrast to him, the present head has more

interest in politics than religion. At this rate, he may become another Chandra

Swami. Forget Tirupati. Why should he dabble in Ayodhya? Is it for religious or

spiritual reasons or to pursue his political interests? I am convinced tht his

meddling in Ayodhya is for political reasons only. In Tirupati, he wants control

to strengthen his clout. Before Chabdra Babu Naidu, he gained enormous influence

in Tirupati, but after Naidu came to power, Sri Tridandi Chinna Jeer Swamiji's

suggestions in accordance with Sastras and traditions are respcted. The Kanchi

Acharya does not like it. Hence his criticisms.

 

Adi Sankara said that he should not get one of what he considered ten most

dishonourable professions.He lists headship of Mutts as one of the ten detested

jobs:

Paurohityam rajani c'aritam gra'man'i'tvam niyoge/

Ma'thapatyam hi anrita vac'anam sa'kshiva'dah para'nnam/

Brahma dveshah khalajanaratih pra'n'ina'm nirdayatvam/

 

Ma'bhu'devam mama pas'upate janma janma'ntarepi

 

The Kanchi Acharya Swami proves the relevance of the verse.

Adiyen Madhurakavidasan,

TCASrinivasaramanujan