TN CM Stalin, ministers pay homage to Bangaru Adigalar; thousands arrive at Melmaruvathur

On Friday, over 2,000 police personnel from four neighbouring districts of Chengalpattu were deployed for security purposes as areas around Melmaruvathur witnessed traffic congestion as thousands of followers of Adigalar thronged the Melmaruvathur temple to pay their respects.

Amid a sea of devotees, clad in a red dhoti and sarees, Adigalar’s body was moved from his residence to a dhyana mandapam for public homage.

Adigalar, 82, passed away on Thursday due to a suspected heart attack. He is survived by his wife and two sons who manage various educational institutions, including a medical college.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday and expressed his deepest condolences to Adigalar’s family and admirers. “His life, rich in tireless spirituality and compassion, will forever be a guiding light for many. Through his tireless service to humanity and emphasis on education, he sowed the seeds of hope and knowledge in the lives of many. His work will continue to inspire and guide generations,” PM Modi wrote.

Apart from CM Stalin, ministers K Ponmudy, Durai Murugan and K N Nehru, Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, AIADMK MP C Ve Shanmugam, Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S Ramadoss and expelled AIADMK leader and close confidante of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, V K Sasikala, also paid homage to Adigalar.

Addressing reporters, Sasikala said Jayalalithaa had met Adigalar on numerous occasions to seek blessings. “Whenever we (Jayalalithaa and Sasikala) used to travel along this route, whatever the work, we never missed visiting the temple and seeking the blessing of Amma (Adigalar). His spiritual service is appreciable and apart from that, he helped the poor and downtrodden through his philanthropic work. He played a pivotal part in spreading spiritualism across villages. I express my deepest condolences to his bereaved family and devotees,” Sasikala said.

The temple administration has arranged food for devotees and has also set up a medical camp.