Spiritual leader and self-styled godman Bangaru Adigalar, the founder of the Adiparasakthi Siththar Peedam in Melmaruvathur of Tamil Nadu passed away due to ailing health issues. He passed away at the age of 82 on Friday, October 19. Leaders and celebrities shared their condolences for his demise.
It is to be noted that the Indian government awarded him the Padma Shri award in 2019 for his spiritual services to society. Notably, Bangaru Adigalar is known for allowing women to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the Sitthar Peedam to do the pujas for presiding deities, which are traditionally not allowed for Hindu women to do. He also helped poor students with education through the Adiparashakti Charitable Medical Education and Cultural Trust.
TTV Dhinakaran, General Secretary of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) in his statement mentioned that Bangaru's contributions to the education of people from marginalised communities will be etched in the memory of people and shared his condolences to Bangaru's devotees.
Vanathi Srinivasan, National President of BJP Mahila Morcha and Coimbatore South MLA condoled Bangaru's family members and his devotees and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.
Vel Murugan, leader of Tamizhaga Valvurimai Katchi and MLA of Panruti constituency said that he was shocked to know about the demise of Bangaru. In his statement, he highlighted that Bangaru initiated a revolution in the way of worship by allowing women to enter the sanctum sanctorum to do poojas for the presiding deity in Siththar Peedam. Velmurugan also noted that it was the biggest loss for the people of Tamil Nadu and condoled his devotees.