MADURAI, INDIA, April 30, 2012 (Times of India): Pontiff of the millennium-old Madurai Adheenam, Arunagirinatha Desikar has defended the nomination of Nityananda as the 293rd pontiff of the ancient mutt in Madurai, stating that it was a well thought out decision for the welfare and growth of the mutt.
“The charges against Nityananda are false and those levelling allegations against him are ignorant,” said the pontiff at a press conference here on Sunday even as an angry group of activists from Hindu outfits staged a protest outside the mutt against Nityananda. Desikar also brushed aside protests against the nomination of Nityananda as the successor stating that neither the government nor Hindu outfits could interfere in the appointment of a successor.
“I was looking out for a successor for the Adheenam for the past eight years. In this backdrop I visited the Nityananda Dhyanapeedam in Bidadi near Bangalore. The moment I saw Nityananda, a divine voice told me that Nityananda was the right person. I spoke to Nityananda in this regard. He hesitated due to the allegations levelled against him. But I convinced him as the Adheenam needs an individual with spiritual and administrative skills as well as a fighting spirit,” Desikar told reporters.