Jagatguru Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal, the 69 th pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti mutt attained Maha Samadhi on 28th February 2018 a great loss to Hindu society across the globe. Swamigal known for his versatile knowledge over Vedas and Hindu philosophies, worked for the upliftment of Hindu society irrespective of Caste and creed.
United Hindus
Being a seer of an Orthodox mutt, he broke the traditions and came to the ground to rescue Hindus from malicious campaigns of Christian Missionaries. His work to unite Hindus in Kanyakumari District aftermath of Mandaikadu violence paved the way for Hindu Resurgence. His affinity towards Hindu Munani had polarised Hindus in Kanyakumari District to group under one roof.
Social Activist
After his surprise exit from mutt, which triggered tensions among devotees and followers of the age old mutt. He justified his disappearance after receiving two messages from God. The first was to launch a national movement for spiritual, economic and national awakening of the people and the second was to take a `sankalpa’ (solemn vow).
Pro Harijans
As the head of age old traditional Orthodox mutt, alongside he balanced his social career. Seer travelled across India on his foot thrice, one of the pioneer among sanyasis who visited Dalit Areas and slums across India. Swamigal did Pooja’s in the temple of Harijan Dominated Slums of north Chennai and visited even inner parts of Dharavi, where even Mumbai Kars feel bad to go. His initiative “Jana Kalyan Jan Jagran” with a motto of service to the people and awakening the masses. This initiative has changed the narrative of a mutt. Hindu Society which welcomed this support under privilege and the oppressed Hindu Communities. This successive Initiative had triggered the breaking India forces to throw a foul stone over the Mutt and the Seer.
Supported Anti Conversion Law that enforced in Tamilnadu during 2002 (Repealed later by Jayalalithaa, to appease minorities). Emphasized the need of the law by referring to mass conversions of Harijans (He used to Call Dalits in that way and he refused to call them as Dalits, because it sounds oppressed.). In his words,
“Conversion by conviction is not wrong, but conversion by force or allurement is an offence.”
Jagatguru who want to act as a moderator to resolve Ayodhya Rama Janma Bhoomi issue. He said it is “Maha Paavam” to slaughter cow and raised his support to Cow Protection.
Mutt’s Expansion
During his tenure, the mutt has expanded its activities across all the social sectors like Health (Child Trust Hospital in Chennai, Hindu Mission hospital) Sankara Vidyalaya Educational Institutions, which renders less or subsidised service. Mutt renovated and maintained many age old temples which lack funds for its daily operations.
Even though, he mastered in Sanskrit, his love towards Tamil is Unconditional. Mutt took an initiative bring back the glory of Classical Tamil. Started Competitions for Thirupaavai and Thiruvempaavai. Mutt had provided grants to odhuvars who Recite Thevaram and Thiruvasagam. Sage who built a Temple to Nandanar (an 8th Century Saivaite Saint) and Thirugnanasambandhar on his birth place. Started Sri Jayendra Tamil Padasalai only to teach Tamil Literature.
Sailed to construct a consensus to unite Hindu against the tide of Anti-Nationals and Anti-Hindus. He accomplished that in his journey. We know how anti Hindu forces will react, they did the same thing to him also, arrested with a vested motive to defame him. A Series of the article by S. Gurumurthi, published in The New Indian Express stands testimony over his run towards justice. To add his column, Former president Pranab Mukherjee in his recent book titled “Coalition years 1996 to 2012” wrote a new narrative behind Seer’s arrest. He mentioned it was a planned arrest by Sonia & Co to support Christian Missionaries. Even after winning the case against false claims, Media, Leftists, Dravidian Forces still tarnish his name to showcase their Anti Bhramanical stand.
Swamigal who involved himself to bridge the gap between the traditional orthodox system and spreading the essence of the dharma to the other end of the society. Manava Seva Madhawa Seva, this was the lesson that we need to learn from his life.