Renowned Tamil Nadu spiritual leader Bangaru Adigalar passed away on Thursday at the age of 82. Popularly known as Amma to his followers, he revolutionised spiritualism in Tamil Nadu by allowing women into the sanctum sanctorum of Shakti temples.He died at his residence at Melmaruvathur after suffering from chest pain, as per media reports. He is survived by his wife and two sons. According to the media, the spiritual guru was unwell for some time due to which he was confined to his home. He suffered a heart attack on Thursday evening.Tamil Nadu | Padma Shri Bangaru Adigalar, the founder of Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Siddhar Peetam, passed away today due to a heart attack. He was 82 years old.(Pic: Bangaru Adigalars Facebook page) pic.twitter.com/U8JEMgvLlz— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2023Revolution of women in spiritual worldHe was a revolutionising figure who allowed women to perform pooja at temples just like men, in a break from the long-held tradition where only men were allowed to perform poojas. Adigalars spiritual leadership, particularly at the Adiparashakti temple, earned the respect and admiration of countless devotees.Decades ago he created a revolution by allowing women inside the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Arulmigu Aadhiparasakthi Temple in Melmaruvathur. Following this, several Adiparashakti temples were built across the state as many women began to follow Bangaru Adigalar.Many women walked from their towns and villages in the state to Melmaruvathur to pay obeisance to the Goddess, and Melmaruvathur was transformed from a village to a town that boasts of facilities available in a city.About Bangaru AdigalarBangaru Adigalar was born on March 3, 1941, at Melmaruvathur to Gopala Naicker and Meenakshi Ammal as their second child. His death has sent his followers to a shock as they grieve for his demise.#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | People pay last respects to Padma Shri Bangaru Adigalar, the founder of Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Siddhar Peetam, in Chengalpattu. He passed away earlier this evening following a heart attack. pic.twitter.com/TR6HhgONJR— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2023 He was groomed to become a teacher, however, he claimed to be a Poorna Avatar of Aadhiparasakthi that possesses all 16 qualities of the Goddess. He was also conferred with the Padma Shri award in the year 2019 by the Union Government.Chief Minister M K Stalin and BJP President J P Nadda are among those who condoled Bangaru Adigalars death.
