On May 22 evening, hundreds of priests and well-wishers of Sri Varaha Mahadesikan (Andavan), the 12th pontiff of Srirangam Srimad Andavan Ashramam were waiting to receive him at Desika Vidya Bhawanam, Venkatesa Agraharam Road, Mylapore.
Since the pontiff was visiting the city for the first time after he took charge of the ashramam, the priests of Vedanta Desikar Temple had arranged a grand reception here.
After the reception, Andavan Swamigal was taken to Andavan ashramam, Alwarpet.
“Now, the Swamigal will be here for 15 more days. He will also visit Vedanta Desikar Temple this weekend,” says R. Mugundan, temple trustee of Vedanta Desikar Temple.
“The Swamigal took charge of the ashramam on 21st October at a ceremony in Tiruchy. He performed ‘Sanyaasa Sweekaram’ before taking over as the 12th Acharya of the Ashramam. Swamigal has M.A. and PhD degrees in Mimamsa shastram,” says R.Rajagopal, Chairman of Andavan Ashramam, Alwarpet.