Adheenam
This is a collection of articles archived for the excellence of their content. |
A backgrounder
May 29, 2023: The Times of India
Adheenams are nonBrahmin Shaivite monastic mutts in Tamil Nadu. There are about 20 main adheenams, each of which has property worth hundreds of crores. An adheenam can mean a mutt or its pontiff, who is also called adheenakarthar.
Who they are
Each adheenamhas a distinct caste and regional character. Heads of adheenams at Thiruvavaduthurai and Madurai are traditionally from Saiva Pillai or Mudaliar communities dominant in the region. The adheenams in Perur and Siroor are headed by goundars, who are numerically dominant in western Tamil Nadu. The Kundrakudi adheenam in the Chettinad belt is headed by a chettiar.
When they were set up
Each adheenam has its own claims about its history. There are records of Chola, Chera and Pandiya kings patronising some of the major adheenams. The Madurai Adheenam says it is 1,300 years old and that its present adheenakarthar is the 293rd in line.
What they traditionally do
Scores of centuries-old temples are still being administered by adheenams. Through the ages they have promoted Shaivite philosophy and Tamil literature.
Over the past couple of centuries, they helped to unearth and publish rare palm leaf manuscripts. The Thiruvavaduthurai, Kundrakudi and Dharumapuram adheenams employed Tamil scholars such as U Ve Swaminatha Iyer to unearth and restore such palm leaf manuscripts.
How pontiffs are chosen
Becoming an adheenam or adheenakartha involves decades of rigorous gurukula education, scholarship over Tamil devotional literature and service to the serving heads. Monks start off as ‘pandaarams’, they move up the ladder to be designated ‘thamburaans’ and ‘chief thamburaans’. The reigningpontiff generally chooses his successor from among his principal disciples.
Role in modern society
Adheenams are still active and influential in the religious and cultural affairs of their regions. They do not generally voice their political views or choices to their followers. On an occasion, an adheenam has been known to court political controversy, but this is more an exception than the rule.
Why the sengol is unique
The sceptres used by the Egyptians, called “Was” (pronounced Vas), were meant to establish jurisdiction. The one used by the mayor’s office was considered the staff of office. These were used as a symbol of authority. The sengol used by the south Indian kings largely resembled the sceptre used by others, but it had more functional importance. The "raj dhanda" is not just a piece symbolising authority. It is considered the rod of justice – the “dharma dhanda” or “gnaya dhanda”, emphasising fair and just rule. There are many verses in Tamil literature that mention how this sceptre wouldn't spare even a king who fails to deliver justice.
