Northern Province Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan emphasized that, just as other religions have their own authoritative bodies, it is an imperative of the times that a strong ecclesiastical peetha or council with the authority to resolve disputes and regulate matters be established for the Shaiva faith as well.
The first Gurupuja commemoration of the Second Guru Maha Sannithanam of the Nallur Thirugnanasampanthar Aatheenam, Sri La Sri Somasundara Thesika Gnanasampanthar Paramacharya Swamikal, was held with great distinction today – on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, on the auspicious day of Chittirai Thiruvathirai, at the Nallai Aatheenam.
Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan of the Northern Province, who participated in the event, officially released a ‘Special Commemorative Souvenir’ in honor of the Guru Maha Sannithanam and delivered a special address. Additionally, as a key highlight of the event, a statue of the late Guru Maha Sannithanam was also unveiled.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon. Governor further stated:
It was only after I assumed duties as the Jaffna District Secretary in 2015 that I had the privilege of associating very closely with the Second Guru Maha Sannithanam, Sri La Sri Somasundara Thesika Gnanasampandar Paramacharya Swamikal. During that period, many disputes relating to temples arose within the community, and some of them had even reached the courts. When I discussed this with the Guru Maha Sannithanam at the time, he deeply emphasized the need for an authoritative and ecclesiastical peetha or council for the Shaiva faith, similar to what exists for other religions. I believe that need continues to this day.
The Second Guru Maha Sannithanam was the one who met and engaged with political leaders and foreign diplomats visiting Jaffna in the name of our religion. His passing has left us with a great void and a significant setback. Nevertheless, I have the faith that God will surely guide the right person to fill that place. Let us all come together, overcome our shortcomings, and continue to build this Aadheenam even more gloriously in the future.
The Second Guru Maha Sannithanam was a person of great virtue and complete humility. The quality of treating everyone equally was the primary reason he was revered by all. He never sought anything for himself. We, on our own accord, recognized his needs and made certain arrangements for his comfort.
In today’s world, people are baselessly slandering many individuals on social media without any foundation. Many such defamatory claims were recently spread about Dr. Aaru. Thirumurkan as well. He must never be intimidated by such baseless slander. Nor should he abandon the noble service he continues to render to our religion because of this.
When someone endeavors to do good, members of our own community will find fault with it. If those who criticize or slander were to step forward and perform those good deeds themselves, then those doing the good work could freely step aside. But they will not do it themselves, nor will they leave alone those who are doing it for the community. This is the greatest curse of our society. We must change this, he stated.
Religious elders, scholars, and a large number of devotees participated in this event.
