#6B8E23 Dr.R.Nagaswamy 01-Mar-2007 News and slide show Saivacharyas, Royal priests Little is known about the contributions of Sivacharyas to the Tamil society. The Sivacharyas who worship in the Siva temples are called Siva Brahmanas, Gurukkals and also and Adi Saivas. They are generally called Gurukkals, a word that has two parts Guru + kal. Kal is an honorific suffix in Tamil; Guru means Preceptor. They serve as both Saiva temple priests and also as preceptors of that region and hence the name Gurukkals. Role of Saivacharyas They have played a great role in society for the past two thousand years from the Sangam age, beginning of CE to the present times. The Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagar rulers had their Royal preceptors who guided the kings in their religious life and were venerated for their sagacious advices and rituals. So they were conferred royal honours, and insignia and some were also crowned. A part of the royal income was apportioned to them as a mark of respect and gratitude. No scholarly undertaking has focused on this group of people. It is not known to many that there exist many such Priests who retain the age old titles, documents, honours etc and are respected by the people for their contributions to temple worship. Two conferences Mr Kanakaraj a young man from Kongu country has recently organized two great conferences of these Saivacharyas especially from Kongu country, which focused on the social and religious life of these people. The conference was attended by nearly 2000 people In addition to honouring these Saivacharyas over 50 such Saiva institutions called Adheenams, with their heads, attended the conference Mammath Puja and Procession Mr Kanakaraj organized simultaneous worship of Siva by all the Saivacharyas, besides a grand procession in which a large gathering of public participated along with the Saivacharyas and their families. Many of the Gurukkals came in their royal costumes and insignia, a scene that has not been witnessed in the recent past. Kanakaraj has also prepared a mammoth volume documenting all the Gurukkal Adheenams in the Kongu country with colourful photographs to be released shortly The role of women The most important point to note was that the role of women was stressed in the conference. The Saivacharyas came with their wives who were also honoured on the Dias. According to the Saiva system the Saiva Priest must be a married person to do worship in the temple. Her presence and approval is necessary for performing rituals. Liberal support of the Gounders This great conference was possible by the liberal donations and supports of all sections of the Kongu society especially the Gounders who were also honoured with their wives on the occasion. Though essentially a Saiva function there was a sprinkle of Vaishnavites as well that shows the religious harmony prevalent among the people. Dr. RN was a special invitee to both the conferences and was honoured for his contribution to Kongu art. A few views of the historic conferences are shown here as a slide show.