Thiruvaduthurai mutt head is dead

Sivaprakasa (72) was the 23rd head of the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam (mutt).

Last night, he complained of difficulty in breathing and was rushed to an hospital in Kumabkonam but died en route at 2 AM, mutt sources said.

He had underwent surgery following a heart attack early this year. About 15 days ago, he was admitted to a hospital at Mayiladuthurai due to complaints of breathing trouble before being shifted to Kumbakonam. He was discharged early this week.

Sivaprakasa became the 23rd head of the 15th century saivaite mutt, one of the biggest in Tamil Nadu, during 1980.

Meanwhile, Meenakshisundara Desiga Paramachaya Swami, who was serving as the Kattalai Thambiran (chief disciple) of Thiruvidaimaruthur Adheenam, a branch of the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam took over as the 24th head of the mutt this morning.