The Jeeyar of the Manavala Mamunigal Mutt on Sunday said that he had apologised at the Sri Andal temple in Srivilliputtur for his controversial comments on “throwing soda bottles” as (he realised) it was not appropriate for a seer to say such things.
Sri Sri Sri Satakopa Ramanuja Jeeyar, at a meeting held in Tiruchengode on Friday last, had demanded that lyricist Vairamuthu publicly apologise at the Sri Andal Temple for his alleged “derogatory” remarks against Andal. During his interaction, the pontiff said, “We too know how to throw stones and soda bottles ... but we will not do so.” His remarks were criticised by many political leaders.
Talking to reporters here, the pontiff said that he has expressed regrets at the temple as his remarks had hurt the sentiments of the Hindus.
The seer who had taken up indefinite fast recently seeking an apology from the lyricist gave it up stating he would resume the agitation if Mr. Vairamuthu failed to apologise before February 3.
Meanwhile, DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan said the seer should apologise to the people of Tamil Nadu and not to the deity.
However, BJP leader L. Ganesan said now that the pontiff has “apologised”, the issue must be put to rest.
