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“No
body is above the law of our country,
Let truth prevail, and the guilty be punished”
- His holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Jayendra Saraswathi
Swanigal of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.
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This
has been the advice of the Acharya to His devotees, admirers and
followers from that fateful day in Mehboobnagar. His Holiness and
Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam fully subscribe to this view. They have
been co-operating with the authorities, to the fullest, in whatever
manner they can. They are keen that the investigation and trial
are fair and justice is rendered fast.
There are several questions that have arisen in people’s minds
because of the extra-ordinary media attention on the current situation.
We realize that a dignified silence is not adequate in this hour
of crisis, when the reputation of the individual and the dignity
of the institution are under malicious attack. Therefore, we have
decided to break this vow of silence to answer those very same questions
that are haunting people and causing sleepless nights for millions
of devotees. |
1.What
is the truth about the real wealth of the Kanchi Mutt? Is it 15,000
crores, 10,000 crores or 5,000 crores?
Various TV Channels, and Newspapers have reported that Sri Kanchi
Kamakoti Peetam is worth Rs.14,000 crores, Rs.10,000 crores, Rs.1000
crores and so on. We too wish they were true, but the reality
is different. The Mutt essentially comprises of itself, its branches
and a few Trusts which are directly controlled by it. Most of
the other Trusts are independently run and funds, activity and
investments are managed by them. The Mutt has no say in these
Trusts and their accounts are not consolidated with the Mutt.
The Mutt does not have any access to their funds and cannot draw
anything from their resources.
The landed estates of the Mutt have been gifted to it over several
generations by Royalty and Devotees and the several endowments
created by them for specific purposes continue to remain. If the
loan taken by Kanchi Kamakoti Sankara Hospital (Rs.64.98 crores)
is taken into account, the residual cash, bank balances and investments
of the Mutt are too meagre even to warrant a mention. The Mutt
runs with Kanikkai (contributions) from the devotees and the accounts
are professionally audited and the returns field with Income Tax
Department and estate accounts field regularly with HRCE Department
of the Tamil Nadu Government.
2.Why are people making allegations about misconduct by His Holiness?
A writer, Ms.Anuradha Ramanan has claimed that she was victimized
by the Seer. Frankly, we are shocked and disgusted by such slander.
Why would some one, that too a prolific writer with the power
of the pen, who claims to have been victimized in 1992, come out
with the allegation now? Why was she silent for 12 long years?
Who is behind her disclosure now? Why did she preside over the
function at the Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital on 01.08.2003,
if she had such ill feeling towards the Acharya and the Mutt?
We ourselves would like answers to these questions.
In another instance, the police claimed that a ‘deserted
woman’ Usha staying at Srirangam used to converse with His
Holiness regularly and that she was provided with free quarters
to stay. Substantial sums of money had been transferred to her
through bank. Smt.Usha a cancer patient who has undergone. 130
chemotherapy sessions, appeared before the police on 30.11.2004
on her own volition and submitted all bank accounts and medical
records. Dinamalar dated 2.12.2004 reports that she was interrogated
and after receiving such help. The Sri Matha Trust run under the
auspices of the Mutt provides free accommodation, and food not
only to the patients seeking admission to Cancer Institute Adyar,
but also to their close relatives/attendants.
3.Media has been publishing and telecasting news that the Swamiji
has confessed. What is the truth?
“His Holiness says this is totally untrue” On 29.11.2004
the prosecution claimed that His Holiness has confessed and they
have it on video tape. The claim of confession of His Holiness,
as stated in the High Court, is only the statement of the senior
counsel, on instruction during the proceedings and is, significantly
not found in the counter affidavit field by the government in
the high court. Smt.Swaraj, MP, the three supreme court advocates
and the manager of the Mutt, who met the Swamiji in Vellore prison
on different dates have confirmed that the Swamiji denied having
made any confession.
Remember that two people who were part of the ‘clinching
evidence’ of the prosecution retracted their statements
in the open court. They clearly declared that it was under extreme
physical torture and abuse that they had implicated His Holiness
in the case. The attempt now seems to be, to convict him in the
media.
4. What is the Mutt’s answer regarding the allegation on
Cell-phones usage?
Police claimed that they have a pattern series of telephone calls
between the Swamiji and the henchmen and his associates on the
day prior to the murder and after the murder. It was later modified
and represented by the police in the court that the cell phone
did not belong to the Swamiji but it was the manager of the Mutt
who owned the cell phone.
The Mutt further confirmed that the cell phone referred to did
not belong to the manager. The police then claimed that this is
not the stage that further details can be disclosed in the matter.
5. What about huge cash withdrawals from the bank accounts of
the Mutt? Where did the money go?
The prosecution charged that huge cash withdrawals were made from
the Mutt’s bank accounts to pay the ransom to the alleged
killers of Sankara Raman. From ICICI Bank to Indian Bank to ICICI
Bank Account of an Individual, prosecution has been shifting stance.
THE TRUTH IS, THERE WAS NO WITHDRAWALAS ALLEGED.
Here is the summary of the bank accounts of the Mutt for the period
April 2004 to September 2004.
Sr.No. Date ChequeNo. Amount(Rs.) Details
1. 02.04.2004 852068 30,000 Imprest
2. 24.05.2004 277873 90,000 Jankalyan Trust Redeposited Next day
3. 28.05.2004 277898 31,885 Salary
4. 30.06.2004 280765 34,285 Salary
5. 20.07.2004 281500 1,00,000 Expenses & VidwatSambhavana
for 70th Jayanthi
6. 29.07.2004 278840 5,00,000 Expenses & VidwatSambhavana
for 70th Jayanthi
7. 31.07.2004 278847 32,135 Salary
8. 03.08.2004 278853 40,000 Advaitha Sabha Suspense A/c Returned
(Cash against cheque)
9. 02.09.2004 297237 39,185 Salary
NOTE: Out of total amount of Rs.6,00,000/- with drawn on 20.7.2004
& 29.07.2004, a sum of Rs.5,99,107/- was paid as SAMBHAVANA
TO VEDIC PUNDITS GODHANAM & OTHER EXPENSES ON THE OCCASION
OF BHIMARATHA SHANTI (70th BIRTHDAY). The balance of Rs.893/-
was re deposited into the account.
In addition to the above amount, five trust accounts are operated
by the Srikaryam & the Manager of the Mutt as Authorised Signatories.
There are no cash withdrawals from the five trust accounts from
1st April 2004 till 30th September 2004.
6. There is a charge that Gold collected for the Kamakshi Amman
temple was misappropriated. The entire quantity collected was
not used. Where has the balance gold gone?
The charge by Sankara Raman that 100kgs. of gold were imported
to make a gold chariot for Kanchi Kamakshi deity and only 35kgs.
were used while the remaining went missing, was re-iterated by
the police in the high court for probe.
Here are the facts.
Sri Adi Sankara Swarna Vimana Trust with registered office at
VHS Campus, Chennai 600 113 was entrusted with the Gold cladding
work of Sri Adi Sankarar Vimanam, Sri Kamakshi Ambal Vimanam and
Simha Vahanam. The board of trustees of this trust comprised of
eminent persons. The gold cladding work was was done on copper
sections by the conventional methods of beating gold strips into
foils and passing the gold foils over mercury base, heating and
polishing. The entire gold plating work was completed and handed
over to the authorities of Sri Kamakshi Ambal Devasthanam, Kanchipuram
as per the details given below.
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The
trust imported 85.31kgs of Gold (and not 100kg as alleged) comprising
of Gold bars 71.31kgs, Biscuits 14.00 kgs. This
was used as follows:
1. Sri Adi Sankarar Vimanam.
2. Sri Kamakshi Ambal Vimanam – upper portion
3.
Sri Kamakshi Ambal Vimanam – lower portion
4.
Sri Kamakshi Ambal Kavacham
5.
Rajagopuram Kalasam
6.
Simha Vahanam 21.875 kgs.5.996 kgs.41.411 kgs.7.495 kgs.3.932
kgs.4.430 kgs.
Total 85.139 kgs.
The balance gold of 171gms has been duly accounted.
The full description of the various kanikkais together with the
receipt number are recorded in the register maintained by the
temple trust. These accounts have been verified by the HR&CE
department of the government from time to time.
7.Had
the Swamiji planned to escape to Nepal?
The police claimed that a helicopter was hired from Pune and was
kept ready at the Hyderabad airport and it was intended to go
to Mehboobnagar. The helicopter, the police further claimed, was
procured by the friend of the millowner at whose premises Chandramouleeswara
pooja was performed by the Swamiji.
The prosecution did a somersault and stated that at no point of
time it has alleged that the Swamiji would flee along with his
commandos and stated that it was for the Swamiji to escape that
a helicopter was stationed at Hyderabad with flight schedule for
Mehboobnagar. To quote TVR Shenoy from The Indian Express, Mumbai,
dated December 2, 2004. “HAL”s Advanced Light Helicopter,
Dhruv has a range of only 660 and farther still with the addition
of a fifth fuel tank.” With this speed it would require
about 12 hours to reach Nepal and a minimum of 5 refuelling stops.
Would it ever be possible to escape like this? The Swamiji’s
Travel programmes are always posted in the official website of
the Mutt www.kamakoti.org and every one has access to it.
The Swamiji is a ‘Z’ category security person surrounded
all times by Commandos/Policemen on duty.
8.Who
is Sankara Raman? What is his connection with the Mutt? What was
his conflict with the Swamiji? What had be written in his letters?
Why was he killed?
First, Sankara Raman was never an employee of the Mutt as it is
made out to be. He was an employee of a temple in Kanchipuram
at the time of his death. Sankara Raman wrote several letters
to His Holiness over the last several years accusing the Swamiji
and several others of various acts of omission and commission,
to put it mildly.
He marked copies of several of his letters to the CM, the leader
of the opposition, HRCE Department and several other prominent
citizens and devotees. Every one just ignored the letters as those
of a disgruntled black mailer who was threatening to ‘expose’
the two Swamijis & The Mutt. These letters were being freely
circulated by Sankara Raman. In one of his letters he claims that
he was a man of average means and that ‘some kind hearted
man’ was paying for the mass copying and postage of the
letters.
We cannot speculate as to why he has killed or who was involved.
The only thing we believe unequivocally, is that His Holiness
is being falsely implicated in this.
9. Who is Radhakrishnan? What is his relationship with the Mutt?
Why was he attacked? Who attacked him? Why is the Swamiji implicated
in this?
Radhakrishna is former associate of the Mutt, and has his own
business. In 1994 when it was discovered that he was involved
in a malicious defamation campaign against the Mutt, he was relieved
of his services. He was one of the trustees of the Sri.Adi Sankara
trust, for the golden chariot for Kamakshi Amman. The case about
an attack on Radhakrishnan is 2 years and 3 months old. In the
FIIR field in this case neither the Mutt nor Swamiji were mentioned.
10. If the Mutt is not so rich, how can you afford to pay for
such a huge advertisement? Who is paying for this advertisement?
This advertisement is appearing in media through the kind courtesy
of several of our devotees all over the world who keen to see
that a 2500 year old heritage is not destroyed by scandalous media.
In this hour of all assault on the Mutt, it requires large infusion
of funds to defend itself and provide the truth and right perspective
to all concerned. The Mutt has appealed to its devotees and to
all Indians to contribute their might to support it to tide over
this crisis.
11. So much is claimed about the Mutt’s various religious,
cultural & Social welfare activities? What exactly are they?
How are they Managed?
A quick glimpse at the activities and achievements of the Mutt
in the last 51 years is a testimony to some one who has been called.
“The 21st Century Jagadguru” Be it in the field of
Education, Vedic Research, Health care, Social Welfare or Religion.
The Acharya has created enduring institutions that will serve
people for several generations.
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| Education |
| Sri
Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Vishwa Maha Vidyalaya at Enatur near Kanchipuram
is a Deemed University. This institution seeks to revive Kanchi’s
reputation as a ‘seat of learning’. An Ayurvedic College
devoted to Indian medicine forms part of the Vishwa Mahavidyalaya.
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| Vedic
Education and support |
| Vedal
Patashala located on the Bangalore Highway is perhaps the largest
patashala in the world and teaches all the four Vedas. Similarly,
Agama Patashalas and Silpa Patashalas give a fillip to temple design
and architecture. |
| Healthcare |
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Mutt’s foray into Healthcare truly reflects the Acharya’s
Commission, Care and Commitment to serving the ailing, poor and needy.
The Kanchi Kamakoti Sankara Hospital, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust
Hospital, Sankara Dev Netralaya, Guwahati. Sri Mata Trust are just
a few of the shining examples. 1,75,928 patients were treated free
of cost at the Kanchi Kamakoti Sankara Hospital, since commissioning
in May, 2003. |
At
the instance of the Acharya, the Mutt stepped in at the right time
to help the CHILDS Trust hospital to recover from its financial
troubles. Because of professional management provided, the CHILDS
Trust Hospital has not only turned around but is also one of the
finest paediatric hospitals in the country serving young children
who need specialist medical help. About one lakh children receive
treatment at this hospital every year. Sri Mata Trust is a unique
organization that supports poor cancer patients and their relatives/attendants
with shelter and food during the treatment period. Sankara Dev Natralaya
started at Guwahati is an exemplary eye care institution and the
only one of its kind in the North Eastern part of the Country.
Renovating old temples and consecrating new ones
The Acharya has performed countless number of Kumbabhi shekams to
revive old temples and consecrate new ones. ( The number could be
well over 6,000 in the last 50 years.) |
| Social
and Humaitarian Services |
At
His guidance, several homes for the aged, the destitute and the
needy are run under the auspices of the Mutt. There are Old Age
Homes in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, UP & MO. His Holiness is
known for His support of the Goshalas and there are many which are
run in Tamil Nadu and in the North. |
| Encouraging
culture, arts, science, and public service |
The Kanchi Mutt has had a long traditon of supporting the arts and
encouraging artists from all the fields. In keeping with this tradition,
the Acharya has instituted several awards.
Saint of the masses |
The
Acharya has traveled more than a million kilometers on foot reaching
more than 3000 villages and small towns. He has been one of the
first ones to reach areas hit by natural calamities like floods
and earthquakes with help for the affected. He has always lead a
very simple life with minimal needs. This simple, selfless Saint
of the masses is facing an outrageous charge. Such a charge is directed
against the very simple life with minimal needs. This simple, selfless
Saint of the masses is facing an outrageous charge. Such a charge
is directed against the very Acharya whose compassion has reached
millions with His helping hand. It is indeed the darkest hour for
His devotees and those interested in following the tenets of Hindu
Dharma.
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| A
special message to anxious devotees all around the world |
“We
will not let a 2500 year old institution be destroyed by media vandalism”.
“What will it be like if your house collapsed right in front
of your eyes?”. “What else can we do beyond prayers
and protests?”. “How can we help?” Our devotion,
dedication and unwavering faith will ensure that Sri Kanchi Kamakoti
Peetam rises like a phoenix and regains its respect and glory in
the minds of all the devotees around the world. After all, this
2500 year old institution has grown not only because of the illustrious
lineage of Acharyas but also because of the unremitting patronage
and devotion of millions of devotees like all of us. When our revered
Paramacharya faced the daunting task of re-establishing the credibility
of the Mutt in the last century. He, in his wisdom and compassion,
reached out to every devotee. He devised simple schemes like the
‘pidi arisithittam’ (a handful of rice every day), a
one – rupee tax from your income to pay for Vedic Education
etc., These were specifically designed to enlist wide spread participation
from every section of society. It is through His Vission and the
tireless efforts of His Prathama Sishya Sri jayendra Saraswathi,
the Mutt could reach such a pre-eminent position. |
| “How
can I help?” |
Today
when devotees from all over the world ask us, as to how they can help
the Mutt in this hour of crisis and need, we once again look to Sri.Mahaperiyavaal
for imspiration and guidance.
Frankly, what matters most is your devotion and willingness to come
out and do something, Devotees, (especially those in far off lands)
feel helpless because they think, all they can do is to protest, pray
and send money. There is no need for any one to despair in this manner.
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On
the other hand, this is an extra ordinary opportunity to demonstrate
our solidarity behind the Kanchi Mutt and all that is stands for.
Send whatever you can. Nothing will be too little. It is voluntary
and YOU decide what you wish to send. It could be a few rupees,
a day’s wage or a month’s salary. The amount is immaterial.
What is important is that we get millions of letters of undying
support with every little contribution. To show the world that Kanchi
Mutt exists in all our hearts and not just on a piece of land. Some
people may malign us, demolish the structure but they can never
destroy our spirit and faith.
Send your letters addressed to the Mutt along with your contribution,
and flood the mail boxes. Our periyavaal has always cherished sharing
the story of the Squirrel in the Ramayana. Therefore, none of us
needs to feel shy or hesitant. Do what you can but feel proud that
you too contributed to the Mutt in its hour of need. “We have
been showered with their Holiness” Blessings all our lives,
It is now our turn to do something” wrote a devotee.
All donations may be sent by cheques to The Manager, Sri Kanchi
Kamakoti Peetam, 1, Salai Street, Kanchipuram, Kindly draw the Cheque
in favour of “Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam”. Clearly mark
the envelope boldly “Campaign for Dharma”.
The Mutt and its devotees have full confidence in the Indian judiciary.
Truth will prevail. Sathyameva Jayate
Please visit www.kanchi.sathya.org
to get details of the various aspects of this issue.
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| Participate
in the online poll |
Now
that you have read this advertisement this far, please visit
http://www.kanchi-sathya.org.,
and participate in the poll there. |
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