Ramalinga Adigal

Why is in news? PM addresses on occasion of 200th birth anniversary of Shri Ramalinga Swamy also known as Vallalar

Thiruvarutprakasa Vallalar Chidambaram Ramalingam (5 October 1823 – 30 January 1874), one of the greatest Tamil poets of the 19th century and belongs to a line of Tamil saints known as "gnana siddhars" (gnana means higher wisdom).

He was commonly known in India and across the world as Vallalar, Ramalinga Swamigal and Ramalinga Adigal, was one of the most famous Tamil Saiva Saints.

The Samarasa Suddha Sanmarga Sathiya Sangam was spread and passed on by him not only in theory but mainly in practice by his own way of living which by itself is an inspiration for his followers.

Through the notion of Suddha Sanmarga Sangam, the saint endeavored to eliminate the caste system and promote equality among all individuals.

According to Suddha Sanmarga, the prime aspects of human life should be love connected with charity and divine practice leading to achievement of pure knowledge.

He introduced the concept of “Jeeva Karunyam,” advocating non-violence and reverence for all life forms.

Ramalinga Swamy promoted a unique style of worship, where the divine was perceived as light, and worship was primarily mental, without the use of traditional puja apparatus.

Sathya Dharma Salai was established in 1867 at Vadalur. This institution provided free food for the poor, embodying the principle of selfless service.

Sathya Gnana Sabhai was founded in 1872. This organization aimed to propagate spiritual knowledge and foster a sense of unity among people.