The spiritually awakened reformer Dr. M. V. Soundararajan, retired Professor and Registrar of Osmania University, who went up to the abode of Paramapadam (Mukti, i.e., his soul, liberated), will be remembered as a reformer of temple administration. 1000 years ago, Saint Sri Ramanujacharya reformed renowned temples such as Sri Rangam, Kanchi, Tirumala, and Tirunarayanapuram. In the present day in India, Soundararajan and his sons took up the task of reforming the temples, removing corruption in Endowments, and abolishing the Hundi system, which promoted irregularities.
In 1998, the news spread that the Hundi had been removed from the Chilkur Balaji Temple, the famous Visa Balaji Temple (for winning a visa to the USA). He began the removal of Hundi in this temple, and Endowments officers were astonished. Who would have the courage to say no to income? He boldly declared, “I do!”
Once, the undivided AP government decided to take over the temple. As the founding trustee and chief priest, Soundararajan did not accept it. He resolved, “I will meet the Chief Minister once and personally hand over the temple keys to him.” He even undertook a fast with firm determination. Seeing his unwavering resolve, the government eventually stepped back. During that time, I arranged a press meet and offered my support.
Dr. Mohammad Rafi, while paying tributes, has moved by Soundararajan’s affection and warmth that transcended caste and religion. The greatest reform he introduced was abolishing the VIP queue in the temple. He practiced and demonstrated that all devotees are equal before God. Soundararajan then assumed the hereditary responsibility of managing this temple. Though deeply rooted in Vaishnava tradition, he treated everyone with immense love and respect. I grew fond of his philosophy. Whenever friends visited from the United States, it became my habit to take them to this temple. In his later years, he would sit on a small stool in the temple courtyard. With great dignity, he appeared like a living pillar of an ancient tradition. On seeing him, one felt like raising both hands in reverence, bowing at his feet, and receiving blessings. For most of the visitors, Soundararajan was a great sage who knew nothing of impurity, deceit, conspiracies, caste, or religious divisions.
There is a deep belief among devotees that those seeking a U.S. visa perform 108 circumambulations at the temple, and their wish is fulfilled. One must see the sight of devotees moving swiftly in circular devotion around the sanctum! The immense fame, faith, and reverence that the temple enjoys today are largely due to Soundararajan’s unparalleled and immortal service. His son, Rangarajan, once carried a Dalit devotee on his shoulders during the “Munivahana Seva.” Needless to say, that spirit of equality was shaped by Soundararajan’s guidance, encouragement, upbringing, and discipline.
On February 27, he passed away at home; he was 90 years old. The temple doors will remain closed today and tomorrow. After the last rites and ritual purification, devotees will be allowed entry again from Monday, as informed by Rangarajan. Tearful homage to the spiritually awakened reformer, Soundararajan. Devotees offered deep condolences to his family members.
Law professor and eminent columnist
Madabhushi Sridhar Acharyulu, author of 63 books (in Telugu and English), Formerly Central Information Commissioner, Professor of NALSAR University, Bennett University (near Delhi), presently Professor and Advisor, Mahindra University, Hyderabad. Studied in Masoom Ali High School, AVV Junior College, CKM College, and Kakatiya University in Warangal. Madabhushi did LL.M., MCJ., and the highest law degree, LL.D. He won 4 Gold Medals at Kakatiya University and Osmania University.
