Chennai and Kattankulathur, May 2025: The 6th International Saiva Siddhanta Conference, jointly organized by the venerable Dharmapuram Adheenam and the Tamil Perayam of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), was inaugurated today at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur. The conference has drawn a distinguished gathering of scholars, spiritual leaders, students, and international delegates in a vibrant confluence of Saiva thought and Tamil spiritual heritage.
This year’s conference stands out for its depth of scholarly engagement and cultural significance. The event witnessed the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare & Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India and Hon’ble Shri R.N. Ravi, Governor of Tamil Nadu, thereby underscoring the national importance of the gathering.
Also gracing the occasion were revered spiritual leaders including His Holiness Sri-La-Sri Kayilai Masilamani Desika Gnanasambandha Paramacharya Swamigal (27th Guru Mahasannidhanam, Dharmapuram Adheenam), His Holiness Sri-La-Sri Harihara Gnanasambanda Desika Paramacharya Swamigal (293rd Gurumagasannidanam, Madurai Adheenam), and His Holiness Kundrakudi Ponnambala Adigalar (46th Gurumagasannidanam, Kundrakudi Thiruvannamalai Adheenam), whose presence bestowed spiritual significance and traditional depth to the event.
“Science and spirituality may take different paths, but both seek the same truth—one that asks us not to control, but to surrender; not to grasp, but to understand with humility.” – Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, Pro-Chancellor (Academics), SRMIST.
“Religion, at its core, is about being good and doing good—values that align closely with the spirit of science, inquiry, and service. Through initiatives like language preservation, interfaith respect, and global academic exchange, SRM stands as a bridge between tradition and innovation.” – Dr. T. R. Paarivendhar, Founder Chancellor, SRM Group of Institutions
“The objective of this International Shaiva Conference is to promote and practice the divine thoughts of the four Saiva tenets — Pati, Pasu, Pāsam, and Maya. More than 300 research articles are being presented in 12 sessions, and 75 books are being released. Fourteen countries have participated, continuing a tradition started in 1984. This conference is a sacred offering of knowledge and unity, blessed by the presence of Aadheenam heads from Kumbakonam, Madurai, and others.”-His Holiness the 27th Guru Mahasannidhanam of Dharmapuram Adheenam, Sri-la-Sri Kayilai Masilamani Desika Gnanasambandha Paramacharya Swamigal,
“Saiva Siddhanta is not merely a religious philosophy—it is a profound civilizational force that defines the sacred relationship between the soul, the Divine, and the world. Rooted in devotion, virtue, and the quest for liberation through divine grace, it has deeply shaped Tamil identity and spiritual heritage. Today, as we witness great strides in medical science, there is a meaningful synergy emerging between science, humanity, and religion—each complementing the other in the service of life and higher truth.”- Hon’ble Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare & Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India
“Saiva Siddhanta should be included in philosophy courses, and texts like the Tirumurai must be recognized as the pinnacle of Tamil literature. Sadly, these treasures are being gradually erased through neglect or ideological bias. Universities must act to preserve and promote them. Saiva Siddhanta should be expanded to a larger canvas and nurtured. Conferences like this stimulate intellectual growth, leading to renewed cultural insight. I commend the organizers and scholars, and encourage more such initiatives from our academic and spiritual communities.”-Hon’ble Shri R.N. Ravi, Governor of Tamil Nadu, thereby underscoring the national importance of the gathering.
As part of the inaugural celebrations, the World Peace Run, which took place yesterday, spread the message of joy, love, and harmony. The torch relay, featuring 100 athletes, was flagged off from Chengalpattu by Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar and Tamil Perayam President Dr. Karunagarasan. The athletes carried the flame to SRMIST, where it was received by Founder Chancellor Dr. T.R. Paarivendhar and the 27th Guru Mahasannidhanam of Dharmapuram Adheenam. The Peace Flame was jointly lit by Dr. Paarivendhar and the Guru.
On the same day, the SRM Trauma and Emergency Care and the SRM Institute of Cardiac Sciences were officially inaugurated by Hon’ble Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, in the presence of Hon’ble Shri R.N. Ravi, Dr. T.R. Paarivendhar (Founder Chancellor, SRMIST), Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu (Pro-Chancellor, Administration), and Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan (Pro-Chancellor, Academic), marking another milestone in SRMIST’s commitment to world-class healthcare.
A landmark highlight of the conference is the release of 300 scholarly publications, each shedding new light on the profound spiritual and literary traditions rooted in Saiva Siddhanta. Eminent academics from India and abroad are presenting groundbreaking papers that explore the philosophical, theological, and cultural dimensions of the tradition.
The event re-affirms the enduring relevance of Saiva Siddhanta in contemporary discourse and its deep connection to Tamil identity, spirituality, and intellectual heritage.
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