Arul Thiru Bangaru Adigalar, popular known as Adi Parashakti Adigal, is a spiritual guru with a vast following especially in Tamil Nadu. Adiparashakti Adigal literally means ‘a devotee of the primordial supreme power.’ Arul Thiru Bangaru Adigalar, as he came to be known to his devotees, is believed to have had several spiritual experiences as a young lad. He was by profession a school teacher. After a profound theophany, he is said to have created the temple complex name Arulmigu Adhiparasakthi Siddhar Peetam at Melmaruvathur, 92 kms from Chennai on the Villupuram highway in Tamil Nadu.
Worship is offered at Arulmigu Adhiparasakthi Siddhar Peetam
to a Swayambhu (the self-generated) divine mother in the Siddha tradition under
the direct supervision of Adigalar, on Sundays, Tuesdays, Fridays and on full
moon and new moon days.
Arul Thiru Bangaru Adigalar serves as the medium to the
mother and speaks to the devotees. Instructions are also given on these occasions
to the office-bearers of the Arulmigu Adhiparasakthi Siddhar Peetam, which is
the apex body, to carry out the commandments of the amma (mother), the
presiding deity, and Adigalar in connection with religion and social service.
Arul Thiru Bangaru Adigalar is referred to as Shakti Upasaka
(one who contemplates on Shakti), anmiga-guru (spiritual preceptor) and acharya-pithanayakar
(the head of the pontificate). Belonging to the Siddha tradition, he leads a
family life. He regards all religion as equal.
The devotees of Arulmigu Adhiparasakthi Siddhar Peetam is referred
to as Red-Clad Movement (whose members wear red uniforms) follows the precepts
of Adigalar. A trust created by Adigalar organizes spiritual conferences and celebrates
Hindu and other festivals and occasions. Feeding of the poor is a central feature,
besides distribution of clothes, utensils, professional equipment, cows, bulls,
instruments, etc., to the poor and the needy. A matriculation school, a polytechnic,
and an engineering college are the educational institutions run by the trust.
It has a medical care unit and a medical research center with a hundred and
fifty beds in the precincts of the temple.
The trust maintains weekly worship centers (vara-valipattu
manrams) not only in India but also abroad. Unique features of worship in this
Shakti Peetham are the chanting of the mantras in Tamil language and the
presence of women in the role of temple priests.