Change in guard

Meanwhile the Senior Pontiff Sri Surendra Theertha realizes that his days are nearing. He knows that he is not going to live long any more and immediately asks his aids to take him to Madurai where he wishes to rest in peace after his death.

All the Mutt’s disciples assemble in Madurai during the Senior Pontiff’s last moments. Amidst heavy chanting, and in deep meditation, Senior Pontiff Sri Surendra Theertha finally breathes his last. There is much sorrow in all. Sri Surendra Theertha’s memorial (in the form of Brindavan) is erected at Madurai.

So, the then Junior Pontiff Sri Vijayendra Theertha becomes Senior Pontiff and a new Pontiff is chosen: Sri Sudheendra Theertha. Sri Sudheendra Theertha is a relatively new and surprise joinee to the post amidst high speculation amongst Mutt disciples.