Before delving into the specifics of Devanathan’s story, it is essential to understand the term Gurukkal (also spelled Kurukkal ). Historically, Gurukkal are temple priests in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They belong to the Ambalavasi caste, a community whose traditional occupation involves serving as temple functionaries and performing rituals. In Tamil Nadu, Sivacharyas in Shiva temples are also called Gurukkal or Kurukkal, and they are expected to be well versed in the Agama Shastras—the authoritative scriptures that guide temple worship. The title carries a deep cultural and spiritual weight, implying not only ritual expertise but also moral authority.
While the WHO has raised concerns, the Siddha community argues that the Shodhana (purification process involving 1,000 washes in cow’s urine, milk, and specific herb juices) converts these toxins into therapeutic Bhasmas (ash) that are completely safe. Gurukkal challenges critics: "After 50 years of practice, my blood mercury levels are lower than those of a person who eats tuna sandwich every day. Test me."
: He is an expert in the Vaikhanasa Agama , one of the oldest Sanskrit traditions of temple worship, ensuring that ancient protocols are strictly followed in the modern era. Influence and Recognition
Note: If you require specific details such as his exact year of birth, name of his father/guru, or a list of major yajnas he conducted (which may not be publicly documented), I recommend consulting local temple records or the Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham's archives, as traditional gurukkals often avoid widespread publicity.
Though he is a private man who avoids flash photography, word of mouth has made him legendary. A 2019 article in The Hindu ’s Friday Review mentioned a European patient whose ankylosing spondylitis went into remission. Another famous case is a Kollywood actor (who has requested anonymity) who credits Gurukkal for curing his daughter’s nephrotic syndrome.
After evading law enforcement for nearly two months, Devanathan surrendered before the on November 16, 2009. He was immediately remanded to judicial custody. Comprehensive Chargesheet Formulation
: In the "City of a Thousand Temples," Gurukkals are the hereditary priests responsible for performing daily rituals (
Kanchipuram Devanathan Gurukkal is a fifth-generation Siddha Vaidyar (physician) and the current head of the Sri Nellaiappar Siddha Vaidyasala, a traditional clinic located in the heart of Kanchipuram. Unlike modern doctors who rely on MRIs and blood tests, Gurukkal diagnoses patients using the ancient Nadi Pariksha (pulse diagnosis) and Manikkadai Nool (ancient time-tested diagnostic threads).
Kanchipuram remains a profound center of faith. The city is deeply rooted in the worship of Goddess Kamakshi and is celebrated for its monumental history, which has been influenced by the Pallavas, Cholas, and the Vijayanagar Empire.
Following the circulation of the digital evidence, the Sivakanchi police registered a formal criminal case against Devanathan. Realizing that the police were closing in on him, Devanathan went into hiding before ultimately surrendering: Legal Milestone Details & Developments
Devanathan Gurukkal belongs to a lineage of hereditary priests who have served the Varadharaja Perumal Temple for generations. As a , his responsibilities are central to the temple's spiritual life, including:
