Satchidananda Loses Presidential Election at Sivagiri Mutt

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major setback that could reshape power equations at Sivagiri Mutt, incumbent president Swami Satchidananda lost the election to the Sreenarayana Dharma Sangham Trust board for 2026-2031. In a closely fought election, 11 members were elected, including incumbent general secretary Swami Subhangananda, who secured 29 votes, and former general secretary Swami Rithambharananda, who polled 24. The panel led by Subhagananda has now six members and is likely to steer the new administration, which will govern the Mutt for five years. The verdict assumes significance amid the current political dynamics. Satchidananda shares warm ties with the ruling Congress but has had a strained relationship with SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan. Incumbent treasurer Swami Saradananda, former president Swami Visudhanandan and former general secretary Swami Sandrananda, all part of a rival panel, were among those re-elected. The newly elected members are Swami Anapekshananda, Swami Nithyaswaroopananda, Swami Dharmachaithanya, Swami Yogananda, Swami Ambikananda and Swami Guruprakasham. Anapekshananda had served on the board of directors. Sources said six of the elected members had served on the existing or earlier boards, while five were new sanyasis. Six members of the Subhangananda panel won, while Swami Visudhananda, Swami Saradananda and Swami Sandrananda belonged to a rival panel. The election, conducted by retired district judge K Viswanathan Nair, saw 32 candidates contest for the board.