NEW DELHI: A sitting judge of the Madras High Court, making a striking claim, said that those who do not accept spiritual Gurus as divine are “barbaric.”Justice GR Swaminathan declared that those who dismiss the reverence for gurus as unworthy(Ayogya), fools (muttal) and barbarians (kaattumurandi) are, in fact, the real barbarians themselves, LiveLaw reported.”In Tamil Nadu, there are certain rationalists who call us unworthy(Ayogya), fools (muttal) and barbarians (kaattumurandi) for treating Gurus as Gods. But I am saying, those who are saying so are the real unworthy(Ayogya), fools (muttal) and barbarians (kaattumurandi),” he said.The remark, made in Tamil during a “Guru Vandanam Utsavam” organised by the Hosur Satsangh, followed an anecdote of the judge’s personal spiritual experience, which, according to him, changed his understanding of faith.Recalling an incident from his daughter’s graduation trip to Punjab, he said that he and his wife were warned against travelling at night, though they still went ahead with the journey. “The roads were misty, visibility was poor, and then — the car tyre got punctured,” he said.His wife knew how to change the tyres; thus, she, along with the driver, worked to fix it in the freezing fog while he was chanting “Gurunatha” for about 30 minutes.“That chant gave me strength,” he said, describing it as a moment of helplessness that drew him closer to his belief in the guiding power of a guru.Justice Swaminathan then built on this experience to make a larger spiritual point. “God is abstract,” he said. “But a Guru is the living presence of God. You cannot touch the feet of God — but you can touch the feet of your Guru.”It was after this reflection that the judge took aim at what he described as Tamil Nadu’s self-styled rationalists claiming they are the ones who are barbaric, unworthy and fools.The judge had recently made headlines for another remark — that he would “carry Sanatana Dharma close to his heart” for the rest of his tenure.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia’s Air Power on Full Display as IAF Conducts Spectacular Vayushakti Drill in PokharanIndian Students In Iran Seek Govt Help As March Exams Prevent Return Amid UnrestFrom Epstein Files to Trade Deal, Rahul Gandhi Launches All-Out Attack on PM ModiChief Minister Nitish Kumar Loses Cool In Bihar Assembly After Guns And Bullets Jibe By RJD MLAsIsrael’s Secret “Golden Horizon” Missile May Be Headed To India’s Su-30 FleetFrom Cost Crisis To Racial Blame: How A Galway Pantry Photo Triggered Hate Against IndiansKerala Is Now Keralam: Why The State Wanted Name Change And What It Signals Before The ElectionsShashi Tharoor-Led Parliament Panel Flags Concerns Over Modi Israel Trip Amid Rising Iran TCanada’s Big Signal Before Carney’s India Trip, To Strip 26/11 Accused Tahawwur Rana’s CitizenshipIndia’s Nuclear Submarine Triad Strengthens With INS Aridhaman Joining INS Arihant, INS Arighaat123PhotostoriesTop 5 cities in South India for real estate investment in 2026What is Lab-grown gold: How is it made and why it mattersSadya to Malabar Biryani: 12 iconic dishes of Kerala/Keralam every foodie should trySridevi death anniversary: ‘ChaalBaaz’, ‘Chandni’, ‘English Vinglish’, revisiting some of her most unforgettable films10 tallest statues in the world travellers need to add to their travel wish-listKerala to Keralam: Union Cabinet clears name change; 5 other places that were renamedGauranga Das shares 3 things you should never do in a relationship10 traditional desi stuffed vegetables enjoyed as side dish and taste like magicSridevi death anniversary: Memorable family moments of the late legendary actressRevamped Bengaluru’s KR Market parking expected to boost footfall and reduce congestion123Hot PicksStock Market crashIBM share price crashGold rate todayKerala name changeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingAAA stars in WWE 2K26El MenchoPatrick MahomesTop Stock RecommendationsSean McVayKamal Maula MosqueUday Bhanu ChibUttarakhand high courtTamil Nadu JEE MainGujarat High Court
NEW DELHI: A sitting judge of the Madras High Court, making a striking claim, said that those who do not accept spiritual Gurus as divine are “barbaric.”Justice GR Swaminathan declared that those who dismiss the reverence for gurus as unworthy(Ayogya), fools (muttal) and barbarians (kaattumurandi) are, in fact, the real barbarians themselves, LiveLaw reported.“In Tamil Nadu, there are certain rationalists who call us unworthy(Ayogya), fools (muttal) and barbarians (kaattumurandi) for treating Gurus as Gods. But I am saying, those who are saying so are the real unworthy(Ayogya), fools (muttal) and barbarians (kaattumurandi),” he said.The remark, made in Tamil during a “Guru Vandanam Utsavam” organised by the Hosur Satsangh, followed an anecdote of the judge’s personal spiritual experience, which, according to him, changed his understanding of faith.Recalling an incident from his daughter’s graduation trip to Punjab, he said that he and his wife were warned against travelling at night, though they still went ahead with the journey. “The roads were misty, visibility was poor, and then — the car tyre got punctured,” he said.His wife knew how to change the tyres; thus, she, along with the driver, worked to fix it in the freezing fog while he was chanting “Gurunatha” for about 30 minutes.“That chant gave me strength,” he said, describing it as a moment of helplessness that drew him closer to his belief in the guiding power of a guru.Justice Swaminathan then built on this experience to make a larger spiritual point. “God is abstract,” he said. “But a Guru is the living presence of God. You cannot touch the feet of God — but you can touch the feet of your Guru.”It was after this reflection that the judge took aim at what he described as Tamil Nadu’s self-styled rationalists claiming they are the ones who are barbaric, unworthy and fools.The judge had recently made headlines for another remark — that he would “carry Sanatana Dharma close to his heart” for the rest of his tenure.
