Chennai, May 24 (BPNS)

Kumaran Sethupathi, King of erstwhile Ramanad kingdom in Tamil Nadu and patron of Rameswaram temple passed away at his residence in Ramanathapuram on Tuesday. He was 56.

The erstwhile king was ailing for a long time and was bedridden for the past one year, a statement from his office said. He passed away on Tuesday due to a cardiac arrest.

He is survived by his wife, Rajarajeswari Nachiyar,  a son and a daughter. His wife Rajarajeswari Nachiyar is the daughter of former king Ramanatha Sethupathi.

Sethupathi’s were the chieftains of the erstwhile Ramnad kingdom and were entrusted to rule the Sethu coast and protect the devotees who reach the Rameswaram temple. They declared independence from the Nayak rule during the reign of Kilavan Sethupathi from 1670- to 1708.

The rulers continued to live at the Ramanad palace and acted as the patrons of various institutions including the Rameswaram temple.

AIADMK leader and former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, O. Panneerselvam condoled the passing away of the Ramanad king. V.K. Sasikala, TTV Dhinakaran and other senior political leaders expressed their condolences at the passing away of Kumaran Sethupathi.