On April 15, 2014, The Supreme Pontiff of Hinduism, Jagatguru Mahasannidhanam, His Divine Holiness Bhagavan Nithyananda Paramashivam was coronated as the Pontiff of the Thanjavur Peetha ruling from the ancient Aadheenams (monasteries) – Sri Palswamy Mutt and Sri Sankara Swami Mutt in Thanjavur, South India by His predecessor Swami Atmananda. These Aadheenams (monasteries) serve under the Sri Kashi Vishwanathar temple in Thanjavur owned and governed by The Supreme Pontiff of Hinduism. The Kingdom of Thanjavur is the Spiritual Kingdom.

Palswamy mutt

Above (left) is the jīva samādhi (final resting place of mortal remains) of Sri Palaya Jnandesikar Swamigal, the founder as per recorded History of the Palswamy mutt. The Palswamy mutt is one of the ancient monastery complexes which is a heritage property of a sage by the name of Palswamy. He expressed extraordinary powers such as disappearing in one place and appearing in another. He healed and enriched the people living in the surrounding community. 

After the demise of the sage around 1000 yrs ago, King Rajarajachola ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Raja_Chola_I ) installed a Śivaliṅga (right) (deity form of Paramashiva, the Primordial Hindu Divinity) in this monastery complex. 

The Chola kingdom came into being later in this region and served as the administrative regent of the region.

Reign of The Chola Kingdom Circa 1000 CE

The monasteries remained under the direct representative and legal heir of Paramashiva, the Pontiff. Paramashiva is worshipped here in deity form.

The Pontiff ensures that all the spiritual and religious activities of the kingdom happen as per the methods prescribed in the sacred scriptures. He personally conducts the daily worship at the monastery to the deity of Paramashiva, as well as all the festivals and rituals associated with the deity.

Some of the earlier pontiffs of Palswamy mutt:

Earlier Pontiffs: Maha Govinda Swamigal and Maha Go Vasudeva Swamigal