In its official website, Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam, a statement is released--partially quoted:
This is in response to the defamatory video on Paramahamsa Nithyananda aired by Sun TV and various other news media since the night of March 2, 2010.
At this moment, we feel that a mix of conspiracy, graphics and rumor are at play in these recent events that have unfolded. We are working on a legal course of action and will come up with updates in due course
In these trying times, we wish to reassure the lakhs of devotees and well-wishers whose sentiments have been deeply hurt by this conspiracy. We thank all the devotees and disciples for standing with us during these times
In the past 7 years of his public life, Paramahamsa Nithyananda has been a transformational force in the lives of over 2 million people across numerous countries around the world. The powerful truths he lives and shares and his personal authenticity have made his teachings relevant across religions, cultures and class
For those who have experienced the blessings and grace of Swamiji, no further explanation is necessary. Yet we request you to recall the life solutions from Swamiji that continue to provide a powerful spiritual anchor for millions in these turbulent times. We wish to reiterate that Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam is a worldwide movement which is committed to bringing about a true awakening for all, irrespective of race, culture or nationality. Reviving the timeless Vedic wisdom in the light of modern living, the Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam creates opportunities for the powerful transformation of the individual and the community
In keeping with the Vedic culture, the Nithyananda Order includes people from all four ashramas – brahmacharyam, grihastha, vanaprastha and sannyas. Most of them hail from traditional, educated and respected families.
And the news article which seems 100% certain that the spiritual teacher is indeed the star of the sex video:
A SEX video involving Swami Nithyananda, one of India's most popular spiritual gurus, and a Tamil actress, is creating shockwaves in India and elsewhere in the world, including Malaysia, where he has a huge following.
The 32-year old guru, who is also known as Paramahamsa Nithyananda, was caught with his dhoti down in the video which has been aired by Tamil Nadu's Sun TV and Andhra Pradesh's TV9.
The face of the actress was blurred in the video and she has not been identified although some blogs have named her as "R*****a", a starlet who is related to a Tamil screen queen of the 70s.
Sun TV did not reveal the location of the room in the video but it is believed that the guru was caught in a sting operation that took place in a hotel or his ashram.
There has been no official response from Nithyananda but his ashram located at Adi Annamalai near Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu has been a hive of security activity.
Locals said that the guru visited the ashram two months ago to celebrate his birthday there. Police are looking into the matter.
Nithyananda has a big following in India, and in many countries around the world, including Malaysia and the US.
In 2007, he was elected chairman of the Hindu University of America, also known as the International Vedic Hindu University, an institution in the US state of Florida.
From Asiaone, "Spiritual guru in sex video scandal".
Update on 30/03/10: Indian guru resigns over sex tape probe? And here the movie, "The Love Guru" comes to mind with Mike Myers as Guru Maurice Pitka explaining the acronym of G-U-R-U stands for "Gee...yoU aRe yoU". Sigh.
A popular Indian guru who claims a global following of two million devotees resigned Tuesday as head of his religious organisation after he became the focus of a police obscenity probe.
Paramhamsa Nityananda has been under investigation since television stations earlier this month aired video footage purportedly showing the 32-year-old fondling two unidentified women in bed.
His Dhyanapeetam ashram has insisted the footage was faked, but in a video statement on its website, Nityananda said he felt an obligation to step down as the ashram's spiritual leader.
"I am resigning as the head of the Dhyanapeetam and from all the trusts associated with it," he said, adding that he would "live a life of spiritual seclusion, for some indefinite time."
Nityananda has a large following in southern India - where his ashram is based near the city of Bangalore - and has 26 other ashrams dotted around the world.
"If required I will return and talk about all that had happened as an independent witness to my conduct with a clean heart and pure soul, and also in a less prejudiced atmosphere," he said.
He ended his statement by exhorting his followers to "be blissful".
Angered by the video footage, local villagers had attacked Nityananda's ashram on March 3, forcing police to give it special protection.
The guru's followers insist the video was faked by a jealous occupant of the ashram in a effort to defame him.
From Asiaone, "Indian guru resigns over sex tape probe".
