Sri la Sri Nachiappa Gnanadesikar Swamigal is  the twelfth head of the mutt. It  is remarkable that our Nachiappa Swamigal is  the  sixth generation   through  the  son  of  Sri  la  Sri   Muthuramalinga Gnanadesika  Swamigal  called  "Koviloor  Andavar"  who  involved Nagarathar  in  the construction temples following  the  kings  of those days.

Sri  Nachiappa Swamigal, belonging to Pillayarpatti  Kovil, was born at Karaikudi. When he was  15 years old  he went to chennai  with a  vow  not to return to Karaikudi. He joined  'Kalakshetra'  and completed  his  education  with  the  support  and  patronage  of Mrs  Rukmani Arundale; with his service mind he  became  a part and parcel of 'Kalakshetra' founded by  a Mrs  Rukmani Arundale and which has attained an enormous growth.

He  went to Germany and studied the intricacies of Printing Technology  and took up the position as publications  manager of the 'Kalakshetra press' an organ of 'Kalakshetra'.  In view of his long experience he rose as the owner of that press with the blessings of. Mrs.Rukmani Arundale

As an expert both in printing technology and photography, he printed and published books at Madurai; their get-up and standard was equal to the foreign books. He exported books to western countries like America and earned a lot by his tireless work.

He  has a firm belief that his 'guru' has willed him  to  be the  head  of  the mutt and has a pulsating  enthusiasm  that  he should  make  the Koviloor mutt as an outstanding one  in  giving spiritual education following the footsteps of Mahadeva Gnana desikar.  He  has started several projects thinking that  'Thirunellai Amman' has sent him on a mission to fulfil this desire.

On the very day when Swamigal assumed office as the  head  of the mutt, a Nursery school was started, due to his earlier association with Mrs.Maria Montessori.

Being  interested  in children's  education, Sri  Nachiappa Swamigal has a strong belief that mere theoretical education is not enough and the children should be taught good behaviour, with ability in arts and crafts.

 Temples are there; devotion is there among the people  but those  who  come  forward  to  serve  in  the  temples  is  less. Deficiency  of  salary is the main reason for such a situation. Swamigal feels sorry that our temple culture is becoming dim  day after day.  He underlines the fact that westerners have  realised that  wealth alone can not pave the way for a pleasant  life  and they travel to India seeking spiritual experience.

Is it not our duty to do something  for spreading spirituality in our country?

Within  three months after he assumed charge,  Sri  Nachiappa Swamigal  started  a Vedapadasalai, Thirumuraikkalloori, Nathaswaram  and Thavil Isai Kalloori at Koviloor. Training  is imparted in making temple car, vahanam and jewels with which the deities  are  decorated.  A college of sculpture was also started.

Sri  la sri Nachiappa Swamigal has been working hard  round  the clock so that all kinds of arts connected with the temples  of  the southern  India should flourish and reach  its  heights,  besides Indian  culture  and spirituality.  Further he has  been  working hard  towards making the Koviloor mutt as a university.   He  has founded the 'Indian Institute of Indology' in order to achieve this goal  and to publish research works on Indian culture comprising the different languages, races and customs.

Steps have been taken to start a 'Sanathana  Dharma  World University' sprawling  over 150 acres land, at  koviloor. This  university  will  inspire  and encourage research works and their publications  on arts,  literature, languages and ancient  monuments  related  to Sanadana dharma apart from imparting education in Sanathana Dharma.