Wadsworth, J.

1. This appeal arises out of the interminable and deplorable disputes between the Thengalai and Vadagalai sects of Vaishnava Brahmins worshipping in the Sri Varadarajaswami Temple at Conjeevaram. The disputes have a history going-back for at least two centuries. Fortunately, we can start with the decision of this Court in Tatacharyar v. Krishnamacharyar I.L.R.(1882) 5 Mad. 313 where the learned Judges set forth the ancient history of this dispute, described the Adyapakam service to which it relates and decided the main basis upon which this service shall be conducted. The learned judges pointed out that the service consisted originally of the Thodakkam or the invocation to prayer, followed by the Mantram in praise of the Guru, after which comes the main part of the service consisting of the recitation of the Prabandams in the Tamil language. The learned Judges observed that the Thodakkam office had been by consent entrusted to a particular family of Vadagalais, that no one was at that time performing the service and that if it be true that the family to which this service was entrusted had become extinct, the united sects should elect a common representative to