Karnataka Seer Shivakumara Swami Dies at 111
Politicians of all hues express Grief over his demise
AMN / BEGALURU
Dr Shivakumara Swami, who was head of the Sree Siddaganga Mutt in Karnataka’s Tumakuru passed away today after weeks of treatment. He was 111.
Shivakumara Swami had been unwell for a while and had been on life support for the past two weeks.
Karnataka will observe three-day mourning and schools, colleges and government offices will be closed on Tuesday as a mark of respect for the seer revered by millions.
Shivakumara Swami was often known as “the walking god”. Top political leaders mourned the death of the Lingayat seer; rivals Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and former chief minister BS
Yeddyurappa united in expressing their grief and addressed the media jointly.
President Ram Nath Kovind in his condolence message said: Extremely sad to learn of the passing of spiritual leader Dr Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu Ji. He contributed immensely to society particularly towards healthcare and education. My condolences to his countless followers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also posted a moving tribute. “His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu lived for the people, especially the poor and vulnerable. He devoted himself towards alleviating ills like poverty, hunger and social injustice. Prayers and solidarity with his countless devotees spread all across the world,” he tweeted. Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the seer’s passing had left a “deep spiritual void”.
I have had the privilege to visit the Sree Siddaganga Mutt and receive the blessings of His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu.
The wide range of community service initiatives being done there are outstanding and are at an unimaginably large scale. pic.twitter.com/wsmRp2cERd
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2019