Karnataka: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi mourn death of Shivakumara Swami, 111-year-old Siddaganga seer

Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy will visit the Mutt to enquire about Swami's health, a statement from his office said.

Bengaluru: Karnataka's 111-year-old revered seer, Shivakumara Swami of Siddaganga Mutt at Tumakuru, passed away on Monday morning after being in a critical condition and being put on life support. Known among his followers as a "walking god" and an incarnation of the 12th century social reformer Basava, the Lingayat seer also heads the Sree Siddaganga Education Society, which runs about 125 educational institutions in the state - from engineering colleges to business schools. Many of the institutions offer free education and boarding facilities to poor students. Even Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy was scheduled to visit the Mutt to enquire about Swami's health, a statement from his office said. The Swami, who was said to be one of the oldest persons living in India, has been suffering from lung infection for the past few weeks. He has been in and out of hospitals over the last few years due to his advanced age.

The chief seer of Tumkur’s Sree Siddaganga Mutt, Shivakumara Swami ji passes away at 1144 hrs. He was 111 years old. Lingayat religious figure and humanitarian was also known as "Nadedaduva Devaru" (walking God). Last rites tomorrow at 1630 hrs. @abpnewstv pic.twitter.com/kVrMOq3gMo

— Pinky Rajpurohit (ABP News) (@Madrassan) January 21, 2019

Security was tightened at the Mutt as hundreds of followers gathered, praying for the holy man's recovery as he was in hospital. Born on April 1, 1907 in Veerapura village of Ramanagara district in Karnataka, the Swami is also involved in several philanthropic activities and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2015. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday condoled the demise of the Lingayat seer, saying he lived for the people, especially the poor. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah also condoled the seer's death. "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," the PM tweeted. He said the seer remained at the forefront of ensuring better healthcare and education facilities for the marginalised and represented the best of Indian traditions of compassionate service, spirituality and protecting the rights of the underprivileged. "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," the PM pointed out.

During Karnataka Elections, Congress President @RahulGandhi and BJP President @AmitShah had visited Sree Siddhaganga mutt and sought blessings from Sree Sree Shivakumara Swami Ji. PM @narendramodi visited him on 24th Sep 2014. @abpnewstv #WalkingGodNoMore pic.twitter.com/pv1JKWjCWW

— Pinky Rajpurohit (ABP News) (@Madrassan) January 21, 2019

Congress President Rahul Gandhi said: "Swamiji was respected and revered by millions of Indians, from all religions and communities. His passing leaves behind a deep spiritual void. My condolences to all his followers." Last week, Kumaraswamy demanded the highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, for the seer as recognition of his service to the society.