Karnataka govt announces state holiday tomorrow to mourn Lingayat seer Shivakumara Swamiji's death

The Karnataka government has announced a state holiday on Tuesday after death of prominent Lingayat seer Shivakumara Swamiji on Monday. Shivakumara was a prominent seer of the Tumakuru-based Siddaganga Math. Known as the Walking God, the 111-year old seer was revered by millions of his followers. The Siddaganga Education Society, which was founded by the seer, in a statement said Swamiji "left for the heavenly abode leaving his mortal body at 11.44 am".

Meanwhile, condolences have poured in after the seer's death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he represented the best of "our traditions of compassionate service". "HH Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu remained at the forefront of ensuring better healthcare and education facilities for the marginalised. He represents the best of our traditions of compassionate service, spirituality and protecting the rights of the underprivileged," said the PM.

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. pic.twitter.com/AqgOLgqTrn

- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2019

HH Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu remained at the forefront of ensuring better healthcare and education facilities for the marginalised.

He represents the best of our traditions of compassionate service, spirituality and protecting the rights of the underprivileged. pic.twitter.com/Tp6o5ULU2d

- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2019

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

Offering his condolences, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said "Swami Ji was respected & revered by millions of Indians, from all religions & communities".

I am sorry to hear about the passing of Shivakumar Swami Ji, Pontiff of the Siddaganga Mutt. Swami Ji was respected & revered by millions of Indians, from all religions & communities. His passing leaves behind a deep spiritual void. My condolences to all his followers.

- Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 21, 2019

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy told reporters in Tumakuru: "I am deeply saddened to announce that the walking God, Parama Poojya Siddaganga Sri, has passed away. It is an irreparable loss to the state. His contribution to the society transformed lakhs of people from across the state. He shaped the future of many people." Kumaraswamy also announced a government holiday on Tuesday and state mourning for three days.

According to the math website, the highly revered swamiji was born on April 1, 1908 in Veerapura village in Karnataka. The website of Sree Siddaganga College of Education, founded by him, mentions his date of birth as April 1, 1907.

A recipient of Padma Bhushan and Karnataka Ratna awards, the seer was in a serious condition for the past two months and had undergone a surgery at a private hospital in Chennai about two months ago for his liver related complications. The swamiji showed signs of improvement but his condition suddenly deteriorated in the past few days.

Manoj Sharma with PTI inputs

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