Tumakuru: Shivakumara Swamiji, the head pontiff of the Siddaganga Mutt, who was battling a lung infection for some time, died on Monday, January 21 at the age of 111 years.
Born on April 1, 1907, at Veerapura near Magadi taluk of Ramanagara district, the seer was known as Nadedaduva Devaru or the Walking God. Initiated into the Viraktashrama order of the Lingayatism in 1930, the seer is revered as the most esteemed adherent of the Lingayatism and is looked up as a God not just because of his religious works, but also due to the humanitarian works carried on by him through the Mutt.
In recognition of his works, he was conferred with an honorary degree by Karnataka University in 1965. After his health started deteriorating, the demand for conferring Bharat Ratna on Swamiji for his social service has been gaining momentum.
A sense of tension prevailed in Tumakuru with the news that Swamiji’s condition was critical.
Final rites of the seer will be held on Tuesday, January 22. The state government has announced holiday to schools and colleges on Tuesday as a mark of respect to the departed soul.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders are expected to attend the last rites of the seer, said sources.
