Mysuru: The mortal remains of 88 years old monk of Ramakrishna Mission Swami Jagadatmananda passed away at a private hospital in the city on Wednesday night were kept at Ramakrishna Vidyashala in Mysuru before shifting the same to Ponnampet in Kodagu where the last rites were performed.
He had penned a book ‘Badakalu Kaliyiri’, which has inspired many into spirituality. The book has been translated into many languages and thousands of copies sold. He served at the Mysuru unit of the Ramakrishna Mission and spent most of his time at the Ponnampet Ashram.
Inspired by the lives of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda, he joined the Ramakrishna Order in Bengaluru centre in 1960. He received his ordinance from Srimat Swami Vireswaranandaji Maharaj, President of the Ramakrishna Order. Apart from joining the centre, Swami Jagadatmanandaji served in other centres of the Order like Mangaluru and Mysuru. He was the head of the branch centres at Shillong, Singapore and Ponnampet. While in Mysuru, he served as the warden and in-charge of the dispensary at Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala, a premier residential educational institution.
Through his simplicity and affable nature, he endeared himself to the students who would flock around him for solace and guidance. He was a scholar in Ramakrishna Vivekananda literature, Bhagavadgita, Upanishads and also studied in depth about the lives of saints and spiritual luminaries of India. Gifted with an extraordinary memory, Swami Jagadatmanandaji could recite verbatim the long passages from the works of Swami Vivekananda and scriptures. Inspired by his talks, many youth would seek guidance from him on spiritual topics and righteous way of living. The Swami was a good writer too. His popular book “Badukalu Kaliyiri” in Kannada has seen many reprints and over three lakhs copies have so far been sold. The book has been translated into 10 languages including Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and Gujarathi. The English version of the book, `Learn to Live’ was published from Singapore. In recognition of his literary services, Swami Jagadatmanandaji was conferred with the ‘Arya Award’ in 2004. Swami Jagadatmanandaji’s stimulating speeches had their impact outside the country too. On the invitation, he travelled to Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
At Ponnampet, Swami Jagadatmanandaji took steps to improve the living conditions of the tribals of Virajpet Taluk through service activities in healthcare, hygienic and right way of living and education. The monk developed age-related health problems and was shifted to Mysuru for medical treatment. While in the hospital, the Swami lovingly offered prayers for the welfare of all.
Swamiji’s final darshan was kept at Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala campus from 6 AM to 10 AM. MLA Nagendra, former MLA Vasu, former MLC Madegowda, first mayor of Mysuru P Vishwanath, S P Manjunath, Secretary, JSS Mahavidyapeetha, senior monks including Swami Sureshananda, Swami Dharmathmananda, Swami Veetabayananda were among those paid the last respects.
Later, the body was taken to Sri Ramakrishna Sharadashrama in Ponnampet for public darshan between 1 PM and 5 PM. Hundreds of students and seers paid their last respects. Based on Hindu customs, the last rite was performed at the Hindu cemetery in Ponnampet.
