Karnataka's 'Walking God' Shivakumara Swamiji no more

Bengaluru: Prominent Lingayat seer of Tumakuru-based Siddaganga Math, 111-year old Shivakumara Swamiji, who was known as the 'Walking God', died on Monday after a prolonged illness, the seminary announced.

"The seer left for the heavenly abode leaving his mortal body at 11.44 am," announced the Siddaganga Education Society founded by the seer.

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.

"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," Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy told reporters in Tumakuru, where the seer passed away.

Kumaraswamy announced a government holiday on Tuesday and state mourning for three days.

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 conditionsuddenly deteriorated in the past few days.

Cutting short their engagements of the day, Kumaraswamy, Congress leader Siddaramaiah and BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa and other senior politicians of the state reached Tumakuru on getting information that he was critical.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday condoled the demise of the seer, saying he lived for the people, especially the poor.

"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.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi also condoled the death of Shivakumara Swamiji, saying his passing away leaves behind a deep spiritual void.

"I am sorry to hear about the passing of Shivakumar Swami Ji, Pontiff of the Siddaganga Mutt. Swami Ji 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," he tweeted.

Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge requested the Centre to bestow 'Bharat Ratna' on the seer. "I request the government to give him Bharat Ratna. He is worthy of getting the title. He was a great man from Karnataka and it is worth it to bestow the Bharat Ratna on him," he said.

The party in its official Twitter handle also put out a picture of Gandhi meeting the seer.