Jain Monk Tarun Sagar Dies At 51; PM Modi, Leaders Pay Tribute

Tarun Sagar died around 3 am at Radhapuri Jain temple in east Delhi.

Jain monk Tarun Sagar died on Saturday at Delhi's Radhapuri Jain temple after a prolonged illness. The 51-year-old monk, who was suffering from jaundice and other ailments, died at around 3 am. He was earlier admitted to a private medical centre in Delhi.

Tarun Sagar had a massive following in the Jain community.

"He was not keeping well and was earlier admitted to a private hospital in Vaishali. A few days ago, he had decided to come to the Radhapuri Temple in Krishna Nagar, where he died at around 3.18 am Saturday morning," said a senior official of the Bhartiya Jain Milan, a pan-India Jain organisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the death of the Jain monk and said he will always be "remembered for his rich ideals". "Deeply pained by the untimely demise of Muni Tarun Sagar Ji Maharaj. We will always remember him for his rich ideals, compassion and contribution to society. His noble teachings will continue inspiring people. My thoughts are with the Jain community and his countless disciples," PM Modi tweeted.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted:

जैन मुनि श्रद्धेय तरुण सागर जी महाराज के असामयिक महासमाधि लेने के समाचार से मैं स्तब्ध हूँ। वे प्रेरणा के स्रोत, दया के सागर एवं करुणा के आगार थे। भारतीय संत समाज के लिए उनका निर्वाण एक शून्य का निर्माण कर गया है। मैं मुनि महाराज के चरणों में अपनी श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता हूँ।

- Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 1, 2018

The Congress party said Tarun Sagar's teachings and principles will continue to guide people on the right path.

Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Jain Muni Tarun Sagar ji Maharaj earlier today. His teachings and principles will continue to guide us on the right path. In this moment of loss, our prayers go out to his followers and devotees.

- Congress (@INCIndia) September 1, 2018

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also condoled his demise "Pained to hear the sad demise of Muni Tarun Sagar Ji Maharaj. His teachings and ideals will always inspire humanity," he tweeted.

Born in Madhya Pradesh's Damoh district on June 26, 1967, Tarun Sagar's original name was Pawan Kumar Jain.

Tarun Sagar was greatly respected by various politicians including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

In 2016, Bollywood music composer Vishal Dadlani was criticised for his scathing remarks questioning Tarun Sagar's lecture at Haryana Assembly.

After a barrage of criticism and a court case, Mr Dadlani had tendered an apology to the Jain monk on Twitter.

His last rites will be performed in Uttar Pradesh's Muradnagar later in the day.