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