The funeral for Dr Shivakumara Swami, the seer who headed the Sree Siddaganga Mutt in Karnataka's Tumakuru, is being held today. Dr Swami died at age 111 after weeks of treatment. Condolences from all quarters poured in after news of his death emerged, with Karnataka observing a three-day mourning period. Schools, colleges and government offices are closed today as a mark of respect for the seer, who was revered by millions. Top political leaders mourned the death of the seer, who was often known as "the walking god".
Rivals Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa both expressed their grief in a joint press conference. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also posted a tribute to the seer.
"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," he tweeted. Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the seer's passing had left a "deep spiritual void".
At his funeral today, union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Sadananda Gowda represented the centre. A wreath was also placed on the mortal remains of Shivakumara Swami on behalf of PM Modi.
Here are the Updates for the funeral of holy seer Shivakumar Swami:
Read Here: Karnataka Seer Shivakumara Swami Remembered For Spending Lunchtime, Supper With ChildrenDr Shivakumara Swami, the 111-year-old seer of the Siddaganga mutt at Tumakuru near Bengaluru, was a popular and religious leader of the Lingayat community in Karnataka who served the poor and the needy for over eight decades.
According to official sources, the two ministers would fly down to Karnataka to attend the last rites of the Lingayat seer Shivakumara Swami.
Read Here: "Divine Soul": 111-Year-Old Lingayat Seer Who United Political PartiesShivakumara Swamiji, the revered Lingayat seer known as the "Walking God" of Karnataka, had survived many health scares in the past. On Monday, the head of the Tumakuru-based Siddaganga Math died on after several days on life support.
Read Here: Shivakumara Swami Death: "Represented Best Of Our Traditions": PM Modi Condoles Shivakumara SwamiPrime Minister Narendra Modi today condoled the demise of prominent Lingayat seer Shivakumara Swami, saying he represented the best of Indian lived for the people, especially the poor.
Read Here: Shivakumara Swami Death: "Lost A Guru": BS Yeddyurappa As Leaders Pay Tribute To Karnataka SeerPolitical leaders from across the spectrum mourned the death of Dr Shivakumara Swami, the 111-year-old seer from Karnataka and a prominent face of the influential Lingayat community.
Union Ministers @nsitharaman and @DVSBJP will represent the Centre at the funeral rites of the Lingayat Seer of #Siddaganga Mutt, Sri Shivkumara Swamiji today. A wreath will also be placed on behalf of Prime Minister @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/0TVhKMkWjT
- PIB India (@PIB_India) January 22, 2019
