'He lived for people': PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to Siddaganga Mutt Seer Sri Dr. Shivakumara Swamiji

Dr Sri Shivakumara Swamiji, the head Seer of Sree Siddaganga Mutt in Karnataka, passed away at the age of 112, on Monday at 11:44 AM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to the revered saint. In a series of tweets, PM Modi wrote a eulogy for one of the most worshipped religious and social practitioners and Padma Bhushan awardee.

In his tweets, PM Modi spoke about the devotion of Sri Shivakumara Swamiji towards alleviating ills like poverty, hunger and social injustice, adding that the seer remained in the forefront of ensuring better healthcare and education for the marginalised.

READ: Siddaganga Mutt Seer Dr. Shivakumara Swamiji Passes Away At 112: UPDATES Here

Further, sharing a picture with Dr Sri Shivakumara Swamiji, PM Modi said, "I have had the privilege to receive the blessings of His Holiness Dr Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu". 

READ: Rajnath Singh Expresses Sadness Over Siddaganga Mutt Seer Dr Shivakumara Swamiji ;s Death, Calls His Demise, "great Loss To Society"

President Ram Nath Kovind also took to Twitter to expresses grief on the sad demise of the spiritual leader:

Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy informed that Swamiji's last rites will be performed on January 22, 2019, at 4.30 pm. As a mark of respect, a holiday has been declared in schools and colleges in the state of Karnataka.  

In a statement,  Karnataka Government information Department said:  

"THE WALKING GOD IS NO MORE ! It is with deep regret and deep sorrow, we at the Department of Information and Public Relations, record the sad demise of  Dr Shivakumara Swamiji of Sri Siddaganga Math, one of the greatest souls of the Spiritual World. The 112-year old sage was instrumental in providing food, shelter and education to lakhs of children belonging to economically weaker sections of society, without discriminating on the lines of caste, creed, colour, region and religion. His service to humanity is incomparable. We mourn his demise and salute his sacrifice".