Siddaganga Mutt seer Sri Dr. Shivakumara Swamiji passes away at 112

Update at 2:34 PM: Buses have been arranged for people from villages to arrive in Tumkur Mutt. SPs from five districts have been deployed. 

Update at 2:29 PM: 14 helipads created for VIPs to land and pay respects 

The head of Sree Siddaganga Matha, Sri Shivakumara Swamiji, has passed away. The Siddaganga Education Trust has announced the passing away of 112-year-old seer at 11.44 am.on Monday. 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.  

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".

Many political and religious leaders paid tribute to Sri Shivakumara Swamiji: