Telugu states remember Kanchi Seer Jayendra Saraswathi

All Sankara Mutts affiliated to Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham remained closed in honour of the departed soul of Kanchi seer Jayendra Saraswathi in both Telugu states on Wednesday.

The Seers's special affection for his followers here was remembered. The Seer always made a point to visit Tirumala whenever he was in the  state. Two years ago when he visited Vijayawada, he fell sick and was admitted to a local hospital for days.

 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday expressed grief over the demise of the senior pontiff.   In a statement, he said "Kanchi Seer has been a prominent spiritual guru in Hinduism. Jayendra Saraswathi developed Kanchi Peetham as a reputed organization under his guidance. He served the people through many schools, eye hospitals and clinics for children. Jayendra Saraswathi's services to the society are commendable," the statement added.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrsekhar Rao in a statement expressed heartfelt condolences on the demise of the Seer. He praised the great services rendered by him for the development of Kanchi Peetham.

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First indication of his failing health has come to the fore when he visited Vijayawada during August 2016. The seer was admitted to the Andhra Hospital in Vijayawada after falling unconscious due to high blood pressure. He was brought to the hospital by his devotees. They said that the Seer complained uneasiness before slipping into the unconscious. It was during the same year in July the Seer visited Tirumala and offered prayers to the Lord.

Way back in 2004, he found himself in a controversy over his observations on the rituals performed in Tirumala. He later clarified his point on the issue in Chennai. He said in an interview "Media played it up without understanding the quintessence" of his observations.

Vaishnavite jeers felt that a Shaivite Kanchi seer was 'interfering' in the rituals at Tirupathi temple and that he had no locus standi to speak about "Vaishnavite" temples.