Gloom descends on Siddaganga Mutt branches in Kodagu

Devotees of Siddaganga Mutt pontiff Shivakumara Swami mourned the demise of the seer, in Kodagu.

Devotees of Siddaganga Mutt are spread across Somwarpet, Kodlipet, Shanthalli, Gudugalale and Shanivarasanthe.

Devotees have been paying condolences in the branches of Siddaganga Mutt in the district.

Many devotees had offered prayers for the recovery of the seer. But it was not to be as the 111-year-old seer, acclaimed as the walking God, passed away on Monday.

People paid their homage to the departed soul by offering flowers to the portrait of the seer at the offices of various organisations and the branches of Siddaganga Mutt.

The branches of the Mutt are situated in Kirokodli, Kallumutt and Urumutt. The seers of these Mutts have left for Tumakuru to take part in the final rites of Shivakumara Swami.

On Monday afternoon, a holiday was declared in the schools run by the Mutt.

The seer had visited the district several times in the past. A devotee recalled that the seer’s last visit to Kodagu was during a programme held at Gudugalale ground.

As a mark of respect, vendors in Somwarpet will observe a voluntary bandh on Tuesday from 3 pm to 5 pm. A condolence meeting will be held at JCI Hall at 3.30 pm. Dignitaries and devotees will take part, said Sharana Sahitya Parishat president Mahesh.