JOIN USJayendra Saraswathi -- the 69th Shankaracharya of the Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam -- passed away here today following a cardiac arrest. The 82-year old seer was rushed to a private hospital this morning after he complained of uneasiness, hospital sources said.
Jayendra Saraswathi was the senior pontiff of the mutt founded by Adi Shankaracharya, receiving the mantle from his predecessor, the late Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal.
The junior pontiff Vijayendra Saraswathi will succeed Jayendra Saraswathi.
The mutt was established by Adi Shankaracharya about 2520 years ago.
The rites of the seer, described as 'Brindavana Pravesha Karyakramam' in vedic parlance, will commence from tomorrow, according to the mutt.
"Brindavana Pravesha Karyakramam of HH Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal will be performed tomorrow from 8 am," the mutt's official twitter handle said.
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The seer's body has been kept at the Kamakoti peetam here for the public to pay final respects. Many of the devotees who visited the mutt were in tears and described him as a 'jagathguru.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President M Venkiah Naidu, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, DMK Working President MK Stalin, PMK founder S Ramadoss and others condoled the demise of the Shankaracharya.
"Deeply anguished by the passing away of Acharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Jagadguru Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya. He will live on in the hearts and minds of lakhs of devotees due to his exemplary service and noblest thoughts. Om Shanti to the departed soul," Modi said.
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Jayendra Saraswathi was at the forefront of innumerable community service initiatives, the Prime Minister said in a tweet, adding, "he nurtured institutions which transformed the lives of the poor and downtrodden." Vice President Naidu recalled the contribution of Kanchi Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi, who passed away today, in promoting spirituality.
"Pay my respects to Kanchi peethadhipathi Shri Jayendra Saraswati who attained moksha. His contribution for the welfare of mankind and in promoting spirituality will always be an inspiration for others," he tweeted.