JOIN USGrief and condolences pour in for Siddaganga seer
A pall of gloom has descended over the state since Shivakumara Swami, the head pontiff of five-centuries-old Siddaganga Mutt in Tumakuru passed away at 11.44 am on Monday. As DH's Chiranjeevi Kulkarni reported, when the body of the seer was brought to his seat at Prasada Nilaya in Siddaganga Mutt, at 3.30 pm, a wave of wails swept through the crowd with children and old men alike bidding adieu to their beloved seer. Many had a look of disbelief and called their close ones on phone to convey the news as tears rolled down their eyes. The grief was not limited to Siddaganga Mutt -- several leaders, politicians and citizens even took to Twitter to express their grief over the passing of the ‘Nadedaduva Devaru’ (god in human form or walking god as he was fondly known). DH brings together some of the tweets:
1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Shivakumara Swami, saying he represented the best of Indian traditions and lived for the people, especially the poor.
HH Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu remained at the forefront of ensuring better healthcare and education facilities for the marginalised.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2019
He represents the best of our traditions of compassionate service, spirituality and protecting the rights of the underprivileged. pic.twitter.com/Tp6o5ULU2d
2. Sandalwood actor Chetan Ahimsa tweeted:
ಸಿದ್ದಗಂಗಾ ಸ್ವಾಮೀಜಿ ಜಾತಿ ಮತ್ತು ಧರ್ಮವನ್ನು ಮೀರಿಸಿದರು
— Chetan Kumar (@ChetanAhimsa) January 21, 2019
ಸ್ವಾಮೀಜಿಯ ಅನ್ನ ದಾನ (ದಾಸೋಹ) ಮತ್ತು ವಿದ್ಯಾ ದಾನಾಗಳನ್ನು ತಲೆಮಾರುಗಳವರೆಗೆ ನೆನಪಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ#Siddaganga Swamiji transcended caste & religion#SiddagangaSeer anna daana (dasoha) & vidya daana'll be remembered fondly for generations pic.twitter.com/kdDnhVIhqr
3. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, founder of Isha Foundation said ''the seer will be remembered for his relentless service.''
Sree Sree Sree Shivakumara Swami of #SiddagangaMutt will be remembered for always for his lifelong, relentless service. -Sg #ShivakumaraSwami
— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) January 22, 2019
4. Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje expressed her sentiments on Twitter as well.
In pics PM @narendramodi ji & @BJP4India President Sri @AmitShah ji taking blessings from #ShivakumarSwamiji#SiddagangaSri was a Great patriot, who used to discuss on many issues from National security to Rural Development.
— Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) January 21, 2019
His works will be remembered for eternity, Om Shanti! pic.twitter.com/ARx9MnBRpN
5. Congress President Rahul Gandhi also took to Twitter to express grief on the seer's demise:
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Shivakumar Swami Ji, Pontiff of the Siddaganga Mutt. Swami Ji was respected & revered by millions of Indians, from all religions & communities. His passing leaves behind a deep spiritual void. My condolences to all his followers.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 21, 2019
6. President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed grief over the demise of the pontiff.
Extremely sad to learn of the passing of spiritual leader Dr Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu Ji. He contributed immensely to society particularly towards healthcare and education. My condolences to his countless followers #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 21, 2019
Also read: Shivakumara Swami: A seer to the core