Chennai, Feb 28: Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi, the headmost priest of Kanchipuram Kamakoti Peetam Math, died on Wednesday morning. The revered pontiff was 82 years of age. He passed away at Chennai's Sri Ramachandra Hospital, where he was admitted after he collapsed due to shortness of breath and low blood pressure.

According to reports, Jayendra Saraswathi was reeling under ill health for the past couple of months. Throughout January, he was admitted in the Sri Ramachandra Hospital.

Jayendra Saraswathi was appointed as the 69th Shankaracharya of Kanchipuram Math by his predecessor Chandrashekarendra Saraswati, also known as the 'Mahaswami'. While he took over the reins only after the death of Chandrashekarendra Saraswati, the Mahaswami had already proposed his name as the successor back in 1954.

Under the tenure of Jayendra Saraswathi, the Kanchi Math expanded its role in charitable activities, apart from imparting religious education. A number of hospitals and schools were set up by the math during the past four decades.

Jayendra Saraswathi would be succeeded by Vijayendra Saraswati, who would be appointed as the 70th Shankaracharya of Kanchipuram Kamakoti Peetam Math.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 28, 2018 10:16 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).