Bengaluru, December 29: The last rites of Pejavara Mutt Vishwesha Teertha Swami will take place at 7 pm on Sunday in Karnataka. Sri Vishwesha died at the age of 88 years in Udupi. Udupi MLA Shobha Karandlaje informed that Teertha's funeral would be held at Vidyapeeth in Bengaluru as per his wishes expressed. Earlier today, thousands of devotees paid last respects to the seer at the Ajjarkad Maidan. Udupi's Pejavara Mutt Seer Vishwesha Teertha Swami Dies at 88 Due to Prolonged Illness.

The Karnataka government has announced a three-day state mourning from December 29 to 31. Vishwesha Theertha, one of the most prominent religious of South India, was admitted to KMC Hospital with respiratory problems on December 19.

Watch: Funeral of Vishwesha Teertha Swami Live

Many political leaders were among those who paid floral tributes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa condoled the death of Pejavara Mutt seer.

"Sri Vishvesha Teertha Swamiji of the Sri Pejawara Matha, Udupi will remain in the hearts and minds of lakhs of people for whom he was always a guiding light. A powerhouse of service and spirituality, he continuously worked for a more just and compassionate society. Om Shanti," PM Narendra Modi tweeted his condolences.

"I consider myself blessed to have got many opportunities to learn from Sri Vishvesha Teertha Swamiji. Our recent meeting, on the pious day of Guru Purnima was also a memorable one. His impeccable knowledge always stood out. My thoughts are with his countless followers," Prime Minister said.

PM Modi Tweet:

"Sri Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji was an endless source of positivity. His teachings and thoughts will always continue to guide us. I was fortunate to have received his blessings. His passing away is an irreparable loss to the spiritual world. Condolences to his followers. Om Shanti," Amit Shah tweeted.

Amit Shah Tweet:

"May Lord Krishna grant salvation to his soul. I would pray for the devotees to give them the strength to overcome their pain," Yediyurappa said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2019 04:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).