Bengaluru, December 29: On the passing away of revered Pejawar Mutt seer Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji, the Karnataka government declared a three-day period of mourning. All institutes under the government's aegis would officially condole the demise of the saint between December 29 to January 1. The 88-year-old died early morning on Sunday, and the last rites were performed in Bengaluru at 7 pm.

Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa expressed sorrow on the death of Swamiji, calling him a guiding light in the lives of several people across India. The CM paid his respects to the departed seer and placed a national flag on his body, wrapped in saffron colour cloth and adorned with Tulsi garlands, even as police personnel gave a gun salute.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the death of the seer, who was the 33rd Swamiji in the lineage of the Pejawar Math heads "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," he had said.

Update by ANI

Pejawar Swamiji was born at Ramakunja to a Shivalli Madhwa Brahmin family on April 27, 1931. He was ordained into Sanyasa in 1938 under guru Sri Vidyamanya Tirtharu of Shri Bhandarkeri Mutt and Palimaru Mutt.

He was the 32nd in the lineage of the Pejawar Mutt, starting from Sri Adhokshaja Tirtharu, who was one of the direct disciples of Sri Madhvacharya.

Vishwesha Theertha had completed five Paryaya titles in Udupi Sri Krishna temple starting from 1954 and the only Swamiji to complete five Paryayas after Shri Vadiraja Swamiji of Sode Mutt. He started his fifth Paryaya on January 18, 2016 and completed it on January 18, 2018.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2019 07:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).