Dr Shivakumara Swami died at age 111 after weeks of treatment (File Photo)
The funeral for Dr Shivakumara Swami, the seer who headed the Sree Siddaganga Mutt in Karnataka's Tumakuru, is being held today. Dr Swami died at age 111 after weeks of treatment. Condolences from all quarters poured in after news of his death emerged, with Karnataka observing a three-day mourning period. Schools, colleges and government offices are closed today as a mark of respect for the seer, who was revered by millions. Top political leaders mourned the death of the seer, who was often known as "the walking god".
Rivals Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa both expressed their grief in a joint press conference. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also posted a tribute to the seer.
"His Holiness Dr Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu lived for the people, especially the poor and vulnerable. He devoted himself towards alleviating ills like poverty, hunger and social injustice. Prayers and solidarity with his countless devotees spread all across the world," he tweeted. Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the seer's passing had left a "deep spiritual void".
At his funeral today, union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Sadananda Gowda represented the centre. A wreath was also placed on the mortal remains of Shivakumara Swami on behalf of PM Modi.
Here are the Updates for the funeral of holy seer Shivakumar Swami:
Shivakumara Swami, the holy seer of Karnataka's Sree Siddaganga Mutt, was today given a state funeral. Shivakumara Swami died yesterday aged 111.
Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman today attended the funeral of seer Shivakumara Swami who died yesterday. She tweeted today that she had placed a wreath on the remaining mortals of Shivakumara Swami on the behalf of the Prime Minister's Office and PM Narendra Modi.
Mortal remains of Shivakumara Swami of Siddaganga Mutt are being taken for cremation.
Mortal remains of 111-year-old seer of the Siddaganga Mutt Shivakumara Swami being taken to be kept for Antin Darsan, or public viewing, at the Siddaganga Mutt in Karnataka's Tumakaru.
"He used to treat me like a son," says PM Modi on Dr Shivakumara Swami
PM Modi, condoling Dr Shivakumara Swami, today said that whenever he used to visit the holy seer, Dr Swami would treat him "like a son".
"His contributions will always be remembered," PM Modi said.
Devotees and saints in huge numbers pay tribute to Shivakumara Swami of Tmkur's Siddaganga Mutt: news agency ANI
DV Sadananda Gowda, Nirmala Sitharaman to fly to Karnataka to attend Shivakumara Swami's funeral
Union ministers DV Sadananda Gowda and Nirmala Sitharaman will attend the funeral of the head pontiff of Siddaganga mutt and lay wreath on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to news agency Press Trust of India.
According to official sources, the two ministers would fly down to Karnataka to attend the last rites of the Lingayat seer Shivakumara Swami.
Shivakumara Swami's Death: Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Sadananda Gowda to represent centre at holy seer's funeral