PRAMESH S JAIN
Siddaganga Seer, Dr.Shivakumara Swamiji,111 years old ‘walking god’ of Karnataka, passes away:
Highlights :
Born on 1 April, 1907 at Veerapura in Magadi Taluk, to Honnappa and Gangamma as Shivanna, he was among 12 siblingsLosing his mother at the age of eight is said to be one of the reasons for a transformation in Shivanna’s behaviourhe founded Sri Siddaganga Education Society where thousands of students, mostly from villages and under privileged sections, are now educated
.Shivakumara Swami’s 111 years will be remembered as a life dedicated to simplicity, learning and service to society.
“Shivakumara Swami ji, “Walking God”, Dies At 111. Politicians Unite In Grief”Siddaganga Seer Sheds His Mortal Coil.
A true Sharana (an enlightened Lingayat) just left for his final destination.
Prez,PM,RaGa,Ministers Mourns Demise.
Politicos demand Highest Civilian Honour.
Walking God return to his Abode.
Seer Demise leaves thousands orphaned.
128 educational institutions.
10,000 students are fed on a daily basis.
Educational Sojourn began in 1975.
Free Ferry buses by KSRTC for devotees to reach Mutt.
South Western Railways to run Special trains as two pairs of Demu train will run tomorrow.
The final rites of the seer will be conducted at 4:30pm, on January 22 in the Siddaganga Mutt premises.
“Siddaganga Seer Sheds His Mortal Coil”.
Top political leaders mourned the death of the Lingayat seer; rivals Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa united in expressing their grief and addressed the media jointly.
Shivakumara Swamiji, the 111-year-old Siddaganga seer, passed away on Monday morning after age-related ailments.
The Karnataka government has announced a state holiday on Tuesday after death of prominent Lingayat seer Shivakumara Swamiji on Monday.Shivakumara was a prominent seer of the Tumakuru-based Siddaganga Math.Known as the Walking God, the 111-year old seer was revered by millions of his followers.The Siddaganga Education Society, which was founded by the seer, in a statement said Swamiji “left for the heavenly abode leaving his mortal body at 11.44 am”.
Considered a ‘walking god’ by those who follow him, or who admire his contribution to children across communities over the last eight decades, the Lingayat seer Siddaganga Sri Shivakumara Swamiji Passed away on January 21, 2019 at the age, mutt officials says, of almost 112 years.The Siddaganga mutt, under his guidance, educated and hosted lakhs of students from economically deprived backgrounds.
His passing will leave Karnataka’s Lingayat community in mourning, along with others who loved him for his service from dasoha or anna dana (offering food) to vidya dana (offering education) free of cost to generations of students.
In December 2018, the Swamiji underwent a liver transplant at a private hospital in Chennai. His health hung in the balance until his passing on January 21.A junior pontiff of the Siddaganga Mutt, Siddalinga Swamiji, is expected to take over the leadership and continue the works initiated by Sri Shivakumara Swamiji.
Guidance without political ends
The Lingayat community is the largest in Karnataka, making the 600-year-old Siddaganga mutt a centre of immense political power. Many a politician – both from the state and the Centre – have arrived at its doorstep, in Tumkur, about 70 km from Bengaluru.
The seer welcomed every leader, but brushed off any request to endorse a single party.
The swami was born in Magadi taluk around Bengaluru (then in the kingdom of Mysuru), and was inducted into the Siddaganga mutt in his early years. It is the stuff of modern legend in the state, how a boy born into a family of agriculturists grew up to become a beloved name among those whom he served and stood for.The Swami took over the leadership of the Siddaganga mutt in 1930. The mutt was low on resources in those days, but the swami had a clear vision of education as the community’s road to emancipation.
As the mutt gained prominence and influence, he epitomised values that shaped the Lingayat dharma: service to humankind, imparting education to create awareness, treating all as equal and staying away from explicit political power.The rare occasion on which the Siddaganga Swamiji did voice his opinion was the day the Babri Masjid was demolished. While others weighed their options about speaking against volatile sentiments, he condemned it in no uncertain words.Even so, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, the Gandhis across generations, former President Abdul Kalam and every Karnataka chief minister, it has been mandatory to visit and seek an audience with the seer.
A long lifetime of service
Instead of using its influence on politics, the mutt has run numerous colleges – for engineering, business management, nursing and pharmacy, teacher training and more – alongside Sanskrit and Kannada schools, and scores of primary and high schools along with pre-university campuses across the state.
He was conferred with Padma Bhushan and Karnataka Ratna. In recent years, his name has been strongly recommended by Karnataka politicians, across party lines, for the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
Even today, the mutt exhibits those principles of simplicity and service; it is devoid of any luxury. In his healthy days, until just a few months ago, the seer gave darshan to his devotees through the day. All were served prasada (meals) with no exclusion by caste or gender.
In addition, 8,500 students studying in the school and colleges on the premises are provided with food and education free of cost. According to mutt documents, the requirement of groceries on a typical day are 2,000 kg rice, 1,000 kg ragi flour, 200 kg tur dal, 200 kg vegetables, 200 kg onions, 400 kg cream of wheat, 50 kg salt, 50 kg curry and chilly powder, 60 kg tamarind, 25 kg green chillis, 300 litres each of milk and butter milk, 80 kg groundnut oil and 150 coconuts.
This volume shoots up by more than ten times on occasions such as the village fair organised by the mutt, when the kitchens run for 24 hours each day. Everything was contributed by community leaders and the students who are from poor background, are not charged anything. In fact, they receive support and monetary help from mutt well-wishers should they decide to follow higher educational goals.
The seer’s body was kept on a platform for people to pay their last respects after being brought on a palanquin in a grand procession around the Sree Siddaganga Mutt. A thick security blanket has been thrown all over the district, especially in and around the mutt.Siddaganga Mutt Pontiff Shivakumara Swami had visited Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi in 1968. In fact, it was the first time that a Lingayat seer had visited Sri Krishna Temple,” recalled Vishwesha Teertha Swami.Condoling the death of the seer, Pejawar seer said, “The death of Shivakumara Swamiji has saddened me. He had immensely contributed to education and is a model for all the Mutt heads. Karmayogi Siddaganga seer’s life itself is a miracle.
alimaru Mutt Pontiff Vidyadeesha Swami said, “Siddaganga seer’s work in the field of education is exemplary. Through ‘Annadana,’ he has helped thousands of poor people. The death of the seer is a great loss to the society.
Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade said that Siddaganga seer had visited Dharmasthala several times in the past and had a great respect and love for Dharmasthala Kshetra. Heggade said, “Siddaganga Mutt had brought changes in the lives of lakhs of students through education. He had given equal opportunities to all and had guided the students in self employment. Getting motivated from the seer, many had started mutts and schools in villages, which led to revolution in the field of education.
Politicos demand most Highest Civilian Honour :
BS Yeddyurappa,BJP State President told media persons that,The CM and others have pressed the Bharat Ratna be bestowed on him(Dr.Shivakumar Swamiji).We will do our best to convince Prime Minister Narendra Modi Lakhs of people anticipated that the award will bestowed he said.Veeranna Charantimath,BJP,MLA,Bagalkot,
Baba Ramdev,Yoga Guru and Entrepreneur told,He is a role model for crores of saints and seers he is not just the pride of Lord Basavanna’s lingayat tradition he is the pride of the entire country for ages to come his ideals will continue to guide us he added.
Several leaders took to twitter and condoled the loss
President Ramnath Kovind expressed his condolences on twitter by telling,Extremely sad to learn of the passing of spiritual leader Dr.Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu Ji.He contributed immensely to the society particularly towards healthcare and education.My condolences to his countless followers.
Prime Minister,Narendra Modi expressed his condolences by telling,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.HH Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu remained at the forefront of ensuring better healthcare and education facilities for the marginalised. He represents the best of our traditions of compassionate service, spirituality and protecting the rights of the underprivileged.I have had the privilege to visit the Sree Siddaganga Mutt and receive the blessings of His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu.The wide range of community service initiatives being done there are outstanding and are at an unimaginably large scale.
Rahul Gandhi,Congress President expressed his condolences,I am sorry to hear about the passing of Shivakumar Swami Ji Pontiff of the Siddaganga Mutt Swami Ji was respected and revered by millions of Indians from all religions and communities.His passing leaves behind a deep spiritual void.My condolences to all his followers.
Rajnath Singh,Central Home Minister expressed his condolences,Deeply pained by the demise of respected lingayat seer Siddaganga mutt,Sri Shivakumara Swami Ji inspired the people to serve the society and bring positive change his focus on spreading education and learning transformed many lives his demise is a great loss for society.
Venkaiah Naidu,Vice President Of India expressed his condolences,He devoted his entire life to the uplift of the poor and downtrodden and is respected and revered by millions of people cutting across religions.
Amit Shah,BJP National President expressed his condolences by,His life is a message of humanity and noble-ness may he continues to bless us with the strength to walk on the path he has shown us My deepest condolences to his followers in this hour of grief.Om Shanti Shanti Shanti. Smriti Irani,Union Minister,expressed her condolences,Saddened by the demise of revered seer of Siddaganga mutt his holiness Dr.Sree Sree Sivakumara Swami Ji his community service and efforts towards strengthening education and social justice touched lives of millions.My condolences to all his followers.Om Shanti.
Prakash Javadekar,Union Minister,expressed his condolences,Deeply mourn passing away of renowned spiritual leader Dr.Shivakumar Swamiji who was revered by all big loss to the nation as siddaganga mutt under his guidance educated and hosted lakhs of students from economically deprived backgrounds. Heartfelt condolences.Om Shanti.
Rajiv Pratap Reddy,expressed his condolences,Pained and deeply saddened by the passing away of his holiness Dr.Shri Shri Shri Shivakumara Swami Ji a remarkable personality who impacted crores of lives through his outstanding service to the society his demise is a great loss for the society. Om Shanti. Devendra Fadnavis,Chief Minister of Maharashtra expressed his condolences by,Pained to hear about the samidhi of HH Dr.Sree Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu my deepest condolences to the millions of devotees and followers of Siddaganga mutt.Om Shanti.
Muralidhar Rao,expressed his condolences by,Passing away of 111 years old Tapomuni Dr.Sri Sri Sri Shivakumara Swamiji who has millions of followers had maded spiritual world unbelievable poor his contribution to the society for social cultural and its all round development is unparallel my tributes the great soul Om Shanthi. Ravi Shankar Guru Ji expressed his condolences by, Most revered Sri Sri Sri Shivakumara Swamiji walked the earth for 111 years he was an embodiment of poornatva and one of the greatest Shiva gnanis that india has seen.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday expressed grief on the passing away of Shivakumara Swami of Sri Siddaganga Mutt.”I am deeply grieved by the passing away of Jagadguru Parampujya Dr Shivakumara Swami of Sri Siddaganga Mutt, who was considered as verily the God walking on earth,” he said in a statement.”Our nation in general and Hindu Society in particular has lost a great spiritual leader and social reformer par excellence he added.
Late Pontiff’s relative told media persons,He was not bothered about his siblings or even about his place of birth.He was more concerned about serving the world that was enough for him he said.
Senior Pontiff has left us we are all left Aghast.
B.Dayanand,IGP Central, addressing media persons said that all arrangements has been from the police department we have made a massive deployment here nearly about 3500 Policemen and officers are there,10-SP rank officers are there,and 30-KSRP Platoons has been requestion and they have already taken their position about 36 our Armed Reserved Platoons are also there and security has been beefed on all the highway connecting to mutt for the convinence of the people devotees who are threwing from different places of the state we have made several arrangements especially for the convinence and we are going to divert all long distance vehicles be it transport vehicles,private vehicles,they are going to be diverted from Dabaspet,and Sira,
Dr Paramesh Shivana, the head of Siddaganga Hospital where the Swamiji was being treated, informed the media that the seer’s protein levels and blood pressure were found to be low early on Monday.
Kumaraswamy, Parameshwara and Home Minister MB Patil, along with the district administration and others, will be holding a meeting to discuss security arrangements and to check the precautionary measures to be put in place.
Yeddyurappa, Union minister DV Sadananda Gowda and BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje cancelled their scheduled programmes and rushed to the Mutt.
There is a belief that those who breath their last on Monday attain Moksha and join Lord Shiva. According to beliefs there is no possibility of reincarnation.
Railway authorities issued a pressed release and said that as upon hearing the sad demise of Shri Shri Shri Shivakumar Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt, Tumakuru, and expecting huge influx of followers or passengers in Tumakuru section specifically in and around Kyatsandra Station, an emergency meeting was convened on date and the following measures have been taken by South Western Railway.
1.At Kyatsandra Station, as also at LC 37, sharp look out and a speed caution of 20 Kmph. within a stretch of 1 Km. of the LC and in the station limit has been imposed with effect from 4 pm today.
2. In order to have real time information, CCTV cameras have been installed, one each at both Kyatsandra Station and LC 37. The feed from these CCTV cameras is being directly captured in railway control rooms.
3. It is decided to deploy the RPF personnel in this area by additional reinforcements
4. 4 special trains ( two each way have been arranged between Yesvantpur and Tumkuru).
5. In order to tackle any emergency, an Ambulance with a Railway Doctor has been rushed to the spot and has been asked to remain available at site for the next three days.
6. Additional Commercial staff have also been deployed at Kyatsandra Station not only to sell tickets but also to manage expected heavy crowd of passengers in addition to RPF personnel.Photographs of the CCTV footage, Ambulance and RPF personnel are attached below for information of all.
South western railways to run special trains:
On account of sad demise of Sri Shivakumar Swamiji, Tumkur., following arrangements are done,
1.For 6 pairs of trains, in both up and down directions, temporary stoppage given tomorrow at kyatasandra station. 16589/16590 rani chennamma express. 16535/16536 Gol gumbaz express. 12725/12726 intercity HUBLI-Bangalore express. 20651/20652 Shimoga-Bangalore express. 16577/16578 Harihar-Yeshwantpur express. 56277/56278 pass.
2. Two pairs of special Demu services will be run tomorrow between Bangalore and Tumkur.
3. All trains running via Tumkur are Augumented with Additional coaches a press release by railway stated.
Shivayogi C.Kalasad IAS,Managing Director, KSRTC said in his statement that
KSRTC will operate 100 plus buses in Tumkur city from KSRTC bus stand, Railway station, APMC, Junior College to Siddaganga Mutt to facilitate devotees.Further, additional buses will be operated from all Districts to Tumkur to cater devotees.These buses will operate both today and tomorrow he added.
