Last rites of seer Siddheshwara Swamiji to be performed with State honours

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government said that the last rites of seer Siddheshwara Swamiji, who passed away on January 2, will be performed with State honours.

Famous Lingayat seer Siddeshwara Swamiji passed away on January 2 after a brief period of illness. He was 82.

Vijayapura DC Dr Vijaymahantesh Danammanavar told media that the pontiff passed away at 6pm at Jnanayogashrama.

Swamiji was suffering from age related ailments. His health had turned worse for the past 3 weeks. However, he refused medical care, except for medication for pain relief.

As the news of his ill-health spread, a large crowd of his followers flocked to the Jnanayogashrama, creating chaos. On instructions from Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai the district administration had tightened security arrangements.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the demise of the seer. Paying tributes, PM wrote on Twitter that he will be remembered for his outstanding service to society.

“He worked tirelessly for the betterment of others and was also respected for his scholarly zeal,” PM Modi wrote.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai expressed condolences over Swamiji’s demise.

“Very saddened to hear the news of the demise of Shri Siddheshwar Swamiji of Jnana Yogashram, Vijaypura. He strived for the salvation of mankind through his discourses. His service was excellent and unparalleled. Swamiji’s passing is an irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace. May God give strength to his devotees to bear this sorrow. Om Shanti,” Bommai tweeted in Kannada.

Spiritual leader Siddheshwar Swamiji of Jnana Yogashram was often referred to as the ‘Walking God of North Karnataka’.

Pertinent to mention, Siddheshwar Swamiji, in 2018, respectfully declined to accept the ‘Padma Shri’ award.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi then, the Vijayapura-born spiritualist, popularly known as Buddiji, wrote, “I am very grateful to the Government of India for awarding me the prestigious ‘Padma Shri’. But will all respect to you and the government, I want to convey my unwillingness to accept the great award”.

His preaching was often described as hard teachings delivered in a pleasant and enjoyable manner.